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What's the most powerful emotion?

by FlockPad
71 replies
What do you think is the most powerful emotion -- and what are the archetypal images associated with that emotion?
#emotion #powerful
  • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
    That depends on who you are...but I would say it was love...

    You know the saying: 'Love is blind'

    Love has the ability to make people do stupid and unreasonable things and can cause wars...think Helen of Troy, Cleopatra and Julius Ceaser, Romeo and Juliette...

    Every Country has it's own icons of love - in the Indian subcontinent its Layla and Majnu and Heer and Ranja (you probably won't have heard of these but over there they are legend)

    Then there is the other type of love, for example between parent and child. Think of all those statues of a mother and a baby or the portraits of handsome men holding delicate babies in their hands (OK, so that isn't archetypal, but more like a modern day symbol)

    The greatest archetypal monument ever built without a shadow of a doubt would have to be the Taj Mahal - Built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. They had 14 children and he loved her so much that he was grief stricken when she died...her coffin rests within the great building.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Schwenk
      I would have to semi-disagree about love.

      This question is asked in the copywriting section, so that's the context I'm assuming you're answering in...

      Love would really only apply to very few markets IMO... Such as the popular "get your ex back" niche, or the dating niche in general. I mean if you REALLY want to stretch it, you could argue that it could apply to weight-loss for some people...

      Maybe they have someone they really love but aren't comfortable enough with their body to approach them. I'd say that's a stretch though.

      HOWEVER...

      In regard to copywriting, a majority will agree that it depends on your market and/or individual prospect...

      Here are some others for you:
      • Anger/Betrayal
      • Greed
      • Fear
      • Revenge
      I was going to try to pick a specific one, but I really can't. I think they are all equally powerful - if applied in the right context to the right person.

      Anger is a pretty big one in my opinion... There are a lot of situations where the other three emotions listed above could either result in anger or become a product of it.


      For example:
      • Anger > Revenge
      • Greed (that backfires)> Anger
      • Fear>Frustration>Anger
      Just my two cents...

      -Mike
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      • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
        * Anger/Betrayal
        * Greed
        * Fear
        * Revenge
        I'm not sure anger/betrayal and revenge can be used that much in copywriting because they tend to be so personal. Unless there's politics involved, and anger or revenge tend to be rather abstract emotions when you're trying to sell something non-political.

        Perhaps I'm overlooking some famous instances of using anger or revenge in copywriting, though?

        Marcia Yudkin
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Schwenk
          Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

          I'm not sure anger/betrayal and revenge can be used that much in copywriting because they tend to be so personal. Unless there's politics involved, and anger or revenge tend to be rather abstract emotions when you're trying to sell something non-political.

          Perhaps I'm overlooking some famous instances of using anger or revenge in copywriting, though?

          Marcia Yudkin
          Hello Marcia,

          The examples given to me in regard to betrayal, anger and revenge have mostly been related to the investment and health markets.

          Betrayal from shady brokers or given false claims from health companies, for example. Anger as a result. The desire for revenge.

          I'm refering to Clayton's course, by the way. That's the only reason for the primary interest in health/investment - his two biggest markets. I'm sure there are other scenarios that could apply.

          One that comes to mind is the previously mentioned dating niche. I think all three of these could easily apply, in a cause-and-effect sort of way .

          Guy gets betrayed, guy gets angry. Guy wants revenge.

          How could really depend on the person...

          Maybe he wants to learn how to pick up more women, to make his ex jealous - so he picks up "Product X" that claims to teach him how.

          Or maybe he's married and is the only one aware of his discovery. His wife doesn't know it. So he wants solid proof and bites his tongue. As a final effort he wants to get his revenge by having a mountain of proof - for whatever reason.

          Enter "Product Y" and my sales letter that shows him how my newest software - the best there is - can be installed with a few quick clicks and catch any unsavory online activity (e-mail, chat, blah blah) as it happens.

          I'd say the revenge could either be simply being able to say "Gotcha" and perhaps (I've never had to deal with divorce, but...) have the proof when it comes time to sign divorce papers - if that would have any effect. Again, not familiar with the process... haha.

          Also, the revenge could be discovering just who this other guy is. Perhaps he wants to pay a visit.

          I'm sure there's a bunch of other niches/scenarios/etc...
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      • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
        Originally Posted by Mike Schwenk View Post

        I would have to semi-disagree about love.

        Love would really only apply to very few markets IMO... Such as the popular "get your ex back" niche, or the dating niche in general. I mean if you REALLY want to stretch it, you could argue that it could apply to weight-loss for some people...
        Both love and fear apply to all markets. You address love in one regard, romantic love. But what about the love a parent has for a child? Do you think someone writing ad copy for an insurance company might use that aspect of love to push certain buttons? There's the ole one-two punch. First press the 'love of family' button. Then press one or more of many fear buttons.

        Those fears might be expressed as guilt, shame (leaving your family high and dry in the event of your death), envy or jealousy (a savvy writer might compare a prospect with one of his or her contemporaries... one that is moving up the ladder of success while the actual prospect might be stalled with his career.

        The pitch starts with love of family and then progresses to the many aspects of fear. Again, cause and effect. Pushing buttons. All emotions are used. All emotions are on the table for use if they apply. There is no deception or manipulation as long as the writer keeps it real.

        All of the potential fears are real, though the law of averages says they have little chance of being realized. That's how the copywriting game works.
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Schwenk
          Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

          Both love and fear apply to all markets. You address love in one regard, romantic love. But what about the love a parent has for a child? Do you think someone writing ad copy for an insurance company might use that aspect of love to push certain buttons? There's the ole one-two punch. First press the 'love of family' button. Then press one or more of many fear buttons.

