It’s done.
You’ve finally started blogging and finished your latest blog post.
It’s practical, actionable, and insightful.
You’ve nailed your headline and picked the perfect featured image.
You’ve pored over every detail, and now it’s ready to publish. In fact, you’re damned proud to click “Publish.”
It’s time to announce your masterpiece to the world — starting with the subscribers on your email list.
But there’s a problem.
According to the data, over three-quarters of your list won’t open your email.
More worrying still, only about 2% will read the content you’ve worked so hard to create.
And these are the people who are supposed to be your most loyal fans…
So how do you get more people to open your emails and click through to your content?
The answer: you have to use the right power words.
Because certain words in the English language are dramatically more powerful than others if you want to persuade people to take action — like clicking a link to your latest post.
Let’s reveal exactly what they are.
1. “You”
If you want readers to feel like they’re being talked “to” instead of talked “at” the best way to talk to someone is to … well, talk to them like you would face to face.
“You” is conversational, relaxed and direct; far more direct and engaging than either the third-person — he, she, them — or the first person — I, me, us.
It’s no accident that “you” is at the top of every scientifically based list of truly powerful words. In fact, Copyblogger’s Brian Clark calls “you” the most important word in blogging:
“You” appeals to our natural self-interest. However much you want your readers to relate to you as a person, the harsh truth is that they won’t begin caring about you at all until you’ve shown you care about them.
Examples
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
2. Their Name
According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, hearing your name triggers unique brain activity compared to hearing other names. Less scientifically, we all love the sound of our names.
You can take advantage of this fact when trying to tempt readers to open and click your emails.
As GetResponse reports, “emails with personalized subject lines are 22.2% more likely to be opened.”
If you collect subscribers’ first names on sign-up you have the option to include them in the subject line or the greeting, but also within the body of the email itself and even in the call-to-action (CTA) — the link you want them to click.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
3. “Because”
Reasons matter. Even the most unexpected behavior usually has a logical reason behind it.
If you can give people a strong enough reason to take action, they’ll take that action.
And “because” is a powerful marker — it tells your reader “here comes a reason.”
Robert Cialdini demonstrates the psychological effect of “because” in his book Influence. When someone in line to make copies asked the person in front of them, “Excuse me, I have 5 pages. May I use the Xerox machine?” only 60 percent agreed. However, when the same person asked, “I have 5 pages. May I use the Xerox machine because I am in a rush?” 94 percent of people gave in to his request.
Even more startling, those numbers remained virtually the same when the reason was nothing more than a restatement of the request itself: “I have 5 pages. May I use the Xerox machine because I need to use the Xerox machine?”
The conclusion, the word “because” has a power of its own. Even if the reason given is trivial, “because” is still powerfully persuasive.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
How to Be Unforgettable
4. “Yes”
Whether you’re an optimist or a pessimist at heart, we all love the positivity of “yes.”
“Yes” opens up possibility — “no” closes it down.
Using the word “yes” and other affirmations in your emails makes your readers feel empowered. It puts them in a positive state of mind.
If you can say yes to your readers’ ideas, they’re far more likely to say yes to yours.
“Yes, you want to be a popular blogger. Yes, you want your ideas to spread. Yes, you can be respected as a writer.”
Examples
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
5. “New”
What makes “new” so damned persuasive? Why do our ears prick up at the slightest mention of something new?
It turns our brains are actually programmed to want to try new things. That means anything that appears new or fresh automatically piques our interest.
In fact, the desire to stay tuned into the latest news, gadgets, and gossip is such an important aspect of human behavior that it has earned an acronym, FOMO: fear of missing out.
Use this to your advantages. In your email teaser find a way to position your post as brand new information. Or a new solution to an old problem.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
6. “Discover”
“Discover” taps into the same basic human desire for freshness and novelty as “new” but adds a sense of wonder and excitement.
The idea of discovery brings with it a sense of awe and even epic scale. There’s also the sense of being among the first few people to experience a new finding or idea.
Marketing genius Joe Polish uses this tactic in both his emails and landing pages: “Discover These Simple And Inexpensive Breakthrough Marketing Strategies And Start Enjoying The E.L.F.™ (Easy, Lucrative, and Fun) Business You’ve Dreamed Of!”
