Words of Power

Words of Power: Unleashing Magical Energy

Words of Power are a fundamental aspect of magical practice, believed to possess inherent mystical properties that can influence the world around us. In essence, these words serve as conduits for channeling magical energy, allowing practitioners to manifest their intentions and desires through incantations and spells.

Most spellcasters spend their entire careers learning and mastering the spells that make up their calling, but there is another way. Some turn their backs on the rote memorization and formulae that traditional spellcasters use to create magic, and instead unlock the power behind the spells themselves, the fundamental building blocks of magic. Such a spellcaster learns the words of power, and through them, learns to control the very forces underlying magic, shaping and wielding them like no other.

While they function in much the same way as every other spellcaster, words of power spellcasters (or wordcasters, as they tend to call themselves) have a great deal of flexibility in how they prepare and cast their spells, which they call wordspells. Each wordcaster learns a number of words of power and, with some restrictions, can combine these words to create any effect he can dream up.

Origins and History

The origins of Words of Power can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where they were revered as sacred symbols imbued with divine significance. Throughout history, various cultures and magical traditions have developed their own lexicons of Words of Power, each with its unique meanings and associations.

In ancient Egypt, for example, hieroglyphs were considered Words of Power, believed to hold the essence of gods and goddesses. Similarly, in medieval Europe, Latin incantations were commonly used by practitioners of alchemy and mysticism to invoke supernatural forces.

Properties and Usage

Words of Power are believed to possess specific vibrational frequencies that resonate with the underlying energies of the universe. When spoken or written with focused intention, these words can manipulate these energies to bring about desired outcomes.

The effectiveness of Words of Power often depends on factors such as the clarity of intent, the skill of the practitioner, and the alignment of the words with natural forces and metaphysical principles. Additionally, the language, tone, and rhythm used in the recitation of Words of Power can enhance their potency.

Examples of Words of Power

Words of Power can encompass a wide range of terms, from simple commands to elaborate incantations.

Classic Examples

• "Abracadabra": A commonly recognized word used in stage magic, believed to originate from Aramaic and associated with the concept of creation and manifestation.
• "Avada Kedavra": A fictional spell from the Harry Potter series, representing the ultimate expression of dark magic and death.
• "Om": A sacred mantra in Hinduism and Buddhism, symbolizing the primordial sound of the universe and the essence of consciousness.

Ethical Considerations

While Words of Power can be potent tools for manifestation and transformation, they also carry ethical implications. Practitioners must exercise caution and responsibility in their use of Words of Power, ensuring that their intentions align with principles of harmlessness, integrity, and respect for free will.

Furthermore, practitioners should be mindful of the potential consequences of their actions and the ethical ramifications of manipulating metaphysical energies. Ultimately, the ethical use of Words of Power requires a deep understanding of magical ethics and a commitment to using magic for the highest good of all.

Power Word Classifications

1. Fear Power Words
2. Encouragement Power Words
3. Lust Power Words
4. Anger Power Words
5. Greed Power Words
6. Safety Power Words
7. Forbidden Power Words

Power Word Classifications categorize words based on their effects and intentions. These classifications encompass a range of emotions, desires, and concepts, each with its own distinct power and influence.

Fear Power Words

Fear Power Words evoke primal instincts of dread, apprehension, and anxiety deep within the psyche of those who encounter them. These words possess a chilling resonance that sends shivers down the spine and raises hairs on end. When spoken or even whispered, they conjure images of lurking shadows, unseen terrors, and impending doom. Fear Power Words have the insidious ability to paralyze their victims with irrational terror, rendering them powerless to confront or escape the perceived threat. They lurk in the dark corners of the mind, waiting to be unleashed as potent tools of manipulation or intimidation.

Encouragement Power Words

Encouragement Power Words are like rays of sunshine on a cloudy day, lifting spirits and renewing hope in the hearts of those who hear them. These words are beacons of positivity and affirmation, offering unwavering support and validation to those in need. With their gentle cadence and uplifting resonance, Encouragement Power Words inspire confidence and motivate individuals to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. They serve as catalysts for personal growth and self-belief, fostering resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Encouragement Power Words have the transformative power to turn despair into determination and uncertainty into unwavering resolve.

