10 Action-Oriented Words to Boost CTA Click Rates

Every single day, thousands of marketing emails and landing page messages are sent into the wild, only to end up completely ignored.

Readers open the email, skim the text, scroll past the main offer, and leave without clicking a single link. When open rates look reasonable but sales or sign-ups stay flat, the issue often points straight to the call to action (CTA).

A call to action is the single bridge between a reader’s attention and your business goal. Yet, most creators, solopreneurs, and small business owners rely on standard, generic phrases like “Click Here,” “Submit,” or “Learn More.” These passive terms fail to create excitement or signal value. They sound like homework rather than an exciting opportunity.

To turn passive readers into active buyers or subscribers, changing the dynamic on your CTA buttons is essential. Action-oriented verbs tell your reader exactly what value they gain the moment their mouse hits the button.

By replacing boring, transactional language with strong action verbs, you can significantly increase email click rates and drive meaningful results across your campaigns.

Why Words Matter on Your Call to Action Buttons

The primary reason CTAs fail is psychological friction. When someone reads “Submit,” their brain registers work, data submission, or loss of privacy. When they see “Buy Now,” their brain immediately thinks about losing money.

Effective copywriting shifts the focus from what the reader has to give up to what they stand to gain. Action-oriented verbs focus on benefit, motion, and immediate satisfaction. They create momentum by describing the outcome of the action rather than the mechanical step of clicking a mouse.

When crafting email campaigns, newsletters, or landing pages, every word on a button matters. Using specific, action-focused verbs helps you:

• Clear up confusion: The subscriber instantly understands what happens next.
• Reduce hesitation: Strong action verbs replace doubt with anticipation.
• Increase perceived value: Focus shifts to the benefit, reward, or solution you are offering.
• Improve click-through metrics: Better copy leads directly to better overall email click-through rates.

10 Action-Oriented Words to Boost CTA Click Rates

Here are 10 proven, high-converting action words that can transform your calls to action from ignored buttons into click magnets.

1. Get

The word “Get” is one of the most powerful action verbs in marketing because it directly focuses on receiving a benefit. Unlike “Submit” or “Download,” which describe the technical task, “Get” highlights the reward waiting for the reader.

When someone sees the word “Get,” their focus naturally moves to the item or outcome following it. It creates an immediate sense of ownership and personal gain.

• Boring alternative: Download PDF
• Action-oriented update: Get My Free Guide
• Best used for: Lead magnets, free downloads, cheat sheets, and discount codes.

2. Claim

“Claim” introduces an element of ownership, entitlement, and slight urgency. It implies that a reward, gift, or offer has already been set aside for the reader, and all they need to do is pick it up before it disappears.

This word works especially well because people naturally dislike missing out on things already set aside for them. Using “Claim” makes your offer feel like a special privilege rather than a public pitch.

• Boring alternative: Apply Discount
• Action-oriented update: Claim Your 20% Off
• Best used for: Special promotional discounts, limited-time bonuses, webinar seats, and subscriber rewards.

3. Start

“Start” implies momentum, progress, and low initial commitment. It invites the reader to take the first simple step on a larger journey without feeling overwhelmed by the entire process.

Words like “Register” or “Purchase” sound heavy and demanding. “Start” sounds light, quick, and encouraging. It focuses on the positive beginning of a goal the reader already wants to achieve.

• Boring alternative: Registration Page
• Action-oriented update: Start Building Today
• Best used for: Free trials, onboarding sequences, educational courses, and automated drip sequences.

4. Discover

“Discover” taps into human curiosity. It framed your link not as a sales pitch, but as an opportunity to unearth useful information, hidden strategies, or valuable insights.

This action verb removes sales pressure entirely. It positions your content as an exciting reveal, making readers curious to see what lies on the other side of the link.

• Boring alternative: Read Article
• Action-oriented update: Discover 5 Easy Hacks
• Best used for: Blog post links, case studies, newsletter updates, and product launches.

5. Unlock

Similar to “Discover,” the word “Unlock” creates a powerful mental image. It suggests that valuable information or access is currently locked away, and clicking the button is the key to opening it.

Using “Unlock” adds an element of exclusivity. It makes the reader feel like an insider receiving access to resources that are not available to everyone else.

• Boring alternative: View Content
• Action-oriented update: Unlock Exclusive Access
• Best used for: Premium newsletter editions, gated digital downloads, VIP programs, and digital products.

6. Join

Humans naturally desire community and connection. The word “Join” leverages social proof and belonging, inviting readers to become part of a larger group of like-minded individuals.

Instead of asking someone to “Subscribe” (which can sound like signing up for spam), asking them to “Join” makes them feel included in a movement, community, or exclusive club.

• Boring alternative: Subscribe to Newsletter
• Action-oriented update: Join 5,000+ Smart Creators
• Best used for: Newsletter sign-ups, online communities, membership launches, and masterclasses.

7. Grab

“Grab” is casual, energetic, and conveys quickness. It suggests that taking action is fast, easy, and immediate.

Because “Grab” is an informal action verb, it breaks down professional stiffness and builds a warm, friendly connection with your reader. It works exceptionally well for quick-win resources that take very little time to use.

• Boring alternative: Download Template
• Action-oriented update: Grab Your Free Template
• Best used for: Free checklists, swipe files, quick resource guides, and short mini-courses.

8. Build

“Build” empowers the reader by placing them in the driver’s seat. It focuses on creation, constructive progress, and long-term results.

When readers see “Build,” they imagine the final asset or skill they are going to create for themselves. It transforms the click from a simple action into a constructive personal investment.

• Boring alternative: Learn SEO
• Action-oriented update: Build Your Traffic Engine
• Best used for: Software tools, instructional guides, business coaching offers, and skill-building workshops.