Examples
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
7. “Stop”
“Stop” makes us sit up and pay attention. It foreshadows danger and triggers basic instincts of self-preservation.
In fact “Stop” is what copywriting expert John Benson calls a “snap suggestion”: something that breaks your audience’s train of thought and stops them in their tracks.
Coming to a halt (either physically or mentally) when the word “stop” is uttered or written on the page is a natural, hardwired response. And you can use that to stop skimmers in their tracks and make them pay attention to your post.
Examples
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
8. “If”
Hypotheticals are intriguing.
What if I went this direction? What if I took this piece of advice? What if I bought this product — would it improve my life?
When incorporating “if” into your teaser email, you can use it to create desire for different possibilities:
“What if you could gain thousands more views for your content without any extra effort?”
Or you can lead readers down a certain path:
A person can be intrigued by different possibilities, or they can mull over what were to happen if they chose to purchase a certain product or service.
“If you’re serious about improving your writing, you need to read this post.”
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
How to Be Unforgettable
9. “How”
How to cook meatloaf. How to change your oil. How to play backgammon.
How to get your emails opened and clicked.
“How” is a powerful word, because it makes a promise: “You don’t know how to perform this task, but I do. And don’t worry, I’m going to show you.”
Jon Morrow leans hard on this formula in his Headline Hacks, using not just one as an entire category, but in no less than five other categories:
- How Safe Is Your [Valuable Person/Object] from [Threat]?
- How [Blank] Gamble with Your [Blank]: 7 Ways to Protect Yourself
- How to Take Charge of Your [Unruly Problem]
- How to End [Problem]
- How to [Blank] in 5 Minutes
The post you’re promoting may already have a “how to” headline, but if not give it a “how to” twist in your teaser email?
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
How to Be Unforgettable
10. “Worse”
“Worse” is all about fear, perhaps the most primal human emotion.
Moreover, as soon as “even worse” is inserted into the mix, this fear can tighten its grip like Ronda Rousey applying her signature arm bar maneuver.
So use “worse” to build tension, anxiety, and agitation. Use it to amplify the risks of not reading your post.
Of course, your post must offer a remedy. It must offer to reverse the downward spiral. Because “worse” only works if you can convince readers you can make things better.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
How to Be Unforgettable
11. “Instantly”
In today’s world of 140-character messaging, one-hour dry cleaning and six-second advertisements, we want everything instantly.
Scientific studies have looked at our brain and determined that we tend to prioritize actions when there is an opportunity for instant rewards.
This means that marketers relish the terms “instantly,” “fast,” and “immediately” because they make your audiences’ brains light up like a Christmas tree. Whether it’s “immediate access,” “instant savings” or “fast delivery,” consumers are delighted by swift promises.
Use the same promise of immediate results in your teaser emails and your readers will be itching to click.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
How to Be Unforgettable
12. “Today”
“Today” appeals to the same need for immediate gratification as “instantly.”
But “today” has more built-in credibility — it feels somehow more realistic.
After all, people know that nothing truly happens instantly. But achieving something new today, well that might just happen.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
13. “Everyone”
Personalization is powerful, as we’ve already seen. So, how can it also be effective to insert “everyone” into the message?
It all comes down to how you use it.
Don’t use “everyone” to imply your message is for everyone — that’s a turn-off. We all consider ourselves unique.
Use it instead to bring the weight of social proof to your communications. If “everyone knows” something, then you can act like it’s true, right? If “everyone wants” something then it’s fine for your reader to want it too. If “everyone who’s successful” has something in common, people will want to know what it is.
“Everyone” is reassuring because it tells people that they’re normal — what they want is reasonable. And it’s persuasive — if everyone else thinks this is a good idea maybe you should too.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
14. “Want”
It’s no secret that people read what they want to read, not what they need to.
Why? Because it’s just more fun to read all about stuff we really want (shoes or a PlayStation) rather than the things we need (food or retirement investments).
Moreover, “want” works brilliantly when trying to persuade people to click your emails.
“You want…” shows you understand your reader. It meets them where there are, rather than where you think they should be.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
How to Be Unforgettable
15. “Easy”
Who wants to do something hard? Hardly anybody.
We all want the easiest route to our goals.
Given that, would you click on a post that sounds laborious to follow?
The reality is, you wouldn’t. And neither will your subscribers.
