Great copywriting doesn’t just happen. Great ad copy requires first study, then practice, then measurable results. If you want to make your copywriting really pop, you must not just write well … you must learn to write powerfully. The words and phrases you use can be extremely powerful and effective, if chosen properly. As you write, consider using these 20 words or phrases, which have been proven to be powerful and have a great impact on the reader.
- How To – People want to know “how to” do stuff. Using the phrase “How to” will draw attention and keep the reader interested in what you have to offer.
- Do You? – This phrase puts a question out to the reader, and makes the copy personal. It works well in headlines and subheadings, which the reader will look at when scanning the page. Also, the word You is arguably the most powerful word you can use in your ad copy.
- Limited – This word plays a role in good copywriting that looks to get a response from the reader. It creates a strong sense of urgency with the reader.
- Seize – This word also creates a sense of urgency, but also puts the power in the reader’s hands.
- Discover – This works the same way “how to” does, by promising the reader that he will come away with something useful.
- Looking for? – Questions are always powerful, and this connects with the reader who is actively searching for information.
- Act Now! – Again, this creates a sense of urgency, prompting the reader to do something about his situation.
- Here’s Why – answer the readers’ question in their mind by giving them the answer. Good copywriting shows the reader their problem and the way you can fix it.
- Boost – This gives the idea of physical wellness, but can also apply to wealth and other positive actions.
- Hope – Barack Obama won the presidential race of 2008 on the ticket of hope. This word works, so put it into your copywriting wherever it is appropriate.
- Change – Again, Barack Obama. He also ran on a ticket of change. People who are looking for something are ready for a change, so use good copywriting to show them how you or your product can change their lives.
- Had enough? – Getting your audience to realize they are frustrated is one of the first steps towards getting them to perform an action.
- Never Again? – This also taps into your audience’s frustration, but also shows that you are not going to contribute more to the problem.
- I Guarantee – If you can, offer a guarantee. Good copywriting gets people to trust you, and most people trust a guarantee, particularly if you are offering them their money back if they are not happy.
- Quality – If you are trying to sell something, work quality into the copy. People want and expect quality, so show them you are giving it to them.
- Revolutionary – Is your product or service something that is completely different from everything else on the market? Then throw this word in there.
- Quick/Fast/Sudden – Good copywriting for the Internet is written for people who want a fast solution to a problem. Words like these show them that you are going to give them a “quick fix” for their problem.
- Startling – The word startling is powerful because it conveys positive surprise, but is also not an overused term. Words like surprising, good and great have all been used to death, so use this word instead.
- Profitable – If you are offering people something that will increase their money making potential, use this powerful term. Everyone wants to be profitable, so it will bring results.
- Proven – If your product or service has been proven in tests to do something, let the customer know!
Remember, the difference between grammatically correct copywriting and good copywriting that actually does what you want it to is the terminology you use. If you are tired of always falling flat on your face with your copy, I guarantee you will do better with these 20 words or phrases.
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Scott, Do You know how powerful you are? this is such a quality post! I feel that you have revolutionized the way I will write from now on, in a proven and profitable way. i want to act now and seize the moment because you have given me the how to of what i've been looking for! thank you so much and i will bookmark this for the next post and webpage i write.
OK, keep this up and I'll need a new hat size! … Just kidding, you rock and you are a star too! Love you!! When you come back to San Antonio, we have to get together and talk …
Super post Scott! These words are not reserved for Copy writing either. Using them in comments and forums, ezine articles, and even tweets are ways to get the attention of the readers. Once you have their attention, ask some type of question and you ENGAGE them as well.
Have a remarkable day.
Scott – I have been schlogging through a number of copywriting assignments lately. This post is a great asset. It's always easy to fall into the trap of writing from one's own perspective, but what we need to keep in mind is that the reader is the reason we are writing in the first place. Your insight brings it right back home.
Best to you and yours my friend. Chip
Your content on this site is excellent Scott.
I find myself coming back here and recommending it to my readers again and again so we can all learn from you.
Like you I have studied copy writing for years. And the interesting thing that I have found is that when we focus on the benefits to the reader or prospect and we create a story that invokes emotion we have indeed created a magical piece
of copy that creates the desired results.
All too often, businesses focuses on their features of their products and services…this approach never works well.
What people need to remember when they write is this:
Begin with benefits
Substantiate with features
End articles, brochures, and websites with a strong call to action that stirs the emotions.
Thanks for these 20 words and phrases, I have bookmarked this article. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.
You have a choice so, make it a better than terrific day!
Terry
Great list. The right use of words can convey a lot of power. By the way, if you could come up with 20 words I can use besides “powerful”, that would be useful. I use that powerful word waaaay too often
Here's 5 – Authoritative, commanding, influential, dominant, potent … and thanks for the comments Paul!
Thank for the comments Chip, I appreciate you so much!
Terry – you continue to astound me with your complimentary words for me! I know there's so much I can learn from you, in turn. Thanks so much.
Scott…buddy I've read lots of articles and books about copywriting but you just “hit the nail on the head”. Thanks for reminding me of the power of these words. I'm just getting ready to write a new page now and I'll be sure to put those words in.
I look forward to your great content.
Thanks for the visit and the comments Aaron, I appreciate it!
Hey Scott,
This is amazing! I just finished writing a post and am going to head right over and add some “power words” before I publish it.
You're such an inspiration, always willing to share without fear of giving away too much. This, my friend, is a sign of a true leader, which you are! When we all learn to work together to share what we have and what we know with others, we'll live in a world filled with love and cooperation rather than hate and competition.
The old “dog eat dog” thing is on its way out in the world you and I live in, and I'm so very happy to be living on this side of the fence with you
Namaste,
Kathy J
Kathy – thanks so much for your comments and observations, I agree 110% with working together in synergy with each other. If everyone lived according to this way of thinking, it would certainly be a better world for everyone!
Scottie,
Good copywriting is one of the highest paid skills a marketer can possess. It virtually guarantees your success in whichever endeavor you choose to apply yourself too.
I am going to take a quick copy of the notes given and put them to good use myself my friend.
To Our Success,
John
I think this is excellent Scott…thank you for sharing! Writing good copy is one of those “musts” and every bit of information available is very much appreciated. Thank you again and keep up the great work!
Hi Scott,
I just came across your post. I had to RT it right away. That is a great list of words and help for every body doing online marketing.
Thanks for sharing, I bookmarked your post and will come back to it when creating my next webpage:)
Great Content….
Adriane
I love this Scott. I was actually thinking yesterday that it would be nice to have a swap file of powerful words to use in my posts and emails.
If you have anymore, send it my way. =)
Thanks!
Glenn