10 Call-to-Action Examples You Can’t Help But Click

As customers, we often feel confused by the many brands asking us to try their services or buy something. But as marketers, we know that the best call-to-action (CTAs) are the ones that give people a good reason to act — like a free gift, special offer, or something exciting they can’t get anywhere else.

Unless we heard about it from a friend, most apps or services we use were chosen because of smart or interesting CTAs. Whether it was the words used, the way it looked, or how easy it was to sign up — the CTA made us want to learn more and try some of our favorite services like Spotify, Goodreads, and SoulCycle.

What is a call-to-action (CTA)?

A CTA (call-to-action) is a part of a website, ad, or message that asks people to do something. It helps a business turn a visitor into a possible customer. CTAs help guide people to take steps, based on what the business wants.

What is a CTA in marketing?

In marketing, CTAs are very important. They help us encourage people to do something after seeing our ads or posts. That’s the reason we spend money on ads — to get people to act.

In the end, our goal in marketing is to lead people to buy something. So we must create CTAs that really connect with them.

Types of CTAs

Not every marketing plan uses the same kind of CTA. There are many ways to guide people.

For example, we work at Paramount on the Global Program Marketing team. When we build a campaign for a new show on Paramount+, we want people to watch it. So, we may use “Sign Up Now” for new users and “Stream Now” for those who already have an account.

Below are some common types of CTAs we use. Since each brand and audience is different, it’s good to test which type and look works best.

Buttons

Buttons are little boxes with action words like “Sign Up.” They get people to click and do something. One brand found that changing from plain text to a button increased clicks by 32.12%.

Buttons should use colors that stand out. This makes them easier to see and helps people who have trouble with their vision.

Welcome Gates

A study from Grow & Convert says welcome gates can get 10-25% of people to act.

Welcome gates show up right when someone enters a site. It comes before they see the page. It’s like saying “hello” with an offer they can’t miss.

Forms

Forms ask for your info in return for something useful. You might get a free download, a quote, a sign-up, or a discount. This is a great way to turn a visitor into a possible customer.

Banners

Banner CTAs sit at the top, bottom, or side of a webpage. They use bold words and design to get attention and clicks.

Side banners get around 0.5–1.5% clicks. Full-width banners can get 1–5% clicks.

Contextual Links

These are clickable words inside blog posts or articles. They lead people to related pages. This helps readers stay longer and learn more.

Pop-Ups

Pop-ups are windows that appear suddenly on the screen. Since people often ignore buttons and forms, pop-ups help grab attention.

Some pop-ups appear when someone is about to leave. Pop-ups can get between 1–8% of people to act.

Slide-Ins

Slide-ins are like pop-ups but less distracting. They come in from the side or bottom of the screen.

Slide-ins work well and get about 1–5% of people to take action.

How to Write a CTA

1. Keep it simple

We believe the best CTAs are usually the easiest to understand. A short line like “Download now” clearly tells people what will happen when they click.

When we write CTAs, we use clear and simple words. The goal is to help people know what to do without getting confused. If a sentence is too long or filled with fancy words, it can push people away.

Pro tip: Less is more. Try to keep CTAs between two and five words so they stay sharp and strong.

2. Use action words

Strong CTAs begin with action words. They help people feel ready to act. These words make CTAs more exciting. In fact, using power words in CTAs can lead to more people clicking.

For example, saying “Discover more” or “Start now” works better than something like “Continue” or “Next.”

Different actions need different words. If we work with software, “Get started” or “Sign up” is helpful. In shopping, “Buy now” or “Add to cart” works better.

Here’s a list of good action words you can try:

• Sign
• Start
• Try
• Join
• Learn
• Discover
• Explore
• Subscribe
• Download
• Watch
• Save
• Contact
• Shop
• Upgrade
• Unlock
• Activate
• Access
• Claim
• Transform
• Elevate
• Grow
• Optimize
• Reserve
• Launch

Pro tip: Think about your audience. If we were promoting a magazine, we’d use “Try for free” to catch interest, “Sign up now” to gain regular readers, and “Upgrade now” to turn them into paying subscribers.