Lust Power Words

Lust Power Words are like flames that ignite the passions and desires smoldering within the depths of the human soul. These words are charged with raw sensuality and primal longing, stirring the senses and awakening carnal urges that lie dormant within. With their seductive whispers and tantalizing promises, Lust Power Words fuel the fires of desire and drive individuals to seek gratification and fulfillment with reckless abandon. They evoke a heady rush of excitement and anticipation, blurring the boundaries between fantasy and reality. Lust Power Words have the intoxicating power to ensnare hearts and minds, leading individuals down a path of irresistible temptation and indulgence.

Anger Power Words

Anger Power Words are like sparks that ignite the fiery furnace of rage and indignation within the human spirit. These words are infused with the seething energy of resentment and frustration, fueling the flames of hostility and aggression. With their sharp edges and cutting tones, Anger Power Words lash out with ferocious intensity, inflicting wounds that cut deep and leave lasting scars. They incite chaos and discord, driving individuals to lash out in a storm of fury and righteous indignation. Anger Power Words are the weapons of choice for those seeking retribution and revenge, unleashing a torrent of pent-up emotions that can consume everything in their path.

Greed Power Words

Greed Power Words are like sirens that lure unsuspecting souls into the treacherous depths of avarice and covetousness. These words are steeped in the allure of material wealth and worldly possessions, promising untold riches and boundless prosperity to those who heed their call. With their honeyed tones and persuasive rhetoric, Greed Power Words seduce the senses and cloud the judgment, leading individuals down a path of selfishness and exploitation. They fan the flames of desire and stoke the fires of insatiable longing, driving individuals to pursue their own interests at any cost. Greed Power Words are the currency of ambition and ambition, offering tantalizing glimpses of a life of luxury and excess that few can resist.

Safety Power Words

Safety Power Words are like shields that offer sanctuary and protection in a world fraught with uncertainty and peril. These words are imbued with the soothing balm of reassurance and comfort, providing solace to those who seek refuge from the storms of life. With their gentle whispers and soothing cadence, Safety Power Words wrap their embrace around weary souls, offering sanctuary from the chaos and turmoil that surrounds them. They instill a sense of calm and tranquility, banishing fears and anxieties to the farthest reaches of the mind. Safety Power Words are the anchors that keep individuals grounded in times of crisis, providing a beacon of hope in the darkest of nights.

Forbidden Power Words

Forbidden Power Words are like forbidden fruits, tempting and alluring but fraught with danger and consequence. These words are steeped in mystery and intrigue, shrouded in the shadows of taboo and forbidden knowledge. With their whispered secrets and tantalizing promises, Forbidden Power Words beckon to those who dare to tread where others fear to go. They possess a dark allure that draws individuals into the depths of forbidden realms, offering glimpses of forbidden truths and hidden powers that lie beyond the veil of reality. Forbidden Power Words are the keys to unlocking forbidden knowledge and forbidden power, but they come at a price. To wield them is to dance with darkness and court the wrath of powers beyond mortal comprehension.

Becoming a Wordcaster

When a character gains the ability to cast spells from a class, he must decide whether to become a wordcaster or a normal spellcaster in that class. Once made, this choice cannot be changed. A character who elects to be a wordcaster in a spellcasting class typically cannot use the spells of that class (though there are feats that allow a wordcaster to learn and use a limited number of spells; see Word Caster Feats), but he can utilize spell trigger and spell completion items just as if he were an ordinary spellcaster of that class.

Words of Power in the World

Words of power represent a primal form of magic used in ages past. As such, use of the words of power system is rare these days, and its practitioners tend to be masters of esoteric lore. Words of power constitute a root system, from which all modern magic descends. Although powerful, this system is more primitive in some ways than modern magic. Flexible, but lacking the refinement of modern spells, this system allows spellcasters to shape magic in ways they never could before, while simultaneously preventing them from producing the same sort of incredibly specific effects that ordinary spellcasters master. It is not surprising that most magical institutions and centers for learning treat words of power as an archaic art, to be studied along with other historical matters, but not actually practiced. Those who delve into the lore of words of power often find themselves lost in an ancient art that they alone might now know. There is power there, but each wordcaster must find it alone.

Learning Words of Power

For a wordcaster, learning new words of power is akin to unlocking the secret laws of reality. Each word represents a new source of power that falls under the wordcaster’s control. Words of power fall into three

Categories

• Target Words
  • Foundation of spells.
  • Represent specific aspects of reality (e.g., fire, healing).
  • Used to direct intentions with precision.
• Effect Words
  • Modify and shape spell outcomes.
  • Provide options for customization.
  • Range from potency enhancements to altering effects.
• Meta Words
  • Govern spell mechanics.
  • Define parameters like range, duration, and intensity.
  • Framework for structuring spells and controlling their potency.

