Words that sell. As a copywriter, they are our bread and butter. Words that pique people’s interest, make them use their imagination and turn the ordinary into something worth paying money for.
Copywriters can’t just consider factual and grammatical accuracy, rhythm and clarity of ideas – although all these things are important. To write copy that generates a reaction, copywriters must dig into the emotional and psychological impact of the words we use.
Here are 63 words that will help you turn ordinary copy into something more powerful, and more effective.
The most powerful word of all
1. You
Words about newness
2. Introducing
3. Welcome
4. Unique
5. Announcing
6. Breakthrough
7. Surprising
8. Exciting
9. Astounding
Words about exclusivity
10. Special
11. Secret
12. Hidden
13. Truth
14. Temptation
15. Forbidden
16. Never
17. Revealed
18. Exclusive
19. Limited
Words about urgency
20. Now
21. Discover
22. New
23. Results
24. Only
25. Direct
26. Hurry
27. Quick
28. Fast
Words that reassure
30. Can
31. Guarantee
32. Proven
33. Easy
34. Care
35. Simple
36. Safety
37. Lifetime
Words about caring
38. Family
39. Love
40. Children
41. Heaven
42. Dream
43. Health
Words about saving
44. Save
45. Money
46. Win
47. Cheap
48. Free
49. Reduced
50. Bargain
51. Bonus
52. Discount
53. Lowest
Words about pain
54. Hate
55. Failure
56. Afraid
57. Lazy
58. Humiliation
59. Alone
60. Reject
61. Stress
62. Stupid
63. Guilty
How to use words that sell
I’ve just given you a long list of copywriting words that sell and I hear you ask: “What the heck am I supposed to do now?” I’m not suggesting you try and work every one of these into your copywriting. That would be … well. that would be an amazing effort if you did.
Instead, consider the emotion you want to tap into or the psychological impact. Think about how you want the reader to feel or, in the case of pain, avoid feeling, and use a word from that category.
Words that sell are especially powerful in headlines and subheadings as these are the copywriting elements that nearly every reader will see. One well-placed power word could be the difference between marketing being read – or ignored.
So now it’s over to you. Test out these words that sell in your copy and see if they change the responses you get. Don’t forget to let us all know how you go.
And if you have your own favourite words, let me know and I’ll add them to the list!
The Copy Detective
Subscribe to The Copy Detective to get each new post delivered straight to your inbox. In secret of course.
17 Responses
nice list. I would add “because” 🙂
Great addition Sabina. It reminds me of all the wonderful linking words and phrases…. hmmm there might be another blog in that!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Just read your list. This old horse is back at the trough and ready to drink. Thanks.
Thank You Mike!
Thank you Belinda, your list helped me improve my social media marketing skills 🙂
deadly post…..I need this I’m writing a short copy for my greet box plugin . Big help thnx
Deadly.. I like that. Thanks!
I’ve just been delegated a writing task and this list is incredibly helpful! Thank you.
A timely find Wendy! I’m glad you found it. Good luck with your writing task.
My second favorite word after “You” is “Imagine”
That is an Awesome addition Jeff – thanks!
And thanks for stopping by 🙂
Thanks for the list! Another of my favorites is “choose” or “choice.”
Ohh great addition Carolyn. Thanks!