          Those fears might be expressed as guilt, shame (leaving your family high and dry in the event of your death), envy or jealousy (a savvy writer might compare a prospect with one of his or her contemporaries... one that is moving up the ladder of success while the actual prospect might be stalled with his career.

          The pitch starts with love of family and then progresses to the many aspects of fear. Again, cause and effect. Pushing buttons. All emotions are used. All emotions are on the table for use if they apply. There is no deception or manipulation as long as the writer keeps it real.

          All of the potential fears are real, though the law of averages says they have little chance of being realized. That's how the copywriting game works.
          I'm still learning at this point... But I see now what you mean about their other applications.

          Point taken.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    There are two equally powerful emotions. Love and fear. All other emotions are directly or indirectly related to these two. I think your question is far too broad. Since love and fear have virtually endless applications maybe you could be more specific in what you're after.

    Both emotions are critical to writing effective copy. Is love good? Generally speaking, yes. Is fear good? It depends. Nothing is good or bad in the world, it's what we do with it. For example, electricity is good if it warms your house, cooks your food and runs your appliances.

    But if your jealous (btw, jealousy is an emotion directly related to fear) partner tosses a live hair dryer into the bath tub while you're sitting there with your rubber ducky, up to your chin in suds, electricity might not be so good.

    How people process and experience these two emotions in their lives will directly determine the results they get. Smart and experienced copywriters have a good understanding of human behavior and how emotions effect that behavior. It's all cause and effect. With that understood, they then tailor their words to appeal to the various 'effects' that can be expected from pushing certain emotional "buttons."

    I think a discussion about emotion would be a good one if we were to apply it to copywriting. But it seems this particular board has strayed quite a distance from copywriting topics in the last few months. So it goes...
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    • Profile picture of the author gstalin
      Understanding customer emotions and website copy written to satisfy that emotion, can be a winner.
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  • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
    According to Herschell Gordon Lewis fear is the most potent
    motivator. I respect his experience and opinion on the matter.

    To work with fear in selling you usually have to slice it down to
    fear of something fairly specific. Then you find the specific
    hot button and press that in your copy. Behind the hot button
    is the fear.

    The other 3 great motivators Lewis cites are greed, guilt and exclusivity.
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    • Profile picture of the author SuzanneR
      Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye View Post

      According to Herschell Gordon Lewis fear is the most potent
      motivator. I respect his experience and opinion on the matter.

      To work with fear in selling you usually have to slice it down to
      fear of something fairly specific. Then you find the specific
      hot button and press that in your copy. Behind the hot button
      is the fear.

      The other 3 great motivators Lewis cites are greed, guilt and exclusivity.
      I respect HGL a lot too. In fact, had a great consultation with him a couple of years ago.

      I'm curious to discover how playing on people's guilt is used in copy. I'm sure I've seen it but didn't consciously note it. Perhaps mistook it for playing into fear.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Fear is the strongest in my mind.

        Fear is what leads to thoughts of betrayal, to jealousy, often to anger. It is a basic emotion that is present in most life forms.

        kay
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  • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
    Guilt is used in all sorts of marketing to busy, affluent
    parents who shower their children with toys to compensate.
    This behavior was largely created by advertising.

    Back in the "Mad Men" days I don't know if fathers felt
    guilty about spending 60-80 hours/week at the office away
    from their kids, but they sure do now.

    Also, arguably, guilt is the motivator in all those ads that
    ask in some way "don't you want the best for your baby?"
    ... driving a multi-billion dollar industry.
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    • Profile picture of the author SuzanneR
      Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye View Post

      Also, arguably, guilt is the motivator in all those ads that
      ask in some way "don't you want the best for your baby?"
      ... driving a multi-billion dollar industry.
      Those ads did immediately come to mind when I tried to think what might be a guilt-inducing ad. But then I wondered if they weren't instead trying to instill fear. But yeah, I could see how it's about guilt.
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      • Profile picture of the author kcorps
        Originally Posted by SuzanneR View Post

        Those ads did immediately come to mind when I tried to think what might be a guilt-inducing ad. But then I wondered if they weren't instead trying to instill fear. But yeah, I could see how it's about guilt.
        What an inspiration. Now I know the trick, use fear and guilt-inducing a lot in my writing to instill people's mind with new perception to buy a certain product. I myself often experience to be moved with such ads when I decide on buying or using a product and a service, therefore, I will use this as my weapon from now on
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        • Profile picture of the author SuzanneR
          Originally Posted by kcorps View Post

          What an inspiration. Now I know the trick, use fear and guilt-inducing a lot in my writing to instill people's mind with new perception to buy a certain product. I myself often experience to be moved with such ads when I decide on buying or using a product and a service, therefore, I will use this as my weapon from now on
          Is it bad of me to confess the lizard part of my brain salivated at the idea of using guilt in my copy when appropriate? lol!

          (uh oh--now I feel guilty) :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Hans Klein
    Gary Halbert once said something that made me stop and think (and I am paraphrasing), "Underneath it all... what people really want is to be loved." This is the core of what people want. Everything else stems from this.

    This thought is easy to gloss over. However, I think at the least... there's a lot of truth to it. So, I'd agree with Charles, travlinguy, that really all emotions stem from people's desire to be loved... and possibly fear. Though, you might argue that fear stems from when people don't feel loved.

    In a practical sense, what we might take from this discussion or idea is... when your market in angry, jealous, or is driven by ego... it makes it easier to empathize with them and write better copy targeted to them. You can feel for them.

    Anyway, I hope this post isn't too "woo-woo"... but, it's interesting to think about. Thanks for bringing up this question.
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  • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
    Originally Posted by FlockPad View Post

    What do you think is the most powerful emotion -- and what are the archetypal images associated with that emotion?
    I think, the most powerful emotion is...

    the emotion closest to the surface, the one on the mind NOW, the easiest to stimulate,

    at the time the prospect receives or comes across the promotion.