You harness the power of “easy” in two ways: one, by highlighting how “easy” (or fast) reading your blog post will be or, two, by focusing on how much easier your content will make their lives.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
16. “Win”
Winning!
No, we’re not talking about Charlie Sheen.
“Win” is a powerfully persuasive word to include in your emails.
Everyone wants to be a winner. Winning a race, winning the lottery, winning a special prize — all strongly positive ideas.
If you can show your readers what your post will help them to “win,” they’ll experience a powerful urge to be a winner.
Examples
How to Be Smart in a World of Dumb Bloggers
49 Creative Geniuses Who Use Blogging to Promote Their Art
17. P.S. (Postscript)
One facet of the teaser email often forgotten is the postscript (P.S.).
But not including it is a big mistake — and a missed opportunity. Most readers find a P.S. almost irresistible and for many it’s the first part of your email they’ll read.
Think of the P.S. as a bonus chance to persuade your readers to read your post — use it to give them an extra reason to click.
Try switching tactics in your P.S. If the body of your email appealed to the heart, use your P.S. to appeal to the head. Some readers will be persuaded by one more than the other.
Your P.S. can also be used to prompt other behavior, like sharing the post on social media. Or to bond with readers with a more personal message.
However you decide to use it, a P.S. is an essential part of any promotional email.
Use Trigger Words to Turn Subscribers into Traffic
You work hard on your content, and you’ve sweated to build your list.
But if only a tiny percentage of your subscribers return to read your words, that time and effort has gone to waste.
Worse, your blog is standing still because subscribers are drifting away as quickly as you can gain them.
Yes, you deserve better. So it’s time to discover a new way to tempt subscribers to read your posts.
Stop sending out emails without thinking carefully about the words you use. Because every word matters — and picking the right ones can instantly improve the effectiveness of your emails.
Everyone wants attention, but only a few will earn it. You want to be one of those winners.
How? By injecting power and persuasion with these 17 words into your emails.
It’s easy, and you can start today.
I’ll add another if I may, or rather two.
Curious and wonder.
When we saying something like ‘I’m curious to know’or ‘I wonder if you can help me?’ We set the other persons brain into solving a problem mode.
The brain loves solving problems and this can be really powerful not just in coaching but writing too.
Hello Tim,
Thanks for your input! I’m sure there are quite a few more I didn’t cover, let’s brainstorm to find them all 🙂
I like those, Tim. Anything that gets people thinking will hook them into reading more. Get them wondering if something can benefit them and they’re more likely to buy.
Words of wisdom Gail! You’re doing an amazing job with Growmap.
Hi Dvora,
Congrats on getting published on BBT! It’s a great accomplishment and you did a wonderful job.
Not having your emails clicked and — worse — not having your posts read is a problem all bloggers face. You picked a great topic. Of course, your stats are depressing. Only about 2% will read? Yikes!
Thank you for this list of trigger words. A handy list for ersuading readers to take action? What’s not to love. 🙂
I’ll definitely share this on twitter. Great work, Dvora. Enjoy the comments and visits you’ll undoubtedly get on your website today. It’s one of the best perks of writing for BBT!
Thanks again, and enjoy your day!
-Kevin
Hello Kevin!
Thanks for reading the post, I’m happy you like it.
I must say that the traction this post is getting is incredible! I’m just in the process of re-designing my website but oh well 🙂
P.S.
Thanks for the social media love! Much appreciated!
Hello Dvora, this is an amazing post that you wrote.
It might seem a stupid question, but what if I would want to use these words to create a great headline? Are they meant to be used just for making the subscribers to click? Because I only have lots of Twitter followers, NOT subscribers!
Please do reply!
-Mike
Great article.
Especially loved 5 & 7. These are powerful for response 🙂
Thanks! Glad you like it 🙂
Can I just say that Boost Blog Traffic is one of my favorites? I get so many emails that I barely have time to read, but I always read yours.
Thank you! From the bottom of my heart, thank you. As a writer, you have really helped me fine tune some things.
Very grateful,
Jennifer
I share the same thoughts Jennifer!
I’v been an avid reader for months now. Glad to be a part of this community and hope you learned something new from this post.
How about “now”? I like that word, even put it in my url. It is more urgent than “today”. It has energy, vibrancy. Who knows, perhaps you could engage tons of more readers right now, just by using it.
