Scout Guide: Crafting CTAs That Work (and Don’t Feel Cringe)

Struggling to get your audience to take action? Discover simple, proven tweaks to craft CTAs that grab attention, inspire engagement, and drive results—no fluff, just strategies that work!
Written by
Joy McNamara
Published On
2 weeks ago

3 min read

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Scout Guide to Writing CTAs That Work

(And Don’t Make You Sound Salesy)

Your CTAs (calls-to-action) are the key to turning casual scrollers into active followers, leads, and even clients. But not all CTAs are created equal. The best ones grab attention, inspire action, and feel authentic.

Let’s break down some simple tweaks to make your CTAs more effective, using Scout Media’s favorite Don’t Say This >> Say This approach. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in extra tips for next-level engagement.


Why CTAs Matter

A well-crafted CTA can:

  • Help you grow your audience
  • Boost engagement on posts
  • Drive traffic to your website or offers
  • Build a loyal community of followers

But vague or uninspired CTAs can leave your audience scrolling right past. The key is to make your audience want to take the action.


Don’t Say This >> Say This: A Better Way to CTA

Here are a few common CTAs—and how to make them pop:

1. To Get More Followers or Clients

Don’t Say: DM me for my guide
Say: Drop a 🔥 in the comments to grab my free guide!

👉 Why this works: Inviting comments creates engagement, and using emojis adds personality. Plus, it’s clear and action-focused.

2. To Encourage Learning More

Don’t Say: DM me to learn more
Say: Curious? Comment “Learn” for the deets!

👉 Why this works: It uses conversational language to intrigue the audience and lowers the barrier to engagement.

3. To Promote Your Website

Don’t Say: DM me to check out my website
Say: Hit the link in my bio to see what’s cooking!

👉 Why this works: Directing people to your bio link is easier for them and keeps things streamlined.

4. For Post Engagement

Don’t Say: Like this post
Say: Feeling this? Double tap!

👉 Why this works: It’s conversational, fun, and tied to the reader’s emotions—an instant win for engagement.

5. To Encourage Saving Posts

Don’t Say: Save this post for later
Say: Need this later? 📌 it now!

👉 Why this works: Using an emoji and simple wording makes it playful yet clear.

6. To Promote Sharing

Don’t Say: Share this post
Say: Send this to the one friend who gets it!

👉 Why this works: Framing it as a personal action makes the share feel more meaningful.

7. For Follows

Don’t Say: Follow for more content
Say: Follow me for [specific benefit, e.g., daily biz tips that actually work].

👉 Why this works: It’s direct and lets your audience know what value they’ll get by following.


Extra Tips to Boost Your CTA Game

If you want your CTAs to really shine, keep these tips in mind:

1. Focus on Reader Benefits

People need to know what’s in it for them. Highlight how taking action will make their life easier, better, or more fun.

  • Example: “Want to grow your business? Follow me for proven strategies.”

2. Create Urgency

FOMO (fear of missing out) is real! Adding a time limit or exclusive offer can nudge people to act immediately.

  • Example: “🚨 Only 24 hours left! Comment ‘Guide’ to grab this offer!”

3. Personalize the CTA

Speak directly to your audience as if you’re having a conversation.

  • Example: “Hey, you! Save this post for your next project!”

4. Incorporate Humor or Emotion

Relatable CTAs connect on a deeper level and make people feel seen.

  • Example: “Feeling this? Double tap if you get it!”

5. Be Specific About Actions

Clarity is key. Tell your audience exactly what to do and why.

  • Example: “Need more leads? Comment ‘Help’ to get my checklist!”

6. Tie Actions to Pain Points or Desires

Show how taking action can solve a problem or achieve a goal.

  • Example: “Struggling to grow your audience? Save this post for strategies that work.”

7. Leverage Trends

Use current slang, memes, or trending phrases to keep things fresh and relevant.

  • Example: “Slay your marketing goals—follow for daily inspo!”

How to Test and Refine Your CTAs

Not all CTAs will resonate with every audience. The secret? Experimentation.

  • Try different styles (emotional, humorous, bold)
  • Track engagement metrics (likes, comments, clicks)
  • Double down on what works

Remember: One post = one CTA. Keep it simple and focused.

Download our quick guide to help you next time you’re writing a CTA!


Final Thoughts

CTAs are your chance to guide your audience toward taking meaningful action. With a few tweaks and a little creativity, you can turn a basic prompt into a powerful motivator.

What’s your favorite CTA style? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear!

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