    And that goes back to HOW did they come across the promotion?

    By mail? Why were they on the list? What previous buys did they make? How recent were their buys?

    By email? Unsolicited? From a list? A request for information? Signed up for FREE product?

    By TV? Infomercial?
    By Radio? Station? Format? Audience Demographics?
    By Newspaper? Location?
    By Magazine? Topic?
    By opt in? What were they interested in at the time of sign up?

    I THINK, in order to determine which emotional appeal to use is determined by the Intersection of the promotion with the path the prospect is on.

    As a copywriter, it is your job to evoke emotions, for rapport, then for desire.

    Examples:

    Revenge: HEADLINE: BOYFRIEND WANTED. Used to sell a diet book. The story is about a "fat" girl who was berated by her "Ex". She lost weight, looked great, got her "revenge". This full page ad ran for years and pulled in tons of money.

    The Charles Atlas ads ran for decades. Skinny guy gets sand kicked in his face, is humiliated in front of girl, works out, gets his revenge. All is well in the world.

    Just MY opinion, I don't think you can assign a dominant emotion to "attack" until you've clearly identified the prospect and his/her environment at the time they receive your message. But, hey, I could be wrong on this one too.

    A decent Swipe File will give you boat loads of examples of this.

    gjabiz
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    • Profile picture of the author TheSalesTechnician
      Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post

      I think, the most powerful emotion is...

      the emotion closest to the surface, the one on the mind NOW, the easiest to stimulate,

      at the time the prospect receives or comes across the promotion.

      And that goes back to HOW did they come across the promotion?

      By mail? Why were they on the list? What previous buys did they make? How recent were their buys?

      By email? Unsolicited? From a list? A request for information? Signed up for FREE product?

      By TV? Infomercial?
      By Radio? Station? Format? Audience Demographics?
      By Newspaper? Location?
      By Magazine? Topic?
      By opt in? What were they interested in at the time of sign up?

      I THINK, in order to determine which emotional appeal to use is determined by the Intersection of the promotion with the path the prospect is on.

      As a copywriter, it is your job to evoke emotions, for rapport, then for desire.

      Examples:

      Revenge: HEADLINE: BOYFRIEND WANTED. Used to sell a diet book. The story is about a "fat" girl who was berated by her "Ex". She lost weight, looked great, got her "revenge". This full page ad ran for years and pulled in tons of money.

      The Charles Atlas ads ran for decades. Skinny guy gets sand kicked in his face, is humiliated in front of girl, works out, gets his revenge. All is well in the world.

      Just MY opinion, I don't think you can assign a dominant emotion to "attack" until you've clearly identified the prospect and his/her environment at the time they receive your message. But, hey, I could be wrong on this one too.

      A decent Swipe File will give you boat loads of examples of this.

      gjabiz
      Gordon why did you have to go and do that? Ill be damned! I was just about to say...

      The emotion that's on the mind of your client the second they hit your website! Sorry I couldn't resist
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  • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
    There's an excellent book about 16 hot buttons that get people
    to buy. The author makes many useful distinctions. It's a cheap
    book to buy too - I guess it didn't really catch on.

    It's called "Hot Button Marketing" by Barry Feig
    Amazon.com: Hot Button Marketing: Push the...Amazon.com: Hot Button Marketing: Push the...
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    • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
      Don't forget curiosity.

      Halbert believed it's stronger than self-interest.

      Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author Tmilli
    I think the power of the emotions are relative to the person. Sure there are basic ones, but some people have "toward motivation" and some have "away from" motivation.

    If your writing for the biz op crowd, you would be smart to write for the emotions of anticipation and joy. These two together create optimism.

    If you are writing for the debt consolidation market you could use the emotions of trust and fear.

    Here is a model of basic and complex emotions and well as their components. I think it's great stuff.

    [IMG]file:///C:/Users/PCHOME/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG]

    The combinations are spelled out a little better on ---> Wikipedia <---
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  • Profile picture of the author alb3rt1
    I think some of the most powerfull emotion would be :
    -Pain
    -Fear

    I would love in the list but I think pain and/or fear are really great powerfull to move persons in actions.

    Try to think when you got headache, you will pay a lot of money for end it
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  • Profile picture of the author wcmylife
    Since we are looking at this from a copywriting perspective, then most of the emotions would fall either in the PLEASURE or PAIN category and based on what Tony Robbins and Robert Cialdini have to say - PAIN sells faster and invokes a faster response than pleasure.....we move towards pleasure but we run away from pain...
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    All of the emotional hot buttons will work with some prospects. Guilt or envy or shame (all derivatives of fear) will do the trick with certain people but will be outright offensive to others.

    When I read a pitch that's riddled with over-the-top emotional triggers the red light goes on and I usually resent it. It takes practice to work this stuff into your writing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Hancox
    Off the top of my head, I'd say FEAR is the most powerful emotion in a copywriting context. It's a great MOTIVATOR.

    But there are different types of fear.

    Fear of loss has been scientifically demonstrated to be a powerful human motivator... all other things being equal, we fear losing something more than we desire to gain something.

    There is also fear of failure, or of letting down our family. This is possibly even stronger than fear of loss.
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    • Profile picture of the author dazster
      Fear For Me.

      Fear plays a very important part in our daily life, and in human society as a whole.

      Fear comes in many shapes and forms, but it could be described as: an unpleasant feeling of perceived risk or danger, real or not.

      It functions to make us alert and ready for action while expecting specific problems.
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      • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
        That's simple answer: Without it we wouldn't exist, they say Anger is Stronger than LOVE, but that's not true, TRUE LOVE can subside Anger, Bitterness & Resentment...


