285+ Positive & Negative Power Words Sure To Win You Clicks

We all judge books by their covers, articles by their headlines, emails by their subject lines, videos by their titles, CTAs by their messaging, etc.

So we know that if we can't attract attention and spark curiosity, the content we spent time or money creating goes to waste.

That's why power words are so important.

They help us reach and resonate with our prospective customers. Especially when positive and negative power words are combined...

This is because the contrast speaks to the emotional and logical motivators of the reader and helps make your copy more memorable.

But we'll go into all of this in great detail below, so let's just cut the crap and get to it.

What are Power Words?

Power words are words that can trigger an emotional, psychological response (such as a visceral reaction). 

They can encourage people to:

• Pay attention,
• Respond,
• Or ideally do whatever action you want.

They've likely been used since the dawn of copywriting back in Babylonian times. 

That's because power words convey emotion, and emotions drive action. 

Quick tidbit: Even the most famous Roman orator, Cicero - dating back to 50+ BC knew that humans are fundamentally ruled by emotions.

(If you happen to be curious in learning more about how even ancients used emotions to persuade - I highly recommend checking out at least part of the interesting talk in the video below. The professor is a great communicator and his content is excellent!)

Despite operating in vastly different time periods - the persuasive effects of power words remain the same.

So, when it comes to:

• Getting readers to click on a blog post,
• Open an email,
• Check out an offer,
• etc.

Remember that emotionally charged power words can, have, and always will work wonders! 

You'll see below in the list that there are power verbs, power adjectives, and power phrases.

And as mentioned in the intro, there are both positive and negative types of power words.

For instance, positive emotions can range from feelings of comfort and nostalgia to curiosity and wonder. On the flip side, negative emotions can include fear, crisis and everything in between.

So let's finally get into this list of power words.

191+ Uniquely Positive Power Words

As mentioned, positive emotions refer to various warm feelings like hope, solutions, aspirations, relief, motivation, and other juicy feelings and remedies.

Depending on what you want your readers to feel, these ideas will help guide you in the right direction:

Success and Achievement

• Success, Achievement, Triumph, Master, Conquer, Excel, Win, Victory, Accomplish, Best, Better, Greatest, Improved, Outstanding, Superior, Ultimate, Sensational, Remarkable

Excitement and Energy

• Amazing, Exciting, Thrilling, Exhilarating, Pulse-pounding, Electrifying, Energy, Energize, Invigorating, Miracle, Boost, Surge, Soar

Joy and Happiness

• Delightful, Bliss, Joyous, Thrilled, Ecstatic, Wonderful, Happy, Cheerful, Jubilant, Love

Empowerment and Motivation

• Empower, Inspire, Uplift, Motivate, Courage, Fearless, Bold, Brave, Daring, Easy, Challenge

Exclusivity

• Exclusive, Elite, Premium, Luxurious, VIP, Valuable, Priceless, Rare, Unique, Insider, Secrets

Trust and Security

• Secure, Trustworthy, Safe, Protected, Guaranteed, Authentic, Genuine, Reliable, Dependable, Relief

(Just a quick side note - we're huge believers in bringing a sense of relief to clients and it's a feeling we prioritize with all of our services.)

Community and Unity

• Together, Community, Join, Collaborate, Wanted

Innovation and Progress

• Innovative, Revolutionary, Breakthrough, Pioneering, New, Improved, Advanced, Cutting-edge

Opportunity and Growth

• Opportunity, Growth, Potential, Promise, Discover, Unlock, Reveal, Announcing, Offer

But there's a lot more where that came from in the table below (forgive any repetition - just wanna make sure they're drilled in your head)!

95 Power Words With Negative Emotions

Negative words tap into fears, problems, or pain points, creating tension or urgency.

As per the findings of Daniel Kahneman's Prospect Theory (and later reiterated by countless others around the world), generally - people are more motivated by a fear of loss (loss aversion) than the pursuit of gains.

And so, sometimes, highlighting what someone stands to lose (or is currently losing) can be extra motivating.

I.e.: 'Don't Miss Out Like Last Time: Act Now!' (Leveraging fear of missing out [FOMO] and regret.)

Think about it during the next Black Friday season. Make a mental note of trends in ad copy, etc. You'll likely notice these 'negative' power words working their magic!

