Calls to Action

[universal4]

During a number of recent conversations by PM and email with some of the newer affiliate members here, I have noticed a trend where some affiliates might need some advice on how to handle "calls to action" on their pages.

In some cases some affiliates may have pages where they had tips, or a bookie or casino review, and yet either did not have any affiliate links anywhere on the page, or if they did they were so subtle they were easily missed as the page looked more informational and did not encourage the visitor to click through and visit the property they were recommending.

This may be effective for some if the page then funnels traffic to pages that convert well, but I have found this is often not the case.

I know that some affiliates like to use strictly text links, and some use a combination of text and an image of some sort, but in many cases this will be surrounded with a "call to action" such as click here for more information, or visit this link to place your bet, or visit now to take advantage of this bonus offer....etc etc...

I thought this might make a decent discussion if a few affiliates kept this in mind either while helping others with site reviews, or if they would like to offer tips or suggestions on ways they have found to be very effective on their sites.

Rick
Universal4

[wonderpunter]

I have always found buttons work better than text.. for me anyhow,

[PROFRBcom]

Used to do all text. Swapped to visual CTAs (not moving buttons, just representations of them) and got more clicks. Now we use a combination of text and various types of clickable and non-clickable buttons. Seems to provide the best results for our sites.

[worke]

Buttons and banners here. Works well for the traffic my site has.

Additional questions from me : Have you ever used "baits" to make registrations ? I mean pop-under banners, hidden text etc.. This works nowadays?

[Cash Bonus]

I've always preferred having buttons and images because they're the easiest to use.

[allfreechips]

I've been told the casino reviews on AFC have no calls to action, that should tell me something.. still on my list of things to do

When you design a layout its all makes sense, when somone else uses it and cant figure it out its a good idea to listen.

[casinoportal]

I've been told the casino reviews on AFC have no calls to action, that should tell me something.. still on my list of things to do

When you design a layout its all makes sense, when somone else uses it and cant figure it out its a good idea to listen.

Just had a quick look at a few of the reviews and you don't, apart from the Play Now chip at the top right, that blends into the site that much I missed it at first. Once you start scrolling down the review I couldn't see any other calls to action. Great site though, just need to add some more calls to action.

[allfreechips]

Exactly lol, I have this massive play now button i figured you cant miss but nobody notices it.. adding a button this week lol

[goldytraffic]

Definitely a button, this is what the user is looking for. You only have a few seconds to catch is attention

[drifter8]

BUtton is the best option - fast, strict "call to action" slogan and nice design. Users are bit overloaded from pics and banners nowadays. We have 1sec 1.5 sec to catch/grab their attention!!!

[allaboutthebets]

Buttons and text for me. Haven't used banners in a long time. They will work for some, think it's all site dependent

[PromoteCasino]

I prefer buttons, as visually they add to a pages content in my opinion. I did used to use text on an old tipsters site as the link was generally encased in a paragraph but found it did not produce as many clicks as a button would.

[allfreechips]

Ok I added three button on the review page so people can actually click my link after 14 years

[Simonhilton100]

My personal viewpoint is that you will drive higher conversion with strong CTAs. We are currently A/B testing CTAs, as well as offer text so will feedback.

One point that would be great to get feedback on is what strong average conversion rate from visit to click looks like? What should you be aiming for? 30%+?

[Casino Dictionary]

At the end of the article we always have a button with an action.

[ivan]

Related to the topic I have a question about buttons. I run free casino games site and was wondering what is better-to have one call to action button with one casino or to have three buttons with three different casinos. What do you think guys will work more efficiently? I looked at the big casino affiliate sites and noticed that they have only one button with text and even no brand mentioned ("play with real money now" or "grab a $1500 bonus now"). Do you think adding no casino brand in the button leads to better click-through rate?
Thanks in advance!

[casinoportal]

I think for a free games site then your best just having the one call to action to one casino, I personallly would add the name of the casino. I just think it looks more professional, so for example, 'Claim your $1800 Bonus at 888 Casino' you could do some A/B testing to see which CTA converts better, but I wouldn't expect to see a great deal of difference.

[Nenad]

My opinion is that buttons are always better option than just plain text. Eye catching, and visitors don't want to waste their time. Regarding the question above, I do agree with the opinion that just one cal to action is enough and looks more professional.

[universal4]

This is an ongoing debate, but there are many that say text is best, and there is a bit of background why.

Some may turn images off, although far less likely then years ago.

Images in certain circumstances could trigger link or adblockers. (since they will have href's attached)

Images often need mouse over effects or image titles in order to see words of a call to action, where as text ca offer simple or complex calls to action.

Text allows for additional sales message, instead of simply "click here" it allows for something like "click here to get the Exclusives Bonus Today!"

Like a few have said, I think blending text along with images is more powerful as it provides the opportunity to appeal to both sets of thought in the visitor.

When in doubt:
TEST, Test, test

Rick
Universal4

[Former Member 14]

Have you ever used "baits" to make registrations ? I mean pop-under banners, hidden text etc.. This works nowadays?

Surely you can't be serious???!!!