        I'm not trying to promote Christianity Preaching on anyone or their background, but is you believe in Christ, then GOD is LOVE, so LOVE is the stronger emotion, that drives away all fear, doubt, sickess, plaque, death, and if you think about it even Hell...


        SO THE GREATEST & MOST POWERFUL EMOTION IN MY BOOK = LOVE.


        Heck... what else can cause a tender mother to lift up a whole car off of her baby - certainly wasn't just physical adrenaline, but more to the spiritual.

        Reminds me, when Chris Angel, hypnotized a bunch of teen girls to help him lift up a car - that THAT WAS MIND MAGIC!


        - POWER STATEMENTS!


        Whatnot the Protocol....:rolleyes:






        Vyctor~ :p
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  • Profile picture of the author Marc Rodill
    Easy. Towards pain and away from pleasure.

    Pleasure: Hope, significance, acceptance, being right, being powerful, finding out secrets.

    Pain: Desperation, uselessness, not belonging, being wrong, lacking power, being average.

    Marc

    P.S. Passing the blame for "pain" leads to instant gratification and temporary "pleasure."
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  • Profile picture of the author Warren.Richards
    I will vote for FEAR OF LOSS.

    it is the greatest emotion I've ever experienced that influence people to buy.


    Warren.
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanAngel
    love.....without a doubt.....
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    Before sin entered the world the most powerful emotion was love
    but after sin the most powerful emotion is now fear.

    "And they were afraid and hid themselves" -Genesis.

    -Ray Edwards
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    • Profile picture of the author Copydog
      Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

      Before sin entered
      the world the most powerful emotion was love
      but after sin the most powerful emotion is now
      fear.

      "And they were afraid and hid themselves" -
      Genesis.
      Interesting point, Ray.

      But I'd have to disagree with you that love is an
      emotion – in the Bible, true love is an act of the
      will (it's not a feeling).

      Fear, however, is an emotion. And I'd agree with
      other Warriors who say it's the most powerful of
      all the emotions.

      Interesting that the first emotion mentioned in
      the Bible is fear, and King Solomon tells us in
      Proverbs 1:7 that "The fear of the LORD is the
      beginning       of knowledge," and in Proverbs 9:10
      that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
      wisdom."

      "Fear" seems to be the foundational emotion.
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  • Profile picture of the author warrior-of-light
    Grt post. Here is another perspective: emotions itself are the most powerful drugs knwn to man. Create any emotion. Positive or neg, and if you can use it properly, you got the buyer hooked.
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  • Profile picture of the author lavern
    i think the most powerful emotion is love followed by anger
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  • Profile picture of the author ninjawarrior
    Totally agreeing with travlinguy here, but some posts have got me confused. like say, how exactly would one know whether he/she is feeling love or fear at that very moment? Taking for example the mother lifting the car off of her baby - how would i know it is love and not fear that propelled her into action?

    This may be irrelevant, but i *was* thinking that if i had to use these emotions to write copy effectively i should at least be able to tell the difference - and therefore know how to apply it appropriately.
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  • Profile picture of the author luckyone2day
    Im gonna agree with everyone on the Love and anger
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Sanchez
    To say one emotion is more powerful than another is irrelevant in relation to copy. I don't think that can be truly gauged.

    That said, when it comes to copy the bottom line will always be: getting them to take action.

    ...and it seems the #1 thing that will continue to get people to take action is fear of loss and negative dissonance (they feel a terrible negative emotion and want equilibrium again)

    Basically give them dread...fear...especially fear of loss and someone will typically jump.


    Here's a fun one I learned from the book "What matters most" by Hyrum W. Smith

    Imagine walking across a 2 by 4 off of the ground.

    Easy right?

    now let's put that between two building 12 feet off the ground.

    Harder correct?

    Now let's up the antee.

    What if I place an I-Beam between two skyscrappers and it's raining and windy.

    Now would you cross?

    What if I offered you 1000$?

    No?

    What about 10, 000$?

    how about 1 million dollars?

    Thinking about it?

    How about this:

    I take a 3 month year old baby (likely your daughter) and hang them from off the edge and I give you 10 minutes to cross or I drop her.

    Something tells me you'd walk that I-Beam.


    Emotion you felt? Fear.

    Fear of loss for what you valued most.

    Me telling you how incredible it will feel once you hold your daughter in your arms isn't going to get you to move. Watching her falling in your mind will.


    That's a strange and frankly graphic example...

    But the question you need to ask yourself is this:

    What would you walk that I-Beam for?


    When it comes to copy: What would your client walk an I-Beam for?

    Extract their values. Then you can slam them in the heart with your message.
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    • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
      Sexually transmutation plus curious imagination... gets the buyer itching..

      LOVE + Fear of loss is the MOST POWERFUL EMOTION COMBINED...

      ...think about it again... the most Powerful Tactic is not fear of loss of oneself, But actually... THERE IS NO FEAR OF SELF-LOSS IN SACRIFICE FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE (& OF COURSE THERE IS BUT THE LOVE OF SOMEONE OVER THE FEAR OF SELF-LOSS OVERULES IT MORE POWERFULLY< THAT 1 U RATHER DIE YOURSELF, THEN TO SEE YOUR DAUGHTER DROP, I WOULD TOO) - I couldn't agree more with the scenario above, but THAT is exactly how a TERRORIST WOULD BLACKMALE YOU FOR 1 MILLION.

      So, i wouldn't call that sales, i would call that "BLACKSALE"... lol!
      And a technique that should be illegalized...


