digitalghost - 12:01 pm on May 17, 2003 (gmt 0)

>>Doesn't the fact that this sort of language is persistent annoy customers

Stick to the truth and it won't annoy anyone. If you offer free shipping if they act now, you're fine. Run 50% off specials for 30 days and you're fine. Don't use Act Now And Shipping Is Free if you always offer free shipping.

Supply the details of your call-to-action with the much-hated asterik. ;) The reason those persistent calls to action remain is because they are effective.

You can also use, "First Time Buyers Receive Free Shipping - Click to Order".

The most important thing to remember is to be truthful. If you offer, "Free Glo-Pen With Purchase" and you send them their order on time and don't ship a Glo-Pen, you'll get email about the Glo-Pen.

Now, if you visit a site in January and they are offering free shipping NOW, and you return in February to order and the free shipping offer no longer exists do you commend the site for running an honest call-to-action or berate yourself for missing out on the free shipping?

As long as you keep your call-to-action honest, you should be fine. If you're using a dishonest call-to-action you shouldn't be in the marketing business.

The idea is to get the reader to act, preferably right then. If you're hawking your newsletter you could use, Sign Up Now And Receive A Free Download Of Our Top Affiliate Marketing Tips e-Book.

[edited by: digitalghost at 12:08 pm (utc) on May 17, 2003]