Tracy Johannsen

If your current marketing strategies are not generating the return you would expect, maybe it’s time to look at your call to action. Do you tell your target audience the next step to take? Are you creating a sense of urgency?

Here are a few tips for turning your efforts around and getting customers through the door:

• Use strong words. Marketing your business isn’t the time to worry about being polite and saying “please” and “thank you.” Be direct. Tell your audience to “do, call or click.” It’s what people expect and they are accustomed to this type of message.
• Make it quick. You have only a few seconds to make an impression and convince your audience to take action. Don’t overcrowd your advertisement with unnecessary clutter or your call to action may be lost. Short and to the point messages work.
• Convince them. Find ways to tout your business by using statistics, sharing impressive news or using testimonials from customers. Convincing prospects that they are the few who are not using your products and services will make them more likely to do business with you.
• Keep it simple. Remember your audience and avoid using industry jargon that they may not be familiar with. This language will only confuse them and may turn them off from your business. Keep the call to action clear for the general public to relate to.

For more information on marketing your business, visit Marketing Minutes, the American Rental Association’s (ARA) online member marketing resource.