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20 More Words and Phrases that Make Sales
Written by: Sean McAlindin
Sean McAlindin, a business and arts writer, has a decade-long experience in music and culture journalism and recently ventured into business writing.
Edited by: Sallie Middlebrook
Sallie, holding a Ph.D. from Walden University, is an experienced writing coach and editor with a background in marketing. She has served roles in corporate communications and taught at institutions like the University of Florida.
Updated on February 5, 2024
In the great, wide world of sales, there is more than one way to attract a customer. One time-tested, and often underrated strategy is the art of using the right words. If you can master this simple skill, you will possess the power to open up a world of possibilities with a single turn of phrase.
Words have the magic ability to evoke both positive and negative emotions, spurring attraction, revulsion, or simple indifference in the blink of an eye. They are the verbal keys to unlocking your customer’s optimism and imagination and opening the door to a successful, satisfying sales experience.
If you’ve read the Making That Sales article “The Top 20 Words That Sell” you may be looking for more potent words that can turn potential prospects into paying customers. Seek no further, as we’ve gathered another score of words and phrases guaranteed to get your customers’ attention and land more sales!
Key Takeaways
Words have the power to influence perceptions and drive purchasing decisions by connecting to our basic psychology. If you know how to use words strategically, you can influence consumer behavior in your favor.
The type of language we use has a strong and immediate impact on people’s perception of who we are and what we have to offer. It’s also the fastest way to communicate our ideas and build relationships with our audience.
The words that make sales are often common and straightforward. It’s all about how you use them and in what context.
1. Improved
Calling all sales warriors! Are you tired of wielding the same old rusty sword in the battle for success? Fear not, for the word “improved” is your mighty Excalibur, ready to transform you into the sales legend you were born to be.
But this is no ordinary quest for minor adjustments; it’s a relentless pursuit of innovation. As humans, we are always driven to evolve and do things better and more efficiently than before. As a rule, we’ll never buy something that’s good, when we can get something better for the same price. We can’t help but notice and be seduced by any improvement and advancement that betters our everyday lives.
Like daring alchemists, we experiment and tinker until we discover the magical concoction of perfection. As you sprinkle the magic of “improved” into your sales conversations, your customers will be drawn to your prowess like moths to a flame, knowing that you’re dedicated to delivering the most up-to-date and awesome experience possible.
It’s also a word marketers use once their products have reached or gone beyond the “maturity” stage. To give their offerings new life, they make them “new and improved,” rather than taking the time to come up with something completely new.
2. Curated
Welcome to the world of curated salesmanship, where every interaction is a finely tuned symphony of personalized perfection. See yourself as a virtuoso conductor, orchestrating a masterpiece that resonates with your customers’ aspirations.
To curate is to handpick the finest elements, just like a tailor crafts a custom-made suit, or a master craftsman builds a dream home. You become a matchmaker of dreams, intimately understanding your customers’ needs, and presenting them with a perfectly curated solution. Like a skilled artisan, you infuse every detail with a personal touch, dialing up a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves your customers in gratitude and awe.
This is a bespoke approach that transforms a mere transaction into a truly transformative encounter. Make them feel like the product you’re offering was curated just for them, and your customers won’t just be sold – they’ll be swept off their feet by the thoughtful attention you devote to their unique desires.
3. Thrive
Step into the lush landscape of salesmanship, where the word “thrive” becomes the lifeblood that nourishes success. Envision yourself as a skillful gardener, tending to your customers’ hopes and dreams like delicate flowers, nurturing them from seeds to reach their fullest potential.
You provide your clients with the fertile ground and essential nutrients for them to break through barriers and reach new heights. With “thrive” as your guiding force, you’ll witness your customers blooming with newfound determination and vitality.
To thrive is to surpass mere survival, transforming into a vibrant force that propels you and your customers toward sustainable growth. Like a refreshing rain shower, “thrive” drenches your sales conversations with encouragement and support, infusing them with the energy and the will to blossom.
But here’s the true allure of “thrive” – it’s not just about momentary achievements. It’s about fostering enduring prosperity and building a garden of steady success that flourishes over time. You don’t merely sell a product; you sow the seeds of long-term greatness that have you cultivating harvests of victories for both you and your customers.
4. Opportunity
We all know that good opportunities don’t come around every day. When they appear, we have to be ready to take advantage of them. “Opportunity” refers to a positive set of circumstances that make it possible to do something. It provides a time-sensitive reason to act on your products or services right away, before they miss their chance.
