40+ Power Words in Social Media That Get Attention

You’re scrolling through social media, with countless posts vying for your attention. Suddenly, a caption with the word "Free" catches your eye. Intrigued, you stop scrolling, read the caption and click the link. That’s the impact of power words. They can transform your social media posts from bland to irresistible, making your audience stop, click and engage.  

With the sheer volume of content we encounter every day and where attention spans are dwindling, every second matters! Recent figures suggest that social media platforms see over 2 billion visual uploads daily. To stand out in this vast sea of media, brands should focus on crafting concise, impactful messages. This is where power words play a vital role — in creating that allure and urgency. They not only draw in viewers but also ignite emotions that lead to meaningful interactions. 

In this blog, let’s explore what social media power words are and how they work. We’ll also list 40+ power words to supercharge your social media engagement.  

What are power words?  

Power words are strong, impactful and persuasive words that instantly pique the reader’s interest. These words can be strategically used in various parts of your social media content, such as headings, subheadings, landing pages, email subject lines and social media posts, to persuade your audience to take action.  

While some of you might assume power words are generally action words like “buy” or “call now,” they actually go beyond actions. Power words can serve many purposes, from increasing social media conversions (signing up for a newsletter, sharing a post or making a purchase) to motivating and providing comfort. These words evoke feelings like excitement, urgency or curiosity, helping your audience connect with your message.   

Here’s what makes them popular on social media: 

1. Instant attention grabbers: Social media is all about quick scrolling, meaning people interact with posts that stand out. Power words create an immediate impact, prompting users to pause and engage. 
2. Emotional connection: These words evoke strong feelings — such as excitement, urgency or curiosity — making your content not just memorable but also relatable. When readers feel an emotional pull, they are more likely to interact and share. 
3. Memorable impact: It takes only 0.25 seconds of exposure for users to recall mobile social media feed content. Power words have a lasting impression on people, making your content more distinctive and memorable even after the scroll. 
4. Convey messages effectively: According to the 80-20 rule, 80% of the outputs come from 20% of inputs. Power words embody this principle that less is more. They convey significant meaning in just a few words, making it easier for brands to communicate effectively without overwhelming their audience. 

📑 Also Read: 13 Useful Customer Service Phrases (+5 to Avoid)  

How do power words work?  

Power words are more than just buzzwords; they are strategically chosen to evoke specific emotional responses. In the 1970s, Psychologists Elizabeth Loftus and John Palmer conducted a well-known "Linguistic Relativity Experiment" about how words matter and influence human behavior. They investigated how the wording of questions influences participants' memories of an event, particularly their estimation of speed and perception of the severity of a car accident. The experiment revealed that the choice of words not only influenced the participants’ perception of speed but also created false memories. 

This experiment illustrates how language shapes our perception and memory, influencing how we interpret and recall events. Social media power words work similarly. They are carefully chosen terms that trigger specific emotional responses in readers. By tapping into fundamental human emotions and psychological triggers, power words can significantly drive engagement and prompt specific actions from your audience. 

For example, words like “exclusive,” “limited time” and “free” create a sense of urgency and scarcity, prompting immediate action. On the other hand, words like “proven,” “guaranteed” and “safe” build trust and reassurance, making your audience more likely to engage with your content. 

Let’s understand this with a few examples of how brands use power words: 

1. Amazon  

Power words: “Premium” and “super fast” 

“Premium” conveys Amazon’s elevated level of service and exclusivity, while “super fast” emphasizes efficiency and quick delivery. Together, these power words create a compelling value proposition that appeals to customers' desires for top-notch solutions from the brand.  

Source 

2. McKinsey 

Power words: “Greater” and “impact” 

In this post, McKinsey highlights the benefits of bike use in urban areas. The word “greater” conveys increased bicycle use and “impact” highlights the results or changes it could bring.  

Source 

3. BuzzFeed  

Power words: “Absolute” and “funniest” 

In this post, BuzzFeed used the words “absolute” and “funniest” to grab attention and set expectations. These words emphasize the exceptional level of humor in the curated list of memes and tweets, enhancing the appeal of Buzzfeed’s article and social media posts related to the DNC event.   

Source 

Learn about The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Customer Experience!