      However, if you recall... CHRIST'S LOVE for Us, overruled His Fear for Self-Sacrifice... whether he knew it was just temporary or not - the human mind always 2nd guess as to wether you would wake up (or wake up in Hell or Heaven)... HE knew he would have to descend into Hell 1st before ascending into heaven... But EVEN SIN & PAIN was no match for LOVE crucified...


      I believe if you remove LOVE out of the equation, there is no reason to buy... because we would already be in HELL and hopeless doom to perdition.


      SO the most POWERFUL EMOTION IS NOT 1 BUT 2, A COMBO OF 2 in 1....

      IMHO ---> LOVE + FEAR OF LOSING LOVE.


      Another common trick is to provoke: FEAR OF LOSING LIFE.


      But if you knew you were the only 1 left on earth ---> like I AM LEGEND (only he wasn't the only 1 left) there is no point to go on and is useless!

      The Gun & Liqour Protocol would be more enticing then a SAVE YOURSELF, Sales Pitch.


      And as Tony Robbins theory on PLEASURE over PAIN to instigate someone into action... that is a pretty weak theory... we know we aren't moved by pain, as we are to SEX... and sometimes both have been linked in NO PAIN NO PLEASURE NO GAIN...



      We aren't moved to that 1 million making us Ultra HANDSOME with Prestigious Cars and Mansions than we are to DISPROVING THE LOSS OF PEOPLE AROUND US NOT LOVING US BECAUSE WE ARE BROKE - Am I right?
      Wouldn't you want to shove a Lambo in your Father's Face and say BAMM!

      - But with I love you and Happy Father's Day right after the look on his dumbfounded pessimist face!? Ahahaha...



      Humans are social creatures... and we can not live without people... it's a proven fact since Adam and Eve...

      We need LOVE from each other and can't live without it - that is want most sellers who sell actually negate the triggering-effect and POINT, is not you are trying to take something $ from them, you should show you care and LOVE them, that is how they buy - WHEN YOU FILL THAT HOLE INSIDE THEIR HEART..

      Otherwise it would be an infinite waste of a hearts meandering for something for nothing... like cover-up condoms, doesn't fulfill that hole in the heart...



      LAST BY NOT LEAST:


      ANOTHER KILLER COMBO IS FEAR OF FOREVER FIRE IN HELL!

      Hence How Televangelists like BENNY HINN, Etc Etc.. the Bore-List goes on... Don't make their sales on CHRISTIANITY, BUT THE FACT THAT IF PEOPLE DON'T BELIEVE THEY WILL & SHALL BURN IN HELL!

      - That sure surpasses, TEMPORARY DEFEAT AND DEATH DOESN'T IT..


      IMAGINE HEARIN, HA SUCKER< YOU THOUGHT YOUR FINANCIAL OR AIDS OR ANYTHING CRISIS IS DONE WITH YOUR SUICIDE OF THAT TALL BUILDING< BUT GUESS WHAT YOU FAILED THE ETERNAL TEST JACK! NOW OFF TO THE FIREY LAKE YOU GO, SAY HI TO LUCIFER FOR ME: ST. PETER & ANGEL OF DEATH!

      I THINK THE THOUGHT OF BURNING IN FREAKIN FIRE FOREVER IS THE MOST POWERFUL EMOTION.... BUT AHHHH...


      LET'S RE-PITCH THE SCENARIO... IF YOU 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS BURNING THERE CRYING INSTEAD OF YOU...


      I THINK I WOULD SUFFER IN AGONY FOR THE REST OF MY ETERNAL IN SWITCHING PLACES WITH HER, THEN TO SEE HER BURN THERE FOREVER...


      THEREFORE THE MOST POWERFUL BUYING EMOTION OTHER THERE< LOVE PLUS FEAR OF LOST OF LOVE TO THEIR INDEFINITE PAIN AND TORTURE!



      SO I STAND BY LOVE NOT FEAR IS STILL THE REIGNING EMOTION THAT CAUSES PEOPLE TO DO THE MOST CRAZIEST STUFF FOR THE ONES THEY LOVE/HATE.




      ... Don't yall agree with THIS: THANK GOD WE GOT A GOD, WHO WOULDN'T LET US SWITCH PLACES WITH OUR CHILD LIKE DETRIMENT< LIKE FOR EXAMPLE ABRAHAM & ISSAC... GOD WOULDN'T LET YOU BURN IN HELL FOR YOUR DAUGHTER EITHER< SHE WOULDN"T BE THERE SHE STILL BE INNOCENT.




      So the devil isn't the one who instigates Fear, it is actually the FEAR OF THE FIRE OF GOD, WHO JUDGES AND HAS POWER TO THROW INTO HELL.
      - The Devil in my opinion is a WEAK & STRONG Salesman, he Sold Eve on Eating Sin & Death. & nowadays he selling us on THERE is no hell or afterlife PAIN & PUNISHMENT, Just relax and live your life worry free of cares.
      - But if you compare that to GOD, GOD & CHRISTIANITY is the Stronger MOTIVATION FACTOR & INFLUENCE< BECAUSE IN TURN< HE IS SAYING< CHOOSE ME< OR YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BURN WITH SATAN - Which one would you buy, there's alot of Self-Lying & Denial to take the easy route out, look at all the evil and hardship & pain happening in life everyday all around us... EARTH IS THE 2ND HELL Already, so I am not sold on SATAN'S OFFER...


      All I'm sold on is THIS & FINALLY:

      THE LOVE FOR CHRIST/GOD, OR SOMEONE WHO HOLD DEAR WITH YOUR LIFE IS THE NUMBER 1 REASON< WHY WE LIVE & THE REASON FOR US TO BUY ANYTHING IS OR SHOULD BE TO REINFORCE THAT PRINCIPAL...




