49 Call-to-Action Examples You Can't Help But Click
As a consumer, I often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of brands trying to get me to try their service or purchase a product. However, as a marketer, I can recognize that the best call-to-action examples are the ones that give me a reason to take that step — either by offering me something for free, a special perk or access, or a unique opportunity that I can’t get elsewhere.

As a consumer, I often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of brands trying to get me to try their service or purchase a product. However, as a marketer, I can recognize that the best call-to-action examples are the ones that give me a reason to take that step — either by offering me something for free, a special perk or access, or a unique opportunity that I can’t get elsewhere.
Unless I discovered it via word-of-mouth marketing, nearly every app or service I use was influenced by clever or engaging calls-to-action (CTA). Whether it was the actual language used, the design, or the ease of the sign-up process, the CTA is what convinced me to learn more and pull the trigger on some of my favorite services, such as Spotify, Goodreads, and SoulCycle.
In this post, I’ll explain how strategic CTAs can guide potential consumers through the buying journey and highlight my favorite (and least favorite) examples.
Table of Contents
What is a CTA in marketing?
In marketing, CTAs are necessary because they encourage an audience to act on a marketing campaign. It’s why we put dollars behind marketing — to encourage consumers to take this specific action.
Ultimately, the goal of any marketing campaign is to guide the audience in the buyer's journey so they eventually make a purchase. So, it’s imperative to create calls-to-action that resonate with the audience.
Types of CTAs
Not all marketing campaigns use the same types of CTAs since several tactics can be used to guide an audience in their journey.
For instance, I work at Paramount on the Global Program Marketing team. When building marketing campaigns to support a new series or new season of a series coming to Paramount+, the goal is to encourage people to watch the series on Paramount+. Thus, our CTAs may be “Sign Up Now” for non-users and “Stream Now” for subscribers.
Below, I’ve listed common types of CTAs that are used in marketing. Every brand and audience is different, so it may be beneficial to A/B test CTA types and designs to determine which ones work best.
Buttons
Buttons are icons with an actionable phrase, such as “Sign up,” that entices users to click and take further action. A case study with a brand found that switching from a text-based CTA to a button CTA increased the clickthrough rate by 32.12%.
Button designs can vary based on the brand style and goal of the campaign, but generally, a button should have a high-contrast color. This allows the button to stand out against the background for a more pleasant visual experience and provides greater accessibility for people with visual impairment.
Welcome Gates
According to a Grow & Convert research study, welcome gates have the highest estimated conversion rate: 10-25%.
Welcome gates are CTAs that appear immediately upon entering a website, before a user can see the content of the page they clicked on. It is considered a “welcome” to the site, and is effective as it’s impossible to ignore.
Forms
Form submission CTAs convert site visitors into leads by offering visitors something in exchange for their contact information. Offers can include downloadable content, product quotes, service sign-ups, subscriptions, discounts, and more.
Banners
A CTA banner can be located along the top, bottom, or side of a web page. Banners typically include captivating copy and design that catches visitors’ eyes and encourages them to click on them.
Banner CTAs have an estimated 0.5-1.5% conversion rate when along the sidebar and 1-5% when they’re a bar spanning the width of the screen.
Contextual Links
Usually located within the body copy of a blog post or article, contextual links contain clickable text that directs users to a related landing page. This helps keep readers consuming more content within the same publication’s ecosystem.
Pop-Ups
A pop-up is a CTA in a window that suddenly appears on the page. Since users often tune out static CTA buttons and forms, pop-ups can be a great way to capture attention, communicate an offer, and entice users to sign up for your service.
Many websites also use exit intent pop-ups, which are triggered when users are about to leave the site. Pop-ups have an estimated conversion rate of 1-8%.
Slide-Ins
Similar to pop-ups, slide-in CTAs capture the user's attention by “sliding in” from the bottom or sidebar. Slide-ins are a good alternative to pop-ups since they are less disruptive to the user experience.
These CTAs have an estimated conversion rate of 1-5%.
1. Keep it simple.
I find the most effective CTAs to be the most simple. A CTA that says “Download now” is clear — it tells the user that they can download related materials by clicking on the button.
When writing CTAs, I recommend using understandable and direct language that communicates what action you want the audience to take. Long sentences with jargon risk confusing readers, which misses out on a conversion.
