Try Different Headlines and Calls to Action to See What Works Best
Running ads for your business? You might wonder which words get people to click or take action. The good news is you don’t have to guess. You can test different versions to see what works best.
What Is Testing Different Versions?
Testing different versions means trying two or more options for your ad’s headline or call to action (the part that tells people what to do, like “Call Now” or “Get Your Free Quote”). You show each version to a small group of people and see which one gets better results. Then, you use the winning version for everyone else.
This helps you avoid wasting money on ads that don’t work as well. It’s like trying two different signs in your store window and seeing which one brings in more customers.
How to Test Headlines
Your headline is the first thing people see. A small change can make a big difference. Here’s how to test:
- Keep it simple. Test one change at a time—like swapping “Save Money Today” for “Get 20% Off Now.”
- Make the difference clear. Don’t test two similar versions. Try one that focuses on price and another that focuses on speed or quality.
- Give it time. Run each version for at least a few days to get enough data.
How to Test Calls to Action
The call to action (CTA) tells people what to do next. Testing different CTAs can help you find the words that get the best response. Try these ideas:
- Direct vs. friendly. Compare “Buy Now” with “Let’s Get Started.”
- Urgency vs. no urgency. Test “Limited Time Offer” against “Available Now.”
- Different actions. See if “Call Us” works better than “Book Online.”
How to Set Up the Test
Most ad platforms let you run tests easily. Here’s how:
- Create two versions of your ad with one difference (headline or CTA).
- Set the ads to run at the same time to the same type of audience.
- Let them run long enough to get clear results (usually a few days to a week).
- Check which version gets more clicks, calls, or sales.
- Use the better-performing version moving forward.
Why This Helps Your Business
Testing isn’t just for big companies. Small changes can lead to more customers and sales without spending extra money. When you know what works, you can use those words in other ads, emails, or even on your website.
This also builds trust. When people respond better to certain messages, it means you’re speaking their language. Over time, you’ll get better at knowing what your customers want to hear.
Keep It Going
Testing isn’t a one-time thing. Customer preferences change, so try new ideas every few months. The more you test, the more you’ll learn about what makes your audience take action.
You don’t need fancy tools or a big budget—just a willingness to try small changes and see what happens. Start with one test this week, and you might be surprised by the results.
Happy testing—your best ad could be just one small tweak away!
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