Call to action buttons are silent assassins. They are usually the feature that is least focused on when creating ads. That’s kind of strange considering that it’s the thing most clicked on in an ad. Buttons take all the hits (a brilliant pun where I’ve used the word “hits” as in bullet shots and “hits” as in web traffic).
I’m not going to split test the call to action text or the color of the button. I’m going to focus on the shape of the buttons. What difference could a small change in shape make anyway? Now I’m not sure what percentage of websites use the rounded edge “2.0″ button, but it must be a lot. I’m thinking around 80% of websites opt for it.
- “Wow, that’s amazing Mr Green! 80% of online businesses have come up with the same split test result ruling that a rounded edge button is the highest converting shape!?”
I doubt it...I think it’s the typical “apple.com use it, so it must be good approach.”
Anyway enough chit-chat, let’s get down to action. The split test will consist of 12 different shapes as seen below. PlentyofFish.com will be the traffic source of choice.
The aim of the test is to find out which of the 12 shapes get the highest CTR (click-through-ratio). Not the prettiest bunch of buttons I know, but I want clicks not design cred.
- “Uhh..Mr Green the success of these buttons depends on the ad design it’s placed on. We need more info…show us the goods!“
Great call! Most likely I will stick with this one. A clean simple ad straight to the point. All buttons will be in the same position.
Blurry photos are winners!
I Challenge You:
Guess which of these buttons will win. Enter your answer in the comments section. Correct answers will go in the draw to win a Gold Pass ($549) to Affiliate Summit West in Vegas. Vote on the poll below too! (poll doesn’t count towards entries but will be used to show results in next post.)
I will run traffic to these buttons and post results in a few days. I will be extremely surprised if the majority vote wins this one!
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A.D.H.D readers: Click a button in the poll above, it’s a fun game.
Really looking forward to see the results!
Some related reading: http://www.getelastic.com/unusual-buttons/ http://www.wdfm.com/marketing-viewpoints/cta-butt…
Oh yeah, and button #2 will crash it.
I can't wait to see the results also! I want to win the Gold Pass.
I vote for button #10
are blurry photos really winners?!
Damn right because they look more real and personal than your usual stock photos.
break out the gaussian blur, yo.
slightly badly cropped pics also lead to the amateur-looking nature of it.
ive been told im really good at pushing people's buttons! hope that counts for a win
I vote for 9.
#2
I would say number two. I'm not sure the number ten will be the winner. Looking for the results too!
My vote is for number 10
I'm going to say #9.
Im saying button 4!
I'm going to go with #3 unless a girl can get a 180 flip on #10. I've literally split test 12 different colored envelopes in my DR days pre-AM days, so I can vouch the smallest details lift response. Bottoms up Button Boy!
I'm going with #3! And I've signed up to Twitter now as a result of an undeniable urge to vote
Oh man I gotta change that.
3# is a solid vote, but remember tampering with the traffic is not allowed
3 was my choice considering the ad it's being placed in. Surprised how little it is being picked. Also surprised how every one is picking the default every one uses it button
My vote is on #8, reminds me of a simple highlight
button 11 fo sho
trapezoids rule
#11, waiting to be surprised.
I'd use those 4 images you have at the bigging of your post; those look awesome
as for the main vote, I'm guessing #10
#10 fsho
Numero 9!
I didn't want to but I said #6 – does look the best right…. or am I just mind controlled by the "Web 2.0" avalanche of design on the web over the past year? Can't wait to A/B test my site!!
I'm sure you will find some smoking hot results.
Definitely, especially if we have your sweet sweet skills Mr Green. Catch you tomorrow bro
My money is on #9. Call it a hunch.
I'm guessing #2, but that seems like the obvious choice. Still…
My vote is for button 4.
I like 2,4, and 10 because they tend to lead the user with direction.
i am gg for #9. Odd shape usually gets the subconscious attention…at least thats what my subconscious think is odd..
Henry
calling #4 for my vote.. if the trapezoid wins your going to shatter my world.. lol should be a fun case study.
#12 for me.
6 ftw
#4
I guess # 2 will win. Looking forward to the results!
Lorenzo got some skill getting comments on his blog for sure, watch out shoemoney
I'll take #9 FTW, Mr. Green
My guess is 10. And I think the fact that you used it in the example ad is a trick to throw everyone else off picking it!
#4
My vote's for #9.
[...] http://www.mrgreen.am/plenty-of-fish-ads/12-buttons-1-winner-plenty-of-fish-case-study/ ads.pof.comHome [...]
I say buttton 2
#12 is the winner
Ten will win, mark my words.
Button 2!
I'll go for the underdog; button #8!
I vote for #6. People like what's familiar to them.
Button #10…all day long
#8 nurga, let's see
And when do we find out?
Tomorrow
I vote for #10.
I will WIN!!!!
I vote for # 9
#3 FTW based on the ad it's being used on…
3D-style buttons typically work best… so probably 11 in this case
That's a trapezoid.. not 3D.
I say # 3
I'm going for => number 10
I say 11!! Count me in..
I'm going to say #9.
Voting for #4
I think # 10
#11 gets my vote
I’d like to see the results as I might be able to use them to tailor my ads for freedatingscene.
[...] 12 Buttons 1 winner (Plenty of Fish Case Study) Call to action buttons are silent assassins. They are usually the feature that is least focused on when creating ads. That’s kind of strange considering that… [...]
I think the winning button will be No.6 but I have absolutely no idea why?
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