Pro tip: More is less, right? The proverb is just as true when it comes to CTAs. Consider keeping CTAs to two to five words to pack a lot of punch concisely.
2. Use action verbs.
The most effective CTAs start with a strong action verb to encourage readers to take immediate action. Action verbs inject momentum, making them more vibrant and engaging. After all, using power words in a CTA can increase conversion rates by up to 12.7%.
For example, active CTAs like “Discover more” and “Start now” are more motivating than passive CTAs like “Continue” and “Next.”
Keep in mind that some action verbs are better suited for specific purposes. CTAs like “Get started” and “Sign up” are good for SaaS conversions, while CTAs like “Buy now” and “Add to cart” are better for ecommerce conversions.
Here’s a list of 25 action verbs, from old reliables to innovative new options, that can spice up your CTAs:
- Sign
- Start
- Try
- Join
- Learn
- Discover
- Explore
- Subscribe
- Download
- Watch
- Save
- Contact
- Join
- Shop
- Upgrade
- Unlock
- Activate
- Access
- Claim
- Transform
- Elevate
- Grow
- Optimize
- Reserve
- Launch
Pro tip: Consider what actions make sense for each customer segment. For example, if I worked at a magazine, I might use “Try for free” to grow awareness with new readers, “Sign up now” to convert them into regular readers, and “Upgrade now” to convert them into paid subscribers.
3. Create a sense of urgency.
Adding a time element to CTAs can help create a sense of urgency and encourage the audience to act promptly rather than procrastinate. When urging people to tune in to a new series on Paramount+, we might say, “Stream now,” even if the content will be available for months or years to come.
It can also foster a fear of missing out (FOMO), driving people to take action to avoid losing out on valuable opportunities or limited-time offers. Language like “Limited time offer,” “Last chance,” or “While supplies last” inspires this mentality.
Keep in mind that any urgency conveyed should be genuine. Overusing urgency tactics or creating false scarcity can erode audience trust and credibility.
Pro tip: To drive more sales, you can include a form CTA and have users submit their email address or phone number to be the first to hear when a product goes live or a service becomes available. This helps consumers feel exclusively in the know while also reminding them to return and make the purchase when the time comes.
4. Be creative.
CTAs don’t have to be so rigid and formulaic. When writing them, I suggest incorporating some personality and humor to stand out and make an impact — as long as it aligns with the overall brand voice and still drives action.
For example, a generic “Sign up” CTA can replace something exciting like “Take the leap.” While both examples encourage the audience to take action, the latter taps into the idea of taking chances and embracing new opportunities, making it more compelling and original.
The ultimate goal is to select a CTA that is compelling enough to encourage the action. Check out our checklist to ensure you’re crafting engaging calls to action.
Pro tip: Along with creativity in copy, I also recommend creativity in CTA design. If going with a classic CTA button, test various designs, dimensions, colors, and placements to see what prompts the most clicks and conversions.
Different Types of CTAs
CTAs all serve a designated purpose, but the language they use can vary. Ever creative, marketers everywhere have put unique spins on their CTAs to generate the leads their businesses depend on.
Below are a few examples of the types of CTA button copy you might use in marketing:
Some CTAs are more effective than others and perform better on different platforms. So, I’ve listed examples of CTAs below, from options that rock to ones that need work, that can help guide your call-to-action templates.
Best Call-to-Action Examples
Jump ahead: Software Website CTAs | Streaming Website CTAs | Retail Website CTAs | Service Website CTAs | Tech Website CTAs | Nonprofit Website CTAs | Facebook Ad CTAs | Instagram Ad CTAs | TikTok Ad CTAs | Email CTAs
Software Website CTAs
1. HubSpot
CTA: Get the CTAs
One of the perks of using HubSpot is the wealth of free resources we offer. The 28 free CTA templates that HubSpot offers on its website are very fitting for this article, with the ability to edit the imagery and wording to fit your business’s needs best.
What’s even better is that HubSpot research has found that personalized CTAs perform 202% better than basic CTAs, and businesses can easily customize their calls to action by using HubSpot’s CTA tool.