Hi, MaryAnn.
I agree with you about “now”. I used that once in a title to great effect. I plan to use it again.
Nathan.
I also agree about now, it is used a lot in hypnotherapy to aid induction process and as an embedded command.
You can even use it in hyperlinks as an embedded command if you know how 😉
Agreed MaryAnn 🙂
Someone needs to A/B test Now, Today and Instantly – It would be interesting to see how each performs.
‘EXPOSED:’ is another great one.
Has worked great for me. Exposed is usually referred to in contexts of lack of awareness, and works almost like someone is revealing a ‘SECRET’
I have mixed feelings with this one. For some reason it gives a “cheap” or “scammy” vibe when I encounter it, but I do agree it’s a very powerful word. Perhaps it’s because of the over aggressive affiliate pages you encounter.
What do you guys think?
Being able to choose the right words to get people to take that action you want them to is the Writer’s best skill. What little teasers will fill them with superhero’s determination to act?
The trick is to use the right words for your potential audience. Often using a word that you haven’t used before in your content or copy is a good idea to inspire action because your readers attention is caught by the surprise element. For example, one of my most opened emails to my list had the subject line: Horrible Homepages.
It’s impact was the word “horrible” and how it invoked a fear a lot of bloggers have about their home page. Also, I think the fact it wasn’t smothered in a wordy subject line helped too.
What trigger words have worked well for you and in what way?
Cheers Dvora! Looking forward to reading more content from you.
Hello Tom 🙂
I agree that the most appropriate trigger words will depend on your audience. To some extent it also depends on the topic at hand. People read articles, emails and just about any type of content with a certain mindset already in place. It’s up to you, the copywriter or marketer, to turn whatever mindset (which can include curiosity or genuine interest) into action.
Perhaps it also pays to segment your audience or do some a/b testing, to see which trigger words are more effective for certain audiences and topics.
Also, thanks for your kind words! I’m mostly interested in writing for BBT, so expect to see me around 🙂
Good stuff. I am always looking for was to improve my writing and to get more people to read my work.
Thanks for your kind words George 🙂
Hi, Dvora (and Jon).
You are so right, and I’m pleased to see that “you” is top of the list. It works wonders!
They may be small words, but small things used in a simple and effective way can make all the difference. I shall use some of the others that I haven’t tried yet, such as “because” and “worse”.
Thanks for sharing,
Nathan.
Hello Nathan,
Using “you” can break down barriers that people naturally have when they start reading an article or message. It can make people feel part of the conversation. Each of these trigger words can refer to a certain part of our psyche. After all, who knew that copywriting involves so much psychology!?
Lovely post Dvora, so many things to take away and digest. The research that Cialdini talks about with the Xerox machine was conducted by a team lead by Ellen Langer in 1978 and it was specifically around mindfulness. I reference this because it works with small requests, and not larger ones when someone becomes more “aware” or mindful of the ask. If you always use it with big asks, you might find the outcome a lot different to what Langer and her crew did in 1978.
Sarah, Thank you for that interesting piece of information!
I actually want to further explore the implications of using “because” for different calls to action. Like you said, it will depend on what you are asking and the state of mind of the people you are talking to.
I guess that in certain states of mind, you filter out everything else and just focus on the “because” part, thus giving in to the request for small requests. Kinda like Automaticity if you will.
Solid info! I’ll be sure to implement these words in the future.
Thanks Chris! Let me know how it goes 🙂
Great list Dvora. There are a few more like “Now” “Imagine” which work very well too. The word “now” suggests a kind of urgency which draws people to read the posts. The word “imagine” gets people in thinking mode and usually they end up reading your article.
Thanks for the post. Keep it up!
Thank you Neil!
These words can do wonders for any marketer/copywriter, but the research doesn’t end here. I”m quite sure I missed a few of them!
Love the entire list and it’s really not hard to incorporate into a blogging strategy. I especially like the words “discover” and “stop”. Thanks for posting. A good one to bookmark!
Thanks for reading Laurie 🙂
Let me know how it goes when you implement those words!
Great job Dvora! I will definitely use these words. I wrote them down. I also think they are helpful getting people to open our links on Facebook and Twitter.
