Want your content to grab attention faster and drive your readers to take action? Then you need to stop using the same old boring headlines.
Whether you want to make your content marketing more relatable, boost engagement, or make your marketing more effective, using the right words can help you connect with potential customers and make more money.
In this article, we’ll explore the 90 best trigger words and how to use them in your content to increase engagement and drive conversions. Ready? Let’s go!
What is a trigger word?
Trigger words evoke an emotional response in readers and prompt them to take action.
But what makes a word a trigger word?
A trigger word has a powerful emotional impact on the reader. It can be a word that evokes:
- a positive emotion, like love or excitement, or
- a negative emotion, like fear or anger.
The key is to use words that resonate with your audience and make them feel something.
By using the right trigger words in your content, you can increase engagement, create a connection with your audience, and motivate them to take the desired action.
Research has shown that using trigger words can significantly increase engagement and conversion rates.
In fact, CoSchedule found that headlines with emotional trigger words had a 73% higher click-through rate than those without them.
Basically, if you want to boost your ecommerce sales, using trigger words is the way to go.
How do trigger words affect us?
The emotional centers of our brains can have more influence over our actions than rational thinking. Using emotionally triggering words in marketing and content creation can tap into these emotions in a powerful way.
By utilizing emotional trigger words, brands can establish a stronger emotional bond with their audience and influence their decision-making process.
For example, social media posts with emotional content are shared more frequently. In a study, a variety of social media posts were shown to participants. The ones with emotional content were more likely to be shared than the ones with non-emotional content.
Additionally, the study discovered that some human emotions, like awe, anger, and anxiety, were more likely to motivate social media sharing than other emotions, like sadness or amusement.
By using emotional triggers strategically, brands can develop more persuasive marketing campaigns and content that connects with their target audience.
They can also generate higher engagement, sharing, and conversions by understanding the psychology behind emotional triggers and using them effectively.
5 best trigger words to boost your ecommerce sales
Using the right trigger words and phrases can create a more positive emotional state in your audience, sparking their curiosity and triggering strong emotions.
These powerful trigger words can activate the underlying neural machinery that drives human emotions.
To help you enhance your ecommerce sales, we’ve curated a list of five of the best positive trigger words, along with detailed examples of how to effectively use them:
1. Free
People love free stuff. “Free” is a word that creates a sense of affordability and value. Something as simple as adding “Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $50” to your landing pages might be all you need to increase conversions!
Check out these templates that use the word “free”:
2. Exclusive
The trigger word “exclusive” can create a sense of privilege, which makes it a great choice to use as you’re promoting your newsletter sign-up.
Take a look at these templates that use the word “exclusive”:
3. Popular
Popular is also a well-known trigger word. It helps create social proof and influence, as people are often drawn to products or services that are popular among others.
One simple way of incorporating this word is by promoting the“most popular” products on your page.
See how the word “popular” was used in these templates:
4. Ultimate
“Ultimate” suggests that something is the best of the best, which means it can create strong desire. You could promote an e-book as an incentive or content upgrade and call it an “Ultimate guide” to entice your visitors to sign up.
5. Limited
You can increase the FOMO effect by using the word “limited.” For example, how many times have you seen wording similar to this: “Limited time offer, don’t miss out”?
If you have limited stocks, let your visitors know! This way, you can improve their shopping experience and increase FOMO simultaneously.
See how this company uses the word “limited” to add some urgency to their offer:
10+ best power words with examples
If you’re looking to boost your ecommerce sales, using powerful language in your product descriptions, emails, and advertisements can make a big difference. By using words that trigger an emotional response in your customers, you can increase engagement and inspire action.
Here are some of the best power words to use in your ecommerce marketing, along with some examples of how to use them effectively.
6. Best
While this might seem like a simple one, you don’t want to underestimate the power of the word “best.” Using “best” in your product descriptions (even in unexpected or indirect ways) can help set your products apart from the competition and create the sense that your products are of the highest quality and a cut above the rest.
For example, Peloton uses it in their tagline:
7. Modern
The word “modern” suggests that your products are up-to-date and relevant. It can be especially effective for tech products and fashion items.
Take a look at how beauty brand Glamnetic uses “modern” in their tagline to effectively create a feeling of modernity:
8. Forever
The word “forever” can create a sense of timelessness and durability. It implies that your products are built to last and won’t go out of style any time soon.