Just note that while certainly effective, we need to use these techniques responsibly and not to manipulate.

Fear and Danger

• Fear, Danger, Threat, Risk, Crisis, Warning, Scary, Frightening, Terrifying, Horrific

Urgency and Pressure (Many of these are Neutral)

• Urgent, Immediate, Deadline, Expire, Last chance, Don't miss out, Limited time, Countdown, Suddenly, Now, Quick, Hurry

Anger and Frustration

• Infuriating, Revolting, Outrageous, Anger, Frustration, Annoying, Aggravating

Sadness and Despair

• Tragic, Heartbreaking, Mournful, Hopeless, Lonely, Devastating, Depressing

Disgust and Revulsion

• Disgusting, Gross, Filthy, Revolting, Contaminated, Polluted, Toxic

Scarcity and Loss

• Running out, Limited, Scarce, Last chance, Miss out, Lose, Expire

Conflict and Violence

• War, Battle, Fight, Conflict, Struggle, Assault, Attack, Destroy, Annihilate

Deception and Mistrust

• Lies, Deceive, Trick, Fool, Scam, Suspicious, Untrustworthy, Betrayal

Failure and Weakness

• Fail, Weak, Pitiful, Loser, Mistake, Struggle, Stumble, Falter

Shame and Embarrassment

• Shame, Embarrass, Humiliate, Disgrace, Awkward, Cringe, Mortify

Let's again, group these words by theme in table format:

Best Practices For Combining Positive and Negative Power Words

Just like with SEO vs Content Marketing - the real 'power' of these words comes when they're used together.

This is where you get into the classic problem-solution copy formula:

Problem-Solution Copy:

• Negative words tap into fears, problems, or pain points - creating tension or urgency by highlighting a problem or need.
• Positive words then offer solutions, hope, and relief by introducing a solution or benefit.
• Together, they quickly complete a narrative and emotional journey from problem to solution.

Attention Grabbing and Memorable:

• You start with the negative words which often catch attention quicker - remember humans are especially sensitive to threats and problems - it's one of the essential traits that have helped us survive to this point!
• The positive words then maintain interest by offering a desirable outcome.
• And the contrast between negative and positive creates a more memorable message.
  

Comprehensive Persuasion:

• Appeals to both logic (addressing a real problem) and emotion (offering a positive outcome).
• Caters to different personality types - some respond more to avoiding negatives while others are more driven by achieving positives.

More Realistic and Relatable:

• Using only positive words can sometimes come across as too good to be true and insincere.
• Including negative words adds realism and relatability to the message - but just note that using too many can be off-putting and even depressing.
• So, the balance of the 2 keeps the message grounded yet inspiring.

Urgency and Motivation:

• Again, negative words can create a sense of urgency or necessity.
• While positive words provide the motivation to act on that urgency (and also have their own forms of 'positive' urgent words as shown above).

Storytelling:

• As mentioned above, the combination forms a mini-story in the headline - from conflict to resolution.
• And this narrative structure is more engaging, memorable, and easy to understand.
• It also shows a more nuanced understanding of the target audience's situation.

Sensory Power Words

Another technique worth mentioning, is the combination or pairing of emotional or logical triggers listed above with sensory 'power words'.

By this I'm referring to words that help the reader visualize their preferred outcome.

This is both effective (by adding another sense to the copy) and memorable.

Here's a famous example:

It’s Finger-Lickin’ Good

But there are lots of different sensory words you can use!

Visual

• Sparkling
• Gloomy
• Vivid
• Blurry
• Shimmering

Auditory

• Whisper
• Roar
• Echo
• Silence
• Creak

Smell (Olfactory)

• Fragrant
• Stinky
• Aromatic
• Foul
• Fresh

Taste (Gustatory)

• Sweet
• Bitter
• Savory
• Tangy
• Spicy

Touch (Tactile)

• Smooth
• Rough
• Velvety
• Sticky
• Icy
• Fluffy

When done well, this technique can create compelling copy that engages readers on both a sensory and emotional level, intended to increase the persuasive power of your message.

But it's very important to choose wisely.

Only use words that can logically fit with your brand, product, and target audience's needs and desires.

Where Are These Power Words Used Best?

There are lots of different types of content where power words can help you turn strangers into potential customers.