Janice
Many thanks Janice 🙂
I had a great time researching and writing this post. There is no reason why this shouldn’t apply to social media as well.
This was fun to read! And especially the closing paragraphs where you used all the trigger words in your copy! I thought that was a great way to show that effective copywriters use those words throughout content to make it stand out.
Thanks for reading Antoniya 🙂
It’s not common whenever I think a blog post is worth printing but this one was one of the easiest to fall into that category.
Thanks for all the great tips Dvora, I think this is going to help me improve my sales copywriting skills as well. 😉
Sergio Felix
Thanks for your kind words Sergio! This is a great honor for me.
This is what it’s all about: helping other bloggers improving their copywriting skills. I’m glad that you learned something new 🙂
I love discover and how. Works like magic for many of the emails I send. I must use ‘instantly’ the next time I send out a broadcast. Can’t wait to see the stats! 🙂
These are amongst my favorites too 🙂
Please let me know how you fair with instantly. I’d love to hear from you, Sheeroh.
Dvora,
Great post. You could also include many of these power words within a blog as well.
Stop is a good word for headlines, as is Now, How, Want and Today.
Your list is a great resource to use if you want faster and easier results in blogging.
Really appreciate the list and look forward to applying these strategies to my blog (and once I get an email list up, to that as well).
Thanks for sharing!
Hey David,
Thanks! You’re right, these words can work great within a blog post, landing page or even a social media interaction (actually, anywhere!).
Some of these power words have a direct effect on the brain and so, you’re likely to benefit from using them when you speak as well (e.g. job interviews, door to door sales or persuading your friends to do various things 🙂
Thanks Dvora for this great cheat sheet. Having the examples really boosted the use of these power words.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and expertise!
Thanks for your kind words Susan. Happy you liked the post!
I have to say Glen really helped out (insisting on those examples). Looking forward to hearing what works for you 🙂
Thanks for this great post Dvora! I wrote down all the words you and everybody who commented mentioned (thanks guys 😉 ).
I think it’s pretty amazing how taking into account psychological effects can improve our copywriting and help us reach our content marketing goals.
I’ve made the experience that in general words with a very strong emotional connotation work very well; for instance words related to threat: safe, warning, trust, alert, lies, etc.
I’m excited to try all the new ones I wrote down and see the results! 🙂
Best,
Sarah
Hey Sarah 🙂
Thanks for your lovely comment. Please let me know how it goes when you start applying these power words!
Fabulous post! I try and pull away but have to keep coming back to finish. There are so many good ideas in here. I particularly loved your examples and the different ways you used them to highlight different strategies. Bravo!
Thanks Laurie!
Loving this community! Which words are you going to try out now? Is there any particular one that you already use intuitively?
What a fantastic post, Dvora.
Managing a mailing list seems easy, but if you want to run a successful newsletter, then you need to put a lot of work and dedication into it.
You listed many words that can be used to attract your subscribers attention, but no one mentioned the ones you must avoid!
“The Apache SpamAssassin Project” provides a list of words you should not use in header and body of your email, so to avoid to increasing your spam score.
I really liked the information, Dvora,
sharing now via Twitter! 🙂
Thanks Eric 🙂
Woah, nice find there (The Apache SpamAssassin Project). That’s a great idea for a future post! I guess it’s just as important.
P.S.
Like your blog too! I’m a fan 🙂
Great practical ideas here Dvora.
To tell you the truth, I add to quickly create an excel file to archive all these wonderful trigger words, and the corresponding examples you gave.
By themselves, the trigger words were awesome, but going further to provide those examples really took this piece of work to the next level. Turned it from a mere post into an evergreen resource!
Thanks a million!
Thank you Tito!
I guess I owe to pay a compliment to BBT for pushing me to the limit when it comes to the content and examples.
I couldn’t agree less Dvora. That push made the post a rare gem!
Thanks for not giving up, lol.
Hey Dvora,
This was a wealth of gold nuggets here and i like the fact that I’m already using a lot of these words 😉 I’m always open to learn more words, especially the ones that doesn’t seem like they can be one of those power words to get your audience’s attention like Stop and Worse. I would never thought of using these words in a headline but if you use it in the right context, then you’ll definitely find it beneficial.
Thanks for the share Dvora! Have a great upcoming weekend!