For example, clothing brand American Giant uses this word on their homepage:
9. Luxury
Using the word “luxury” in your marketing can make your products feel exclusive and premium. It suggests that your products are high-end and worth investing in.
Check out how the brand Knot Standard uses this trigger word on its website to highlight the quality of its products:
10. Health
“Health” can be considered a trigger word because it can have a strong impact on people who are conscious about their well-being.
Many people are interested in health and wellness, so using the word “health” in your marketing can be a powerful motivator, helping create the sense that your products are good for the body and mind.
For example, check out how Obvi uses “health goals” on its home page:
11. Effective
Using the word “effective” in your product descriptions can make your products feel like a solution to your customer’s problems. This word implies that your products actually work and deliver results.
For instance, beauty brand Three Ships uses it in a very straightforward way:
12. Quality
Using the word “quality” can communicate to customers that the brand prioritizes the production of high-quality goods or services, which can, in turn, build loyalty and satisfaction among consumers. Check out how Caraway did it on their homepage:
13. Power
The word “power” suggests strength and control. It can be effective for products that enhance performance or provide an edge. For example, All Plants uses it as a trigger word on their website:
14. Love
Using the word “love” in your marketing can tap into customers’ emotions and create a connection with your brand. It implies that your products are made with care and consideration.
Brand Smile Direct Club uses it on their website in a smart way:
15. Favorite
Similar to “popular,” the word “favorite” suggests that your products are beloved and trusted by others. It can be effective for showing social proof and building trust with your customers.
Here’s how plant-based brand Daring uses it:
16. Find
The word “find” has a unique power to evoke curiosity in readers. When used strategically in marketing, it can create a sense of surprise and delight that captures the reader’s attention and compels them to engage further.
By presenting the idea of discovering something new or unexpected, the word “find” entices readers with the promise of valuable and intriguing information. It taps into our natural inquisitiveness, triggering a desire to explore and learn more.
This emotional trigger word sparks curiosity and invites readers to delve deeper, opening up opportunities to attract and nurture them.
17. Secret
The word “secret” has a captivating effect on readers, arousing their curiosity and piquing their interest.
It’s deeply ingrained in our human nature to be drawn to the unknown and seek out exclusive knowledge. The mere mention of a secret suggests something hidden, confidential, and intriguing.
When utilized effectively, the word secret can act as a powerful trigger, compelling readers to want to uncover what lies behind it.
By promising a secret discount like in the example below, you’re essentially offering a glimpse into a world that others may not have access to. This exclusivity creates a sense of anticipation and desire within visitors.
18. Win
When visitors come across the word “win,” it ignites their competitive spirit and motivates them to participate in a certain activity or campaign.
By incorporating the concept of winning into your marketing strategy, you can engage your readers on a deeper level. You can gamify your campaign and create a thrilling experience for your audience, offering them the chance to win a special prize.
This not only captures their attention but also creates a sense of urgency and enthusiasm as they strive to be the ultimate victor.
5 best emotional trigger words
Emotionally triggering words evoke strong emotions in the reader or listener. These words can be used in various contexts, from marketing and advertising to storytelling and content creation.
Back in 1980, Professor Robert Plutchik created a diagram featuring a cycle of eight emotions that can serve as a helpful foundation for expressing emotions in your writing. These emotions include joy, surprise, trust, fear, anticipation, anger, sadness, and disgust.
19. Passion
Passion is powerful emotion that can inspire and motivate your audience to connect with your products and services. When used in your marketing copy, this word can evoke feelings of enthusiasm and excitement, sparking a desire to engage with your brand.
For instance, if you’re are selling a fitness product, you could use a phrase like: “Ignite your passion for fitness” to encourage your audience to tap into their inner drive and motivation.
20. Afraid
Fear is a strong emotion that can be used to grab the attention of the reader or listener. When used effectively, this word can underscore potential dangers or outcomes, increasing your audience’s attentiveness and involvement.
As a travel guide maker you’re offering a travel service, and some people are afraid of flying. In that case, you could use the phrase “If you’re afraid of flying, don’t let your fear hold you back from new adventures” to stress the value of your service and encourage your audience to conquer their fear.
21. Hope
Hope is a positive emotion that can create a sense of optimism and inspiration. Brands can use this word to create a vision of a better future, making their audience feel more motivated and inspired.
