Guide to Website Buttons: Style, Personality & Click-Worthy Design

When it comes to website buttons, they may be small — but they’re indeed mighty! Not only do they help guide users through your site, whether that’s to another page to learn more about your services or to download your must-have lead magnet, but the way they look and behave tells your visitor a lot about your brand.

Before you go slapping a “Click Here” on any old rectangle, let’s take a moment to zoom in on the two things that really make a button clickable: how it looks, and what it says.

We’ll start with design — the shape, style, colour and movement that draw the eye — then dive into the words that seal the deal.

Button Design: Where Looks Do Matter

Design isn’t just decoration — it’s communication. The shape, colour, size, and movement of your buttons all play a role in how users interact with your site. Let’s break down the key design elements that make a button not just look good, but perform beautifully.

Button Shapes & Styles

Buttons come in all shapes and vibes — and yes, that shape sends a message. Each style creates a different feel and can subtly shift how your brand is perceived. Let’s take a look at four popular button styles and the kind of energy they bring to your site.

1. Rectangle (Sharp Corners)

• Vibe: Bold, no-nonsense, professional.
• Commonly used for: Corporate websites, tech, legal, finance.
• Design note: Feels structured and direct. Less playful, more assertive.

2. Rounded Corners

• Vibe: Friendly, modern, slightly softer than sharp corners.
• Commonly used for: Service-based businesses, portfolios, modern brands.
• Design note: Creates a balanced feel—clean but approachable.

3. Pill-Shaped (Fully Rounded)

• Vibe: Trendy, casual, approachable.
• Commonly used for: Lifestyle brands, beauty, wellness, startups.
• Design note: Feels sleek, mobile-friendly, and encourages clicks.

4. Ghost Buttons (Transparent with Border)

• Vibe: Elegant, minimal, subtle.
• Commonly used for: Secondary CTAs, high-end brands, hero sections.
• Design note: Often used where design calls for subtlety or when paired with a strong visual background.

Colour & Contrast

Colour choice isn’t just about “what looks good.” It plays a powerful role in guiding attention, communicating emotion, and establishing visual hierarchy on your site.

Buttons are often the action takers — so they need to stand out. The colours you choose signal to your visitor what’s important, where to click, and how urgent or exciting that action is.

Here’s what to consider:

• Primary buttons: This is your main call to action (CTA), so it should contrast well against the background and draw immediate attention. Typically, this is your strongest brand colour — use sparingly to keep it feeling special.
• Secondary buttons: These are for actions of lesser priority (e.g., “Learn More” or “Maybe Later”). Use a lighter tone, a border-only style, or a neutral shade to create contrast without competing for attention.
• High contrast: A beautiful button no one can see won’t get clicked. Make sure there’s enough contrast between the button and its background and between the text and button background for readability and accessibility.

Use colour with intention. Too many bold buttons competing for attention can overwhelm, but a well-placed, high-impact CTA in the right colour? That’s design magic.

Button Sizing & Padding

Design details don’t stop at shape and colour — how your button sits on the page is just as important as how it looks. A beautifully designed button can still fall flat if it’s too small, cramped, or inconsistent. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Size matters: A button that’s too small can frustrate users, especially on mobile devices. Ensure the size is large enough so that it’s easily tappable with a finger — no precision stylus required.
• Consistent padding: The spacing inside your button (between the text and the button edges) should feel balanced. This not only helps with readability but also makes your buttons feel intentional and clean.
• Whitespace around buttons: Give your buttons room to breathe. Avoid cramming them too close to other elements; spacing creates focus, prevents accidental clicks, and gives the design a more polished, professional look.

Subtle Animations & Hover States

Why does animation matter? It gives visual feedback. It tells the user, “Yep, I see you. Let’s go!” Buttons should feel alive — not like static stickers.

Here are some of the popular button animations used on websites:

• Colour shift on hover: A simple way to add interactivity and draw attention.
• Underline or border animation: Sleek and stylish, often used on ghost buttons.
• Slight lift or shadow pop: Creates a tactile, “pressable” feel.
• Icon movement (like an arrow sliding in): Adds a dynamic visual cue.
• Slight grow or scale effect: The button subtly enlarges when hovered, giving the impression of “inviting” a click. This adds energy and playfulness, especially effective on more modern or youthful sites.
• Bonus tip: Keep animations smooth and fast (under 300ms), so the experience feels snappy, not sluggish.