      So if you keep on selling on that message constantly, the turnaround is 100%, even if they don't buy you have already won them over in their hearts indefinitely, they won't forget and Heck if they don't buy, GIVE IT TO THEM FREE... That's what I did, to show a woman with health problems, I am not out to make a buck, but to help others out... if you buy consider it a donate to support my humanity cause.. if not, then you win for free anyways, and I win when you do so it's a win-win situation...
      And don't you think that they will spread the word that you healed them to all of their friends and public circle _ REMEMBER THE TIMES OF JESUS, when he told them shhhh to the good news still spread like wildfire?...



      So True, the you must 1st give in order to receive principal that makes the world go round...





      so rings even truer right now, the commandment: LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART & YOUR NEIBOUR AS YOURSELF, and if you truly LOVE you would want to give without the inkling of wanting anything back in return..
      otherwise you would have fooled yourself...


      And guess what, IF WE ALL LOVED THE REAL LOVE< WE WOULDN'T BE NEEDY OR EVER NEED TO SELL... AND WE WOULDN'T BE HERE IN THE 1ST PLACE... BUT THERE HAS BEEN MORE WEALTH GAINED WITH GIVING & DONATIONS THEN WITH SELLING...


      I'm not suggesting we start begging either.. we can live without money, native tribes living happily in jungles with food enough to spare..


      What i'm saying is This: give of yourself, and of your personal value that would benefit mankind and what it will benefit from, and you will see the tides of not just wealth but freedom and blessing turn unto you... again the give/receive cause and effect...


      and in my book... everybody wins, and if you did take more than you give, rescale the balance, and make it so that you give more than you take...
      ammend those whom you wronged or ripped off from in the past, and surely the LORD and his Tides of StoreHouses and Heaven Gates shall open unto You...


      & that Ladies & Gentlemen, is how we WIN...









      Vyctor~
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  • Profile picture of the author ninjawarrior
    I had a discussion with another writer, not a WF member, about the topic, and without me giving any of the answers here, the first thing he said was "desperation".

    I don't know where that fits in - love or fear - but that's a good emotion in itself (to apply to copywriting, of course). He went on to explain that as long as people feel that desperate need or want to have something, people will buy - and that's what you have to take advantage of when it comes to copywriting.

    Any thoughts?
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    • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
      desperation is also triggered by a lack of Love or a fear of loss or not getting any love or attention, also by fear of losing life and etc...

      IOW desperation can be equated with "LACK", wether that lack is filfulled or amplied through false advert and sale... is irrelevant, and if Opportunists take advantage of that to Fatten their pocket off a near-homeless, starving for bread victim, then that seller is in a more desperate or shameful situation then the buyer... I don't think you will get good in return for that tactic, reviews will come boomeranging back to you and you reaped what' sowed.


      Alot of these so-called LAW OF ATTRACTION JUNKIES/GURUS, base their sales on new age deception...


      it contradicts the end times prophesies of armaggedon.... no you don't get what you want to do, be or have... you GET WHAT God is given to you...

      BE content, and giving of your services cheerfully, and not greedily...


      Not saying give up, no.. carry on with your road to success, but along the way, remember... IT MATTERS, BUT IT REALLY DOES MATTER THAT MUCH.


      You won't starve man, Freakin vegetable can keep you alive in the freakin forest eating alkaline mushrooms...


      humble yourself and realise you ain't in a 3rd world country picking needle infested trash filled waste sites... if the birds can eat, you can too...
      h20 has keep people alive for a month...


      and if you shelterless, go downtown shelter in the winter, if you're in asia, build a hut and eat free coconuts... dang sell the coconut and share some for free...



      ANOTHER HOT-BUY-BUTTON Usually stroked at the closing end is "IF YOU DON'T BUY YOU WILL REMAIN A LOSER FOR THE REST OF YOUR PITIFUL LIFE".


      JUST ABOUT EVERY1 HEARING THAT IS NODDING PRIVATELY YES< THAT'S TRUE WITH INSECURITIES..

      But truth behold: NOBODY CARES IF YOU ARE OR NOT, NOBODY HAS EVEN TIME TO CARE...

      BE YOURSELF... NO ONE WILL KNOW THE DIFFERENT, & HECK THEY ALL STRUGGLING JUST LIKE YOU ARE...

      DOn't be a winner on your own, dont' be smart/wise in your own eyes, and don't be someone's panic HOT BUTTON... they are LYING TO YOU... THERE IS NO ALADDINS LAMP TO OVERNIGHT GLORY WITHOUT A FALLIBLE PRICE QUICK FAME & EVEN QUICKER SHAME!






      need i say more....:p



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      • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
        and i got another point to add to that.. for those saying yes there is overnight success, look at tony robbins, don lapri, robert kiyowaski, bill gates, donald trump..charles swab... etc. etc. etc..


        but hate to burst your bubble, give it a head reality check... their hard work didn't blossom overight, and if they were LUCKY to be at the right place at the right time... not everyone can repeat that... also, alot of those get rich quick schemers are also the ones getting rich off selling mind-hype to you, and in reality is unpractical or repeatable _ like the royalties of a get rich quick book on how to get rich, and them getting rich while you become a buyers statistic...


        i dont' mean to be the naysayer but the truth that many sales is actually a sweet stealthy deceit to get into your pockets for an often unfulfilled promise, and if it does fulfill, it is still a trick to get you to buy what's good for you, right? lol.


        all in all, let's not shake the head in skepticism _ I LIKE TO BE OPTIMISTIC.

        I say aim high & big, but at the same time, don't beat yourself up, if you don't reach the stars - You in the journey will have grown on a beanstalk to at least land on the cloud - It's not the Stars but Wisdom & character through trials.

        - hey and if you do succeed then, consider it none else, but a bonus and make sure you don't stop being teachable learner savage and hungry will keep you elevated so that you don't get stagnant and fall off worst then begun.