Wordcasters arrange these words of power to cast powerful and diverse incantations known as wordspells. It should come as no surprise that most wordcasters obsessively learn as many words of power as their minds can comprehend.

Target Words

In the realm of wordcasting, Target Words serve as the foundation upon which spells are constructed. These words possess inherent properties that allow Wordcasters to influence specific aspects of reality. Target Words are like keys that unlock the potential of magic, enabling practitioners to direct their intentions with precision and clarity.

Each Target Word corresponds to a particular aspect of existence, such as elements, forces, or states of being. For example, a Target Word might represent fire, healing, protection, or transformation. By invoking these words with focused intent, Wordcasters can channel their energies towards achieving desired outcomes in the physical or metaphysical realms.

Effect Words

Effect Words are the tools through which Wordcasters shape the raw energies channeled through Target Words into tangible effects. These words act as modifiers, enhancing, altering, or refining the outcomes of wordcasting spells. Effect Words provide Wordcasters with a vast array of options for customizing their spells to suit specific purposes or situations.

Effect Words can range from simple modifiers, such as increasing the potency of a spell or extending its duration, to more complex concepts, such as altering the form or nature of the spell's effects. For example, an Effect Word might allow a Wordcaster to imbue their spells with additional elemental properties, change the trajectory of a magical projectile, or even manipulate the perceptions of those affected by the spell.

Meta Words

Meta Words are the meta-linguistic constructs that govern the parameters and mechanics of wordcasting itself. These words represent the underlying principles that govern how Target Words and Effect Words interact, as well as the rules that define the limits of wordcasting abilities.

Meta Words encompass concepts such as range, duration, intensity, and scalability, providing Wordcasters with the framework necessary to effectively wield their magical abilities. By mastering Meta Words, Wordcasters gain greater control over the scope and potency of their spells, allowing them to adapt their magic to a wide range of situations and challenges.

In essence, Meta Words serve as the grammar and syntax of wordcasting, allowing Wordcasters to structure their spells with precision and coherence. Mastery of Meta Words is essential for any aspiring Wordcaster, as it enables them to harness the full potential of their linguistic prowess and unlock the secrets of the universe itself.

Fear Power Words

Agony	Lunatic
Apocalypse	Lurking
Armageddon	Massacre
Assault	Meltdown
Backlash	Menacing
Beating	Mired
Beware	Mistake
Blinded	Murder
Blood	Nightmare
Bloodbath	Painful
Bloodcurdling	Pale
Bloody	Panic
Blunder	Peril
Bomb	Piranha
Buffoon	Pitfall
Bumbling	Plague
Cadaver	Played
Catastrophe	Plummet
Caution	Plunge
Collapse	Poison
Corpse	Poor
Crazy	Prison
Cripple	Pummel
Crisis	Pus
Danger	Reckoning
Dark	Refugee
Deadly	Revenge
Death	Risky
Deceiving	Scary
Destroy	Scream
Devastating	Searing
Disastrous	Shame
Doom	Shatter
Drowning	Shellacking
Dumb	Shocked
Embarrass	Silly
Fail	Slaughter
Feeble	Slave
Fired	Strangle
Fool	Stupid
Fooled	Suicide
Frantic	Tailspin
Frightening	Tank
Gambling	Targeted
Gullible	Teetering
Hack	Terror
Hazardous	Terrorist
Hoax	Torture
Holocaust	Toxic
Horrific	Tragedy
Hurricane	Trap
Injure	Vaporize
Insidious	Victim
Epidemic	Cataclysmic
Bufoon	Suffering
Reckoning	Trauma
Dangerous	Annihilate
Invasion	Volatile
IRS	Vulnerable
Jail	Warning
Jeopardy	Nerd
Lawsuit	Wounded
Looming	Cringeworthy
Last chance	Fugacious
Worry	Wreaking havoc