Whether used in advertisements, sales pitches, or headlines, the word conjures a world of possibilities. By tapping into the human desire for growth and improvement, marketers can captivate potential customers and guide them down the sales funnel.
“Opportunity” acts as a catalyst for motivating action. When we emphasize the potential benefits or rewards that lie ahead, consumers are more likely to engage with the message at hand. This sense of empowerment leads to increased conversions, as individuals seek to seize the moment and embrace the opportunity at hand.
5. Special offer
At its core, a special offer represents an exclusive and limited-time opportunity, carefully crafted to entice and reward customers. Whether it’s a tantalizing discount, a complimentary gift, or a unique package, this temporary chance provides an enticing incentive that goes beyond a regular price and value proposition.
The psychology behind this marketing tactic is rooted in human behavior. The sense of urgency and the fear of missing out (FOMO), instigated by its time-sensitive nature, stimulate a rapid response from consumers. It encourages them to act swiftly, making a purchase decision they might have otherwise postponed.
However, businesses must tread the path of special offers with care and integrity. Honesty and transparency are crucial, as false promises or misleading claims can irreparably damage a brand’s reputation.
6. Seamless
Step into the world of “seamless” and watch as your sales process transforms into a mesmerizing display of straightforward, no-nonsense excellence. To be seamless is to be smooth and continuous, with no apparent gaps, spaces, or bumps between one part and the next. Don’t we all wish life could be more like that?
The true allure of “seamless” lies in its simplicity. It’s the art of making everything easy and natural. From the first greeting to the final closing, every step is an aesthetically pleasing dance executed with grace and precision.
As you suffuse the power of “seamless” into your sales conversations, your customers will be swept away by your efficiency and attention to detail, and their trust in you will deepen as you comfortably lead them to the perfect solution.
7. Irresistible
Oh, baby, it’s just too good to resist! By tapping into the power of desire, the word “irresistible” sprinkles some serious sex appeal all over your business. You’ll make your customers weak in the knees and have them falling head over heels for what you’ve got in store.
The word itself is irresistible as it adds a dash of allure to any conversation. It conveys that your offerings are too tempting to pass up, compelling potential customers to take immediate action before they miss out completely.
It’s almost like having a magnetic force that pulls customers in with an inescapable force field. When you wield the power of “irresistible,” you become the master of fascination, leaving your customers spellbound and captivated by your every move.
So come hither! And get ready to dazzle and delight, as your offerings become the stuff of dreams and fantasies they can’t help but surrender to.
8. Revolutionary
Move over, ordinary! Step right up to the extraordinary! When your product or service is “revolutionary,” you are promising something that is going to change not only your customers’ lives, but the entire trajectory of society and possibly even life as we know it.
This word implies that you’re offering a total game-changer, something unprecedented and innovative, which attracts customers who like to shake things up. When you wield the word “revolutionary,” you become the trailblazer of your industry, the disruptor of the mundane, and the inventor of whole new galaxies of possibility.
Just make sure what you are offering is truly pioneering, or you’ll quickly lose your authority and become the laughingstock of the marketing world.
9. Award-winning
“Award-winning” is a compelling phrase that instantly communicates the pinnacle of achievement and excellence. It serves as a powerful badge of credibility, indicating recognition by experts or peers for outstanding performance. Just think about how much credibility the Academy Awards still manage to bestow, even though viewership for the broadcast has been in steady decline for years.
Whether it’s a product, service, or creative endeavor, the “award-winning” label has the potency to captivate consumers and differentiate a brand from the competition. Embracing this accolade in marketing endeavors bolsters trust, evokes a positive perception, and solidifies the product’s value proposition.
Ultimately, it’s more than just a label; it represents the dedication, innovation, and effort that have propelled a brand to the forefront of its industry, making it an irresistible choice for discerning customers. Just be sure you can back up these claims with actual awards that mean something or else you’ll come off as a misguided liar without a leg to stand on.
10. Imagine
Close your eyes and visualize a world where your desires become reality and your greatest dreams take flight. To “imagine” is to unlock the gateway to innovation and creativity, like a painter with a blank canvas, free to craft a masterpiece. Use this word as your brush, painting vivid pictures in your customers’ minds of a more fulfilling future with your product or service by their side.
Imagination, however, is not just about wishful thinking. It’s about inspiring action. Encourage your customers to see themselves enjoying the benefits of what you have to offer, and watch while they become eager participants in their own success stories.