3. Make it feel urgent

When we add time-based words to a CTA, people are more likely to act quickly. Let’s say we’re sharing a show on Paramount+. Even if it’s available forever, saying “Stream now” gives it energy.

Using phrases like “Limited time,” “Last chance,” or “While supplies last” helps people feel they must act now.

Just be honest — fake urgency can make people lose trust.

Pro tip: Want more sign-ups? Ask people to share their email or phone to be the first to know when something launches. This makes them feel special and reminds them to come back and buy.

4. Be a little creative

CTAs don’t have to be boring. We like to use a little fun and personality — as long as it fits the brand and still drives action.

Instead of a plain “Sign up,” we might say something like “Take the leap.” It means the same thing but sounds more exciting and bold.

The main goal is to write a CTA that feels fresh and makes people want to act.

Pro tip: Don’t just play with words — also test the look. Try different button shapes, colors, and positions to see what gets the most clicks.

Best Call-to-Action Examples

Software Website CTAs

1. HubSpot

CTA: Get the CTAs

One great thing about using HubSpot is all the free tools they share. The website offers 28 free CTA templates that you can change to match your brand’s needs.

Even better, HubSpot found that custom CTAs work 202% better than basic ones. And with HubSpot’s CTA tool, it’s easy to make those changes.

“Get the CTAs” is a fun and smart button. Sure, we could have said “Download Now,” but this version sounds more exciting. It shows users they’re getting special CTAs that can improve their marketing.

How to Copy This CTA

When you offer a free template or guide, be clear about what the user will get. Phrases like “Grab the resume template” or “Download your slides” help users feel ready to click.

2. 310 Creative

CTA: Help Scale My Revenue

310 Creative, a growth agency and HubSpot partner, helps B2B companies grow and improve their sales journey. They know some visitors may not know what help they need, so they use a clear and helpful CTA.

“Help Scale My Revenue” shows exactly what they offer — more sales. It’s simple, honest, and useful.

How to Copy This CTA

Be clear about what you do and how you help. Try mixing a straight-to-the-point CTA with friendly words like “Let’s talk” so visitors feel more comfortable asking for help.

3. Evernote

CTA: Get [Brand] free

The first line you see on Evernote’s site is “What will you achieve today?” This makes visitors feel like Evernote can help them get more done — and they can try it for free.

The site’s design makes it easy to see the benefits and how to sign up. The bright green “Get Evernote free” button also stands out nicely.

How to Copy This CTA

Use a bright color that pops on your page to make your CTA easy to see. Even simple words can work well when your design draws attention to them.

4. Square

CTA: Get started

A good CTA is more than just the button. It also matters what’s around it — like the background, pictures, and text.

Square, a digital payment company, uses real video clips of businesses around their CTA buttons. While many websites are still, Square uses moving pictures, making the button stand out more.

They also use two CTAs: “Get started” and “Contact sales.” Each is a different color, so it’s easy to know which one to pick.

How to Copy This CTA

Think about adding images or short videos behind your CTA buttons. A good picture or short video can make a big difference and help people feel more connected to your brand.

5. OkCupid

CTA: Join [Brand]

At first, “Join OkCupid” may not seem special. But its power is in how simple it is.

For many, joining a dating site is a big step. This CTA makes it feel easier. It tells users, “Just take one step,” and makes OkCupid feel like a safe place, not a scary one.

How to Copy This CTA

Think about what might make someone wait before signing up. For dating apps, people may feel nervous or unsure. Use a CTA that feels easy and warm, instead of rushing them with “Sign up now.”

6. Hulu

CTA: Get This Deal

Hulu took a bold path with this one. The dark background shows off its shows and movies, and the green-and-white CTA pops out clearly.

It’s smart because it does two things at once — helps users sign up and offers a deal with Disney+.

“Get This Deal” makes the offer feel exciting. It’s not just about signing up — it’s about getting something special.

How to Copy This CTA

Make users feel like they’re getting something extra. Bundle offers or discounts can really help. Hulu’s CTA works better than just saying “Sign up.”

