How to Write Button Text That Actually Gets Clicks

Improve your site's conversion rates with clear, action-focused button text that communicates value and drives user actions effectively.

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Last Edited Time
Jul 2, 2025 04:15 PM
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Platform
Web Design
Category
Design Theory
Topic
CTA
AI summary
Effective button text boosts conversions by being clear, specific, and action-oriented. Use concise phrases that communicate the benefit and outcome, and always test different versions to find the most effective option.
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How to Write Button Text That Actually Gets Clicks

Boost your site's conversion rates by refining your button text.
TL;DR: Key Points
  • Button text significantly impacts website conversions
  • Use clear, specific, and action-oriented language in button text
  • The best button text communicates the value of what's next
  • Keep text brief yet informative to guide user actions effectively
  • Testing different texts can help identify the most effective option

Why Button Text Matters More Than You Think

Button text isn't just a minor detail. It's the final nudge that turns visitors into customers, subscribers, or leads. Good button text tells people exactly what happens when they click and why they should bother.
Think about it: someone's made it through your website, read your content, and now they're hovering over your button. What you write there can make or break the conversion.

What Makes Button Text Work

The best button text does three things:
It's clear. No guessing games. Visitors know exactly what happens next.
It's specific. Vague phrases like 'Learn More' or 'Submit' don't cut it. Be precise about the outcome.
It's action-focused. Use strong verbs that create urgency and momentum.
Instead of boring everyone with 'Submit', try 'Get Your Free Report'. Rather than the lazy 'Click Here', use 'Start Your Free Trial'.
The difference? These examples tell visitors what they'll get, not just what they need to do.

How to Write Better Button Text

Here's my process for crafting buttons that convert:
  1. Define the outcome. What exactly happens after they click?
  1. Identify the benefit. What's in it for them?
  1. Choose action words. Start with verbs like 'Get', 'Start', 'Download', or 'Join'
  1. Keep it short. Aim for 2-5 words when possible
  1. Test it. Try different versions to see what works
Pixelhaze Tip: When stuck, ask yourself: 'If I explained this button to someone over the phone, what would I say?' That's usually closer to the right answer than corporate-speak.

Common Button Text Mistakes

Too vague: 'Learn More' doesn't tell me what I'm learning about.
Too corporate: 'Request Information' sounds like homework.
Too pushy: 'BUY NOW!!!' feels desperate.
Too long: 'Click here to download our comprehensive guide' is a mouthful.

Examples That Work

  • 'Download Free Template' (instead of 'Download')
  • 'Get My Quote' (instead of 'Submit')
  • 'Join 1000+ Subscribers' (instead of 'Subscribe')
  • 'Book Free Consultation' (instead of 'Contact Us')
  • 'Start Building' (instead of 'Get Started')
Notice how each one tells you the action AND the benefit.

Testing Your Button Text

Don't guess what works. Test it. Try two different versions of the same button and see which gets more clicks. Even small changes can make a big difference.
I've seen conversion rates jump 20% just by changing 'Sign Up' to 'Get Free Access'. Worth testing, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should button text be clear and concise?

Clear button text removes friction. When people know exactly what happens next and why it benefits them, they're more likely to click. Confused visitors don't convert.

What are some tips for choosing effective button text?

Start with action words. Be specific about the outcome. Include the benefit when possible. Keep it short but complete. And always test different options to see what works best for your audience.

Is there a risk of making button text too long?

Yes. Long button text can confuse people or make buttons look cluttered. Aim for the sweet spot: enough information to be clear, but short enough to scan quickly.

Jargon Buster

Conversions: When website visitors take the action you want them to take, like making a purchase, signing up for your newsletter, or downloading something.
Call to Action (CTA): The button, link, or text that tells people what to do next. Usually designed to stand out and encourage clicks.
Value Proposition: The specific benefit someone gets from your product or service. What makes it worth their time and money.

The Bottom Line

Good button text can be the difference between a visitor and a customer. It doesn't take long to write, but it can have a massive impact on your results.
Stop using generic phrases like 'Submit' or 'Click Here'. Instead, tell people exactly what they'll get and why they should want it. Your conversion rates will thank you.

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