Encouragement Power Words

Amazing	Jubilant
Ascend	Legend
Astonishing	Life-changing
Astounding	Magic
Audacious	Marvelous
Awe-inspiring	Master
Awesome	Mind-blowing
Backbone	Miracle
Badass	Miraculous
Beat	Noble
Belief	Perfect
Blissful	Persuade
Bravery	Phenomenal
Breathtaking	Pluck
Brilliant	Power-up
Celebrate	Praise
Cheer	Prevail
Colossal	Remarkable
Command	Revel
Conquer	Rule
Courage	Score
Daring	Seize
Defeat	Sensational
Defiance	Spectacular
Delight	Spine
Devoted	Spirit
Dignity	Splendid
Dominate	Spunk
Effortless	Staggering
Empower	Strengthen
Epic	Striking
Excellent	Strong
Excited	Stunning
Extraordinary	Stunt
Eye-opening	Supreme
Fabulous	Surprising
Faith	Terrific
Fantastic	Thrive
Fearless	Thwart
Ferocious	Titan
Fierce	Tough
Force	Triumph
Fulfill	Tremendous
Glorious	Unbeatable
Glory	Unbelievable
Graceful	Unforgettable
Grateful	Unique
Grit	Unleash
Guts	Uplifting
Happy	Valiant
Heart	Valor
Hero	Vanquish
Honor	Victory
Hope	Win
Incredible	Wonderful
Jaw-dropping	Wondrous
Kudos	Brighten
Lovable	Radiant
Flawless	Classy
Affable	Stupendous
Virtuoso	Cheery
Openhearted	Jovial
Beauteous	Logophile
Adorable

Lust Power Words

Allure	Naughty
Arouse	Nude
Bare	Obscene
Begging	Orgasmic
Beguiling	Passionate
Brazen	Pining
Captivating	Pleasure
Charm	Provocative
Cheeky	Racy
Climax	Raunchy
Crave	Risque
Delight	Rowdy
Delirious	Salacious
Depraved	Satisfy
Desire	Saucy
Dirty	Scandalous
Divine	Seduce
Ecstasy	Seductive
Embrace	Sensual
Enchant	Sex
Enthralling	Shameless
Entice	Sinful
Entrance	Sleazy
Excite	Sleeping
Explicit	Spank
Exposed	Spellbinding
Fascinate	Spicy
Forbidden	Steamy
Frisky	Stimulating
Goosebumps	Strip
Hanker	Sweaty
Heavenly	Tantalizing
Hottest	Taste
Hypnotic	Tawdry
Impure	Tease
Indecent	Tempting
Intense	Thrilling
Intoxicating	Tickle
Itching	Tight
Juicy	Tingle
Kinky	Turn on
Kiss	Unabashed
Lascivious	Uncensored
Lewd	Untamed
Lick	Untouched
Lonely	Urge
Longing	Voluptuous
Love	Vulgar
Pleasurable	Charismatic
Riveting	Obsession
Mouthwatering	Compelling
Magnetic	Enchanting
Lovely	Engaging
Intriguing	Fascinating
Flirt	Alluring
Lure	Wanton
Luscious	Wet
Lush	Whip
Lust	Wild
Mischievous	X-rated
Mouth-watering	Yearning
Naked	Yummy
Sneak peek	Promiscuous

Anger Power Words

Abhorrent	Money-grubbing
Abuse	Nasty
Annoying	Nazi
Arrogant	No good
Ass kicking	Obnoxious
Backstabbing	Oppressive
Barbaric	Pain in the ass
Bash	Payback
Beat down	Perverse
Big mouth	Pesky
Blatant	Pest
Brutal	Phony
Bullsh*t	Pissed off
Bully	Pollute
Cheat	Pompous
Clobber	Pound
Clown	Preposterous
Cocky	Pretentious
Corrupt	Punch
Coward	Punish
Crooked	Rampant
Crush	Ravage
Curse	Repelling
Debase	Repugnant
Defile	Revile
Delinquent	Revolting
Demolish	Rotten
Desecrate	Rude
Disgusting	Ruined
Dishonest	Ruthless
Distorted	Savage
Evil	Scam
Exploit	Scold
Force-fed	Sick and tired
Foul	Sink
Freaking out	Slam
Full of sh*t	Slander
Greedy	Slap
Gross	Slay
Harass	Smash
Hate	Smear
High and mighty	Smug
Horrid	Sniveling
Infuriating	Snob
Jackass	Snooty
Kick	Snotty
Kill	Spoil
Knock	Stuck up
Knock out	Suck
Know it all	Terrorize
Lies	Trash
Livid	Trounce
Loathsome	Tyranny
Loser	Underhanded
Lying	Up to here
Maul	Useless
Broke	Stink
Fear	Raise hell
Sneaky	Screw
Rant	Miff
Diatribe	Vicious
Weak	Diminish
Provoke	Hostile
Morally bankrupt	Worst
Thug	B.S.
Agitate	Boil over
Annoy	Violent
Misleading	Violate
Lollygag	Quixotic

Greed Power Words

The legendary copywriter Gary Halbert once said, “If you want people to buy something, stomp on their greed glands until they bleed.” Graphic, yes, but also true.