Button Text: Small Words, Big Impact

Your button might look amazing, but if the text on it is vague or uninspiring? Click rates can drop faster than your patience during a slow Wi-Fi day.

Here are some tips on what makes button copy absolutely click-worthy to your visitors.

Keep It Action-Oriented

Your button is there to do something—so your text should reflect that. The most effective buttons lead with strong action verbs that create momentum and make it clear what the visitor can expect.

Why does this matter? Because vague or passive text (like “Click here” or “More info”) doesn’t inspire action. But a clear, confident verb? That’s an open invitation to engage.

Some classic action verbs that perform well:

• Book – “Book Your Session”
• Download – “Download the Freebie”
• Shop – “Shop the Collection”
• View – “View Portfolio”
• Get – “Get Instant Access”
• Join – “Join the Waitlist”
• Discover – “Discover What’s Inside”

These verbs work because they’re focused, specific, and create a sense of movement. They also set expectations — letting your visitor know exactly what’s about to happen when they click.

Pro tip: If you’re stuck, start your button with a verb, then follow with a benefit. That simple formula makes it easy to write click-worthy copy every time.

Make It Conversational

Your button isn’t just a functional element — it’s part of the ongoing conversation your brand is having with your visitor. When your button text feels like something you’d actually say in a real-life exchange, it instantly becomes more relatable, friendly, and trustworthy.

Instead of cold, generic text like “Submit” or “Click Here,” try phrases that feel warm and human, like:

• “Let’s Chat”
• “Show Me More”
• “Yes, I’m In!”
• “Sounds Good!”
• “Take Me There”

This kind of language creates a sense of connection — it feels like your website is speaking to the visitor, not just at them. It’s especially effective for service-based businesses, personal brands, and anyone wanting to build a sense of community and rapport.

Just remember: conversational doesn’t mean vague. Keep it clear and warm. Like a good chat over coffee — with a purpose.

Be Clear, Not Clever (Unless You’re Really Clever)

Your button text isn’t the place to be vague or mysterious. Users want to know exactly what’s going to happen when they click — no guesswork, no second-guessing. Clarity = confidence.

Instead of generic or cryptic labels like “Go,” “Submit,” or “Click Here,” opt for specific, purposeful language that reflects the action:

• “Book Your Spot”
• “Start My Free Trial”
• “Get the Free Guide”
• “Send Message Now”

These examples work because they’re straightforward, action-based, and help set expectations. People are far more likely to click when they feel in control and know what’s on the other side.

That said — if your brand is playful and witty, you can bend the rules… but only if the action is still clear. For example:

• “Spill the Beans” (for reading a blog)
• “Count Me In” (for signing up)

Just make sure the cleverness never overrides the clarity. A confused user won’t click. But a confident one? They’re all in.

“My” vs “Your” in Button Text: Which One Should You Use?

It’s a tiny tweak, but it packs a punch. The choice between using “my” or “your” in button copy can subtly influence how your audience connects with what you’re offering.

Using “My” In Button Text

• Examples: “Start My Free Trial” / “Book My Spot” / “Download My Guide”
• Vibe: Personal, empowering, ownership-focused.
• Why it works: When people see “my,” it places them in the action. It feels like the thing already belongs to them, creating a sense of ownership and urgency. It’s especially effective for actions that benefit the user directly or feel like a personal win.

Using “Your” In Button Text

• Examples: “Book Your Free Consult” / “Get Your Copy” / “Claim Your Bonus”
• Vibe: Direct, informative, instructional.
• Why it works: Using “your” can make the message feel more like a helpful nudge or a clear instruction from you to them. It’s great when you want to sound friendly, informative, or service-focused.

Which One Should You Use?

There’s no hard rule but here’s a general guide:

• Use “my” if you want the button to feel more personal and driven by the user’s own intention.
• Use “your” if you want to sound service-oriented, informative, or instructional.

The key? Match it to your brand voice and the emotional tone of the action. And if you’re torn… you can always test both and see which performs better!

Final Click-Worthy Thoughts

Buttons might be small in size, but they carry major responsibility. They guide your visitors, shape how your brand is perceived, and can be the difference between a bounce and a conversion.

Whether you’re going for bold and confident or soft and sophisticated, your button choices — shape, colour, text, animation — all work together to say, “Hey, click me. You’re going to love what’s next.”

So take a moment to fine-tune them. Give your buttons the same love you’d give a headline or hero image. Because when they’re done right, they don’t just look good — they work hard.