A single word has the power to stimulate the brain both positively and negatively – and change how people view the world around them. That’s why power words in sales are one of your most effective techniques for attracting viewers, converting leads, and creating loyal customers.
We will define what power words are and explore some of the most impactful words that work like magic in sales.
Key Takeaways:
- You can use power words in phone calls, video campaigns, and written content.
- Power words rely on emotions, reason, exclusivity, and trust.
- These words work best when you use them together in your sales pitches.
What are Power Words in Sales Campaigns?
Power words appeal to emotions, persuade the reader, and build trust.
Strategically targeted words will achieve a specific response from your readers, such as letting down their guard long enough to listen to what you have to say. Then, when you add these words to your sales campaign, you intrigue your readers to dig deeper or inspire them to act.
Where Can You Use Power Words in Sales?
Here are a few examples of where you can use power words.
Phone Calls
One report showed that representatives make an average of 18 cold calls before they reach a potential buyer. Additionally, they will make about five successful follow-up calls before closing a deal. However, using the right words can catch your listener’s attention so they will be more open to your sales pitch, increasing your cold-call success rate.
Emails
Mailchimp found the average email open rate for all industries was 21.33%. Power words in your subject line and opening paragraph increase the chances of customers opening your sales email and reading your pitch.
Video Campaigns
Videos will make up 82% of consumer internet traffic by 2022. You can have a more significant impact on your viewers through targeted language.
Online Content
Online content includes blogs, social media posts, and website posts. As users sift through over 1.9 billion websites, you want yours to stand out by capturing your audience’s attention with emotional and powerful words in headlines, posts, and your call to action.
Advertisements
Advertisements on social media, web pages, and searches have limited space, so you don’t want to waste it with vague words. For example, specifications for Facebook feed image ads are 125 characters of text, 25 maximum characters for the headline, and 30 characters for the link description. So instead, make each word count by using precise words.
20 Essential Power Words in Sales that Every Marketer Should Know
Here are 20 of the most powerful words that sell.
Appeal to Emotions
One of the defining characteristics of power words is their emotional appeal. A word can generate excitement or nostalgia, which encourages customers to respond favorably.
Here are five powerful emotional selling words.
- Imagine – Helps your readers visualize their problem and how you can solve it to create a feeling of empathy
E.g., Imagine having all your marketing tools under one platform.
- Instantly – Appeals to people’s need for instant gratification
E.g., You will instantly see a difference.
- Free – Triggers a strong emotional response that changes their buying behavior
E.g., Download our free eBook.
- Now/Act Now – Creates a sense of urgency by suggesting something is a limited-time deal
E.g., Act now to get this exclusive offer.
- Amazing/Incredible/Inspiring/Exciting – Sparks interest and excitement
E.g., Get amazing results with this product.
Solve Pain Points and Help Reach Customer Goals
A logical approach solves customers’ pain points and explains how you can help them reach their goals. When using these power words, you want to focus on a product’s value over its price.
Here are five reasoning power word examples.
- Because – Focuses on the benefits of a product
E.g., You may also want to consider this offer because it provides valuable tools.
- Easy/Convenient – Let your customers know how much easier their life would be
E.g., You can achieve these same results in three easy steps.
- Included/Value/BOGO – Suggests a greater value for the price
E.g., Your subscription includes 24/7 support.
- Opportunities – Inspires your customers to grow
E.g., Take advantage of this opportunity to learn a new skill.
- Success – Helps your readers reach their goals
E.g., We will help you reach success.
Create Exclusivity and Uniqueness
People like to feel special or part of an exclusive group. These five power words create a sense of belonging and uniqueness.
- Discover – Tells them that they will be among the first to experience or have something
E.g., Discover the power of 5G.
- New – Attracts trendsetters and those who want the latest and greatest
E.g., Try our new and improved formula.
- Scarcity/Limited– Indicates a shortage that creates greater demand
E.g., Try our limited offer while supplies last.
- Exclusive – Allows customers to feel like they are members of a special group
E.g., Sign up for access to exclusive deals.
- Unique – Makes customers feel different and special
E.g., Our unique strategy for success.
Be Relatable and Trustworthy
You can build trust by including the reader in the conversation as if you are coming alongside them. You can also add another level of trust by showing why the product or service aligns with their personal beliefs or values.
Here are five persuasive sales words that build trust.
- You – Addresses the customer, so they take ownership of the product or service
E.g., You will see a difference in just 30 days.
- We/Us – Relates to the customer as a partner on the journey
E.g., We care about skincare.
- Believe/If – Aligns with their personal values and beliefs
E.g., If you believe in making a difference, this product is right for you.
- Thank you – Acknowledges their part and lets them know you care
E.g., Thank you for being a part of this journey.
- Show – Instead of speaking at them, you come alongside them and show a product
E.g., We will show you how to grow your business.
Bringing It All Together
Here’s an example of how Nike incorporates all four types of power words seamlessly together in one ad.
Create Your Own Message
Now it’s your turn to put those power words into practice through creative and strategic messaging.
Our business growth and sales strategy services can help you attract more leads through power words.
Contact us to learn more.