Hey Sherman,
Wow, thank you! What a nice complement 🙂
I’m amazed of how active this community is. You say you use a lot of the aforementioned words, do you mind sharing which? I’d love to know what works for you.
I use Yes, You, Their Name, Because, Instantly, How, and Easy
The one that works the best is “How”
Since I’ve been using Jon’s “Power” Words, I’ve seen traffic go up higher than I could’ve dreamed. Now you’ve given me more to put in the arsenal. Thank you!
Hey Laurie!
It’s amazing how a single word can mean the difference sometimes. Do your own research and find out which to use for your target audience
Hello from beautiful Montana,
Love the post and will use the words today. Thanks from the center of my artichoke heart. Judy Helm Wright aka “Auntie Artichoke’
Thank you Judy, aka “AA” 🙂
…but….none of these work unless the core topic resonates with the target audience. They will give a good title a boost, but you can’t simply add these to poor content or you will be guilty of gilding the lilly…which leadd to disappointment…which leads to brand erosion. Too much “over-egging the pudding” and readers will be left with a sickly taste. Plus, like almost everything else, marketers abuse the hell out of these tips until the audience is immune. Use sparingly.
Doesn’t that go without saying mate?
A little bit like using too many metaphors spoils the broth 😉
You’re absolutely right, Martin. We actually discussed this in some of the comments above. You’ll need to pick the right words that sit well with your target audience to get the effect you desire.
Finally, it goes without saying that good content is at the core of it all! That’s what we’re here for, no? 🙂
I’ve seen lots of articles address this topic in one form or another. I think your approach is pretty unique. Thanks for the material… I’m sure going to make use of this now.
Thank you Nicholas 🙂
Being unique is super important when it comes to copywriting, otherwise your content won’t stand out.
Hey
First off wow what a great post. As a newbie, I live in-siteful post like this.
I belive, like you said if you make it personal people tend to feel like they are obliged to open. I truly believe that.
Again, wow and thanks for the great post. Now if i can get some subscribers then I will have to try it out.
Your friend,
Jason
Thanks Jason!
Let me know if you need any help with implementing these words in your content.
You is always big, and so is the person’s name. People tend to pay attention when they think someone is speaking to them.
The interesting one is “How”. “How to” is very powerful, but without the “to” I wonder if it loses much of its steam.
Nice observation David. I do think “How” is quite powerful on its own though, as you don’t have to add “to” (e.g. How Facebook ruined Christmas, How grabbing drinks after work is killing your budget) to make it powerful.
Visit //smartblogger.com/outrageous-headlines/ for more examples
Great post! Thank you for these trigger words! Will use them for sure!
Let me know how it goes Katina!
HI, This was a great article, thanks for sharing your input. Although I knew about some of them, I did not know ALL of them. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks Linda!
It’s certainly not ALL of them, I’m sure I missed a lot of them myself! The beauty is to get yourself familiarized with a good solid amount and utilize them to enhance your content.
Dvora, doesn’t asking questions work really well too for getting attention?
I know that a question is a sentence – not a word. But maybe it could be at the bottom of this post, as a “bonus”?
Cheers,
Aaron
Good addition, Aaron. Yes, it’s totally an “Honorable mention” material. Good catch!
Dvora, I’m sure everyone will agree that they have discovered something new here, because of you. Today, after reading your post, I instantly understood how to improve my content, starting right now. If there were more posts like this the quality on online content would be getting better not worse as the blogging community rapidly expands. You won me over by making the content so easy to digest. I could go on but I’ll stop now.
P.S. I think I got all 17 in there, do I win the prize for best comment?
Good one Noel! Well, you’re certainly in the top 3 🙂 I’m gonna keep everyone guessing now 😀
Hi,
That was an excellent article. Am a new bee to blogging world. It helps me very much. I thank you for you valuable information.
You’re most welcome! Let me know if I can help you with anything 🙂
Hey Dvora
Great tips!
I’m actually really bad and hardly ever give my real name now when signing up for lists, but rather a comedy fake name.
That way when I get an email saying “Hey Gandalf! You wont believe this new awesome stuff” i’m aware its on a list I perhaps know is about to try and sell me something
But then on awesome sites like this, I have to add my real name 😀
Enough of my ramblings, this is truely a great resource and I love how you take the 3 subjects and position them from different angles with each tip: Great idea!
