CTA Button Best Practices: Design Buttons That Get Clicked

Your call-to-action button is the most important element on your page. It's where conversions happen—or don't.

Why CTA Buttons Matter

A well-designed CTA can:

• Increase click-through rates by 30-200%
• Reduce bounce rates
• Clarify the user's next step
• Create urgency and motivation

CTA Button Color: What Works Best?

There's no universally "best" color. What matters is contrast—your button must stand out from its surroundings.

Your CTA color should:

• Be different from your background
• Be different from other elements on the page
• Not be used elsewhere (so it feels special)

How to Test CTA Contrast

Blur your page to 10-15 pixels. Your CTA should be one of the first 3 elements you notice.

CTA Button Size

Desktop Guidelines

• Minimum: 44 x 44 pixels (accessibility standard)
• Rule of thumb: Your primary CTA should be the largest button on the page

Mobile Guidelines

• Large enough for thumb tapping (44px minimum height)
• Full-width or near full-width for easy targeting
• Positioned within comfortable thumb reach

CTA Button Placement

Above the Fold

Your primary CTA should be visible without scrolling. This is non-negotiable.

Multiple CTAs on Long Pages

For longer pages, repeat your CTA:

• After the hero section
• After social proof
• After feature explanations
• At the page bottom

CTA Button Copy

Use Action Verbs

• "Start" — Start Free Trial
• "Get" — Get Your Report
• "Join" — Join 10,000+ Designers
• "Try" — Try It Free

Be Specific

Weak: Submit
Strong: Get My Free Analysis

Add Value or Reduce Risk

Include words like "Free," "Instant," or "No credit card required."

CTA Button Design Details

• Rounded Corners: 4-8px border-radius feels more clickable
• Drop Shadows: Subtle shadows add depth
• Hover States: Always provide visual feedback
• Icons: Right arrows or checkmarks can increase clicks

Common CTA Mistakes

1. Ghost Buttons for Primary CTAs — Too weak, don't stand out
2. Multiple Primary CTAs — Creates confusion
3. CTA Blends with Background — Becomes invisible
4. Too Small on Mobile — Hard to tap
5. Vague Copy — "Submit" doesn't motivate action

Key Takeaways

• Contrast is more important than specific colors
• Size matters—your CTA should dominate visually
• Place CTAs above the fold AND repeat throughout
• Use specific, action-oriented copy
• Always verify with blur testing