Want more clicks and conversions? It all comes down to where you place your CTAs (calls-to-action). The two most common options - sidebar CTAs and inline CTAs - serve different purposes and deliver varying results.

Here’s the quick takeaway: Inline CTAs outperform sidebar CTAs by a huge margin. With conversion rates between 1.8% and 6.09%, inline CTAs are over 10x more effective than sidebar CTAs, which typically convert at less than 1%.

Why the difference? Sidebar CTAs often get ignored due to "banner blindness", while inline CTAs grab attention by blending naturally into content. But that doesn’t mean sidebar CTAs are useless - they’re great for visibility and evergreen offers like newsletter signups.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Sidebar CTAs: Always visible, non-intrusive, but suffer from low engagement and mobile issues.

• Inline CTAs: Highly relevant, better conversion rates, but placement must be strategic.

Quick Comparison:

The best strategy? Combine both types. Use sidebar CTAs for visibility and inline CTAs for relevance. Together, they can boost engagement without overwhelming your audience.

Where Should You Place Your Call to Action Button? Here Are 3 Conversion Rate Optimization Tips

What Are Sidebar CTAs?

Sidebar CTAs, or call-to-action elements, are positioned in the vertical column alongside a webpage's main content. They usually appear on either the left or right side and are designed to promote things like email signups, downloadable resources, or other conversion-focused offers.

One of their key advantages is their ability to stay visible as users scroll, creating ongoing engagement opportunities without interfering with the reading experience. This makes them particularly useful for promoting evergreen content like newsletters or downloadable guides.

To be effective, sidebar CTAs should match the context of the page they’re on. Design elements like contrasting colors, concise messaging, and plenty of white space can make a big difference. In fact, research shows that CTAs with more white space and less visual clutter can boost conversion rates by up to 232% [2].

Benefits of Sidebar CTAs

• Always visible: They stay on-screen as users scroll, giving multiple chances to grab attention.

• Non-intrusive: Users can continue reading without being interrupted, while still having the option to engage.

• Great for evergreen offers: Perfect for consistent promotions like newsletters or free downloads, as they can appear across multiple pages.

• Flexible design space: Sidebars allow room for creative visuals, detailed copy, or even interactive features. For example, ProBlogger places its main CTA prominently at the top of the sidebar, alongside social buttons and navigation links.

• Audience targeting: Sidebar CTAs can be customized for specific user groups based on behavior or demographics, increasing relevance and engagement.

Drawbacks of Sidebar CTAs

• Banner blindness: Many users tend to ignore elements resembling ads, which can limit a sidebar CTA’s impact.

• Lower conversion rates: Sidebar CTAs often convert at rates between 0.5% and 1.5% [1], meaning you’ll need more traffic to achieve significant results.

• Mobile visibility issues: On mobile devices, sidebars often collapse or disappear, reducing the CTA’s reach for mobile visitors.

• Competing elements: A cluttered sidebar filled with ads, social buttons, or navigation links can make the CTA less noticeable.

• Less contextual relevance: Unlike inline CTAs that naturally fit within the content, sidebar CTAs must work independently of the reader’s current position on the page.

While sidebar CTAs excel in maintaining visibility, inline CTAs integrate seamlessly into the content itself. Each serves its own purpose depending on your goals and strategy.

What Are Inline CTAs?

Inline CTAs, or call-to-action elements, are embedded directly within the main body of a webpage or article. These typically take the form of hyperlinked text that naturally guides readers to a landing page or resource. By blending into the narrative, they feel less intrusive and more relevant, often appearing around the midpoint of a piece where engagement tends to peak [4].

Doug Messel explains it well:

"Anytime you use anchor text like 'learn more about [a topic]' or 'explore the benefits of [your service]' within the body of a paragraph, those are technically CTAs. But they may not feel as aggressive as something you might find at the conclusion of a blog post or a brightly colored ribbon or graphic. If you have to insert multiple graphic or ribbon CTAs into a piece, space them out as much as you can." [3]

This subtle approach makes inline CTAs an interesting tool, but it’s important to weigh their benefits and limitations.

Benefits of Inline CTAs

• They flow naturally within the content, making them feel relevant and timely, which can increase the chances of user interaction.