The “Get the CTAs” button is clever and unique. We could have easily used a “Download Now” or “Get Started” CTA, but “Get the CTAs” has more appeal. It tells users that they’re not just getting any old CTA templates but the CTAs that will transform their marketing.
How to Replicate This CTA
When offering a free resource or template, don’t shy away from making abundantly clear the CTA, as we do. Language like “Grab the resume template” or “Download your slides” is enticing because users know exactly what they will get when they click the button.
2. 310 Creative
CTA: Help Scale My Revenue
Growth agency and HubSpot partner 310 Creative aims to help B2B companies scale and refine the buyer’s journey to increase sales. Knowing that visitors to the site may not quite know what specific services they need, 310 Creative makes use of a CTA that removes confusion.
“Help Scale My Revenue” lays out exactly what 310 Creative intends to offer. It’s also an appealing offer that most businesses can benefit from.
How to Replicate This CTA
Demonstrate empathy for the visitor and remove barriers by clearly stating your services and offerings. Pairing a no-nonsense CTA button with “Let’s talk” language encourages the consumer to ask for that help.
3. Evernote
CTA: Get [Brand] free
I love that the first thing you read on the Evernote website is, “What will you achieve today?” It immediately conveys that Evernote will solve problems and help users accomplish everything they dream of — and why wouldn’t you want something like that for free?
The design of Evernote's website makes it super simple for users to see the quick benefits of using the app and how to sign up to use it. Plus, the bright green pops against the lighter background, making the “Get Evernote free” CTA button clear.
How to Replicate This CTA
Consider using a bright color that contrasts well with the elements on your web page to make your CTA stand out. This can go a long way, even if your text is simple, like in the Evernote example.
4. Square
CTA: Get started
To achieve an effective CTA design, consider more than just the button itself. In my experience, it's also super important to consider elements like background color, surrounding images, and surrounding text.
I love that Square, a financial services and digital payments company, has selected eye-catching footage of real businesses to display around its CTA buttons. Where many homepages are static, Square brings it to life with movement, amidst which the stationary CTA buttons remain prominent.
Square has two CTA buttons: “Get started” and “Contact sales.” To avoid confusion, the brand has made them different colors.
How to Replicate This CTA
Are there images, videos, or other creative elements that can be placed behind or near the CTA buttons on your website to breathe life into the mundane? “A picture is worth a thousand words,” after all — and showcasing some of the best parts of a company via imagery can be the thing that convinces a user to click that CTA
5. OkCupid
CTA: Join [Brand]
Online dating platform OkCupid‘s CTA doesn’t seem that impressive at first glance, but its brilliance is in the small details.
“Join OkCupid” is simple but wildly effective. After all, getting started can be the hardest step for someone putting themselves out there and creating a dating profile.
This CTA, therefore, works twofold: it reduces stress by giving users an easy first step (all you have to do for now is join!) and positions OkCupid as a welcoming community, rather than an intimidating, competitive place.
How to Replicate This CTA
Consider the obstacles holding a user back from wanting to sign up for your service. For a dating app, people may be wary due to fear of rejection, social stigma, and safety, among other concerns.
Be mindful of these and create a CTA that eases the user into the decision-making process, rather than demanding they “Sign up now.”
Streaming Website CTAs
6. Hulu
CTA: Get This Deal
Streaming giant Hulu went for a dramatic approach with this CTA. The dimmed background shows off all its television and movie offerings, while the green and white text of the CTA draws your attention to the promotion.
I think it’s clever because it’s a sign-up and upsell in one, informing users that they can get a discount add-on with Disney+ and Hulu.
The CTA “Get This Deal” further emphasizes that this isn’t just another offering but a significant deal that relies on the notability of The Walt Disney Company.
How to Replicate This CTA
Entice visitors with the impression that they’re getting a special deal by offering a bundle, and emphasize providing value to get visitors to take action. For example, Hulu’s CTA button offers more possibilities than just “Sign up” would have.
7. Tidal
CTA: Start Free Trial
Less is more, and high-fidelity music streaming service Tidal accomplishes this. Tidal is known for offering high-class audio quality and exclusive artist content, and the gold sparkle backdrop on its website adds appropriate flair.
Tidal uses a strong action verb here with “Start.” The company isn’t encouraging users to “Try” it for free; it’s telling us to “Start” it now.