        That's all I like to add,



        In keeping with humbleness & blessings,




        Vyctor~
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  • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
    Just think 'war on terror'.

    Millions of people have been fooled into believeing corrupt governments through the use of fear.
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    • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
      Another thought just came to mind...

      Another good emotional motivator is directly intended OFFENSE... though it may fall under the anger category, but the conveying emotion is really mixed.


      The most affective method is to get down dirty and personal face-to-face with somebody inferior (though I don't reccommend it, for being risky and may backfire on you) just like a Lean Mean Drill Sergeant and straight out diss the person to their face, calling them betty boy or momma's boy, poppa's pet, etc. you get the picture, basically saying their a soft loser and never make it.

      But one whom uses this right, would actually get more hate at the end, but if the recipient is vigilant s/he shall realize the "TOUGH" IN THE LOVE...



      Even though it can, might & will aggravate some sort of emotion hurt/wound/pain, by far 1 of the best ways to get a stagnant person to act is by getting them RED HOT IN PASSION & RAGE, SEX-LIKE ADRENALIN.





      The Push-&-Shove Back Theory & Method~




      Good Luck!




      Vyctor~
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  • Profile picture of the author pradiprg
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    • Profile picture of the author mrdomains
      Guilt - because it often leads to action.

      To feel guilt you already know the cause - and that there is a alternative.

      Very controllable.
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      • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
        Originally Posted by mrdomains View Post

        Guilt - because it often leads to action.

        To feel guilt you already know the cause - and that there is a alternative.

        Very controllable.
        In copywriting guilt is one of the worst you can use. No one likes to be made to feel guilty.

        If you try to use that you are more likely to lose sales.
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        • Profile picture of the author mrdomains
          Originally Posted by Rezbi View Post

          No one likes to be made to feel guilty.
          Exactly. That is your handle on the reader.


          Originally Posted by Rezbi View Post

          In copywriting guilt is one of the worst you can use.
          I agree with this also - it is foolish, and counterproductive, to slap literal meaning in the readers face.

          Take embarrassment or shame as another example. These are also powerful emotions that we can use - but you will probably never literally slap embarrassment in the face of the reader, right? But you identify it and use it. The whole weight loss, acne, penis enlargement business is built around embarrassment / shame but good copy uses that as fuel for positive encouragement rather than literally spelling it out.


          Anyway, OP did not specifically ask in relation to copywriting.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Steel
    The answer is simple. It is GREED. It's all about THEM. If it's not about them, all that other stuff doesn't even matter. Think about it -

    js
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    • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
      actually i hate to play devil's advocate here again for the fact that Greed literally landing Satan in eternal jail...

      but no, the majority rule of thumb has it not as Greed...

      mindyou Eve didn't take the bait apple from just greed, but moreso.. Curiosity..

      i already touched based on it, the most Powerful Emotion and Conman Sales Artistry... is acknowledgement & revealing of that "Emptiness/Void/Missing something feeling (where there could have been none to start), and Magnifying the empty hole, chasm or abyss and then allude to the so-called "fleeting chance" of fulfillment with your offer...

      in other words it's still in the absense of Love & Truth, if there were both, there would be no shaky ground, and you wouldn't be tricked to jump where there is no booble-trap...

      An example is in the Ancient Chinese art of war... where an emperor's army was outnumbered by the tens of thousands... cleverly, this general, imposed upon the enemy, that his army was bigger and comparable to the foe, by setting up empty camp tents & campfire within far enough but seeing distance...

      so everyday, he would have his infantry marching around in circles, in ritual chanting, stomping and churning, & horses galloping, that shook and sent vibration through the earth so far that the foe can see shattered glass vibrate on the solid ground... then then made the enemy more cautious to keep vigil night and day, surmounting more troops and ammo... until the grew weak and weary from overstressed fear, anxiety & worn out by exhaustion.

      And just when he sense their water and food supply was dry, then he sent little by little a small portion of his army to which a tactical surrender & white-flag defeat with seized and some of his best men became POW in the enemies camp. Those spies when the time came, ambushed the adversary guards... dethrone & beheaded the king, and gave a signal with fireworks for the GENERAL himself to attack from the outside and take ALL.




      SALES IS AT BEST IS A REAL MASTERY OF ILLUSION, KNOWING YOUR TARGET AS YOUR VERY OWN CHESS MATCH, & KNOWING HAS TO PLAY IT.



      SO the MOST POWERFUL EMOTION IS STILL VOIDNESS (w/o Love & Truth)....



      aka regard: "If you don't STAND for Something, then You will FALL for anything"...



      Imho,




      Vyc~
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  • Profile picture of the author vishalduggal
    The most powerful of all human emotions is SEX.There are other mind stimulus,but no one of them,nor all of them combined,can equal to the driving power of SEX.
    Here are some other emotions.
    1. Security
    2. Love
    3. Power
    4. Immortality
    5. Wealth/Money
    6. Happiness
    7. Safety
    8. Health
    9. Recognition
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Barboza
    I once read this, can't remember by whom: "there are two great forces that make everything move: the need to get pleasure and the need to avoid pain"

    I don't remember what the quote was exactly but it was along those lines.

    I strongly agree with that
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    • Profile picture of the author djbventures
      I think pain is the most powerful. All things basically boil down to our attempt to avoid it in one way or another.

      In every quest, every desire, there seems to be rooted some avoidance of pain when broken down to its simplest forms.
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    • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
      Originally Posted by AlexBarboza View Post

      I once read this, can't remember by whom: "there are two great forces that make everything move: the need to get pleasure and the need to avoid pain"

      I don't remember what the quote was exactly but it was along those lines.