• By appearing in the middle of the reader’s journey, they create a smooth shift from consuming information to taking action.

Drawbacks of Inline CTAs

• Their success heavily depends on strategic placement - if they appear in spots that don't align with the reader's focus, they might go unnoticed or fail to engage.

Sidebar vs Inline CTAs: Direct Comparison

When it comes to user engagement and conversions, inline CTAs leave sidebar CTAs in the dust. Data reveals that placement plays a massive role in shaping your conversion strategy, and the numbers back it up.

Inline CTAs boast 121% higher click-through rates compared to sidebar CTAs [5][6]. Why? Because inline CTAs blend seamlessly with the content, capturing readers' attention as they stay focused on the main text.

Placement tweaks like centering CTAs or ensuring they appear above the fold can amplify clicks even further [5][6][7]. And here's a game-changer: simplifying your page by sticking to just one CTA can increase conversions by a staggering 266% [5][6].

Comparison Table: Sidebar vs Inline CTAs

The takeaway? Placement isn’t just a minor detail - it’s a game-changer for click-through rates and conversions [6]. By understanding these differences, you can fine-tune your CTAs to better align with your goals and content strategy.

Best Use Cases for Each CTA Type

Building on the comparison of CTA styles, let’s explore the best scenarios for each type. Choosing the right CTA depends on your goals, as each serves a unique purpose in driving conversions.

When to Use Sidebar CTAs

Sidebar CTAs are ideal for newsletter signups. Their consistent visibility makes them a great fit for short forms that invite readers to subscribe [9].

They’re also effective for evergreen offers like free resources, online courses, or consultations. These static placements can increase conversion rates by up to 1.5% [11].

If you’re promoting events - like webinars, workshops, or conferences - sidebars work well to keep these time-sensitive opportunities visible across your site [8].

Another smart use? Related content recommendations. A sidebar can feature multiple content suggestions alongside a sticky element, creating a mini resource hub that enhances the user experience without taking attention away from the main article [10].

On the other hand, inline CTAs are better suited for scenarios where timing and content alignment are key.

When to Use Inline CTAs

Inline CTAs are perfect for long-form content and lead generation campaigns. Placing them at points where engagement is highest helps capture leads at multiple touchpoints [8].

They’re especially effective for quiz promotions, typically positioned where readers are ready to interact after diving into your content [8].

Whenever timing and context are critical to driving action, inline CTAs provide a seamless way to integrate calls to action directly into the flow of your content. This ensures they feel like a natural part of the reader’s journey rather than an interruption.

Using Both Sidebar and Inline CTAs Together

Combining sidebar and inline CTAs is a smart way to boost visibility and engagement. Each type plays a unique role in driving conversions, and understanding how they complement each other is key to crafting an effective strategy.

Sidebar CTAs provide consistent visibility throughout a visitor's time on your site, while inline CTAs grab attention at moments when readers are deeply engaged with your content. This combination caters to different browsing habits and preferences, ensuring no opportunity is missed. Let’s dive into how to make the most of this approach.

Strategic Placement Matters

Placement is everything when it comes to CTAs. Doug Messel, Senior Content Writer at NP Digital, emphasizes:

"The best way to avoid overwhelming your audience with CTAs is to identify the highest priority action you want your user or audience to take and target your primary CTA to that goal, whether it's entering an email address for lead generation or calling you for more information. Ask the user no more than once to do this, and try to position it as close to a piece as possible." [3]

Neil Patel’s marketing blog is a great example of this strategy in action. His site uses CTAs at key points: the top of the page, mid-article, and the end. This approach has helped generate hundreds of thousands of monthly leads [7]. Sidebar CTAs reinforce the primary message, while inline CTAs naturally fit into content breaks, creating a seamless user experience.

Avoid Overloading Your Audience

Overusing CTAs can backfire. Messel warns against crowding multiple graphic or ribbon CTAs into a single piece, advising:

"If you have to insert multiple graphic or ribbon CTAs into a piece, space them out as much as you can." [3]

Spacing CTAs thoughtfully ensures your readers aren’t overwhelmed, helping maintain a clean and focused page layout.

Inline CTAs, when done right, blend naturally into your content. For instance, anchor text like "learn more about [a topic]" or "explore the benefits of [your service]" feels organic and less intrusive than bold buttons [3]. These informal prompts guide readers without disrupting their reading flow.

