You may have a great Sweepstakes or Contest idea, sleek looking creative, and an intuitive website, but if you don’t have consumers entering your promotion none of that matters.

If you survey your favorite websites, you will see that all of the smart ones include a call-to-action. It is text or a click-able button that tells you what you should be doing on their site. Usually they include active words like “buy,” “sign-up,” “enter,” “like,” “submit,” or “subscribe.” For example: 

These short and simple statements give direction to consumers. You can include more than one call-to-action on a site but no more than three per page or your customers may start to become confused as to what to do first – and then not take any action at all. Call-to-action statements are extremely important when it comes to successful promotions. Describing the promotion and what the value is to the consumer can only increase the number of entries as long as you follow these best practices.

• Make it enticing by mentioning what’s in it for them (a chance to win a prize, a coupon or discount, or extra content).
• Convey the value by stating what their incentive to your request may be.
• The statement must be clear and concise. Keep it focused and simple.
• Shorter can be better. If the call-to-action is too wordy, chances are you are trying to say too much and the important message will get lost in the mix.
• Use clickable buttons or text that takes the consumer directly to the webpage you are pushing. If it is an “enter now” message, it should take them to the Entry Page within that one click.

Use these tips to create your own compelling call-to-action statements. For example: Contact us to get your next promotion started!

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