I also think the CTA is paired with the perfect amount of copy for those unfamiliar with the brand. I immediately understood the gist of the platform without being bogged down with unneeded industry jargon.
How to Replicate This CTA
This is a great reminder to test out different action verbs for distinct purposes. I think “Try it free” works great for companies pushing a more expensive product who don’t want to deter potential customers, while “Start free trial” is more confident and decisive.
8. Netflix
CTA: Get Started
One big fear users have before committing to sign up for something? It’ll be a pain to cancel their subscription if they don’t end up liking it.
Netflix nips that fear in the bud with the “Cancel anytime” copy above the “Get Started” CTA. I’d venture a guess that reassurance alone has boosted signups. After all, addressing user doubt alongside a CTA has been proven to increase conversions by 124%.
“Get Started” is also a great option here, as it reassures the user that they will not be asked to immediately put down a payment.
How to Replicate This CTA
Netflix successfully pairs its low-pressure CTA with a key message: “Starts at $7.99. Cancel anytime.” If your company offers a free or low-cost subscription option, advertise it on the homepage alongside the CTA button.
9. SoundCloud
CTA: Try it free for 30 days
SoundCloud is an online audio platform that lets users stream and upload music and podcasts. While SoundCloud is free, the company also offers SoundCloud Go+, a premium service with ad-free listening, offline playback, and access to tracks unavailable on the free version.
This CTA is clever because it implies that there is not already a free version of SoundCloud, which makes the opportunity to try SoundCloud Go+ for free for an entire month even more enticing.
I don’t find this misleading, as the copy above the CTA specifically promotes the SoundCloud Go+ offering. Plus, there is a second CTA button that allows users to “Learn more.”
How to Replicate This CTA
Offering a free trial? Make it known by using a prominent CTA that pops and declares exactly how long this unique offer lasts.
Retail Website CTAs
10. Glossier
CTA: Claim offer
Beauty and skincare brand Glossier has its marketing image down pat, in my opinion, showcasing authentic images of women with different skin types and colors. Their focus is on enhancing natural beauty rather than covering it up.
A brand like Glossier relies on the idea of self-care, so it makes sense to display a copy like “You deserve it” on their website. This makes the “Claim offer” CTA even more special and personalized.
Clicking the “Claim offer” CTA button leads to a form submission CTA that requests an email address in exchange for a 15% discount.
How to Replicate This CTA
I see many brands with pop-up form submission CTAs that immediately display the first-order discount offer. I like that Glossier first piques user interest with a generic “Claim offer” CTA before revealing the special discount. This may incite more curious clicks.
11. Wool and the Gang
CTA: Choose A Kit
DIY-fashion brand Wool and the Gang is known for providing all the materials needed for knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and other fashion crafts. Customers interested in these kinds of crafts certainly appreciate the customization they offer.
Thus, leaning into their custom kits is a big draw. That’s what I love so much about the “Choose A Kit” CTA button. It’s paired with an animated, graphic-based 4-step process that lays out how their kits work.
How to Replicate This CTA
I’m a sucker for personalized products, and I know I’m more likely to purchase something if I get to design it exactly to my liking. Any company that offers personalization, such as HubSpot’s extensive CRM customization options, can benefit from promoting these in their CTA copy.
12. Madewell
CTA: See the story | Shop the edit
Madewell is a fashion brand known for high-quality denim and timeless, classic designs. I’ve always appreciated that Madewell seems to put real thought behind their fashion lines and trends, and that idea comes across in these CTA buttons.
They currently have a new Woven Leather line, and rather than just displaying the products on the homepage as “New,” they lean into ideas of transparency by offering to let users “See the story.”
Clicking this button leads to a page walking through quotes and inspiration from the Madewell style director about this texture and how to build it into an outfit. Once users get a sense of the versatility of this texture, they can navigate to the “Shop the edit” CTA, which allows them to browse products.
How to Replicate This CTA
Not every CTA needs to lead directly to sign-ups or sales. There are many ways brands can use a CTA button to create value for the user, which then builds brand trust and ultimately results in repeat purchases.
13. Barkbox
CTA: Get Barkbox
There is beauty in simplicity, and monthly dog subscription service Barkbox has mastered this. I counted a total of eight CTA buttons on their homepage, all saying “Get Barkbox” in the same color, font, and size.