And you certainly don't ALWAYS need to use positive and negative powers together to enjoy its benefits:

Power Words in Headlines

Again, power words in headlines grab attention and push readers to click. With them, you can evoke emotion, create urgency, spark curiosity, and all the rest we discussed above.

For articles and landing pages, consider using words like:

1. Ultimate - Suggests completeness
2. Proven - Builds credibility
3. Shocking - Creates intrigue
4. Secret - Implies exclusive information

Example: "5 Proven Strategies to Skyrocket Your Sales"

Power Words in Subheadings

Subheadings keep readers engaged as they scan your content. Power words here can reinforce your main points and encourage continued reading.

Effective power words for subheadings include:

1. Critical - Emphasizes importance
2. Effortless - Promises ease
3. Powerful - Suggests effectiveness
4. Insider - Implies exclusive knowledge



Example: "Effortless Ways to Implement These Strategies"

Power Words in CTAs (Call to Action)

Power words in CTAs can boost conversion rates by evoking emotion and creating a sense of urgency. For example, words like "Discover," "Unlock," and "Instantly" can make an offer more enticing.

Other powerful CTA words include:

1. Exclusive - Creates a sense of privilege
2. Limited - Adds scarcity
3. Free - Always attractive to consumers
4. Now - Encourages immediate action

Example: Unlock Your Free Trial Now!

Using Power Words in Email Subject Lines

Power words can obviously be an effective tool to increase open rates by triggering curiosity, value, etc.

And when you get someone to open the email - you can also use them to help boost your click through rates and conversions.

Effective power words for email subject lines include:

1. Breaking - Suggests time-sensitive news
2. Exclusive - Implies special access
3. You - Personalizes the message
4. New - Indicates fresh information

Example: "Breaking: New Exclusive Offer Just for You"

But it's important to take careful note of which words are often flagged by spam filters. These typically include terms that overly-exaggerate or are too pushy.

So, avoid spam trigger words in subject lines like "Free," "Guarantee," or "No risk".

Boosting Your SEO

Power words can indeed boost SEO by improving click-through rates from search engine results pages (SERPs) and time on page (if you're using power words in headers, etc.).

This sends positive signals to search engines about the relevance and quality of your content.

Just a quick plug - I'm a longtime editor and content manager. I've personally reviewed and edited literally thousands of article titles from authors I've hired, managed, etc.

And the results from using these techniques have been quite positive.

When it comes to a site with thousands of pages though - keeping a site's CTR above 2% can be quite the challenge.

That is unless you're effective with your headlines!

So, consider using:

1. Guide - Suggests comprehensive information
2. How to - Indicates practical, actionable content
3. Best - Appeals to those seeking quality
4. Review - Attracts those in the decision-making phase
5. Tips - Promises quick, useful information
6. Ultimate - Suggests deep, in-depth coverage

Example: "Ultimate Guide: 10 Best SEO Tips for 2024"

Power Words in Social Media Posts

Social media platforms are crowded spaces where content competes for attention. Power words can help your posts stand out and increase engagement.

Here are some effective strategies:

1. Exclusive or Breaking - Just like for email subject lines - it creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity
2. You won't believe or Mind-blowing - Triggers curiosity and maybe some cringe - but sometimes cringe sells (when it's authentic)!
3. Free or Giveaway - Attracts those looking for value
4. Limited time or Last chance - Induces FOMO
5. Hack or Shortcut - Appeals to those seeking quick solutions

Examples:

• "Exclusive: Behind-the-scenes look at our new product launch!"
• "Mind-blowing trick to double your productivity"
• "Free webinar: Learn from industry experts"

Just make sure to adapt your language to fit the tone and style of each platform.

Power Words in YouTube Titles

YouTube is the second biggest search engine in the world after Google.

Which means it's highly competitive, and your title needs to work hard to earn clicks.

