65+ Email CTA Examples and Best Practices

Have you ever found yourself with a fantastic offer, compelling content, and everything ready for your email campaign, only to stumble at the final hurdle—the call to action (CTA)? That crucial element that can sway your readers to click, buy, subscribe, or any action you desire seems just out of reach.

It’s a frustration many of us face, knowing all too well the importance of getting it right. We’ve all been there, scratching our heads, trying to conjure up the perfect phrase that entices without seeming pushy. Recognizing this common challenge, we decided to roll up our sleeves and dive deep into the world of email marketing to bring you not just a handful but 65+ email CTA examples and best practices. 

What is a CTA in an Email?

A CTA, or Call to Action, in an email is a prompt that encourages the reader to take a specific action. It’s like the big, shiny button in a game that says “Press me!”—except in emails, it usually says things like “Buy Now,” “Sign Up,” “Learn More,” or “Get Started.” 

It’s the part of the email that moves the reader from just looking at your message to actually doing something about it. The CTA in email marketing, aims to convert readers into customers, subscribers, or active participants in whatever the email is promoting. 

5 Elements to Make a CTA Effective (Email CTA Examples)

An effective CTA is the linchpin of your email marketing effort, akin to the final push on a swing that really sends it flying. Getting these elements right can mean the difference between a reader taking action or continuing to scroll through their inbox.

1. Clarity: Your CTA should clearly communicate what you want the reader to do. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and reduce the likelihood of the reader taking the desired action. A clear, direct message like “Download your free ebook” leaves no doubt about what the next step is.
2. Urgency: Incorporating a sense of urgency encourages readers to act immediately rather than putting it off. Use time-sensitive language or highlight the limited availability of an offer to create this urgency. Phrases like “Limited time offer” or “Act now before it’s too late” prompt quick action.
3. Visibility: The CTA must stand out visually from the rest of the email content. This can be achieved through the use of bold colors, larger fonts, or buttons that contrast with the email’s background. The goal is to draw the reader’s eye directly to the CTA, making it impossible to miss.
4. Relevance: The CTA should be relevant to the content of the email and the interests of the audience. Personalizing the CTA based on the reader’s past interactions or expressed preferences can significantly increase its effectiveness. A relevant CTA feels more tailored and engaging to the individual.
5. Value Proposition: Your CTA should clearly articulate the value of what you’re offering. Readers are more likely to take action if they understand what they will gain from doing so. Highlighting the benefits, such as “Get instant access to exclusive tips,” helps to emphasize the value of clicking the CTA.

65+ CTA Examples For Creating High-Converting Emails

Let’s checkout 65+ email CTA examples to help you create emails that persuade subscribers to take specific examples, whether it’s buying your product or attending an event. 

For Promotions

1. Don’t Miss Out – Last Chance for 50% Off!
2. Exclusive Offer: Unlock Your Discount Now
3. Grab Your Free Gift with Purchase Today
4. See What’s New & Save Big
5. Act Fast: Limited Edition Available Now

For Consuming Content

1. Dive Into the Latest Insights – Read More
2. Discover Secrets to Success Here
3. Watch & Learn: Transform Your Skills in Minutes
4. Uncover the Full Story – Explore Now
5. Your Next Favorite Read Awaits

For Events

1. Secure Your Spot – Transformative Experiences Inside
2. Early Bird Special: Register Today & Save
3. Join the Movement – Be a Part of Something Bigger
4. An Invitation to Innovation – Claim Your Seat
5. Connect, Learn, Grow – Your Invitation Inside

For Feedback Collection

1. We Value Your Thoughts – Share Your Experience
2. Help Us, Help You – Quick Survey
3. Your Voice Matters: Quick Feedback, Big Impact
4. Rate Your Journey with Us
5. Share Your Story – We’re All Ears

For Social Media Engagement

1. Join Our Community – Follow for Daily Inspiration
2. Like, Share, and Inspire Others
3. Be Part of Our Story – Tag Us
4. Spread the Love – Share with Friends & Family
5. Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes: Follow Us on Instagram