Skim through good digital marketing campaign copy on an e-commerce site, and you’ll find a lot of power words based on vanity or greed. Many of them are so overused they’ve become cliché, but that doesn’t stop them from working.

The truth is, nearly every human being on the planet is interested in making money (or saving money).

How to Crank Up Emotion with Greed Words

Its explicit and implicit use of greed words makes this popular book from Dave Ramsey a great example:

“Money” is hard to miss — it’s probably the ultimate greed word and it’s sitting there in capital letters.

But a title like “Total Money Makeover” also implies another greed word (even though it doesn’t directly state it): money-saving.

(It also gets bonus points for using alliteration and the safety power word “proven”, which we’ll discuss in a moment.)

5. Greed Power Words

If you want to stomp (which is also an excellent example of onomatopoeia, by the way) on your readers’ greed glands, use these power words:

Bank	Jackpot
Bargain	Lowest price
Best	Luxurious
Billion	Marked down
Bonanza	Massive
Booked solid	Money
Cash	Money-draining
Cheap	Money-saving
Costly	Nest egg
Discount	Pay zero
Dollar	Prize
Double	Profit
Explode	Quadruple
Extra	Reduced
Feast	Rich
Fortune	Savings
Don’t miss out	Fast
Giveaway	While they last
Instantly	Expires
Never again	Premiere
Final	More
Hurry	Sale ends soon
Value	Monetize
Big	Save
New	Deadline
Handsome	Noteworthy
Kick ass	Moneymaking
Knockout	Lucky
Notable	Amplify
At the top	Attractive
Wealthy	Ahead of the game
Legendary	Beautiful
Optimal	Good-looking
Successful	Bold
Fortunate	Sassy
Smart	Elegant
Gorgeous	Clever
Foxy	Quick-witted
Genius	Effective
Elite	Drop-dead
Crowned	Dazzling
You	Turbo charge
Bright	Super-human
Brassy	Booming
Boss	Unbeaten
Undefeated	Boost
Exclusive / Exclusivity	Frugal
Special	Price break
Before	Running out
Upsell	Bonus
Free	Six-figure
Freebie	Skyrocket
Frenzy	Soaring
Prosperous	Surge
Gift	Treasure
Golden	Triple
Greatest	Waste
High-paying	Wealth
Inexpensive	Whopping
Cheat sheet

Safety Power Words

Greed isn’t the only emotion you want buyers to feel. You also want to make them feel safe.

They need to trust both you and your product or service. They need to have confidence you’ll deliver, and they need to believe they’ll get results.

Of course, building that kind of trust starts with having a quality brand and reputation, but the words you use to describe yourself and your product or service also matter.

How to Crank Up Emotion with Safety Words

On the landing page for one of our Smart Blogger courses, we use power words to make sure our potential customers feel safe:

In addition to “legitimate” and “guaranteed” in the screenshot above, our landing page is sprinkled with numerous safety words:

• Money-back
• Results
• Refund
• Proven
• Risk-free

They work for us, and they can work for you.

6. Safety Power Words

Help your customers feel safe by using as many of these power words as possible:

Above and beyond	Privacy
Anonymous	Professional
Authentic	Protected
Automatic	Proven
Backed	Recession-proof
Bankable	Refund
Best-selling	Reliable
Cancel anytime	Research
Certified	Results
Clockwork	Risk-free
Endorsed	Rock-solid
Foolproof	Science-backed
Guaranteed	Scientific
Moneyback	Bona fide
Recognized	Authority
Studies show	Because
Scientifically proven	Genuine
Worldwide	Authoritative
Safety	Accredited
Fully refundable	Case study
Well respected	Dependable
Improved	Ensured
Expert	According to
Track record	Approved
Ironclad	Secure
Legitimate	Sure-fire
Lifetime	Survive
Money-back	Tested
No obligation	That never fails
No questions asked	Thorough
No risk	Trustworthy
No strings attached	Try before you buy
No-fail	Unconditional
Official	Verify
Permanent	World-class
Guilt-free	Don’t worry

Forbidden Power Words

Remember when you were a kid, and someone told you NOT to do something? From that point on, you could think about little else, right? Curiosity always got the better of us.

