A quick and easy way to motivate people to read your content is to use power words in your headlines. Let's look at six different types of power words and 48 examples. Btw, did the power word of the headline of this blog make you click? Pssst, it's irresistible.
Curiosity Power Words
Curiosity power words make us, well... curious. They make us want to know more. Here are 8 examples of curiosity power words:
Banned
Bizarre
Limited
Shocking
Forbidden
Ridiculous
Forgotten
Unexplained
Convert a regular headline like this:
"3 ways to get you more website traffic."
Into this using a power word:
"3 forgotten ways that'll get you more website traffic in no time."
Minimum Effort Power Words
These type of power words let your readers know that what you're going to tell them will require the absolute minimum effort to achieve it. Examples:
All-inclusive
Painless
Simple
Effortless
Straightforward
Steal
In less than
Complete
Headline without a power word:
"Convert website visitors into customers with this strategy."
And with power words:
"Steal my SEO strategy to increase your sales by 70% in less than a month."
Notice how I also added the power of specificity (70% & the mention of a month). If you have relevant stats, make sure to mention them.
This is just an example, please do keep the characters limit in mind when you craft your irresistible headlines.
Desire Power Words
Desire power words make us want something. The headline is already starting to convince us to buy something from you. Examples:
Breathtaking
Enchanting
Hypnotic
Captivating
Magnetic
Thrilling
Wild
Mesmerizing
Headline without a power word:
"8 best rooftop bars with 360-degree views."
Headline with a power word:
"8 rooftop bars in Amsterdam with breathtaking panoramic views."
I also removed "best" because it's fluff. This word is vague and doesn't add anything to the headline.
Trust Power Words
Trust power words make us believe that your offer is trustworthy. Examples:
Tested
Approved
Best-selling
Guaranteed
Cancel anytime
Refundable
Moneyback
Proven
Headline without a power word:
"3 marketing strategies that'll increase your brand awareness."
Headline with a power word:
"Increase your brand awareness with these 3 tested marketing strategies."
Notice how I also started with the result to get the readers' attention?
Fear Power Words
Fear power words get us both curious and scared we're doing something we're not supposed to. Examples:
Mistake
Failure
Risky
Foolish
Stupid
Beware
Embarrassing
Destroy
Headline without a power word:
"Keep your business safe with this tool."
Headline with a power word:
"Common mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them."
Encouragement Power Words
Encouragement power words make us feel good before even reading your copy. They make us want to connect with you. Examples:
Badass
Mind-blowing
Phenomenal
Unforgettable
Spectacular
Stunning
Unbeatable
Eye-opening
Headline without a power word:
"17 female-owned fashion brands to support."
Headline with a power word:
"17 badass female-owned fashion brands you'll want to support."
Let's Create Irresistible Headlines for Your Business.
You've just read - or at least scanned - this blog and learned about six different types of power words you can use in your headlines to get people clicking and reading.
If you don't know where to start, how about you send me a message and we schedule a chat to discuss what you need for your business.
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