Smart Blogger

Back in 2013, Jon Morrow published one of the first widely shared articles about “power words.”

Over the years, the concept spread everywhere. Today you’ll find countless lists across the internet.

So when we revisited the article recently, we didn’t try to reinvent it.

Instead, we took it back to its roots.

We kept Jon’s original explanation and lists intact, then added a short look at how the idea has evolved over the years.

It’s funny how some writing ideas age well, while others lose their punch.

This one hasn't aged a day.

Take a look.

The Original List of 317 Power Words Power words trigger emotion and influence readers. Here’s the original Smart Blogger list of 317 words writers use to grab attention and drive action.

If you enjoy writing tips, you'll love our massive, in-depth guide on metaphors.

Check it out:

57 Metaphor Examples That’ll Pack Your Prose With Persuasion In this huge list of metaphor examples, learn the ins and outs of implied, extended, dead, mixed, sensory, and common metaphors (and more).

It’s not a joke. Smart Blogger's CEO, Jon Morrow, is in a wheelchair. And yet he's traveled the world, started a business, and become a millionaire. Here’s the true story of how he did it.

7 Life Lessons from a Guy Who Can’t Move Anything but His Face - Unstoppable It's not a joke. I'm in a wheelchair, and yet I've traveled the world, started a business, and become a millionaire. Here's the true story of how I did it.

Smart bloggers see opportunities where others do not. Because so many have dismissed blog commenting as an outreach strategy, there’s virtually no competition. Want to write good comments that get noticed? It's easier than ever. Here's how:

How to Write Comments That Stand Out (for the Right Reasons) What does a good comment look like, and how do you write one? Here's a simple four-part formula for blog comments that works every time.