The Role of CTAs in Boosting Shares and Saves: What to Say and How to Say It
- Digital Marketing Handbooks
- Aug 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Let’s be honest—creating amazing content is only half the battle on Instagram. The real magic happens when your audience engages with it. Whether you want people to share your post, save it for later, or interact with your brand in a meaningful way, a clear Call to Action (CTA) can make all the difference.
CTAs are those little nudges that tell your audience what you want them to do next—and trust me, they work! In this post, we’ll explore the role of CTAs in boosting shares and saves, why they’re essential for your content strategy, and how to craft the perfect one for your audience.
Why CTAs Are Essential for Shares and Saves
Instagram is full of incredible content, but without a little direction, your audience might scroll past your post—even if they love it. That’s where CTAs come in. Here’s why they’re so important:
1. They Drive Engagement
A well-placed CTA encourages your audience to take action, whether it’s saving your post, sharing it with a friend, or leaving a comment.
2. They Boost Algorithm Performance
The more people save and share your content, the more the Instagram algorithm favors it. This means greater visibility and a higher chance of reaching new audiences.
3. They Reinforce Your Content’s Value
A CTA like “Save this for later!” reminds your audience that your content is worth revisiting—whether it’s a helpful tip, inspiring quote, or actionable advice.
How to Write Effective CTAs
Crafting a CTA that resonates with your audience isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of thought. Here’s how to do it:
1. Keep It Clear and Direct
People need to know exactly what you’re asking them to do. Use simple, action-oriented language that leaves no room for confusion.
Example:
Instead of: “Check this out if you want more info.”
Try: “Save this post for quick tips on meal prep!”
2. Match the CTA to the Content
Your CTA should feel natural and relevant to the content you’re sharing.
Examples:
For a Tutorial Post: “Save this for your next DIY project!”
For a Quote: “Share this with someone who needs this reminder today.”
For an Educational Post: “Tag a friend who would find this helpful!”
3. Make It Relatable
CTAs that tap into emotions or common experiences tend to perform better.
Example:
For a fitness post: “Struggling to stay motivated? Save these tips for when you need a little push!”
4. Add a Sense of Urgency
Creating a sense of urgency encourages immediate action.
Examples:
“Don’t forget to save this before it gets lost in your feed!”
“Tag your workout buddy before your next session!”
5. Use Visual Cues
If your CTA is part of an infographic or carousel, include visual elements like arrows, bold text, or icons to draw attention to it.
Example:
On a checklist graphic:“✅ Don’t forget to save this for your next shopping trip!”
CTAs Tailored to Different Content Types
Not all CTAs are created equal. The type of content you’re sharing should guide your approach. Here are examples tailored to popular Instagram post formats:
1. For Educational Posts
Educational content is highly saveable because it provides long-term value.
Examples of CTAs:
“Save this post to master these strategies later!”
“Tag a friend who’s always looking for Instagram tips!”
“Share this with your team to level up your social media game.”
2. For Inspirational Quotes
Inspirational quotes are designed to be shared and saved as reminders.
Examples of CTAs:
“Share this with someone who inspires you!”
“Save this post for those days when you need extra motivation.”
“Tag a friend who needs this reminder today!”
3. For Reels
Reels are highly shareable, making them a great opportunity for CTAs.
Examples of CTAs:
“Tag a friend who would laugh at this!”
“Share this Reel if you’ve been in this situation before!”
“Send this to someone who needs a pick-me-up!”
4. For Checklists or How-To Posts
Checklists and tutorials are inherently actionable, so your CTA should reinforce that value.
Examples of CTAs:
“Save this checklist for your next trip!”
“Share this guide with someone planning a wedding!”
“Tag a friend who needs this in their life!”
5. For Story Posts
Stories are great for quick, interactive CTAs that encourage participation.
Examples of CTAs:
“Tap the link in our bio to learn more!”
“Reply to this Story and share your thoughts!”
“Swipe up to grab this exclusive freebie!”
Tips for Delivering CTAs Authentically
Your CTAs shouldn’t feel forced or overly salesy. Here’s how to keep them authentic:
Make It Conversational: Use a tone that matches your brand’s personality. For example, a playful brand might say: “Don’t be shy—hit save!”
Add Value: Reinforce why saving or sharing your content benefits your audience.
Engage Directly: Use words like “you” to make it feel personal (e.g., “Save this for your next lazy Sunday!”).
Test and Learn: Experiment with different CTAs and analyze which ones drive the most engagement.
Measuring the Impact of Your CTAs
To see how well your CTAs are working, track these key metrics:
Saves and Shares: Use Instagram Insights to monitor how many people are saving or sharing your posts.
Engagement Rate: Look at likes, comments, and DMs to gauge overall interaction.
Reach and Impressions: Increased shares can lead to greater visibility, so keep an eye on your post reach.
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Strong CTA
A strong CTA isn’t just an afterthought—it’s the bridge between creating great content and inspiring your audience to take action. Whether you’re encouraging your followers to save a helpful checklist, share an inspiring quote, or tag a friend in a funny Reel, the right CTA can significantly boost your engagement and help your content reach more people.
Now it’s your turn! What’s your go-to CTA, and how has it worked for your brand? Share your experiences in the comments below or tag us in your next post—we’d love to see how you’re driving engagement!
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