Top 15 Advertising Power Words – Write Copy that Converts

Did you know some words elicit a stronger reaction than others?

It’s true! Just by using certain words in your “copy” (i.e. writing for social media posts, website content, blog posts, email marketing, paid ads, etc.) you can make people feel something and want to do something. Very powerful right? There are hundreds of words that have been proven to be powerful in eliciting action-taking thoughts and behaviours. According to  https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/marketing-power-words (5-5-2024) these advertising power words can be grouped into 8 distinct categories, including curiosity, value, efficiency, trust, urgency, desire, exclusivity and community and they list a total of 145 words spread over these categories. Other sources site more than 300 words, while others site fewer. The most important thing is to know the ones at the top of the ladder of power so you can use them to get more conversions for your business. What’s a conversion? It means that someone changes from a reader to an action-taker that calls you, emails you, fills out your contact form, interacts with your chatbot, visits you in-person, books a meeting in your calendar, requests a quote, buys something, subscribes to your newsletter, gives you an online review or takes other action. If you want more conversions you need to stop putting out content that it meant to just inform and educate and include the words that will get the readers to do what you want > become your customer or client, without which you don’t have a business. As 145+ words may seem overwhelming to include in your copy, start out by using the top 15 advertising power words as listed in The Definitive Guide to Copywriting by Brad Callen, who stated that they have been studied and identified by Yale University’s psychology department. In order of advertising power, they are:

1. You
2. Results
3. Health
4. Guarantee
5. Discover
6. Love
7. Proven
8. Safety (or Safe)
9. Save
10. New
11. Best
12. Easy
13. Now
14. Sex (You may want to skip this one)
15. Free

  The most powerful word in the English language is actually a person’s name, but, that wouldn’t make sense when you want to target people with different names, so that means “YOU” is the most powerful word for advertising. Think about how you feel when you see the word “you” and “your” in this article. It is meant to make you feel and believe that I am talking directly to you, even though many people who are not you will read it. Take that same approach in your writing and watch your conversions grow. Here are some examples of blog or video post titles and content using the words above that a Travel Agent may use:

• Discover the top 10 best trips to take in 2024. Click here >>
• Want better health and more enjoyment in your life? It’s been proven that taking regular vacations can help. We make it easy to plan your next vacation by doing all of the research and booking for you. Call us now to get started.
• You deserve the best vacation, starting with not having to plan it. Let us do all of the research and planning for you so you can take it easy and just enjoy your time away. Start now!
• Save now on the new ABC Cruise trip of a lifetime! Space is limited. Book your trip now!

  Still need ideas of what and how to write? Search for YouTube for videos about “copywriting.” If you need help with creating an overall marketing plan or training on digital marketing, networking, public speaking or sales, reach out to Tammy Defoe, expert Business Coach who can help you create the best plan and give you the training you need to be proficient and confident with promoting your business. Book a free consultation to get started >>