if the headline and copy seems like a warm fireside chat with a friend, then I’m sold.
There are many different types of powerwords, and you have to find the ones that make your audience react to your headlines and that match the image you want to project. It’s perfectly fine to avoid salesy words like foolproof, guaranteed, proven, and sure-fire. You won’t find them on my blog either. They won’t work with my audience. And it’s not how I’d like to portray myself. 🙂
You’re looking for words that make you feel something or hint at emotion or paint a vivid picture or a words that attracts attention because it’s unusual. “A warm fireside chat” is a power phrase for me, because I immediately sense a cosy environment and a warm feeling.
If you care too much about what people think watch this
=> This is a completely different type of headline – not a how-to or a list. This type of headline is more difficult to get right. This one is very good because it’s so specific. “Care too much” is a power phrase because you associate it with strong emotions.
Value what you do: A must watch for artists and creatives
=> This is a how-to in disguise: How to value what you do: A must watch for artists and creatives. Your analysis is spot-on.
Distracted? 6 ways to stop interruptions when you work at home
=> Again this immediately paints a picture. Distracted is a power word- without it the headline would be quite flat.
3 ways to say No to people who want to pick your brain
=> “No” and “pick” are powerwords. Reading the word “no” almost gives you a physical reaction. “Pick” is word that’s associated with motion and that makes it a power word, too. If the headline had said “who want to learn from you”, it would have been quite flat.
Here’s why you never Follow-through (and how to fix it)
=> Fix is a power word because we all want to fix things.
This is no exact science. What’s a power word for your audience will be different from the audience of a tabloid newspaper or a site like Upworthy. By analyzing headlines you get a sense for the words that work for you and it helps you define how you’d like to present yourself to your audience.
Enchant readers. Woo customers. Win business.