If you find your way to Barkbox’s website, you’ll be hard-pressed to navigate away after being reminded many times to subscribe to Barkbox and make your dog(s) very happy.
How to Replicate This CTA
I see many company websites that display several different CTA buttons throughout their website, such as “Sign up for our newsletter,” “Shop now,” and “Claim offer.” This can be confusing as it’s asking users to complete various actions versus committing to one singular action, the way Barkbox does.
Research also shows that focusing on a single call-to-action can increase clicks by up to 371% and sales by up to 1617%.
14. Betabrand
CTA: Start Earning
Betabrand is an online women’s clothing company specializing in its popular Dress Pant Yoga Pants. I can already tell from a sweep of their website that the brand excels at using quirky, confident CTAs.
Several retail brands offer free rewards programs or memberships to tempt customers to purchase more and rack up points. I’m used to seeing CTAs like “Sign up” or “Join now,” but “Start Earning” is a fun twist.
This CTA positions Betabrand’s insider program as a no-brainer to join. Why wouldn’t I want to “Start Earning” points and rewards with them?
How to Replicate This CTA
Consider how you can turn a CTA on its head to be less about the brand and more about the user. For instance, “Sign up now” could imply the customer is doing the brand a favor by signing up, whereas “Start earning” positions the same offer as a treat for the customer.
15. Diptyque
CTA: Add To Bag
French luxury fragrance brand Diptyque produces high-quality candles, perfumes, and skincare products. I own one nearly empty Diptyque candle that I’ve been lighting for short bursts over the last two years to stretch its life.
As someone familiar with the brand, I know it’s hard to go wrong when shopping for scents. It seems Diptyque is aware of this too, as they display a candle of the month on their homepage and encourage users to directly “Add To Bag.”
This level of confidence doesn’t always go over well, but it works well here because it implies that the brand knows customers will love it. If the user wants to explore further before making a purchase, they can click the less bold CTA button below: “Discover Genévrier (Juniper).”
How to Replicate This CTA
The “Add To Bag” CTA is effective for several reasons. For the busy shopper, allowing users to add something to their cart directly from a website homepage helps ease some stress and save time. In addition, it can battle indecisiveness by encouraging users to make a quick purchasing decision.
Service Website CTAs
16. The Budgetnista
CTA: Take The 60 Sec Quiz
Run by personal financial educator and author Tiffany Aliche, The Budgetnista is a one-stop shop for personal finance. In addition to providing content that delights her audience, she's also a pro at creating inviting CTAs.
The copy above this CTA asks a simple question, but it also adds credibility to Aliche; if PBS and Netflix portrayed her, she can be trusted!
The “Take The 60 Sec Quiz” CTA is clever because we all know we have one minute to spare. This quiz is valuable as it tells the user if they are practicing financial wholeness, and the score on the quiz may dictate whether a user feels they re quire Aliche’s services.
How to Replicate This CTA
Time is valuable, and smart companies respect their customers’ time. Acknowledging how long a call-to-action will take shows their willingness to let their customers return to their normal lives soon while also stressing that this is a button they definitely have time to click on.
17. Full Bundle
CTA: Our Work
Full Bundle is another company that uses negative space to make their primary CTA pop. The white “Our Work” call-to-action stands out against the dark grays of the background. I think their choice of CTA is strategic, too.
Given that they primarily exist to build out clients’ online presences, they need to showcase their work — and that’s what most folks are going to their website for.
How to Replicate This CTA
Make creative use of negative space like Full Bundle's gray tones. In fact, research found that CTAs surrounded by more white space and less clutter increase conversion rates by up to 232%.
18. EPIC
CTA: Start A New Project With Us
The folks at the agency EPIC use their homepage primarily to showcase their impressive design skills. When you arrive on the page, you’re greeted with a beautiful color scheme, examples of past projects, and an animated “About” section.
While there are plenty of other places users might click on their site — including their clients’ websites — the main call-to-action is inviting. It hints to users looking for a creative partner that EPIC is an especially great team to work with.
How to Replicate This CTA
Use inviting language. It’s easy to make a button that just says “Join us,” but that’s not convincing. Consider something friendlier like “Let's work together” or something specific to the service being offered.