45 power words that get attention on social media  

Power words can help you encourage the audience to engage with your brand. Here's a curated list of these words categorized by intent: 

1. Power words for social media product launches 

Product launches are important events where power words can make your product stand out and create buzz among your target audience. Here are a few that you can use for social media product launches: 

• Unbelievable: It suggests that the launched product has unique features that are extraordinary or difficult to believe. 
  “Unbelievable graphics and speed in a gaming console! See it to believe it!” 
• Exclusive: This word can suggest limited availability or special access, creating a sense of privilege. 
  “Get your hands on our exclusive new collection! Don't miss out!” 
• Extraordinary: It highlights that the product offers something truly unique and impressive.  
  “Experience extraordinary sound quality with our latest headphones, designed for true audiophiles.” 
• Game changer: This indicates that the product can significantly impact the market or user experience.  
  “Our new project management tool is a game changer — streamline tasks and manage your time like a pro!” 
• Limited-edition: This power word implies scarcity, driving a sense of urgency and prompting immediate action from users.  
  “Get your hands on our limited-edition fragrance. Grab yours before it's too late!” 
• Next generation: It tells the audience that the product is an advanced version, showcasing the latest technology or features.  
  “The next generation of convenience is here. Try it, believe it!” 

Example: Realme

The launch of Realme's 13 Series featured the phrase "get ready to be amazed," creating excitement. Using the power words “get ready” and “amazed,” Realme generated excitement by encouraging its audience to anticipate the new phone launch, effectively capturing attention and positioning the event as truly exceptional.  

Source 

2. Power words for social media contests and giveaways 

Social media contests and giveaways are your golden ticket to engagement. Using power words in your promotions can spark interest and encourage participation. Here are a few power words for social media contests and giveaways: 

• Win big: This instantly grabs attention and sparks excitement about winning.  
  “Win big this Christmas with prizes up to $10,000! Shop Now to enter our Lucky Draw.” 
• Free: This word instantly communicates value and encourages participation.  
  “Get a free Echo Dot with every purchase over $50! Limited Time Offer” 
• Surprise: Create excitement and curiosity about the prize.  
  “Join our surprise giveaway and be the first to win a new TV!” 
• Enter to win: This is a clear call-to-action (CTA) that encourages immediate participation. 
  “Enter to win a $100 gift card to your favorite store!” 
• Giveaway: It indicates the nature of the contest and attracts those looking for freebies. 
  “Join our giveaway for a chance to win a brand-new refrigerator!” 
• Prize: It focuses on the reward for participation.  
  “Claim your prize! We're giving away a free year of streaming services!” 

Example: Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer’s giveaway contest on Facebook used the phrase “gifts worth.” By adding a number to the power word, the brand generated excitement and amplified the prize’s value. 

Source  

3. Power words for promoting discounts and sales on social media  

Who doesn’t like discount offers and sales? Check out these power words to amplify your social media promotions: 

• Sale: This is a power word with universal appeal and signals a chance to save money.  
  “Huge summer sale! Up to 50% off on select items.” 
• Save: It highlights the potential for financial benefit. 
  “Save big on your next purchase with our exclusive discount code.” 
• Discount: It directly communicates a price reduction.  
  “Get a 20% discount on your first order!” 
• Limited time: This power word creates a sense of urgency and encourages immediate action. 
  “Limited time offer! Don't miss out on this amazing deal.” 
• Deal: It indicates a special offer or bargain.  
  “Get the best deal on the latest gadgets during our Black Friday sale.” 
• Bonus: It adds an element of extra value.  
  “Get a bonus gift with every purchase during our summer sale.” 
• Clearance: It highlights deep discounts and the need to clear out inventory.  
  “Huge Clearance Sale! Hurry up!” 

Example: Hush Puppies

To drive excitement for its footwear sale, Hush Puppies crafted a social post featuring the power words “50% off” and “grab them.” The words emphasized the discount offer and instilled a sense of urgency, making the deal seem like a rare opportunity not to be missed.  

Source 

4. Power words to drive engagement on social media 

These words can help elevate your social media presence and build meaningful connections. Here are a few to help you drive those engagement: 

• Comment: It encourages interaction and discussion.  
  “Comment below and tell us your favorite travel destination.” 
• Share: It promotes content distribution and reach.  
  “Share this post with your friends!” 
• Tag: It increases visibility and encourages participation.  
  “Tag a friend who deserves a treat!” 
• Like: It denotes a simple action that shows appreciation and encourages further interaction.  
  “Like this post if you agree!” 
• Follow: It helps build a loyal audience and increases future engagement.  
  “Follow us for more exciting updates and exclusive content!” 
• Join the conversation: This phrase promotes active participation in a discussion. 
  “Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this important topic.” 
• Tell us: This invites feedback and encourages interaction.  
  “Tell us what you think about our new product in the comments below.” 

Suggested Read 📕: How to Manage Customer Engagement on Social Media  

Example: Netflix

To promote a new series release, Netflix urged its audience to comment on its social media post. This sparked lively interactions, turning the promotion into a fun, engaging experience that brought fans together.  