As you weave the power of imagination into your sales conversations, witness barriers dissolving, objections softening, and hesitations fading away. Your customers’ eyes will light up with possibilities as you invite them on a journey of discovery, where they not only see a better life, but actively take the initiative to get there. Together, you and your customers will co-create a vision of success with your products serving as the stepping stones to turn their dreams into reality.
11. Safe
Welcome to the kingdom of “safe,” where security is the cornerstone of every transaction. To be safe is to be the unwavering protector, like a vigilant sentinel standing guard over your customers’ needs. Seize this word as your shield to ensure that everything is going to be smooth, secure, and worry-free.
“Safe” constructs a fortress of reliability, a safe haven where your customers can confide in your expertise. Safety isn’t just a feeling; it’s the bedrock upon which lasting sales relationships are forged. If you can’t convey a sense of safety, you’re never going to get past square one.
But the true power of “safe” lies in the peace of mind it provides. It’s about consistently delivering on promises to create an unbreakable bond with your customers. Watch as uncertainties dissipate and doubts vanish like mist in the morning sun. Your customers feel protected in your hands, knowing you’ll plan ahead, take precautions, and go the extra mile to take care of them.
More words in this category include “certified,” “dependable,” “verified,” “protected,” and “unconditional.”
12. Simple
“Simple” is a word that describes something that is easy to understand. It implies that your solution will always work because it’s not complex or hard to use. “Simple” tells customers how your brand makes their lives easier.
Our lives are already complicated and stressful as it is. We’re always on the lookout for ways to make things effortless. Promises of simplicity appeal to our innate desire for a good life where everything falls into place just the way we imagined.
“Easy” and “effortless” are two synonyms that work in the same way.
13. Because
Here’s the true beauty of “because” – it’s not just a simple conjunction; it’s the glue between the “what” and the “why” of your sales pitch. By providing tangible reasons to buy something, you empower your customers to make informed decisions while feeling confident that your product is the right choice.
As you infuse the power of this word into your sales, watch skepticism dissipate and conviction blossom. With each “because,” you’ll build a bridge of credibility that strengthens their belief in what you have to offer.
When you deliver your well-articulated rationales, you build a foundation of trust that transforms potential customers into loyal advocates. “Because” becomes a potent tool, instilling in them the unwavering certainty that your product is the best solution for their needs based on logical, sound reasoning.
14. Now
Now – it’s the ultimate power word. In the land of “now,” every second brims with the potential for greatness. Embrace the urgency of this tiny yet mighty word, for it’s a surefire way to stimulate purchasing action and drive instantaneous sales success.
We all know the key to happiness and success is to embrace the present moment. But “now” isn’t just a fleeting ideal. It’s a declaration of determination, urging us to seize the advantages before us with clear focus and unwavering resolve. To say “now” is to ignite a spark of motivation, like a lightning bolt that propels your customers to act swiftly, knowing that the time for opportunity is right before them.
“Now” is more than just a call to action; it’s a call to possibility. As you work the magic of “now” into your sales campaigns, watch hesitation morph into enthusiasm, and potential customers transform into satisfied clients on the road to success.
15. Please
The next three words on this list are small but mighty words and phrases that hold the power to soften hearts and forge lasting connections in any customer, no matter their background. You know them well.
“Please” is the ever-enchanting opener, a magic word that opens doors to cooperation and respect. It’s a simple request that shows consideration and politeness, beckoning others to listen and inviting them to share with you in the journey ahead.
16. Thank you
Number two is “Thank you.” It’s the tried-and-true bridge of appreciation that acknowledges kindness and creates a positive connection between people. It’s a potion that nurtures relationships, leaving both giver and receiver with a sense of value and well-being. A little bit of gratitude goes a long way and this is the simplest, easiest way to express it.
17. You’re welcome
“You’re welcome” is the genuine response that acknowledges the gratitude you extend to others, fostering a sense of mutual respect. It’s the gift of acknowledgment, affirming to your customers and prospects that they are understood and appreciated.
Together, these phrases form a tapestry of harmony, weaving trust and camaraderie throughout the sales journey. So embrace the power of simple respect and tradition, and watch as these simple phrases add a sense of goodwill to every business endeavor.
18. You
In the world of collaboration, two powerful words shape our shared experience: “You” and “We.”
“You” is the beacon of personalization, recognizing the unique needs and aspirations of each individual. It’s the compass that guides us to understand and address our customers’ specific desires. It makes the transaction about the customer which is how it always should be.