19. IMPACT Branding & Design
CTA: Talk to us
CTAs can feel robotic if the wrong, generic language is used. From the get-go, marketing and branding services company IMPACT gives the sense that any project with them will be a collaborative effort.
They’re not asking users to “Sign up” or “Contact us;” instead, they’re encouraging open conversation, which makes the user feel their questions and concerns will be heard and respected.
How to Replicate This CTA
If a user navigates to a branding services website, it likely means they require the services and are ready to make the leap. Therefore, a CTA like “Talk to us” or “Let’s chat” encourages the user to reach out immediately so the company can work on selling itself.
20. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
CTA: Get inspired
Popular hotel and resort giant Hilton is known for providing exceptional service to its guests. So, it’s no surprise that their website goes above and beyond sharing information about their rooms and amenities.
Hilton features an article about how popular McLaren F1 Team driver Lando Norris enjoys the personal touches and unique experiences that Hilton hotels offer. The CTA button that leads there reads “Get inspired,” which is a great message to potential guests.
It shows guests that Hilton does more than just provide accommodations for their travel. It offers ideas and inspiration to make their stay above and beyond expectations.
How to Replicate This CTA
“Get inspired” can work across many industries to show how a brand can provide a distinctive or exclusive opportunity compared to competitors. It’s a great way to show potential customers that, by investing in you, you’ll invest in them right back.
Tech Website CTAs
21. Lyft
CTA: Sign up to ride
What I love about Lyft’s CTA is that it doesn’t overcomplicate its offerings. Lyft is a ridesharing company, and its CTA is plain and simple: “Sign up to ride.” It declares its intentions and makes it abundantly obvious that people should sign up.
The website has another CTA for drivers since Lyft is looking for both riders and drivers, but I like that it keeps these two sections separate.
How to Replicate This CTA
Targeting two types of customers? You can create simple, clear CTAs for each persona, similar to Lyft, which has “Sign up to ride” for riders and “Apply to drive” for drivers.
22. Pinterest
CTA: Explore
Pinterest is a discovery social media platform that allows users to “pin” images and videos into virtual pinboards. In middle school, like many young girls, I created dozens of pinboards, such as “Future Wedding,” with all sorts of visual inspiration (that I can assure you I won’t be referring back to).
A big part of Pinterest is the fun of exploring fun, new, and interesting ideas for future events and projects, so the “Explore” CTA is very suitable. It tells users this is a space to use their imagination and discover exciting new things.
How to Replicate This CTA
If you could summarize your company’s offerings into a single word, what would it be? Pinterest uses the “Explore” CTA button throughout its homepage, which helps the word become easily associated with the brand.
23. Apple
CTA: Get your estimate
Tech giant Apple is known for channeling innovation, minimalism, and sophistication in its products and branding. The brand often utilizes a black-and-white color palette, which helps its bright blue CTA buttons pop.
In addition, I appreciate the “Get your estimate” CTA button because it plays into the human instinct to relate concepts to themselves.
Even if you weren’t originally on the Apple website to look into trading in an iPhone, aren’t you just a little curious what your estimate might be if you did?
How to Replicate This CTA
Using second-person pronouns “you” or “your” can increase clickthrough rates by 42%. Try throwing some of these words into CTAs to develop a more direct connection with the potential customer.
24. Grammarly
CTA: Sign up. It’s free | Sign up with Google
As a writer, my favorite AI tool is Grammarly, a writing, grammar, spelling, and punctuation partner. I’ve been using Grammarly since 2019, and while I don’t have access to all the features with the free version, it has still been advantageous.
Thus, the “Sign up It’s free” CTA button works well. It’s not like some tools, where it’s only technically free to sign up, and you’re probed to upgrade to use the services. This is 100% free forever unless you decide to adopt a premium version.
So, this is a great selling point for Grammarly to plug in its CTA, knowing it’ll tempt more users to sign up. Also, it’s helpful when paired with an option to “Sign up with Google,” which most users probably have and which makes signing up even more of a no-brainer.
How to Replicate This CTA
If your CTA copy of choice is “Sign up,” you might as well dress it up to be as inviting as possible. Try pairing it with other words or phrases, such as “Sign up and save,” to give a bit more context and drive more clicks.