Power words that sell.
What are power words in copywriting? These are effective words to add to your writing that persuade and evoke emotion from readers. They are like the remaining pieces of the puzzle in sentences to grow your conversion rates.
They have the ability to:
- Ease cognitive overload
- Make your readers click headlines
- Evoke emotion from your readers
- Prompt action
- Lead customers down the sales funnel process
Add power words to turn flat sales copy to influence your readers to prompt action.
Let’s learn more about power words and how you can use them in your sales copy.
Table of contents
- What are effective power words in copywriting?
- The list of power words that sell
- Why do you need to use effective words in your copy?
- Power words in headlines
- Power words in landing pages
- Power words in buttons
- Power words in calls-to-action
- Power words in email subject lines
- Power words in sales and product pages
- It’s your turn
What are effective power words in copywriting?
Power words are singular elements in sales copy used to trigger a response or emotion from your reader. These words can make us feel optimistic, inspired, sad, nervous, angry, or surprised.
They are all around us every day. And the majority of the time, non-copywriters never notice it.
Remember that last time you clicked a link with no intention of clicking? Next thing you know, you’re pulling out your credit card from your wallet.
The phenomenon is almost spellbinding.
Ever wonder why and how some articles or posts attract more attention than others?
Or, why some companies fail to promote a product over a competitor?
What about that one time you made a regretful impulsive buy because of limitations?
You’re now certain of the culprit hiding behind these scenarios.
Well, the magic formula is easy.
Power words!
You can spot them in headlines, emails to your boss, sales pages, to calls-to-action for persuasion.
Companies hire copywriters to use these words as a part of the magic formula to convert readers.
The list of power words that sell
Well, here it is. The list of 300+ mighty words you should use to convert your readers.
At the end of the list involves examples of where to use them.
So keep reading on!
‘Sales’ power words that sell
| New | You | Free |
| Imagine | Because | No Risk |
| Low | Guarantee | Premium |
| Skyrocket | Instant | True |
| Proven | More | Effective |
| Expires | Sustainable | Complimentary |
| Easy | Noteworthy | Powerful |
| Top-Notch | Bargain | Sale |
| Value | No Obligation | Cheap |
| Save | Reduced | Profit |
| Clearance | Dollar | Best |
| Best Sellers | Off | Now |
‘Happiness’ power words that sell
| Assure | Freedom | Guarantee |
| Win | Overcome | Cure |
| Undo | Sun | Vibrant |
| Fun | Empower | Healthy |
| Rich | Energize | Fulfill |
| Destiny | Conquer | Ecstatic |
‘Urgency’ power words that sell
| Soon | Last | Scarce |
| Deadline | Ends Soon | Today |
| Quick | Act Now | Final |
| Book | Instant | Never Again |
| Only | Limit | Last |
| Now | Expire | Clearance |
‘Assurance’ power words that sell
| Pledge | Certify | Confirm |
| Proven | Secure | Trustworthy |
| Authentic | Safety | True |
| Effective | Confident | Assure |
| Verify | Protect | Lifetime |
| Genuine | Guarantee | Secure |
| Warranty | Certain | Fact |
| Truth | Affirm | Promise |
‘Marketing’ power words that sell
| KPI | ROI | Brand |
| Brand Identity | CRM | Content Is King |
| Results | Quick Win | Growth Hack |
| Target Market | SEO | Disruptor |
| Social Media | Content Marketing | Customer Journey |
| Pain Points | Value Add | Authority |
| Transparency | Freemium | Giveaway |
| Convert | Engagement | Optimize |
‘Frustration’ power words that sell
| Disappoint | Depress | Guilty |
| Unfair | Burden | Fail |
| Worry | Stress | Humiliate |
| Hate | Upset | Dread |
| Impatient | Ticked-Off | Dejected |
| Violated | Vex | Restless |
‘Empathetic’ power words that sell
| Love | Family | Dream |
| Sensitive | Unity | Friendship |
| Respect | Warmth | Kindness |
| Concern | Compassion | Safety |
| Appreciate | Affinity | Fond |
| Intimate | Sympathy | Heart |
‘Exclusivity’ power words that sell
| Limited | Exclusive | Rare |
| Private | Confidential | Invite Only |
| Untapped | Sneak-Peek | Unconventional |
| Full | Subscribe | Divulge |
| Unseen | Insider | Untold |
| Deal | Unheard | Backdoor |
| Secret | Club | Join |
| Admit | First | Select |
| High-End | Upscale | Divide |
| Undercover | Elite | Chosen |
‘Trust’ power words that sell
| Lifetime | Support | Help |
| Reputable | No Obligation | Proven |
| Track Record | Reliable | Cancel Anytime |
| Trustworthy | Safe | Money-Back |
| Reliable | Endorse | Refund |
| Demo | Genuine | Trust |
| Bona Fide | Expert | Risk-Free |
| Accredit | Backed | Because |
| Best | Ensure | Authentic |
| Back | Test | Studies Show |
‘Fear’ power words that sell
| Risk | Fail | Uncertain |
| Danger | Anxiety | Stress |
| Bankrupt | Conspiracy | Worst |
| Hack | Jail | IRS |
| Fire | Victim | Tragedy |
| Lawsuit | Shatter | Lunatic |
| Helpless | Lie | Doubt |
| Slave | Destroy | Backlash |
| Alone | Unsure | Afraid |
| Panic | Phobia | Foreboding |
| Fake | Bomb | Agony |
| Mistake | Tired | Warning |
| Hate | Lack | Impatient |
‘Positive’ power words that sell
| Strong | Successful | Ideal |
| Celebrate | Extra | Brilliant |
| Weekend | Holidays | Paradise |
| Sweet | Award | Heaven |
| Honor | Kiss | Bless |
| Funny | Vacation | Gift |
| Light | Choice | Incredible |
| Effortless | Youthful | Sunny |
| Peace | Bliss | Good |
‘New’ power words that sell
| Fresh | Current | Premiere |
| Unique | Up-To-Date | Extra |
| Introduce | Modern | Recent |
| Progressive | Leading | State-Of-The-Art |
| Develop | Brand New | Restored |
| Add | New | Breakthrough |
| Latest | Announcing | Welcome |
| Radical | Advanced | First |
‘Stimulating’ power words that sell
| Quick | Essential | Hero |
| Giveaway | Exciting | Special |
| Amazing | Satisfaction | Profit |
| Epic | Enhancing | Game Changer |
| Double | Thrive | Fantastic |
| Marvelous | Thrill | Inspire |
‘Beauty’ power words that sell
| Doll-Like | Divine | Angelic |
| Easy On The Eyes | Captivating | Gorgeous |
| Pretty | Glamorous | Flawless |
| Perfect | Enhancing | Exotic |
| Foxy | Dreamy | Sexy |
| Graceful | Beautiful | Drop-Dead Gorgeous |
Why do you need to use effective words in your copy?
