Just slightly over a year ago, I shared with the public just how many wedding inquiries I was getting a day (roughly 2 per day). The recipe for that conversion was a combination of many things. I discussed a slew of strategies, but the main one that I’m SUPER PROUD to see practically everyone applying is…
…dare I say that I have an idea that proposes even quicker conversion? *gasps* Keep reading…
What is Call To Action?
Like most default blogs themes (except mine), each post is ended with an area for the reader to comment thoughts. However, thinking from a client’s view (let’s say a bride), it is unlikely that he/she will join the discussion.
So, what options are there for the reader?
- Comment (unlikely)
- Scroll all the way back to top to navigate (unlikely), which is why my blog theme has a “back to top button” and scrolling menu
- LEAVE the website (most likely)
Therefore, a Call To Action is placed at the bottom to instruct the reader on what to do next. In this case, I suggested at least two actions:
- View Portfolio
- Contact You
Dot dot dot, abracadabra…conversion (aka inquiries).
Strategy: the more one has to click (or the harder it is to find) to fulfill a need, one is more and more likely to lose interest and leave the website.
Photographers with Call To Action
Over the past two years, I’ve had the humble honor of authoring this blog and sharing my ideas via workshops / consultations. Here are a number of users using this strategy. Do you recognize the websites?
User 1
User 2
User 3
User 4
…User 12,000
Simpler, Faster, More Awesome
Let’s reexamine. The goal is to make it as easy as possible to contact all while removing barriers (like requiring 3 clicks in order to arrive at desired page).
I will be overhauling my own websites eventually with this strategy. Put the Call To Action on the bottom of the page literally. This avoids any need to click, then contact (or subscribe). Here is an example I drafted in Photoshop.
You like? Pretty.
What to do next…
Yes, this is a call to action. If you enjoyed this post, please…
- share with friends with Retweet and Facebook buttons below
- comment a link to your website if you’re using this strategy (might be pulling screen shots – thanks) and try to use the FB form because WordPress might flag a link as spam (or use both)
- join the 14,000+ strong mailing list for wicked updates
Yours truly,
Lawrence Chan
P.S. Where’s Waldo Lawrence? Find me at WPPI and get a free prize – hugs.
P.P.S. If you need help with Call To Action customizations on your blog, I have independent contractors you can contact directly here.
P.P.P.S. Some kind words…
I had my first consult with my new prices last Friday. Today I got the signed contract and 50% retainer in the mail!!!!! WAHOO!!!!!!
-Chrissy Deming
your book helped me SO MUCH! i just booked two clients at $3800 and i couldn’t get above $2000 before!
YOU ARE A LIFESAVER!
- Shannon Leith
Awesome simple advice. I need to implement this ASAP! :)
Great strategy that totally makes sense!
Thanks for sharing
Lawrence,
What do you think about how I have the contact stationary to the left on my site? I know it seems easy to me to see it there and click on it but perhaps you are onto something and I should at the least be including a call to action at the end of each post. Thank you!
I wish I could come and get a free hug! : )
Great advice!
Certainly a great idea,… although I worry that most of my clients don’t come through my blog… I’m curious your ideas about call to action buttons through other parts of my website?
I love reading your blog Lawrence! I have learned so much from you!
In the process of revamping the website now, so this is timely information. Thanks for sharing this.
Great post! BTW do you use a plugin to generate that list of Related Posts, or do you manually enter that in?
It’s programmed to show on every post. Just go through the contact form and someone will help you with coding.
freaking genius!! i love your thought process – make it uber easy for someone to inquire.
Oh, man! I can’t wait to implement this on my blog!
Thanks so much for this – have been thinking about this issue for a good week or so and it is so helpful to see how others have worked this into their sites flawlessly and the benefit it can have on a business. Great post – thanks again.
Thank you for pointing this out. So simple yet so effective! Now I’m off to search plug-ins…
Food for thought – I think I need to go look at the footer code on my site and see how hard it will be to add calls to action…
Can I just say THANK YOU to you and DUH to me.
I have been trying to figure out how to have my header not scroll so that all of those options are always viewable. But I haven’t had much success, not to mention the fact that the header takes up too much screen space if the monitor is small. This is the answer. I don’t know why I didn’t think about just putting those options at the bottom. So glad I have you around to help my inability to think logically in areas like this.
Great advice. I am revamping my blog now!
that is seriously great advice. thanks very much!
Reeeeeally appreciate this! My website and blog are about ready to get a complete overhaul, so I am really trying to narrow down what I want to do with them. This is definitely going down for the “must haves”
Makes perfect sense!! I recently overhauled my blog and used your template to do so… and I LOVE the call to actions at the end of each post! I’ve even gotten feedback from users that it’s much simpler to navigate and user friendly! THANKS!!
Very interesting. Nice indepth. There are a few points I need to add to help.
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Wooow!!! The light blub just went off. Thank you Lawrence for sharing your wisdom. I’ve already written down notes of how to improve our website. A million thanks!!
(I posted this on our facebook page)
Lawrence,
Thank you so much!!!! I’ve just started doing on my blog!
A big Brazilian hug to you!
Carol
Great idea! Thank you. Did anyone come up with a plugin to do this?
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