What does a Call to Action (CTA) typically prompt users to do?

A Call to Action (CTA) is a marketing term that refers to a prompt on a website or in marketing materials that encourages users to take a specific action. This action can be anything from making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, downloading a resource, or any other goal that the marketer is trying to achieve. The essence of a CTA is its focused directive, designed to lead the user toward a desired outcome, making the "take specified action" choice particularly appropriate.

In many marketing contexts, CTAs are crafted to be clear, concise, and compelling, often using action-oriented language that drives the user to engage immediately. By effectively prompting users to act, a well-placed CTA can significantly improve engagement rates, conversions, and overall success of marketing efforts. This is why "take specified action" is the most fitting definition for the purpose of a CTA, distinguishing it from other more general user behaviors like browsing, leaving reviews, or filling out surveys, which may not align specifically with the goal of driving immediate user action.