Have you ever wondered what it takes to write a compelling blog post?
Or found yourself clicking over to a website that you wouldn’t normally be interested in?
When it comes to your content, a carefully chosen statement using one or more power words can make or break its “click” factor.
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.” ~ Mark Twain
Think Emotion, Trigger Action
When blogging, it’s important to choose words that inspire action (think sharing a Facebook post or making a purchase) by evoking an emotional response.
A title that prompts us to “see” or “guess,” for instance, is a little mysterious, evoking our curiosity and prompting us to click. And a button prompting you to “purchase this item today and get an instant 15% off” can easily create a sense of urgency, prompting you to decide to buy where before you may have previously been on the fence.
Here are 11 examples of words you can use to kick your content into high gear!
1. Discover
When you use words that prompt people’s curiosity and offer some sort of promise about what can happen if they … (fill in the blank).
2. You/your
As a writer, you want to put yourself in your audience’s shoes (see what we did there?).
“You” is appropriate and useful if you are trying to establish a personal connection, but try to avoid using it in a demanding or overtly sales like way.
For instance,
Don’t say: You should buy X now!
Do say: Do you ever wake up tired when you know you got enough sleep?
Use phrases that show the audience that you can relate to them, and make it clear that you are focussed on them and their needs.
3. Imagine
Here’s another in our list of powerful words which evokes people’s curiosity and creativity, perhaps prompting a question like:
What possibilities will open up for them if they use your product or service?
This might appeal to people who are looking for a way to achieve their goals and dreams (…which, let’s face it, is most of us.)
The point here is that you encourage them to get clear on where they are now, versus where they could be.
4. Surprising
Amazing, surprising, fascinating.
Why do these kinds of “ing” words work?
Because they are action words.
You want to get your reader moving somewhere, not let them sit and stew. Move their thoughts, change their minds, stir their hearts.
5. Uncover
Again we are talking about one of the most powerful words for sparking curiosity. It’s like going into a shop with a bunch of little drawers…don’t you always want to open them to uncover the little mystery of what’s inside?
6. Magic(al)
This might seem a bit fluffy at first but it can help to encourage people and make them feel brave.
“Magic” can empower readers to understand that something that seems “impossible” is, in fact, possible.
In this way, using terms like magical can essentially reassure them that an action can be completed.
7. Improve
Again, this is another “promise” word that offers your audience a glimpse of what they could be in the future if they use your product or service.
8. Challenge
This is one of those powerful words which can inspire action simply by recognizing a limitation or pushing someone to another level altogether.
9. Success(ful)
We all want to be successful in some area of our lives, and the word “success” will have different meanings for some.
No matter what you’re selling, chances are that they are reading because they want to make something easier, they want to make more money, or they want to be successful in some area of their lives. And you can use this to, again, help them envision themselves as more successful in the future.
10. Now
Time-related words can create a sense of urgency and scarcity. Using terms like “now” helps to remind people of certain scarcities, such as time or money.
11. Results
This is another one that conveys strength and progress by acknowledging that the reader most likely wants to get from here to there.
Example: Try this Simple 5-minute Daily Exercise and See Results in One Month
Here we have a set of powerful words which, when combined, offer a concrete promise via a time-related statement.
This encourages the reader to essentially visualize something that they are aiming for: a simple exercise that works.
But we won’t tell them exactly what it is, because what’s the fun in giving it all away in the headline?
How do you know what words to use?
First off, the ability to use powerful words effectively in your content is an art, not a science! So don’t worry if you end up having to try and test a few headlines or taglines before you find one that fits (we all do).
You don’t have to be an English major to improve your writing, but improving your vocabulary through frequent reading is a great way to practice.
What’s most important is that you keep in mind the reader’s cognitive response as you string words together.
- Use active wording
- Use words that match your writing style and tone
- Use words that reflect the intentions of your product and audience
The idea here is to gently direct the reader towards your call to action.
A great blog post has a few other specific components — we can help you with this!
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Liked this blog? Here are three more you might enjoy:
21 Clever Ways to Attract More Readers and Boost Blog Traffic This Year
How To (Finally) Make Money With Your Blog
5 Brilliant Tips On How To Start A Blog Post With a Bang
Photo by Anton Repponen on Unsplash