Small Business Jargon Decoder

What is a CTA?

Small Business Jargon Decoder

The Technical Definition

A Call to Action (CTA) is a prompt that encourages users to take a specific action, such as “Buy Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Learn More.” CTAs are used in marketing materials, websites, and advertisements to guide potential customers toward conversions.

In English, Please

A CTA is like a friendly nudge telling people what to do next. Whether it’s a “Get Your Free Quote” button on a website or a “Call Us Today” sign on a billboard, a clear CTA helps customers take the next step instead of just walking away.

Do Small Businesses Really Need a CTA?

Absolutely! If you don’t tell people what to do, they might not do anything. A well-placed CTA can make the difference between someone browsing your site and actually making a purchase or booking an appointment. Make your CTAs clear, action-oriented, and easy to find.

Common Misconceptions

  • People will know what to do without a CTA. Never assume—spelling it out increases conversions.
  • Specific language doesn’t matter. “Click Here” isn’t as compelling as “Download Your Free Guide.”
  • There’s no need to test different CTAs. Sometimes, a small wording change can make a big difference in engagement. A/B testing can help optimize your CTAs.