7. Tidal

CTA: Start Free Trial

Tidal, a music streaming service, proves that less is more. Known for top sound and special content, it adds sparkle with a gold background.

The word “Start” makes this CTA strong. It’s more confident than “Try” and tells people to begin now.

The short text on the site also helps. We get the idea of what Tidal offers right away — no fancy words, no confusion.

How to Copy This CTA

Try out different action words. For pricey services, “Try it free” works well. But if you want to sound bold, “Start free trial” might be the better pick.

8. Netflix

CTA: Get Started

A big reason people don’t want to sign up right away? They worry it will be hard to cancel later if they don’t like it.

Netflix removes that worry with the message “Cancel anytime” right above the “Get Started” button. This small message makes a big difference. It makes people feel safe to try without any risk.

Also, the words “Get Started” are a great choice. They show that users can begin without paying right away.

How to Copy This CTA

Netflix combines a gentle CTA with a clear promise: “Starts at $7.99. Cancel anytime.” If your service is free or low-cost, mention it near the button. That helps people feel more ready to click.

9. SoundCloud

CTA: Try it free for 30 days

SoundCloud is a music platform where people can listen to or upload music and podcasts.

They also offer SoundCloud Go+, which removes ads, lets users listen offline, and gives access to more songs.

The “Try it free for 30 days” button is smart. It makes the premium version sound like a special offer — even though the free version already exists.

This isn’t confusing, though. The text above the button clearly talks about SoundCloud Go+. Plus, there’s another button that says “Learn more” for users who want details.

How to Copy This CTA

If you’re offering a trial, say so clearly. Make the button stand out and tell users exactly how long the free trial will last.
Retail Website CTAs

10. Glossier

CTA: Claim offer

Glossier, a skincare brand, uses real images of women with different skin tones. Their goal is to support natural beauty instead of hiding it.

That’s why their message “You deserve it” feels just right. It adds warmth to the “Claim offer” button.

When someone clicks the CTA, they see a form asking for an email in return for a 15% discount.

How to Copy This CTA

Many brands show a discount pop-up right away. Glossier does it differently. First, they show a soft message and CTA, which sparks curiosity. This method may bring in more clicks from people who want to see what’s next.

Good Call-to-Action Phrases You Should Be Using

A good CTA can be the key to turning a visitor into a customer. Here are 12 easy phrases we suggest you try:

• Get Your Free Copy / Get Free Access: “Free” is a strong word. These are great for emails and sign-ups, especially when offering a newsletter or guide.
• Start Your Free Trial for X Months / Join Free: Let people try your service first. This helps them decide if they want to stay before paying.
• Request a Demo / Book a Demo / Schedule a Demo: For software companies, a demo shows the platform clearly. It feels helpful, not pushy.
• Get “X%” Off / Claim $X: Everyone loves a good deal. Showing a discount can help you collect emails and boost sales.
• Limited Stock Available / Buy Now – Before It Disappears: These create urgency. If an item might sell out, people act faster.
• Meet our Team / Speak with Our Experts: Some customers want to talk before buying. Offering a chat makes your brand feel more human.
• Complete My Purchase / Treat Yourself Today: Using words like “my” or “yourself” makes the message feel personal. That leads to more clicks.
• Book or Reserve Your Spot Now: This gives a feeling of being part of something special. Great for events or classes.
• Get a Quote / Request your Quote: This shows value right away. It works well for services or custom products.
• Show Me X: People like to see things in action. This kind of CTA helps them imagine how your product can help.
• Connect with Us / Follow Us: Use these to grow your social media and keep people engaged.
• Get Inspired / Let’s Do This: These phrases connect on an emotional level. They encourage people to take that next step.

Call Your Audience to Action

There are many ways to turn a simple button into something meaningful. With the right words, the right message, and a bit of creativity, you can make your CTA stand out.

Make sure to test your CTAs and see what works best. Even a small change in words or design can help more users say yes to what you offer.

Your CTA isn’t just a button. It’s a chance to show people who you are — and why they should trust you.

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