Universidad del Norte - Instituto de Idiomas

Business English Program - BE 6

Writing Supplement: Imperatives for Web and Social Media

A) Look at the phrases below. With a partner, rank the phrases from most effective to least
effective in getting the user to take the next step. Write the number in the blank.

_____ Click here.

_____ Find out more.
_____ Impact the world in just 10 minutes.
_____ Donate now.
_____ Send us your thoughts.
_____ Bring two friends and qualify for the prize!
_____ Buy now!
_____ Give just a little bit of your time and change a life.
_____ Read more.
_____ Discover how you can get involved.

Now, reread the statements. What do they have in common structurally?

B) Using your phone or an electronic device, go to Twitter and search for 5 examples of
businesses leading users to take the next step. Note the industry, business, and Tweet. The first
row is an example.

Industry Business Tweet

Hotel Marriott “Our biggest sale of the year ends today. Book now: [link]”

Which one was your favorite? Why?

Which one had the most creative language for taking the next step?

C) In the boxes below, write three possible phrases that would lead users to take the next step
according to the industry.
 Universidad del Norte - Instituto de Idiomas
Business English Program - BE 6

Travel & Tourism Retail

Food & Restaurants Financial Services

Government & Nonprofit Entertainment