When you focus the conversation on the customer, rather than the salesperson, product, or company, you help them to feel heard, respected, and appreciated. Replace “I” with “you” as often as you can, and you’ll subconsciously keep the conversation focused on your customers’ needs, goals, and dreams.
19. We
“We” is the unifying force that binds us together as partners in this journey. It’s the spirit of teamwork, reminding us that our success is intertwined. Together, we can support each other to reach our dreams, or at least take home the best damn toaster money can buy.
When “we” are at the helm, we can chart a unified course toward mutual accomplishment. It’s the fusion of your vision and our expertise that propels us forward, as we work cooperatively to achieve shared goals.
20. I Don’t Know
Alright, let’s face it – even sales wizards have their moments of mystery. But fear not, for “I don’t know” is no villain. In fact, it’s your secret weapon for forging genuine connections with customers by being transparent and solution-oriented.
What does a daring salesperson do when fearlessly venturing into the unknown? They don’t make up an answer just to help themselves feel better. Instead, they respond with a confident grin, saying, “Great! Let’s embark on this adventure and figure it out together!”
When you welcome the power of honesty, “I don’t know” is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it’s a badge of authenticity. Rather than dancing around uncertainty with lies and exaggerations, you tackle your shortcomings head-on, earning your customers’ trust in the process.
With “I don’t know” in your arsenal, you’re not just a salesperson; you’re an honest problem-solver. You’ll win sales and loyalty by showing that you value truth, candor, and meaningful solutions over empty promises.
How Words Influence Consumer Behavior
Language wields the immense power to influence human behavior. Beyond mere words on a page, strategic messaging taps into the depths of human psychology, igniting emotions and triggering subconscious responses. The careful selection and arrangement of language can sway perceptions, influence decisions, and ultimately shape the success of marketing campaigns.
Consider the subtle art of persuasion – a craft honed by marketers to create a compelling narrative that resonates with the audience in profound ways. By understanding the psychology behind language, businesses can connect with consumers on a personal level, eliciting desires, fears, and aspirations that drive positive action.
For example, words that evoke positive emotions like “happiness,” “excitement,” or “wonder” can create a favorable perception of a product or service. Similarly, words such as “irresistible,” “safe,” or “authentic” can generate a sense of anticipation, honesty, or comfort that can make an offer seem more appealing.
By using this powerful sales language, you’ll equip your business to craft messages that turn heads, leave a lasting impression, and drive remarkable results.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of persuasive language is an indispensable skill for any marketer aiming to drive sales and achieve success in a competitive marketplace. The 20 words and phrases explored in this article offer a glimpse into the vast repertoire of linguistic tools at our disposal that can influence customers and win their loyalty.
However, to wield these persuasive words responsibly and maintain the trust of our audience, honesty and transparency must underpin every marketing message. False promises and manipulative tactics may lead to short-lived gains but will ultimately cause long-term damage to a brand’s reputation.
In the dynamic landscape of marketing, language remains an ever-evolving force, capable of shaping perceptions, driving engagement, and nurturing customer relationships. With a deep understanding of linguistic influence and a commitment to delivering genuine value, we can harness the true potential of words to forge a pathway to success.
To learn more about how to use language to your advantage in sales, read Making That Sale’s article “21 Communication Tips to Make More Sales”.
Also, check out our list of “The 13 Words to Avoid in Sales” to be sure you’ve got a handle on what not to say.
FAQs
Persuasive words evoke emotions, create a sense of urgency, and highlight the value of your product or service. By strategically incorporating these words into your marketing content, you can capture your audience’s attention, drive engagement, and increase the likelihood of conversions.
To maintain authenticity, ensure that the benefits you promise align with the actual value provided by your product or service. Avoid using misleading or exaggerated claims and back up your statements with data, customer testimonials, or case studies. Be sure everything you say is based in reality, rather than hype and/or wishful thinking.
First, you need to understand your target audience’s needs, preferences, and pain points. Craft your messages using language and examples that are relevant and relatable to them. Brainstorm language that will resonate with them on a personal level. By leveraging persuasive words and techniques responsibly and ethically, you can enhance your marketing efforts, build trust with your audience, and drive successful outcomes for your business.
Richard Banyan’s “Words that Sell” is a popular resource that lists many of the greatest words in the history of sales and marketing. It offers over 6,000 words and phrases that spell the difference between “yadda-yadda-yadda” and incisive, influential language that actually sells.
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