For Subscription Services

1. Get More of What You Love – Subscribe Now
2. Unlock Full Access: Premium Content Awaits
3. Never Miss Out – Sign Up for Our Newsletter
4. Start Your Journey to Expertise – Subscribe
5. Exclusive Deals & Content – Only a Click Away

For Product or Service Trials

1. Experience the Future – Start Your Free Trial Now
2. Try Before You Commit – Free Demo Inside
3. Get a Taste of Excellence – Free Sample
4. See the Magic Yourself – Book a Demo
5. Transform Your World – Free Trial Awaits

Curiosity-Driven

1. What’s Next for You? Find Out
2. Ever Wondered? Click to Explore
3. See What You’re Missing
4. The Secret? Unveil It Now
5. Why Wait? Discover Now

For Personal Development

1. Elevate Your Skills – Begin Today
2. Unlock Your Potential – Start Learning
3. Mastery Awaits – Embark on Your Journey
4. Grow Beyond Your Dreams – Enroll Now
5. Transform Your Habits, Transform Your Life

For Networking and Community

1. Connect with Like-Minds – Join Our Network
2. Build Your Tribe – Engage Today
3. A Community Awaits – Dive In
4. Share Your Journey – Connect Now
5. Forge Valuable Connections – Get Started

For Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Initiatives

1. Make a Difference – Act Now
2. Green Your Life – Start with Us
3. Join Our Eco Revolution – Participate Today
4. Save the Planet One Step at a Time – Learn How
5. Your Eco-Friendly Journey Begins Here

For Innovation and Technology

1. Lead the Future – See the Latest
2. Innovate with Us – Explore New Dimensions
3. Technology at Your Fingertips – Discover More
4. Push Boundaries – Join the Innovation
5. Experience Tomorrow’s Tech Today

For Health and Wellness

1. Begin Your Wellness Journey – Sign Up
2. Transform Your Health – Start Your Trial
3. Live Better, Live Healthier – Join Us
4. Your Path to Wellness Starts Here
5. Embrace a Healthier You – Get Started Now

For Creative Projects and Hobbies

1. Unleash Your Creativity – Learn More
2. Find Your Next Hobby – Start Exploring
3. Craft Your Passion – Dive Deep
4. Express Yourself – Join Our Creative Community
5. Bring Your Ideas to Life – Get Inspired

6 Email Call to Action Best Practices

1. Use Action-Oriented Language: Your CTA should inspire action. Use verbs that prompt immediate action. For example, instead of saying “Our newsletter has information,” say “Get your weekly insights now!” This change makes it clear what action you want the reader to take.
2. Create a Sense of Urgency: Encourage readers to act quickly by suggesting that time is of the essence. Urgency works by tapping into our fear of missing out (FOMO). When you limit the time available for an offer or the quantity of a product, it makes the opportunity seem more valuable. For instance, an email promoting a sale might say, “Hurry! Sale ends in 24 hours,” to push readers to act fast to take advantage of the deal.
3. Keep It Brief and Clear: Your CTA should be concise and to the point, making it easy for readers to understand what you’re asking. The brevity of your CTA is key to its effectiveness. It should be immediately understandable and convey exactly what action you want the reader to take. For example, “Download the Guide” is straightforward and tells readers exactly what they get by clicking. Check the email CTA examples we’ve highlighted above to know how to write clear CTAs.
4. Make It Visually Standout: Design your CTA button or link so it’s easy to find and click. Use contrasting colors and sufficient white space around it. A button in a contrasting color, such as a bright “Buy Now” button on a subdued background, catches the eye immediately. The size and shape of the button can also play a role, as can the font used for the text. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for readers to know where to click.
5. Personalize the CTA: Personalization makes the CTA feel more relevant to the individual reader, increasing the likelihood of a response. For instance, if you’re sending an email to a segment of subscribers interested in cooking, your CTA could be “Unlock your cooking potential,” which speaks directly to their interests. This approach makes the action feel more tailored and less generic, fostering a stronger connection with the reader.
6. Place CTAs Strategically: Strategic placement ensures your CTA is seen by as many readers as possible. For newsletters or longer emails, consider including the CTA multiple times: at the top, in the middle of engaging content, and at the end. Each placement can cater to readers at different stages of engagement, from those ready to act immediately to those who need more information before they decide.

