Text messages are short, simple, and attention-grabbing. In fact, they have a 98% open rate. That’s why they’re the perfect tool for conversational messaging, one of the most popular business text messaging strategies.

Conversational messaging focuses on encouraging leads and inactive customers to initiate conversations with your brand. Once leads and customers reply to conversational messaging content, your team members can connect with them by answering questions, offering insider information and even recommending products or services.

Behind every successful conversational messaging text is an effective call to action (CTA). Read on to learn what CTAs are — and how to create one that will encourage customers to interact with your content.

1. Pick Powerful Action Words

Compel the user to take action. Using the right words is key in improving the click-through rates in your CTA. Make sure to use compelling, authoritative and clear wording. You don’t want to confuse the user, so using words like “join,” “start” and “explore” can be beneficial to creating an eye-catching CTA.

A few examples include:

• Join us
• Get started for free
• Explore the collection

2. Create a Sense of Urgency

Now that you’re using effective language, create a sense of urgency so that the reader feels compelled to click on the CTA instead of coming back to it later. You can add words like “now,” “instant” or “today” to verbs that make potential prospects feel that waiting will only put them at a disadvantage.

Some examples of this include:

• Start growing today
• Join for instant access
• Explore the collection now

3. Keep It Short

Most of the time, you don’t have much space for your CTA. This is why you should always aim to keep it short and get your point across in the fewest words. You only have seconds to get your point across, so using simple language will definitely work in your favor here.

Here are a few examples:

• Instead of writing “Donate to our cause today”, you can say “Act today!”
• Instead of saying “Fill this form”, you can write “Sign up today!”

4. Use a Conversational Tone

Addressing the reader directly is an effective way to build a personal connection. When you use the word “you” in your message, the reader feels special, making it feel like a personal interaction rather than a sales pitch.

Here are a few examples:

• You can get a 15% discount here.
• Build your free website today!

5. Make It Pretty

Nobody wants to click on a bland, static button, right? Make sure your CTA button stands out from the rest of the text. Even something as small as making the font bold can do wonders as it demands the reader’s attention. If your brand identity is light-hearted, you can add GIFs or emojis, which will prompt the customer to take immediate action.

Some examples include:

• Click here for more information.
• Flat 50% off on first purchase.

Writing the Most Effective CTA

Not all CTAs are the same. They come in various shapes and sizes, and no formula guarantees success. The best way to know whether it is working is to test your CTA against others. You can then iterate upon the CTA that works and create one that gives you the most conversions.

No matter what you use conversational messaging text for, setting up the right campaigns and effective CTAs can help you guide your customers through their buying journey and greatly influence your conversion rates.

Our customer support team would love to show you how SMS-Magic can make reaching your customers easier and more effective with a demo or a free trial!