Source 

💡 Pro Tip: To maximize the impact of your product launch announcements, consider leveraging a tool like Sprinklr’s Social Media Publisher and Scheduler. Such toolkits help you analyze your audience's online behavior to identify the optimal times for posting, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement. You can: 

• Control all your social accounts from a single dashboard 
• Auto-schedule posts based on AI recommendations to boost reach and engagement 
• Set up multi-level publishing approval to maintain brand compliance 

Book a demo now! 

5. Power words to create a sense of urgency 

Use the right combination of power words with your social media messaging to get your audience to act fast. The following power words can prompt immediate responses: 

• Now: It underscores the time-sensitive nature of your offer. 
  “Shop now and get free shipping!” 
• Hurry: This power word encourages quick action.  
  “Hurry! The offer ends soon.” 
• Limited time: This phrase highlights that the offer is available only for a short period and encourages prompt action by consumers.  
  “Limited time offer! Don't miss out.” 
• Last chance: This generates the final push for action.  
  “Last chance to save big on your favorite products.” 
• Don't miss out: This compelling call to action underscores the potential loss if the offer is missed. 
  “Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!” 
• Today only: This phrase creates a strong sense of urgency by limiting the offer's duration.  
  “Today only! Get a free appetizer with your entree.” 
• Ending soon: This indicates the offer's limited availability and encourages prompt action.  
  “This offer is ending soon! Don't wait, grab yours now.” 

Example: Savana

During its recent “One Rupee, One Impact” sale, Savana used power words like “last day” and “final call” to build a sense of urgency and exclusivity.  

Source 

6. Power words that evoke curiosity 

Spark the interests of your audience with power words that pique curiosity. Here are a few ones to ignite audience interest: 

• Secret: This implies that you will be sharing hidden knowledge or exclusive information. 
  “Discover the secret to achieving flawless skin.” 
• Sneak peek: This power word denotes that you are offering a glimpse into something exciting. “Get a sneak peek of our upcoming product launch.” 
• Discover: It encourages exploration and learning. 
  “Discover the benefits of our revolutionary new technology.” 
• Reveal: This implies you will unveil something special or exclusive for your audience. 
  “We're revealing our biggest secret yet! Stay tuned for the announcement tomorrow.” 
• Uncover: It suggests the discovery of something valuable or insightful.  
  “Uncover the hidden benefits of our revolutionary new technology.” 

Example: XBOX

During its recent Xbox Games Showcase and Call of Duty promotion, Xbox used power words like “don’t miss” to build curiosity and excitement. These words hinted at exclusive reveals, compelling people to tune in.  

Source 

Must Read 📖: Expert Tips to Drive Organic Growth on Social Media   

7. Power words to inspire action 

To motivate your audience to take action, use persuasive power words. Here are a few of them: 

• Get started: "Get started" encourages immediate action, creating a sense of ease and urgency that motivates the audience to click or engage right away.  
  “Transform your virtual meetings with our software. Get started with a demo today!” 
• Join: It promotes community-building and a sense of belonging.  
  “Join our movement and make a difference.” 
• Learn more: This phrase encourages further exploration and discovery.  
  “Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved.” 
• Try: It suggests a low-risk opportunity to experience something new.  
  “Try our free trial and see the results for yourself.” 
• Download: It suggests immediate access to valuable digital resources.  
  “Download our free eBook on time management and learn the secrets to success.” 
• Sign up: This encourages registration and engagement with a service or platform. 
  “Sign up for our newsletter and get exclusive discounts and updates.” 
• Claim yours: This emphasizes ownership and encourages immediate action.  
  “Claim your free trial today and experience the benefits of our premium HRM platform.” 

Example: Noise

During the promotion of its ColorFit Ultra, Noise used power words like “stay ahead” and “shop now” to inspire action. The words created a compelling call to action, encouraging the audience to shop for its latest launch.  

Source 

🛜Pro Tip: Struggling to come up with engaging power words and social media content? Sprinklr’s AI-powered features can help! Yes, you heard that right. Sprinklr AI+ now holds the power of GenAI within Sprinklr — analyzing your brand voice and target audience to create ready-to-go social media posts optimized for engagement. It helps you: 

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Combine power words with emojis 

Social media is all about being expressive. Combining power words with emojis helps you convey your messages and emotions better. This makes your audience feel connected and adds a fun vibe to your social media posts.  

Here’s how you can pair power words with emojis: 

Create content infused with power words 

Power words are the key to capturing your audience's attention. By strategically incorporating them in social media, you can evoke emotions, inspire action and drive engagement.  A single word can make all the difference! 

Ready to take your social media game to the next level?  

Try Sprinklr Social, a platform trusted by global brands. It offers broad channel coverage, best-in-class AI, a unified CXM and much more. With Sprinklr, you can create winning social media campaigns that deliver results.