9. Save

“Save” directly addresses two of the most critical resources every reader wants to protect: time and money. It creates immediate value by highlighting practical relief from effort or expense.

Whether you are offering a financial discount or a timesaving solution, “Save” clearly communicates that clicking the button will protect the reader’s resources.

• Boring alternative: View Pricing
• Action-oriented update: Save 30% Today
• Best used for: Flash sales, promotional checkout pages, productivity tools, and annual subscription upgrades.

10. Try

“Try” is one of the lowest-friction action words in email marketing and copywriting. It eliminates the fear of making a permanent commitment or bad purchase decision.

Asking someone to “Buy” requires total commitment. Asking them to “Try” invites them to test things out with zero pressure, lowering their guard and increasing conversion rates.

• Boring alternative: Buy Subscription
• Action-oriented update: Try It Risk-Free
• Best used for: Software demos, pay-as-you-go services, sample chapters, and free trial offers.

Best Practices to Pair with Your Action Words

Using strong action words is a massive step forward, but the words on your button work alongside design and context. Combining strong verbs with proven email copywriting strategies ensures your calls to action deliver the highest possible click rates.

Frame Copy from the Reader’s Point of View

Whenever possible, phrase your CTA buttons in the first person (“I” or “My”) rather than second person (“You” or “Your”).

• Second person: Get Your Blueprint
• First person: Get My Free Blueprint

Studies consistently show that first-person copy increases click rates because it mirrors the internal thoughts of the reader. When someone reads the button text in their mind, “Get My Free Blueprint” feels like a personal choice.

Keep Button Copy Concise

A call to action button is not a paragraph. Aim for two to five words total. The action verb should sit right at the beginning of the button text so the main takeaway is instantly visible even if the reader is just skimming.

Optimize Button Colors and Contrast

Word choice loses its power if readers cannot physically spot your CTA button within two seconds of scrolling through an email or page. Ensure your button stands out clearly against your background color.

Choosing the best call-to-action colors comes down to high contrast and visual hierarchy. If your email layout is mostly white and blue, an orange or green CTA button creates instant visual pop.

Align CTAs Across Forms and Landing Pages

Consistency builds trust. The action word you use in your email body or subject line should match the headline on your destination page.

If your email button says “Grab Your Free Checklist,” make sure the headline on your landing page says “Grab Your Free Checklist Below.” When building high-converting sign-up flows, creating irresistible opt-in forms with matching CTA copy keeps user friction near zero.

How MailDrip Simplifies Email Marketing for Creators and Businesses

Writing clear, high-converting calls to action shouldn’t feel like a daunting task, nor should sending those messages to your audience. Many email platforms overwhelm you with dense analytics dashboards, complex menu systems, and steep monthly fees for features you never end up using.

At MailDrip, email marketing has been rethought from the ground up for creators, solopreneurs, digital marketers, and personal brands who simply want tools that work smoothly.

Instead of dealing with heavy technical friction or confusing automation builders, MailDrip provides a simple, quiet space to write campaigns, grow your list, and connect meaningfully with your audience.

Here is how MailDrip makes reaching your audience simple and stress-free:

• Clean, distraction-free interface: Focus entirely on your message and your audience without wrestling complicated dashboards.
• Built-in landing pages and opt-in forms: You do not even need a personal website to start capturing leads. You can launch conversion-focused sign-up pages right out of the box when building landing pages that convert.
• Flexible sending power: Connect a personal Gmail account directly to send up to 500 emails per day, or upgrade to a business workspace to seamlessly send up to 2,000 daily emails directly from your dashboard.
• Automated drip sequences: Set up automated welcome series or lead-nurturing sequences once, and let them deliver your high-converting CTAs on autopilot.
• Transparent pricing model: Start completely free with 1,000 free emails and unlimited contacts. When you’re ready to scale, check out our transparent pricing options featuring Pay As You Go email credits, so you only pay for what you actually use.
• Real human support: Whenever you need help, access friendly 24/7 support via chat, email, or WhatsApp from real people committed to your growth.

Explore all our intuitive features to see how easy launching your next automated email sequence can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single best action word for a CTA?

There is no single “magic” word that works for every campaign, but “Get” consistently performs among the highest across industries. This is because “Get” immediately signals value and benefit to the reader, shifting their focus away from the effort required.

How many CTA buttons should I include in a single email?

For most campaign emails, it is best to stick to one primary call to action. Including too many different links or competing choices creates decision fatigue, which often causes readers to take no action at all. If your email is long, you can repeat the same primary CTA button at both the middle and end of your message.

Should I capitalize every word on my CTA button?

Title Case (e.g., “Get My Free Guide”) or Sentence Case (e.g., “Get my free guide”) are both widely accepted and easy to read. Avoid using ALL CAPS for long CTAs, as text in all capital letters can feel aggressive to readers and is harder to skim quickly.

Does changing just one word on a CTA button really improve conversions?

Yes, small changes in copy frequently produce measurable results. Replacing a passive word like “Submit” with an action-focused phrase like “Claim My Discount” clearly communicates value, reducing subscriber hesitation at the exact moment of decision.

Ready to Elevate Your Email Click Rates?

Improving your email performance doesn’t require complex marketing strategies or bloated tools. By replacing dull, transactional terms with vivid, benefit-driven action words like Get, Claim, Start, and Unlock, you give your readers a clear reason to click every single time.

If you’re ready to stop wrestling with confusing software and start running email campaigns that drive real growth, create a free MailDrip account today and send your first 1,000 emails on us.

Which generic call to action on your website or in your emails will you replace with a high-converting action verb today?