5 CTA Mistakes That Decrease Your Conversion Rates

When creating email calls to action (CTAs), there are several pitfalls to avoid. These missteps can undermine your efforts, dilute your message, and decrease the effectiveness of your campaigns. Here’s what not to do and why:

1. Avoid Overloading with Multiple CTAs: Including too many calls to action in a single email can overwhelm or confuse your readers. When faced with too many options, people may suffer from analysis paralysis and end up not taking any action at all. It’s generally more effective to focus on a single, clear CTA that guides recipients towards one desired action.
2. Don’t Use Vague Language: A CTA needs to be specific and action-oriented. Using vague or generic phrases like “Click here” doesn’t convey the value or the action you’re asking the reader to take. Specificity helps set expectations and motivates the reader by clearly stating what they will get by taking action.
3. Avoid Placing CTAs Where They Can Be Easily Missed: The placement of your CTA is crucial. Burying your CTA at the bottom of a long email or in a place where it blends in with the rest of the content can lead to low engagement rates. You want your CTA to be prominently placed where readers will naturally see it, ideally “above the fold” or after a compelling piece of content.
4. Don’t Neglect the Design of Your CTA: A poorly designed CTA button or link that doesn’t stand out visually will likely get overlooked. Using dull colors, small fonts, or a design that doesn’t contrast with the rest of the email makes your CTA less effective. Your CTA should catch the reader’s eye immediately through the use of bold colors, large fonts, and ample spacing.
5. Avoid Being Too Pushy: While creating a sense of urgency can be effective, there’s a fine line between motivating readers and coming off as pushy or desperate. Overly aggressive language or creating a false sense of urgency can backfire, damaging trust and potentially leading to high unsubscribe rate. It’s important to balance urgency with value.

5 Best Email Call to Action Examples

We’ve collected 5 emails from our inbox to show you email CTA examples that are well-written, and are persuasive. With each email you will also know what makes the CTA good. 

Click Here… (Marie Forleo)

The CTAs here use empathetic and action-oriented language to create a connection with the reader. The phrase “Click here to get back on track when you’re feeling unworthy” acknowledges a common emotional struggle and immediately offers a solution, which is both reassuring and motivating. The design is simple and clean, making the CTA stand out without overwhelming the message.

Don’t Miss Out (Reformation)

The CTA “Don’t miss out” creates a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out), which can be very effective in prompting quick action. The follow-up text “We added more stuff to sale. Love Mondays for once.” injects a bit of humor and a casual tone that can resonate well with the target audience, making the shopping experience feel more personal and less like a transaction.

Stock Up Now (Last Crumb)

The CTA “STOCK UP NOW,” is bold and clear, which is excellent for a quick decision-making process. The phrase “On that note…” combined with the subsequent playful suggestion about winter activities creates a smooth lead-in to the CTA, making it feel less like a demand and more like a friendly recommendation.

Get Your Box (Last Crumb)

The CTA “Get Your Box” is direct and to the point, which works well for a decisive call to action, especially when paired with the urgency of a final day sale. The contrasting colors and the size of the CTA button make it stand out prominently, and the wording promises an immediate reward, which is a strong incentive for many customers.

Redeem Discount (Calm)

This presents a CTA that is benefit-focused. “Take 40% off Calm Premium” clearly communicates the value proposition to the user. The phrasing “A year of better sleep can start today” offers a tangible benefit that is directly aligned with the user’s potential desire for the product. The button “Redeem Discount” is a compelling choice of action phrase that implies a benefit waiting to be claimed, which can be very effective in driving conversions.

Wrap up

As you click away from this collection of email CTA examples, remember that the power of a well-crafted call to action extends far beyond a single click.

It’s about creating a conversation, sparking a relationship, and embarking on a journey with your audience. So test, tweak, and transform your emails with these examples. Let your CTAs be the keys that unlock the potential of your message and the catalysts for the actions you seek.