The truth is, we’re all fascinated by the mysterious and forbidden. It’s like it’s programmed into our very nature.

So why not tap into that programming?

How to Crank Up Emotion with Forbidden Words

This Ahrefs article tempts you with its headline:

What’s the “secret”? Only one way to find out.

7. Forbidden Power Words

Whenever you want to create curiosity, sprinkle these powerful curiosity words throughout your writing, and readers won’t be able to help being intrigued:

Ancient	Lost
Backdoor	Never seen before
Banned	Off the record
Behind the scenes	Off-limits
Black Market	Outlawed
Blacklisted	Private
Bootleg	Restricted
Censored	Sealed
Remote	Be the first
Ridiculous	Become an insider
Secrets	Bizarre
Shocking	Class full
Ssshhh!!!	Closet
Spoiler	Elusive
Supersecret	Hilarious
Thought-provoking	Illusive
Top secret	Incredibly
Trade secret	Insane
Uncharted	Interesting
Unconventional	Invitation only
Undiscovered	Key
Unexplained	Login required
Unexplored	Members only
Unheard of	Myths
Unsung	Odd
Untold	On the QT
Unusual	Priceless
Wacky	Privy
Zany	Psycho
Classified	Secret
Cloak and dagger	Smuggled
Concealed	Strange
Confessions	Tried to hide
Confidential	Unauthorized
Controversial	Uncensored
Covert	Under wraps
Cover-up	Undercover
Exotic	Underground
Forbidden	Under-the-table
Forgotten	Undisclosed
From the vault	Unexpected
Under the table	Unlock
Hush-hush	Unreachable
Illegal	Unspoken
Insider	Unveiled
Little-known	Withheld
Hidden

Now that we’ve looked at the different types of power words (and gone over a few quick examples), let’s go over all the different places you can use them:

Powerful Words in Action: 14 Places Where Strong Words Can Help You

1. Headlines
2. Subheads
3. Email Subject Lines
4. Opt-In Boxes
5. Homepage
6. Business Names/Blog Names
7. Product Names
8. Sales Pages
9. Testimonials
10. Bullet Lists
11. Button Copy (Call to Action Words)
12. Author Bios
13. YouTube Videos
14. Book Titles

1. Using Power Words in Headlines

Any writer or blogger who’s been in the game for a while knows the headline is the most important part of writing your blog post.

Its purpose, after all, is to entice the reader to read the rest of your content. If your headline fails to get attention, potential readers will ignore it when it shows up in their tweets and social media feeds.

Download All 801+ Power Words(in one handy, free PDF)

And just one or two power words in your headline is usually enough to make it stand out.

Just look at this headline from BuzzFeed:

The word choice of “Unveiled” makes it feel like a secret is being exposed, and the word “Breathtaking” makes you curious to see what the photo looks like.

Here’s another example from BoredPanda:

People generally love anything adorable, so this headline will easily catch attention. (The fact that it refers to snakes will only make people more curious.)

The headline then drives it home by using the power verb “Conquer.”

Here’s one from BrightSide:

While one or two power words are often enough, this headline proves you can use more when it fits.

This headline has four powerful words, but they feel natural in the headline, which keeps it from feeling like over-the-top clickbait.

Here’s one from Smart Blogger:

Greed (“best”) and anger (“not-so-good”) words highlight the headline for Smart Blogger’s recent review of SiteGround.

Last one:

This headline from our How to Make Money Writing: 5 Ways to Get Paid to Write in 2024 post incorporates two greed words: “money” and “get paid.”

It’s one of our most popular posts, and its headline’s use of power words is a big reason why.

2. Using Power Words in Subheads

Too many writers overlook the value of subheads, which is a mistake. Once people click on your headline, most will scan the post first to see if it looks worthy of their attention.

Adding some power words to your subheads is a good way to make your post look like an interesting read.

For example, here are three subheads from our post on E-book mistakes:

See how the power words in these subheads grab your attention and make you want to read the text that follows?

Power words can help with SEO too. Adding an SEO power word to your subheads will compel readers to stick around longer, which will increase your dwell time — a big deal in Google’s eyes.

3. Using Power Words in Email Subject Lines

Having an email list is of little use if only a handful of readers bother to open your emails.

