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Call-to-action Instagram: Complete guide and inspiring examples
8 Oct 2024
Discover our comprehensive guide on Instagram call-to-actions to boost engagement and convert your followers into customers!

Call-to-actions (CTAs) play a vital role in any digital marketing strategy. On a visual and dynamic platform like Instagram, effective use of CTAs can transform a simple post into a powerful tool for engaging your audience and maximising conversions.
In this guide, we will explain in detail what a CTA is on Instagram, why it is essential, how to create effective ones, and we will provide inspiring examples to boost your results.
Call-to-action (CTA) on Instagram, what is it?
What is a CTA?
A Call-to-action (CTA), or "call to action" in French, is an explicit invitation made to your audience to encourage them to take a specific action. In the context of Instagram, this can include actions like liking, commenting, sharing, clicking on a link, subscribing to your account, or even purchasing a product. The CTA is often the phrase or button that converts an intention into a concrete action.
For example, an Instagram post might contain a CTA like: "Comment below to let us know what you think", or "Swipe up to discover our new collection". These phrases encourage users to interact with the content rather than simply consuming it passively.
The importance of CTAs in Instagram posts
CTAs are an essential tool for guiding your followers in their journey on Instagram. They not only enhance engagement – by encouraging specific actions – but they also facilitate the transformation of social interactions into measurable business results. A good CTA can increase your likes, shares, comments, but also redirect traffic to your website or generate direct sales. Without a clear CTA, users may consume your content without taking any action, significantly reducing the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.
Why use Call-to-actions on Instagram?
The benefits of CTAs on Instagram
Increased engagement
CTAs increase engagement by making interaction with your content more natural. For example, a post with a CTA asking "Tag a friend who would love this offer" directly encourages users to interact. Comments, likes, shares, or tags do not always happen spontaneously – CTAs allow you to solicit these actions in a simple and direct way. Moreover, the more interactions a post receives, the more it is highlighted by Instagram's algorithm, thus increasing its visibility.
On Instagram, users can discover your products or services organically, but CTAs play a crucial role in transforming them into real customers. A well-crafted CTA can lead them to visit your website, sign up for a newsletter, or even purchase directly from the app via Instagram Shopping features. For example, e-commerce businesses include CTAs like "Click the link in the bio to buy now", or "Shop this outfit directly with our new feature!".
The objectives of the CTA on Instagram
The role of CTAs in your posts
Instagram posts, whether they are photos, videos, or carousels, provide a valuable communication space for inserting a relevant CTA. A CTA in a post should encourage the audience to interact with the content based on the desired objective. If you want comments, ask for an opinion. If you seek to increase visibility, encourage sharing. CTAs enable you to maximise the potential of each post by transforming a simple "like" into a more engaged action and, potentially, more profitable.
The impact of the CTA on your post performance
Integrating CTAs into your posts can have a significant impact on your performance. Posts without CTAs are likely to generate passive engagement – likes without more. In contrast, by requesting specific actions, you activate the community, generate discussions, and increase interaction. This leads to better overall performance and a higher return on investment, especially if your CTAs are aligned with your marketing objectives (for example, more visits to a site or more conversions).
How to create an effective Call-to-action on Instagram?
Best practices for writing a CTA
The simplicity and clarity of the message
For a CTA to be effective, it must be simple and direct. Instagram users scroll quickly through hundreds of pieces of content every day. If your message is complicated or unclear, they will quickly move on. Your CTA should therefore be easy to understand and follow. For example, a CTA like "Click here to see our new collection" is much more effective than a long paragraph describing what the user should do.
The use of action verbs
Action verbs are your allies. They create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action. For example, verbs like "Buy", "Click", "Discover", "Try", or "Share" are clear and directly encourage users to act. Additionally, by using strong verbs, you create a dynamic in your post that captures attention and encourages the audience to act.
Examples of effective Call-to-actions
Here are some concrete examples of effective CTAs that you could use on Instagram:
Example 1: "Want to discover our latest trends? Swipe up to see our new collection!"
Example 2: "Tag a friend who absolutely needs to see this look!"
Example 3: "Click the link in our bio to learn more and enjoy 20% off your first order."