For example, if you’re selling eco-friendly products, you could use the phrase “Join us in creating the sustainable future we hope for” to inspire your audience to take action towards a better world.
22. Joy
Joy is a feeling of happiness, delight, positivity and satisfaction. Brands can use this word to evoke feelings of pleasure and happiness in their audience, making their products or services more attractive.
For instance, if you’re selling travel packages, you could use the phrase “Experience the joy of travel” to highlight the positive emotions associated with travel.
23. Frustrated
Frustration is a strong feeling that can also drive action or create a sense of urgency. Brands can use this emotion to emphasize problems or challenges, urging their audience to take action.
For instance, if the pain point of your target audience is low conversion rates, you could use the phrase “Frustrated with low conversion rates? Take action to improve your sales” to motivate your audience to take steps to increase their conversion rates.
7 words for building trust
Words can play a crucial role in establishing trust with your users. By incorporating these powerful words into your brand’s communication, you can enhance your credibility. However, it’s important to remember that words alone are not enough; they must be supported by consistent actions.
Here are seven emotionally impactful words that can help build trust:
- Genuine
- Transparent
- Verified
- Accurate
- Credible
- Ethical
- Consistent
Remember, the true power of these words lies in acting accordingly and living up to the promises and expectations they convey.
60 extra trigger words you can use now
When it comes to ecommerce sales, the words you choose can make all the difference. We’ve already explored the power of emotional trigger words and how they can evoke strong feelings in your audience, but there are plenty of other words you can use to help boost your sales.
In this section, we’re going to explore 60 more trigger words that you can start using today.
- Irresistible
- Captivating
- Compelling
- Exciting
- Sensational
- Provocative
- Exclusive
- Elite
- Luxurious
- Indulgent
- Timeless
- Authentic
- Handcrafted
- Curated
- Distinctive
- Nostalgic
- Chic
- Glamorous
- Sophisticated
- Intriguing
- Mysterious
- Bold
- Daring
- Unique
- Unforgettable
- Memorable
- Refreshing
- Energizing
- Stimulating
- Rejuvenating
- Uplifting
- Inspiring
- Empowering
- Revolutionary
- Innovative
- Cutting-edge
- Proven
- Tested
- Scientific
- Expert
- Dynamic
- Advanced
- High-performance
- State-of-the-art
- Game-changing
- Reliable
- Trusted
- Secure
- Efficient
- Robust
- Seamless
- User-friendly
- Intuitive
- Versatile
- Customizable
- Comprehensive
- Flexible
- Adaptable
- Personalized
- Tailored
How can trigger words and phrases boost your sales?
Using trigger words in your marketing can be a powerful way to amplify your messaging and increase engagement with your audience.
Here are some tips on how to effectively use trigger phrases and words:
- Know your audience: Understanding your audience is key to knowing which trigger words will be most effective. Consider the demographics, interests, and values of your target market to determine which words will resonate with them.
- Use trigger words strategically: Don’t just sprinkle trigger words randomly throughout your marketing copy. Use them strategically to emphasize key points and create a sense of urgency or excitement.
- Keep it natural: While it’s important to use trigger words strategically, it’s also important to make sure they fit naturally into your messaging. Avoid using them excessively or in a way that feels forced or inauthentic.
- A/B test your messaging: Experiment with different trigger words and messaging to see what resonates best with your audience. Use A/B testing to compare different variations of your marketing copy to determine which triggers are most effective.
- Use a variety of triggers: Don’t rely on the same trigger words over and over again. Mix it up to keep your messaging fresh and engaging.
- Use trigger words in headlines and calls-to-action: Use trigger words in your headlines and calls-to-action to grab attention and create a sense of urgency. For example, “Act now to get our limited-time offer!” or “Discover the amazing benefits of our new product!”
Wrapping up
Whether you’re looking to create compelling product descriptions and eye-catching headlines, get more visitors to your website, boost engagement on your social media posts, or simply inspire conversions, the right trigger words can help you stand out from the competition and grab your audience’s attention.
But it’s not just about using any trigger words… it’s about using the right ones. By choosing the right words for your brand and target audience, you can create content that resonates and motivates them to take action.
So, what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with these trigger words in your ecommerce content. With the right words and a little creativity, you can take your marketing efforts to the next level and see the sales roll in!