But luckily many of the same tips and tricks that work on Google are applicable here too:

1. Ultimate or Complete - Again, suggesting comprehensive content
2. Shocking or Surprising - Creates intrigue
3. Proven or Tested - Builds credibility
4. Easy or Simple - Appeals to those seeking accessible content
5. vs or Comparison - Attracts viewers looking to make decisions

Examples:

• "Ultimate Guide: Master Photoshop in 30 Days"
• "Shocking Truth About Popular Diet Trends"
• "5 Proven Ways to Grow Your YouTube Channel Fast"
• "Easy Homemade Pizza Recipe: Better Than Takeout!"
• "iPhone vs Android: Honest Comparison 2024"

Bonus tips for YouTube titles:

1. Use numbers when applicable (e.g., "7 Tips for...")
2. Include the current year to appear up-to-date
3. Keep the titles short - around 50 characters
4. Incorporate trending topics or keywords relevant to your content

And while power words are effective, it's crucial to deliver on the promise of your title.

Clickbait tactics might get initial views but can impact audience retention and standing in the algorithm. So when you're using grandiose power words as adjectives - just make sure your content lives up to the hype.

Power Words in Product Names

Power words can even be used in product names to be more memorable and appealing.

You just need to ensure it's aligned with your overall brand identity and is attractive to your target market. Remember that words are often loaded with emotional baggage (often with deep meanings) so choose wisely!

Here are some options that other big companies have used:

Emphasizing benefits:

• Ultra (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra)
• Pro (e.g., MacBook Pro)
• Max (e.g., iPhone 16 Pro Max)
• Zen (e.g., ZenDesk)

Implying innovation or uniqueness:

• Smart (e.g., Smartfood Popcorn)
• Eco (e.g., Literally an entire industry of 'eco-friendly' products)
• Fusion (e.g., Ford Fusion)

Suggesting premium quality:

• Prime (e.g., Prime Energy drinks)
• Luxe (e.g., Helix Midnight Luxe mattress)
• Platinum (e.g., 'Platinum Memberships')

Indicating speed or efficiency:

• Turbo (e.g., TurboTax)
• Rapid (e.g., Rapid Care First Aid Kit)
• Instant (e.g., Instant coffee, noodles, etc.)

Power Words in Ads

Last but certainly not least we have the most common use of copywriting and leveraging power words.

Advertising is a field where the right words can make a huge difference in conversions. And that's whether you're running print ads, digital ads, or social media campaigns.

Here are some effective ways to use power words in ads:

Attention-Grabbing Headlines:

• Limited - Adds urgency and scarcity
• Essential - Implies necessity and importance

Example: Limited Stock, Essential Product You Can't Live Without!

Creating Urgency:

• Now - Encourages immediate action
• Today - Adds timeliness
• Don't Miss Out - Plays on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
• Last Chance - Creates a sense of finality

Example: Act Now! Last Chance to Save 50% Today Only!

Highlighting Benefits:

• Effortless - Promises ease of use
• Guaranteed - Builds trust and reduces perceived risk
• Proven - Suggests reliability
• Transform - Implies significant positive change

Example: Effortless Weight Loss: Proven Method Guaranteed to Transform Your Body

Addressing Pain Points: Goes back to the negative power words discussed above!

• Stop - Promises an end to a problem
• Eliminate - Suggests complete removal of an issue
• Prevent - Offers protection against future problems
• Relief - Promises comfort or solution

Example: "Stop Hair Loss: Eliminate Baldness and Prevent Further Thinning"

Call-to-Action (CTA):

  - Get - Implies attaining something

  - Start - Encourages taking the first step

  - Join - Creates a sense of community

Example: "Join 10k+ Happy Members Today"

But remember - overuse or misusing these power words can lead to distrust or even legal issues. The key is to balance compelling language with honesty of what you're offering.

And whenever possible - testing different combinations of power words will always help you improve!

Power Words in Conclusion

So there have it, we've explored the undeniable impact that carefully chosen power words can have on your marketing efforts.

To recap - power words (when used judiciously) can enhance the effectiveness of your headlines, CTAs, email subject lines and pretty much all of your marketing material.

The key takeaways are:

• You can enjoy maximum impact by balancing positive and negative power words
• Power words can be used across all sorts of different marketing channels
• Avoid overusing them though so as to not come across as insincere or, say, trigger spam filters with your email marketing efforts

While power words can be a valuable tool, they're just one aspect of a comprehensive content marketing strategy.

As always, to make the most of this tactic, you want to first nail down your audience, your brand voice, and your overall marketing and business goals.

If you're looking to refine your content marketing approach and make the most of these techniques and more, feel free to reach out to us.

We're pretty nice and always happy to support business growth!