Daniel
Hey Daniel,
Ha, I totally giggled there :). You make a good point, but then again when you join a list it’s a given that someone is trying to sell you something.
Thanks for your kind words, I had a great time writing this post.
Great post Dora, very practical. I saved this to Evernote for reference.
Apologies Dvora, typo!
Thanks Bryan and don’t worry about it!
P.S.
Nice blog you have there 🙂 I see you already implement some of these words.
Hi Dvora,
This is an excellent post. I will definitely use these words more in my blog. You can also use words like “creative ways” “Amazing” “Mind blowing”.
Thanks for the wonderful post.
You’re most welcome Dina 🙂
Hi Erik,
This is absolutely a very useful set of trigger words Erik.
I can say, I do use my recipients’ name most of the time (of course if given the fact that I already know their names) because for me it gives your letter or content a sense of “personal touch”. It somewhat portrays like your reader is important to you, which should be the real case, and that you want to develop a certain bond with them.
Have a great day!
Dennis
Awesome list. Wrote them all down on a 3 by 5 card so I have it right in front of me always. Invaluable stuff, so thank you.
Glad you found it useful, Steven!
Most people reading this blog aren’t into using paid ads – for good reason. But I am using this post to cram compelling words into a free-content ad. And I can’t believe how convincing the ad sounds already. I want to sign up myself for my content!
My Podcast Ad:
“Yes, you’re a winner. Discover Aaron’s “How to Podcast” crash course. It’s easy and free!
Button: Enroll For Free Today”
Thank you so much Dvora!
Hi Dvora,
Loved the list! I went to a conference and heard Monika Kanokova (http://www.mkanokova.com/) give a similar lecture. It was a small 45 interactive conference lecture so she just went over a few of these words, but one I started implementing them into my posts I saw a HUGE difference in my stats. Thanks for the expansion! I’ll definitely have to keep the rest of these words in mind, too.
Hey Lyssa,
Is there a video of this lecture? Sounds interesting! What can of stats/improvement are you seeing on your blog? Share with us!
Hi Dvora,
Congratulations on getting published here on BBT!
This is an awesome list! I’ll be using it for sure (in you go with my copywriting stuff)
Oh, the blue font color was also clever as it got my full attention on this post. I’m stealing that from you!
Hey Dennis,
Thanks so much! This post goes on my portfolio for sure 🙂
Oh, and permission granted!
What an awesome post Dvora, thank you so much for the great copy tips!
I think it’s interesting that what always seems to work best in copy either promotes relationship-building with the audience, or inspires hope. I believe that’s truly telling us something about the future of Marketing.
I’ve got this bookmarked so I can refer to it often 🙂
Thank you again,
Camilla Carboni
I’m honored to be in your bookmarks Camilla! 🙂
Your blog looks great, keep it up!
Hi Dvora
Thanks so much for your post, I will definitely be using some of these.
I have been experimenting with lots of different things too. Like playing with movie titles “12 years a job-slave” for the work at home/biz op niche or being seasonal “Jingle Dumbbells” for the bodybuilding/health niche.
Throwing in a little curiosity in the mix is good too. You can’t do this too much or it will not be effective and also using numbers is good e.g “Do just these 3 things, and you’ll make more money”.
There’s loads you can do, the key is just to be fun and creative.
That’s exactly right, Vinay. Looks like you’re doing a good job with your blogs yourself 🙂
Hi Dvora,
That’s an awesome post on both email promotion and also for writing. I really those a lot. I will use this also. This trigger words touched visitor heart and force them read article. This is an amazing tips for drive more traffic.
Many thanks for your great content of this amazing word to inspire visitor.
Kind Regards
Yasin Rishad
Hey Yasin,
Words can truly “bend” the mind, and these words are just one example of how you can influence people with writing. You also have priming, for instance. Perhaps a good idea for a follow up post!
a blog boosting site that ACTUALLY HELPS and not just spam around 🙂
kudos to great content
Thanks for your wonderful comment Kaycee! Reach out to me if I can help with you anything 🙂
This is just Awesome!!!! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Stan! Glad I could help 🙂
You did a wonderful job on your article. Want some more new words in the future. Thanks and look forward to your next tips.