And these days, most people’s inboxes are flooded, so they’re selective in which emails they open.

You can stand out in their inbox and raise your open rates by including power words in your subject lines.

Just look at this one from Ramit Sethi:

If this subject line would’ve read “The rules of learning,” do you think it would be as appealing? The powerful word “unspoken” is what makes it interesting.

Here’s another one from Cal Fussman:

Both “Triumph” and “Tragedy” are powerful words full of emotion.

And finally, here’s a good example from AppSumo:

The power phrase “Unleash the power” makes you feel this email is hiding something incredibly powerful inside.

See how that works?

When you send out emails to your list, try to add a strong word to your subject line so it stands out in a prospect’s inbox.

4. Using Power Words in Opt-In Boxes

As a blogger, one of your main goals is to grow a large and engaged readership, and the best way to do it is by converting readers into subscribers.

That means — unless you’re using a blogging platform like Medium which doesn’t allow them — you should have opt-in forms scattered across your website.

You can place them on your homepage, at the end of your posts, in your sidebar, in a popup, or anywhere else.

But no matter where you place them, your opt-in boxes must catch people’s eye and make them want to share their email address with you. Because they won’t give it away to just anyone.

(Remember, their inboxes are already flooded, so they’re not necessarily eager to get even more emails.)

Fortunately, you can use power words to make your offer more enticing.

As an example, here’s an old popup from Cosmopolitan:

This popup had power words everywhere, but it avoided feeling like overkill. I bet it converted like crazy.

Here’s a slightly more subtle example from Betty Means Business:

It’s understated, but still quite effective.

Again, you don’t have to overdo it with the power words on these. A little can go a long way.

Here’s one final example from Renegade Planner:

In short:

If you’re not using power words in your opt-in boxes, you’re missing out.

Big time.

5. Using Power Words on Your Homepage

Your homepage is the face of your website and it’s usually one of the most visited pages. Many people who visit your website will see this page first, so you want it to make a good first impression.

Some people use their homepage to promote their email list, others use it to promote one of their products, and others use it as a red carpet — welcoming new visitors and explaining what their site is all about.

In any case, your homepage is a good spot to add a few power words, as it can determine whether people stay (and take the action you want them to take) or leave (never to return).

Look at this value proposition on the homepage for Nerd Fitness:

“Nerds,” “Misfits,” and “Mutants” are unusual power words that work well for Nerd Fitness’ target audience. These words immediately separate it from all the other fitness blogs out there.

But they push it even further with “Strong,” “Healthy,” and “Permanently.”

Here’s another value proposition from MainStreetHost’s homepage:

It’s quite minimal, isn’t it? They just wrote down three power words and follow it up with a service they provide.

Of course, you don’t have to limit your use of power words to the top of your homepage.

You can use it in other parts of the homepage too, as Ramit Sethi does here in his list of what you’ll get when you sign up for his email list:

Go look at your homepage now and see if you can find any areas you can spruce up with some power words.

6. Using Power Words in Business Names/Blog Names

Having a forgettable name is poison to your website’s growth. So when you start a blog, you want to make sure you have a name people can easily recall.

If you haven’t chosen your blog name yet (or if you’re thinking about rebranding), you should use a SEO power word to give it some punch. The right word will make you stand out from all the boring, forgettable brands out there.

Just take a look at the collection of blog names below and see how well they’ve incorporated power words:

7. Using Power Words in Product Names

Just like you can use power words to spruce up your blog name, you can also use them to make your product names pack more of a punch.

It can make the difference between your potential customers thinking, “Ooh, this product sounds cool!” and them thinking, “Meh.”

Just check out this subscription product from Nerd Fitness:

It has such a powerful name that you’d almost want to sign up without learning anything else about it. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a community of rising heroes?

Here’s another good example from Pat Flynn:

It’s a powerful name for his podcasting course that instantly informs you of the benefit.

So if you’re about to launch a product (or if you’ve launched a product with a tepid name), consider giving it a power word to make it pack a punch.

8. Using Power Words on Sales Pages

You can also use power words to spruce up the copywriting on your sales pages and make them more effective at selling your e-commerce products or services.

They will grab people’s attention when they arrive on the page, they will keep their attention as they scroll down, and they’ll help seduce readers before they reach your “buy” button.

Just look at this headline on Ramit Sethi’s sales page for his product 50 Proven Email Scripts (which also has a power word in its name):

And as you scroll down, you see he keeps using power words throughout his sales page.

