So just how important is a Call to Action in your message?
Well if you ask the reigning Trinidad & Tobago Road March title holders, I’m sure they would say pretty darn important.
Both Machel Montano and Super Blue are no strangers to the title but after the powerhouses combined this year to create the sensational Soca Kingdom, it was plain to see that a call to action, in entertainment as well as in marketing can mean people remember you each and every time.
Now a bit of context for my non trini readers………Trinidad & Tobago Carnival is one where the music totally takes over, the main ingredient of which is a powerful cry to jump, wave, wine, jam and get on bad! The rhythmic sounds and powerful commands can make you move your feet and keep you on a constant high. Basically, if you want to relieve some stress and frustration, come experience a real Trinbago carnival.
My point is, in soca music, as well as in marketing your business, people need to be told what to do. Whether it’s ‘put something in the air and wave’ or ‘send me a message and let’s chat’ the idea is the same, you need to direct people as to the next course of action they must take.
Funny story alert: A few years ago a popular soca artist got himself into some hot water because he instructed party goers to destroy a fence……..and they did!! He later said he didn’t expect them to actually do it, but they did. That’s the power of a call to action.
How does this apply to your business?
Well, basically if you know your audience and their trigger points you will be able to give them exactly what they’re asking for AND TELL THEM TO GO GET IT!!!!
Simple, perfect truth to business.
I’ve seen some fantastic copy and really great sales pitches that have left customers hanging, because there was no guidance for what readers should do next. So they’re left, not sure what to do…..so they do absolutely nothing……and that is bad!!
While you might think is obvious that they should know what the next logical step might be, the point is, they don’t……and furthermore, why take that chance to assume? I mean, you’ve poured your soul into your marketing message, you should allow them to finish the journey to connect with you in some way.
A call to action or CTA is the single most important thing you can add as it gives your readers direction as to do after you’ve given them the valuable information they crave. It’s the perfect conclusion and the one thing that can either make or break a sale.
Now, let’s be clear, your CTA doesn’t always have to be around selling. There is no need to scream at the top of your lungs “BUY NOW!!!” or over think the process. When you blog, post on social media or do your videos, you can ask persons to:
- Call for more information
- Check out your Facebook page (or any of your social media platforms)
- Head over to your website for more information
- Join your social media group
- Email for details
- Send a pm/dm
- Sign up today
- Subscribe
- Register
- Join now
- Like, Comment, Follow, Share
Pretty much anything you would like them to do (…..and do now).
Much like that artist who got the party goers to break down the fence, or Superblue commanding persons to ‘wine an fling it up’ on stage, so too would you get persons to do exactly what you want, when you want.
Ask yourself: Is this the missing link in your marketing message? Is this the thing that maybe you keep forgetting time and time again which is causing you to lose out on making some valuable connections? Don’t stress about it, it happens to the best of us but I want you to always think of it this way: You are building your business and you want more and more people to reach out. You need to let them know that it’s ok for them to get in touch with you if they need to, and the only way for them to know is if you tell them.
So here’s my call to action, if you enjoyed this piece, please comment below and share this blog with your business besties so they too can ensure they add this vital ingredient into their marketing message.
Also, I want to take this moment to personally invite you to connect with me on my Facebook business page at Carli Communications if you’re interested in keeping up with Carli for all the marketing training and advice you need. (Don’t forget to click the follow button and set your notifications so you don’t miss a thing)
Photo courtesy: Look into my Eyes Photography