Using Smart Technology to Enhance CTAs

Leveraging smart technology can take your CTA strategy to the next level. HubSpot, for example, uses adaptive CTAs that respond to user behavior and interactions [13]. This personalization works well for both sidebar and inline CTAs, making them more relevant and effective.

Timing and Balance Are Key

Timing plays a crucial role in combining sidebar and inline CTAs. Sidebar CTAs operate in the background, ready to catch visitors who might leave without taking action. Inline CTAs, on the other hand, target specific moments when readers are most engaged with the content.

For blogs and content-heavy pages, prioritize the reading experience. Use exit-intent popups sparingly to avoid disrupting users [12]. Your sidebar should complement the content rather than compete with it, while inline CTAs should feel like a natural part of the narrative. This ensures both types of CTAs work together to provide value without overwhelming your audience.

Conclusion

Using both sidebar and inline CTAs can create a powerful combination for driving engagement and conversions. Sidebar CTAs ensure constant visibility, while inline CTAs prompt action at key moments of user engagement.

The numbers speak for themselves: recent studies show that well-crafted CTAs can significantly boost performance. For instance, focusing on a single call-to-action has been shown to increase clicks by up to 371% and sales by as much as 1617% [1]. These results underline the importance of a thoughtful, data-driven approach to CTAs.

The key is to align your CTAs with your audience's journey - from initial exploration to the final conversion. Use actionable insights to fine-tune your strategy. By testing, measuring, and refining your CTAs, you can ensure they align with your business goals and resonate with your audience.

If you’re looking for expert guidance, consider teaming up with professionals. NXT Brand Up offers comprehensive marketing services, including web design, SEO, and digital advertising, all aimed at creating CTAs that truly convert. Their "Done For You" packages start at $1,499 per month, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.

Strategically combining sidebar and inline CTAs can help you capture attention, boost engagement, and drive meaningful conversions.

FAQs

What’s the best way to use sidebar and inline CTAs together to boost conversions?

To boost conversions effectively, use a mix of inline CTAs and sidebar CTAs. Inline CTAs are particularly effective when woven naturally into your content. They catch users' attention as they read, making them feel less intrusive and more relevant to the topic at hand. This contextual alignment often results in better click-through rates.

Meanwhile, sidebar CTAs offer constant visibility. By placing them in noticeable spots - like next to key content or at the bottom of the page - you ensure your call-to-action remains accessible as users explore your site. This consistent presence reinforces your message without relying solely on in-content placements.

Combining these two strategies allows you to engage users at the right moments with inline CTAs while keeping your message visible with sidebar CTAs. Together, they create a well-rounded approach to encourage interaction and drive conversions.

What are the best ways to place inline CTAs so they grab attention and drive engagement?

To make inline CTAs pop and drive action, place them where they naturally flow with your content. Great spots include mid-article, right after delivering valuable insights, or at moments when readers are most engaged. Placing CTAs above the fold, in the middle of the content, or at the end ensures they catch the eye without interrupting the reader's journey.

For mobile users, think about using sticky CTAs that remain visible as they scroll or large, easy-to-tap buttons to improve usability. A clean design that matches the tone of your content helps keep readers focused while increasing the likelihood of clicks.

Why do sidebar CTAs often convert less effectively, and how can I make them more impactful?

Sidebar CTAs often struggle with lower conversion rates because they’re easy to miss, especially when tucked away from the main content. People naturally zero in on the core content and often overlook what's placed on the edges. A messy or unattractive sidebar only makes things worse, further reducing user engagement.

To give sidebar CTAs a better shot at grabbing attention, make sure they stand out visually and tie directly to the content nearby. Place them in spots that align with how users naturally scroll or read. Keep the design clean and simple to avoid distractions, and craft compelling copy that speaks directly to the user’s needs or interests. These tweaks can make a big difference in improving visibility and conversions.

Related posts

• Ultimate Guide to Email Send Time Optimization

• Behavioral Trigger Campaigns: Step-by-Step Setup

• 10 CTA Placement Tips for Above-the-Fold Design

• 7 CTA Placement Tips for E-Commerce Pages