Many organizations overlook the importance of effective words when promoting their product. And it’s not their fault.
In the modern world of short attention spans, keeping readers engaged can be a hard task. In fact, many studies show readers only grasp an average of 10-20% of the information they read.
With that said, the goal in mind is to make your copy unforgettable. So grab your reader’s attention through engaging word usage.
On another note, your words have the ability to position your business with authority. Compelling words justify your reader’s thinking of you being credible.
Power words in headlines
It’s argued that writing for headlines is the most important piece in sales copy.
Why?
You can have the best content in the world, the best idea, and the most compelling sales copy.
But, if you don’t have headlines that convert through the use of effective words,
Your content is useless.
All that hard work you put into writing your sales copy and no one ends up reading it.
Harness your headlines as your gatekeeper.
Compelling enough to invite visitors with a goal that prompt action.
Test: what does Google search have to say?
Let’s do an experiment and look into Google search engine by performing a query.
Query: “how to gain more confidence”
This is page one of the search engine results page.
And, it’s no surprise why every single headline on the first page of the search engine results page contains…
You guessed it right… power words.
What’s the takeaway from this Google experiment?
This is proof that using the right words in your copy or headlines drive traffic.
Statistics don’t lie. Headlines on page one of the search engine results page have more clicks.
Hence, headlines on page one of a search engine equate to higher click-through rates.
Higher click-through rates lead to more conversions due to user engagement.
More conversions mean more money in your bank account.
And this is the strong influence to why power words matter.
It’s what sets up your sales funnel for success.
See for yourself
Still not convinced?
Perform a test yourself.
Go to any search engine, and query any statement within the search bar.
You will find that the top results listed on the search engine results page all contain power words.
Power words in landing pages
Power words in landing pages are also crucial next to that of headlines at the beginning of a sales funnel.
Your landing page should be clear, direct, and concise without any distracting elements.
The focus of your landing page is to compel visitors to click on a specific call-to-action. And this happens the instant your visitor enters your page.
The goal of effective copywriting with power words on a landing page is to prompt action. They influence moving your visitors down the sales funnel process.
Take a look at this landing page from QuickSprout that evokes action from its readers.
The power words “grow” and “faster” present their unique selling point. In an instant, the reader is able to understand what this website is all about. It’s an organization that helps businesses scale.
Curious visitors are more likely to now learn more about the company.
Who wouldn’t want to grow their business?
The imagery is also fitting with power words.
Extra brownie points there.
Power words in buttons
Buttons are critical in evoking action from your readers because they are minimal.
Because free trials are awesome, this button on Hulu’s landing page is very tempting.
Power words in calls-to-action
Calls-to-action are great to prompt users to make an action such as joining an email list.
Nike does this well when targeting their audience: athletes.
Check out this simple call-to-action from Nike uses with only a few words.
The call-to-action prompts inclusivity and brand loyalty when subscribing to their email list.
See how simple, yet powerful this call-to-action is?
A four-word statement with minimal design has the power to convey to your readers.
This is a classic example that shows words are more impactful than the design itself.
Power words in email subject lines
Email lists are great lead generation sources to promote your product or service.
Take a look at these irresistible email subject lines.
Power words: “fastest,” “jumpstart,” “affordable,” and “free.”
Power words in sales and product pages
Apple is notorious for its effective copywriting.
How do they do it?
Cunning copy with a pinch of power words.
Apple makes it look so effortless and simple.
Now, don’t you want a new brilliant phone that will make your life easier?
It’s your turn
Now is the time to incorporate power words into your sales copy, anywhere you wish to sell your readers.
If you aren’t using some form of persuasive copywriting, power words are simple to apply. They give your readers another compelling reason to take action.
Try to make your list of power words. Categorize your words around a specific niche. Get creative, save the list for future writings, and you’re on your way to being a more impactful copywriter.