Sticky CTAs for Long Pages
TL;DR:
- Sticky CTAs keep important actions visible as users scroll through long content
- Position them at the bottom of the screen for mobile-friendly design
- Keep the design subtle and non-intrusive to avoid annoying visitors
- Always include a close or dismiss option for users who don't want to engage
- Match your CTA to the page content for better conversion rates
Long pages lose visitors when they have to hunt for action buttons. When your content stretches beyond a couple of screen lengths, users get frustrated scrolling back to find that signup form or contact button they saw earlier.
Sticky CTAs solve this problem by keeping your most important actions visible as people scroll. Done right, they boost engagement without cluttering the experience.
Why Sticky CTAs Work
Think about how you browse on your phone. You scroll through content, get interested, then want to take action. Having to scroll back up to find a button breaks that momentum. A sticky CTA captures that moment when someone's ready to act.
The key is making them helpful, not annoying. Users should feel like you're making their life easier, not pestering them.
Designing Effective Sticky CTAs
Keep the Design Subtle
Your sticky CTA should feel like part of the page, not a popup ad. Use slim bars or small buttons that complement your existing design. Stick to colours that match your brand palette rather than screaming neon shades.
The goal is visibility without distraction. If your CTA pulls attention away from your content, it's too aggressive.
Position at the Bottom
Bottom placement works best for most sites. It stays out of the way while people read but remains accessible when they're ready to act. This approach works particularly well on mobile devices where screen space is limited.
Top-positioned sticky elements can block content or navigation, which creates a poor user experience.
Make It Dismissible
Always include a close button or dismiss option. Some users want to focus on reading without any distractions. Respecting this choice builds trust and keeps people on your page longer.
A simple 'X' button or 'Hide' option does the job perfectly.
Match Content to Action
Your sticky CTA should relate to what's on the page. If you're writing about web design services, your CTA might be 'Get a Quote' or 'Book a Consultation'. Don't use generic 'Click Here' buttons that could apply to anything.
Implementation Considerations
Most modern website builders, including Squarespace 7.1, offer built-in options for sticky elements. Custom code solutions give you more control but require technical knowledge.
Consider how your sticky CTA behaves on different screen sizes. What works on desktop might overwhelm a mobile screen, so test across devices.
Think about timing too. Showing a sticky CTA immediately can feel pushy. Waiting until someone's engaged with your content often works better.
FAQs
How do I add a sticky CTA to my Squarespace site?
Squarespace 7.1 includes sticky scroll options in the design panel. For custom sticky CTAs, you'll need to add CSS code through the Custom CSS panel or use a code injection.
Should sticky CTAs appear on every page?
No, use them strategically on pages where you want specific actions. Blog posts, service pages, and landing pages are good candidates. Avoid them on pages like contact forms where they might be redundant.
What's the best size for a sticky CTA?
Keep it compact. A slim bar across the bottom or a small button in the corner works well. Anything that covers more than 10-15% of the screen height becomes intrusive.
Jargon Buster
Sticky CTA: A call-to-action button or banner that stays visible as users scroll down a page
Mobile-friendly: Design that works well on smartphones and tablets with smaller screens
Conversion rate: The percentage of visitors who complete a desired action like signing up or making a purchase
Wrap-up
Sticky CTAs help long pages convert better by keeping important actions within reach. The trick is making them helpful rather than annoying. Focus on subtle design, smart positioning, and giving users control over their experience.
When done right, sticky CTAs feel like a natural part of your page that makes life easier for visitors. Test different approaches to find what works best for your specific content and audience.
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