His headline is followed by emotion-packed subheads:

And he even uses power words in his guarantee:

9. Using Power Words in Testimonials

Power words are also tremendously effective in testimonials.

Of course, I’m not suggesting you change people’s testimonials to include power words. But you can certainly select the ones that already use them to great effect.

Just look at this example from Betty Means Business:

Or look at this one from Farideh’s blog:

And here’s another example from Renegade Planner:

All these testimonials will lend extra credibility and excitement due to their power words and phrases.

10. Using Power Words in Bullet Lists

Many sales pages include a list of benefits of the product they’re selling. Many opt-in forms include a huge list of reasons you should sign up to their email list. And many case studies use bullet lists to quickly summarize information.

You can use power words in these lists to inspire more excitement in your reader as they read through them.

Here’s one example from Ramit Sethi’s sales page for his How to Talk to Anyone course:

And here’s another example from an opt-in form on Restart Your Style:

Without these power words, these lists wouldn’t convince nearly as many prospects to buy or subscribe.

11. Using Power Words in Button Copy and CTA (Call to Action Words)

Yep, you can use power words in your CTA button copy too — even if you only have a few words you can fit in there.

One of the most common power words used in buttons is “Free” (as in the example below):

But you can be more creative with buttons than you might think.

Takes this button from the sales page for the book The Renegade Diet:

“Immediate,” “Money Back,” and “Guarantee” are all incredibly powerful words, and the author manages to squeeze them all into one button.

Here’s an example from Tim Ferris:

He could’ve used “Send Me the List” as most people would do, but the specific word “Unlock” makes it sound a lot more intriguing — like you’re getting access to something that’s been kept hidden away.

Now take a look at the buttons on your site.

Do you see any opportunities to spruce them up with a power word?

12. Using Power Words in Author Bios

Your author bio is another extremely important part of your marketing.

When you guest post for another blog (or write a paid article as a freelancer), your author bio has the difficult job of making readers want to know more about you so they click through to your site.

That means your author bio needs to spark attention and interest. And you usually only get three sentences, so you need to carefully consider the words you use.

As an example, here’s the author bio from Henneke Duistermaat in her ultimate guide on overcoming writer’s block:

Henneke’s author bio is full of power words. It shows her uniqueness and makes her stand out from other copywriters.

You can tell she has carefully picked each perfect word for maximum impact.

Here’s another example from Sarah Peterson’s post on blog ads:

She opens strong immediately by mentioning her guides are insanely useful. And just the name of her report alone is full of power words: “Free,” “Reveal,” and “Begging.”

Makes you want to get your hands on that report, doesn’t it?

13. Using Power Words on YouTube Videos

If you’re publishing videos on YouTube and you want to get more views, you should use power words in your titles.

All the biggest YouTube channels do this.

They understand most of their views will come from their subscribers finding them in their feeds, and from people finding them in the sidebar of other videos.

In both cases, you’re competing with many other videos for their attention. If you want your video to stand out and be the one they choose to watch, your title has to be captivating.

See how Philip DeFranco does it below:

“Disgusting,” “Punishment,” and “Controversy” are all attention-grabbing words (and that’s besides the attention-grabbing names of Brock Turner, Star Wars, and Kim Kardashian).

Note also how he has capitalized “Disgusting.” It’s another smart trick many YouTube channels use to stand out more in YouTube’s lists of video suggestions.

Style vlogger Aaron Marino often does it as well:

By capitalizing the power words “Don’ts” and “Stupid,” his title catches a lot more attention (as you can see for yourself by the millions of views it’s received).

14. Using Power Words in Book Titles

If you’re interested in writing your own book, adding power words to your titles will help it sell better.

With all the competition in the book market these days, you need a title that grabs people’s attention and makes them want to peek inside.

Here are a few quick grabs from Amazon’s list of bestsellers in the self-help niche:

I’m sure you’ve seen this title before.

You might say Stephen Covey’s use of power words in his title has been highly effective. (See what I did there?)

Here’s another:

Mark Manson’s bestselling title is packed with power.

The power word “Subtle” juxtaposes well with the F-bomb in the title, and his use of “Counterintuitive” will spark some interest as well.

One more:

Lastly, Jen Sincero’s encouraging book title makes you want to flip it open and read it in one go. The use of “Badass” alone will make it stand out in the self-development section, but her use of “Greatness” and “Awesome” in the subtitle truly seals the deal.