May 27, 2020
In this episode we talk about power words. Those take action words that entice someone to click the link on your ad. Click buy now on Amazon. Keep reading the next chapter of your book even though it's well past bedtime.
There are different types of power words that you could use in your copy to trigger a response in your readers, to take them from merely browsing to actually buying.
Greed words - we want more!
Bargain, bonus, cheap, discount, 99c, ultimate, expires, limited, new, now, before, ultimate, value, running out. (don't miss out!)
Curiosity words - what's going on?
hush-hush, banned, be the first, behind the scenes, class full, little known, login required, sneak peek, strange, top secret, unauthorized, insider. (not everyone knows about this...)
Sloth words - how can I make this easier?
All-inclusive, cheat sheet, downloadable, easy, effortless, kickstart, how-to, in less than, piece of cake, roadmap, freebie, gift, guide, no problem. (I want to do it but only if it's easy)
Lust words - I really, really want this!
Captivating, compelling, crave, dirty, mind-blowing, steamy, sex, urge, forbidden, exposed, mouthwatering, naughty. (How can I not want this?)
Vanity words - I don't want to look bad...
At the top, amazing, awe-inspiring, boost, booming, fearless, sassy, saucy, spectacular, jaw-dropping, kick-ass, legendary, conquer, courage, hero, dazzling. (How can I be like this?)
Trust words - They know what they're talking about.
Approved, accredited, authority, official, results, secure, refund, proven, well respected, world wide, USA Today bestseller, NYT bestseller. (I can trust this to be good)
Anger words - This makes me angry!
Abuse, agitate, arrogant, backstabbing, foul, greedy, hostile, lies, loser, ruthless, smug, sneaky, brutal, morally bankrupt, diminish, evil, victim, violent, payback. (I hate those nasty peeps, I love it when they get theirs)
Fear words - I don't want to miss out! (most powerful motivator of all)
Hack, danger, dangerous, fail, looming, mistake, pitfall, catastrophe, agony, annihilate, backlash, beware, bloodbath, corpse, destroy, poor, prison. (I don't want to make this mistake, so I'll do what you ask)
As a writer there are many areas we can amp up with power words:
Your manuscript - think about word choice: Eat vs devour or nibble, walk vs stride or stalk, smile vs smirk or grin.
Your blurb - this is sales copy. You need to use a strong hook, and even stronger words to evoke emotion.
Your tag line - Short, sharp, evoking emotion.
Your FB Ads - use power words to trigger emotional or psychological responses in readers.
Your AMS Ads - limited words, make sure you use powerful ones.
Your FB Posts/ Your Instagram Posts / Your Twitter Posts - appeal to your readers by knowing the emotion you're trying to elicit, and the action you'd like them to take.
Your Newsletter - again, know the emotion you want to elicit. Know how you want them to feel about your book.
Further Reading:
(Highly recommend reading his book if you’re interested in this https://www.amazon.com/Ogilvy-Advertising-David/dp/039472903X)
Blog post: Magic Power Words for Conversion
https://www.crazyegg.com/blog/magic-power-words-for-conversion/
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