The Real Reason Your CTR Sucks (And How to Fix It)

Let’s fix your click-through rate once and for all.

Hey Newsletter Operators , it’s Mo!

Ever write a banger issue, hit send, and then… crickets?

Open rate’s fine. But CTR? Embarrassing.

That’s because good writing isn’t enough. If your newsletter doesn’t drive action, you’re just writing a blog with extra steps.

Today’s issue is your cheat code for fixing that. I’ll walk you through the 5 biggest reasons your CTR is low, and the layout + copy moves that fix it instantly.

Let’s dive in 👇

📌 Stuff worth checking out

🚨 Problem #1: You’re hiding the click

You bury the CTA deep in a wall of text, or worse - don’t have one at all.

Fix: Make your call-to-action (CTA) obvious.

✅ Bold it.
✅ Use buttons when possible.
✅ Put it above the fold, and again at the end.

Example:

❌ “Here’s a link to check out more if you want.”
✅ “👇 Download the full guide now”

🛑 Problem #2: You’re linking to boring things

Are you linking to… another homepage? A generic press release? Meh.

Fix: Link to something that solves a problem or delivers a win.

People click for value. Not because you told them to.

✅ “3 viral ad formats that are crushing it right now”
✅ “This AI tool tripled my content output in 2 weeks”

Make the link itself sound like a benefit.

🎯 Problem #3: Your copy is too safe

Polite writing doesn’t get clicks.

If your newsletter sounds like a terms-of-service update, your readers will treat it like one.

Fix: Add curiosity, emotion, or urgency.

❌ “Click here to read the full article.”
✅ “Here’s what no one is telling you about newsletter ads…”

📐 Problem #4: Your layout kills momentum

Walls of text? Tiny fonts? No whitespace? Death to your CTR.

Fix:

  • Use short paragraphs (1–2 lines)

  • Break up text with headers, bullets, or emojis

  • Put the most important links in scannable spots

✅ CTA after a cliffhanger
✅ Button after a bullet list
✅ Visuals that point to your link

💥 Problem #5: You don’t have a single “main action”

If you link to 10 things, you’re asking your reader to do nothing.

Fix: Choose one or two things you want them to click. Feature it.

Use the 80/20 rule: 80% of your attention goes to 20% of the content.

Example:

“This week’s sponsor: GoLetter Insider→ It’s like having your personal Newsletter Agency.”
Every link points to the same action.

💡 CTR Boost Checklist:

Before you hit send, ask yourself:

  • Is there a clear, bold CTA?

  • Did I place the CTA above the fold?

  • Is my copy curiosity-driven or emotionally charged?

  • Did I cut the walls of text and keep it scannable?

  • Is there ONE main action I’m asking readers to take?

✅ Bonus tip: Make your link sound like a win. People don’t click links — they click promises.

Thanks for reading. If you apply even 1 or 2 of these today, your next campaign will perform better.

Until next time.

— Mo

P.S. Want a personal CTR teardown? Reply with your newsletter link 👀

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