Why ChatGPT’s “Power Words” Are Actually Hurting Your Business
(And how to write a powerful message without relying on ChatGPT or AI)
Unleash, unlock, elevate… we’ve all heard these power words REPEATEDLY in posts across Instagram, LinkedIn — heck, even in the COMMENTS section of posts. (Seriously, why are we all sounding like dull, over-educated robots in the comments nowadays??)
But besides being overused and a TOTAL indication that the author used ChatGPT, these oh-so-typical AI-generated power words are a problem because they’re VAGUE as f*ck.
And when you’re selling a specific offer you’ve created to solve a specific problem (you see where I’m going with this? 😏), vague language filled with useless power words makes you sound like you’re trying to trick us.
Which I perrrrrrsonally consider to be an unethical sales tactic. 🙃🙃🙃
(Think “woo coaches” who talk nonstop about codes & shifting energies to distract and lull buyers into overpaying for a shitty offer). Amiright?!
Basically, those power words are a total cop-out. Instead of explaining an offer and speaking to the transformation it’ll provide, service providers out here will say, “Unleash your potential” or “Ignite your passion.” WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN!?
But, I know that they’re SO tempting to use — especially when you’re used to relying on ChatGPT or other AI tools to churn out copy and content for your business.
The thing is, though, all these empty power words REALLY do is make your audience feel like we’re being tricked with a fancy word salad that amounts to absolutely nothing.
Here’s the truth that self-proclaimed AI aficionados won’t tell you:
If you’ve created an offer you’re confident in – ya know, one that you know will ACTUALLY help people – you don’t need kitschy power words or excessive, lofty phrasing to sell it to the people it’s meant for.
Take a look at how you can swap power words for a clear message that actually makes sense.
(And tell me, which piece of copy sounds clearer, more powerful, and, best of all, less confusing?)
Before:
Unleash your business potential with copywriting that elevates your messaging.
After:
Let’s make your copy the #1 salesman who (finally) brings in ALL the right leads for your business.
Whereas "unleash," "business potential," and "elevate" could mean literally anything, the 2nd example is a clearer MESSAGE (sans power words) that:
1. Speaks to the transformation the service can provide
2. Adds a conversational vibe that makes the message feel more human and less robotic (beep boop)
3. Paints the picture of what the audience wants & needs
In short? Drop the fluffy power words and keep your message simple.
As an SEO-friendly website copywriter who has worked with countless business owners + brands, PLEASE let me assure you that when your copy is clear and easy to understand, you’ll put your brand in a position to attract allllll the right leads who actually want to work with you (because they’ll trust that you and your highly-researched offer are the REAL DEAL).
Let’s stop confusing our audiences with meaningless ChatGPT power words. Trust me, friend — you don’t need ‘em.
If you’re ready to revamp your messaging and start working with the people your business and offer were created for, reach out to schedule a free, no-obligation discovery call to see if we’re a good fit. In a few short weeks (or even a lightnin’-fast day — lookin’ at you, VIP Day lovers), we’ll get you the impactful, conversion-driven copy you need, all optimized with SEO best practices.
(And best yet, no ChatGPT-esque power words in sight. Beep boop.)
