Power Words Library
Transform ordinary copy into emotionally compelling content using psychological trigger words.
Resources
- Word Library — Complete word lists by category
What Are Power Words?
Emotionally charged words that trigger psychological responses:
- Grab attention in crowded feeds
- Create urgency and desire
- Build trust and authority
- Drive action and conversion
Conversation Starter
Use AskUserQuestion:
- What copy needs enhancement? (headline, email, ad, landing page, CTA)
- What emotion should it evoke? (urgency, trust, curiosity, fear, desire)
- What action do you want? (click, buy, sign up, share)
- Current copy — Paste the text to enhance
The 21 Categories (Summary)
| Category | Trigger | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Impatience | FOMO, speed | Launches, CTAs |
| Beauty | Aesthetic desire | Fashion, design |
| Lust | Deep craving | Food, luxury |
| Indulgence | Permission to enjoy | Self-care, treats |
| Excitement | Thrill-seeking | Events, launches |
| Novelty | Curiosity | Content teasers |
| Memorability | Stand out | Personal brand |
| Happiness | Well-being | Wellness, community |
| Prestige | Status | Premium products |
| Simplicity | Avoid complexity | How-tos, guides |
| Sadness | Fear of loss | Problem-aware content |
| Savagery | Primal emotions | Competitive positioning |
| Completeness | Thoroughness | Ultimate guides |
| Gravity | Significance | Emphasis |
| Greed | Acquisition | Sales, discounts |
| Humor | Entertainment | Social, viral |
| Authority | Trust | Credibility content |
| Exclusivity | Insider access | Limited offers |
| Pride | Achievement | Success content |
| Safety | Security | Protection content |
| Mind-blowing | Amazement | Shareability |
See assets/word-library.txt for complete word lists.
Enhancement Process
Step 1: Identify Weakness
- Bland verbs? (get, have, make)
- Generic adjectives? (good, great, nice)
- Passive voice?
- No emotional hook?
Step 2: Match Emotion to Goal
| Goal | Primary Category | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Sales/Conversion | Greed, Urgency | Exclusivity |
| Trust/Authority | Authority | Completeness |
| Engagement | Novelty | Mind-blowing |
| Fear-based | Safety, Sadness | Savagery |
| Desire-based | Lust, Beauty | Prestige |
| FOMO | Exclusivity | Impatience |
Step 3: Strategic Replacement
Rule of 3: Use 2-3 power words per headline/CTA. More feels forced.
Placement priority:
- First 3 words (hook)
- Last word (memory anchor)
- Action word (CTA verb)
Examples
Impatience:
- Before: "Get started today"
- After: "Jumpstart your growth today"
Novelty:
- Before: "New marketing tips"
- After: "Shocking marketing hacks that feel like magic"
Simplicity:
- Before: "Learn email marketing"
- After: "The stupid-simple email marketing cheat-sheet"
Greed:
- Before: "Get 50% off"
- After: "Steal this deal — 50% off ends today"
Exclusivity:
- Before: "Marketing tips"
- After: "Little-known marketing secrets the elite won't divulge"
Output Format
## Power Words Enhancement
### Original Copy
> [Original text]
### Analysis
- **Current emotion:** [What it evokes now]
- **Missing:** [What emotional triggers are absent]
- **Goal:** [Desired action/emotion]
### Recommended Categories
1. **[Category]** — [Why this fits]
2. **[Category]** — [Why this fits]
### Enhanced Versions
#### Option 1: [Primary emotion focus]
> [Enhanced copy with power words **bolded**]
**Power words used:** [word] (category), [word] (category)
#### Option 2: [Alternative angle]
> [Enhanced copy]
#### Option 3: [Stronger/softer variant]
> [Enhanced copy]
### Before/After
| Element | Before | After |
|---------|--------|-------|
| Headline | [original] | [enhanced] |
| CTA | [original] | [enhanced] |
### Caution
- Don't over-season: 2-3 power words max per sentence
- Match audience tone: "Badass" doesn't fit corporate B2B
- Test variants: What resonates varies by audienceWhat This Skill Does NOT Do
- Write copy from scratch (enhances existing copy)
- Guarantee conversion (testing required)
- Replace brand voice guidelines
- Work for highly regulated industries without compliance review