Thanks David, I’m already thinking of an idea for the next follow up post 🙂
What a great article! I feel like i am already using quite a few of these: it’s good to know they may be helping!
Thanks Ann! I love your work too, it’s been an inspiration to me 🙂
Certainly, there are words in the English Language that are more powerful than the others.
The 17 Trigger words shared here are definitely on track. The best part of these is that the examples presented for each makes the explanation easier!
These words can always make impact when the blogger applies them to influence the reader.
This comment was left in kingged.com as well
Thanks Sunday 🙂
I love Kingged as well, wish more people knew about it!
Wow! Slam-packed with some great high quality content. I found you from copy-blogger and signed right up. Dvora, YOU ROCK! You really get into the psyche of blog readers. Thanks!!
Woah, what a lovely thing to say Pj 🙂
Can you explain how you found me through copyblogger?
Me too.
I want a place in this great post.
You know, in the busy, crowded world of blogging, the proper use of words count.
And in the bigger picture of the world where most people simply prefer to copy and paste everything – from the habits of thoughts to the habits of actions, the list works.
It works because if most bloggers are dumb, then obviously I’d like to be different… So have you got something for me?
The list works because if most bloggers get forgotten fast and easily, then I want to be remembered for a little bit longer… Tell me what I should do and I will do it now.
But also the list works because in a bigger picture we want it simple, easy, free, now and instantly. That’s, we don’t want to do our part. We don’t want to do the work.
We want it get done by someone else. If they can tell us a faster, better way to get to point B, then we are with them.
Dvora Goldstein, you have done a good job.
Please, count me as a fan.
Thanks.
One of the most wonderful and sincere comments yet, I think you for your kind words Josh. I like some of the headlines in your blog, looks like you have a good eye for this and I wish you good luck! Please tell me if you need any help, I’d be happy to assist.
Wow!
Thank you.
I’ll for sure remember you for my coming projects.
How can I dare not to.
Please, keep the good work coming.
And do something with your site. I’d like to to read more of your good content there.
Cheers.
Hey Dvora,
Great post here.
But these are some key points that you listed here in this post.
I can definitely see how using these trigger words can help in the early days understand and comprehend the information better — plus it allows them to take action more when they read them.
And the points about using the name to get them to open new emails is very true. I found that when actually collected their names as well as their e-mail address, I get a much higher open rate when sending an e-mail that included the name.
In the future I may make changes to go and collect first names as well as emails.
Congrats on getting onto BBT and I think you did an awesome job.
– Andrew
Andrew, you cracked it! Using first name increases CTR by a ton.. Keep it up
Those are 17 emotionally-charged words, Dvora – thanks! And you are correct: our choice of words will have a huge effect on whether or not our content and/or emails get read. It’s similar to choosing just the right images for your blog post. The right words will not only encourage readers, they will be prompted into taking action (like subscribing, giving a comment, or even sharing!). Might I add two of my favorites? ‘Colossal’ and ‘tremendous’. 🙂 Thanks for sharing yours!
“Because” is my personal favorite, followed closely by “how.” I use those a lot in bullets and headlines.
Thank you Dvora 🙂 Great article…
I found this post to be extremely interesting. There is a psychological aspect to blogging and attracting readers that often goes overlooked, as you’ve indicated here. I found it to be most interesting that a lot of these words have a positive connotation, which explains a lot. And how you mentioned that using words that speak directly to the reader instead of a general audience really does make a huge difference!
Great post! Nothing to add. Nothing to eliminate.
Hi Dvora,
Recently my Email broadcast campaign open rates reduced, these words will help me to increase open rates, I never thought these words emotional connectivity, thank you very much for sharing this valuable information, see you soon with another article.
Hi Dvora,
Even as a writer I’ve learned something from this post as I’ve never put PS as something important to use except on sales pages of course, but I’ll start using it in my emails.
I think I do at times, but it’s not been a regular thing. Will used it more.
Thanks for sharing those tips.
Great post 🙂
Nice article, I will have to keep these in mind for my blog I have about products and reviews. That part about using the word “stop” is kinda funny to me but I’ll try it out and see how my traffic looks after, thanks again.
Great article Dvora, it provides very useful insight into the psychology of persuading others. I think I’ll keep it pinned so I can refer back to it often.
Totally works well too. Thanks for this great piece