Case studies of successful brands
Brands like Nike and Glossier use CTAs innovatively to create an emotional connection with their audience. Nike, for example, frequently uses CTAs and hashtags like "Share your story with #JustDoIt" to encourage active participation from users and strengthen the sense of community around their brand. Glossier, on the other hand, favors direct CTAs like "Check out our new beauty routine – swipe now" to generate sales while engaging its followers.
What types of Call-to-actions are there for Instagram?
CTAs for regular posts
Examples of CTAs for photo and video posts
Regular posts, whether photos or videos, offer many opportunities to include CTAs. For example, you can ask your followers to double-tap a photo to show their appreciation or share an inspiring video with their network. Here are some examples:
"Double-tap if you agree!"
"Share this video with someone who could benefit from it."
Techniques to encourage action
To encourage even more actions, you can ask open-ended questions that provoke thought, or offer incentives like discounts or gifts for those who act quickly. For example, "Tell us in the comments what your favourite product is for a chance to win a free sample!"
CTAs for Instagram stories
Instagram stories are another powerful space for CTAs, particularly thanks to the interactive features available.
Examples of CTAs for stories
Instagram allows you to integrate features like "Swipe Up" (for accounts with more than 10,000 followers) or interactive stickers, which make it easy to create engaging CTAs:
"Swipe up to learn more about our new arrivals."
"Use our question sticker to share your thoughts with us."
The use of stickers and interactive features
Interactive stickers (questions, quizzes, polls, etc.) are a great way to capture attention and encourage engagement. For example, use a poll to ask your audience's opinion on a product, or a quiz to test their knowledge of your brand. These features help to encourage action while entertaining your followers.
CTAs for Reels
Strategies for integrating CTAs in Reels
Reels, with their short and engaging video format, are perfect for creative and dynamic CTAs. You can encourage users to like or share the video by incorporating a CTA at the end of the Reel, or even including it directly in the video's script. For example: "Tap twice if you love this content!" or "Share this Reel with your friends to inspire them."
The importance of CTAs in longer videos
Longer videos are ideal for including more detailed CTAs. Consider mentioning the CTA at the beginning and end of the video to maximize its effectiveness. Phrases like "Watch our full video and find out how you can get an exclusive discount!" work well to engage viewers throughout the video.
What tools and techniques can enhance your Instagram CTAs?
The use of Instagram insights:
Analyzing CTA performance
Instagram Insights is a powerful tool for measuring the effectiveness of your CTAs. It allows you to track key metrics like impressions, link clicks, interactions, and much more. By examining this data, you can determine which CTAs perform best and adjust your future strategies accordingly.
Adjustments based on collected data
With insights, you can refine your CTAs based on performance. If you notice that a certain type of CTA generates more clicks or shares, you can adapt your content to incorporate those elements into your future posts. This continuous optimization is key to a successful CTA strategy.
A/B testing to optimize CTAs:
Testing methods and continuous optimization
A/B testing is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of different CTAs. By testing two versions of the same post with different CTAs (for example, "Learn more" vs "Buy now"), you can analyze which message resonates more with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Examples of successful tests
Many brands use A/B testing to improve their results. For example, a clothing company tested two CTAs for a sales campaign. The first CTA, "Discover our new collection", generated 20% engagement, while the second, "Buy now", generated an additional 30% conversions. This simple modification of the CTA significantly improved the campaign's performance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Instagram Call-to-Actions
Call-to-Action: What is it?
A CTA is an explicit invitation to perform a specific action, whether it’s to comment, share, or purchase a product. The most effective CTAs are direct and compelling, offering clear value to the user.
What are the best examples of CTAs for Instagram?
The most high-performing CTAs use action verbs and elicit an immediate emotional response. For example, "Swipe to discover our exclusive surprise!" or "Share with a friend who would love this product!" capture attention and encourage engagement.
How to measure the effectiveness of CTAs on Instagram?
Tools like Instagram Insights allow you to measure the impact of your CTAs. By monitoring engagement rates, clicks, and conversions, you can assess their effectiveness and adjust your strategies to improve results.
Conclusion
Call-to-Actions on Instagram are essential tools for transforming a passive audience into an engaged community. By following best practices, using the right action verbs, and regularly testing different strategies, you can maximize the impact of your CTAs and achieve your marketing goals. Remember that each CTA is an opportunity to engage your followers and convert them into loyal customers.
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