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Website glossary· Layout and first impressions

What is a call to action (CTA)?

A call to action is the button or link that asks a visitor to take the next step, such as “Book a table” or “Get a quote”.

Also called: CTA

Why it matters for a small business site

It turns interest into an enquiry, a booking or a sale. A visitor who likes what they read but can’t see what to do next has nothing left to do but leave.

How to check yours

  1. Decide the one action you most want visitors to take on each page.
  2. Check that its button is the most noticeable thing on the first screen, and that it appears again after longer sections.
  3. Read the button text on its own: it should say what happens when it’s clicked.

What good looks like

One main action per page, on a button whose colour stands out from the background, labelled with a verb and an outcome (“Book a free call”). Secondary actions look quieter, as plain links or outlined buttons.

Common mistakes

  • Vague labels such as “Submit”, “Click here” or “Learn more”.
  • Three or four buttons that all look equally important.
  • A button colour that blends into the background or the rest of the page.
  • Asking for a big commitment (“Buy now”) before the page has explained anything.
Free site audit

See how your current site does

The free audit checks whether your main button is the strongest thing on your first screen and whether its text passes contrast, and it flags vague labels like “Learn more”.

One page · the first screen · design, contrast, wording

Printed big on the certificate, with the site's address under it. Plain text — links are removed.

Free · no sign-up · one page, above the fold

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