      I strongly agree with that

      Alex... believe the qouter was Anthony Robbins.. (Awaken the Giant Within).
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    • Profile picture of the author lawrenc3
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      • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
        iiiii dunnooo if I'd agree wit'cha on that Love is not an emotion - anybody with me on this?..

        really no sense of debating, but just imputing my friendly opinion... ~

        if Love is not an Emotion, then what is Fear?... But conversely in the absence of love - Apostle Paul mentions that in Perfect Love drives away all fear & doubt...


        When we love our 1st child, our first date, our first engagement, marriage anniversary, honeymoon, first car... first LOVE... first love-making? Isn't that an emotion (plus and act)...

        I believe to say that we FEEL Love before we can express it... before anything is born into action, must be birthed in the mind & emotion or Spirit then put forth into the physical realm...



        Afterall, didn't the scripture priority from the Beginning, that GOD is LOVE in the feeling, thinking, doing, being, Preemptive?

        And what was it that the 1st commandment state: was it not ---


        "Thou Shall Love the Lord Your GOD with ALL your Heart, Soul & Mind"...
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        • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
          And to at to Lawrence.. Love can move more than Mountains.. Christ was trying to say that, if you truly believe and in sacrificial favor with GOD, not only will Mountains Tremble and drown into the ocean, but heaven & earth will fall because of the one whom GOD favors - Look at the violent earthquake that broke the temple pillars and split the veils in half, when they crucified his only son, Jesus! And there will be a time of GOD Wrath/Love in disciplinary action being foregone through apocalyptic Armageddon & fiery vocanic eruptions turning to smoke and Moon to Blood...


          Thus if GOD is Love, 1 would like to think Love definite can shatter mountains
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  • Profile picture of the author C.J Rodriguez
    I believe the most powerful emotion is fear.Mainly fear for loss.Normally we get the most emotion when we lose something or someone.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vincenzo Oliva
    Of course most will say love and rightfully so, bit I like to focus on pride/self worth. Everyone yearns for the feeling that they're significant. I like to focus on other peoples reaction to the reader achieving the benefits promised. This goes way back to the Caples classic:They Laughed When I Sat Down At the Piano But When I Started to Play! --and the focus on the reaction of the audience as the reader performed.
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  • Profile picture of the author sarahdaniels
    I would love to say Love but if its about blogging and SEO I might say Anger or Fear.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gino Robin
    All emotions is a state of mind..the most 3 powerful emotions are FAITH AND LOVE..AND the thing that make dogs jump over fences and man/woman going...long distances ..SEXUAL INTIMACY
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    • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
      Love can move Mountains yes.. but besides Love, what can move the Heart of GOD, that should be the real question? Not many can move the heart of GOD to compassion, but it is shown and exhibited by true FAITH. FAITH can move the heart of GOD, just like St Paul, so thus Faith can move moutains through Love... and heck... move volcanos into the ocean too...


      Mindyou, even GOD through Christ himself demonstrated sheer emotion, when He wept over the loss of Israel.


      Tony Robbins, Jimmy Swagger, Michael Jordan, whoever the Greats are all broke emotion upstage



      Call me Rev. LuvJoy!




      Ahahaha!



      V.y.C.~
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  • Profile picture of the author DaveJohnson
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  • Profile picture of the author 48dayscoach
    Fear.

    Ahhhhhhh, when it comes to images... I see

    ... a woman afraid of being raped or abused. People afraid of dying, or being rejected.

    On the other hand, there's... love.

    I think we tend to associate love largely with sex (unffortunately). Don't get me wrong. God made sex beautiful. It's just how we sometimes use it.

    Then... I see a mom loving her children.

    Just my thoughts,
    Ramon
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  • Profile picture of the author focused
    the fear of death is the most powerful emotion
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  • Profile picture of the author Sumdor
    I think i will go with LOVE and then followed by Politics Politics of late has become an emotional thing, right?
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  • Profile picture of the author RRMarketing
    I would say that the most powerful two emotions are greed and love.

    Greed is when you want more than you need. Or when you want more than those around you.

    Love is somehow related with greed. When you love something, you want it entirely.

    Of course, this is on a case by case basis.

    However, in his seminar "Simple Writing System" - John Carlton spends a lot of time explaining how to exploit this feeling - greed.

    Most people who are fearful won't do anything to combat that fear. For example, people who delay their medical exams. Having an problem and moving into avoidance.

    But again ... it's on a case to case basis. Every emotion can be used to sell and some rank higher on the action threshold.

    Thanks,
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  • Profile picture of the author John_S
    Unless I'm reading the response stats of most mailings exactly backwards, it's ennui.

    Unless you're getting 51%+ INERTIA is the most powerful force.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rushmore LLC
    Wow...some serious replies (and seriously awesome replies) to this post...my own thoughts are:

    1. Greed

    2. Lust

    I use both these terms broadly and somewhat interchangeably...but they are pretty close by definition.

    Greed is "excessive or rapacious desire" usually for wealth or possessions, but not always. As a marketer, any group that has this almost uncontrollable desire is a target.

    Lust is "a passionate or overmastering desire" usually used to describe sexual desire but also power, wealth, etc.

    So, there's little distinction between the two. I think of greed in terms of physical possessions, lust in terms of non-material states of being.

    The best images to use for both are "keeping up with the Joneses" type images, or better yet "crushing the hell out of the Joneses". In essence, anything that gives people a feeling of superiority. Hot bodies, nice houses, cash, cars...all that stuff that so-called enlightened people say they don't care about and secretly crave. "If I buy this product maybe I really can have abs of steel like the guy/gal in that picture".

    It may sound cynical, but it is what people want, no doubt about it.
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  • Profile picture of the author RRMarketing
    Rushmore nailed it.

    If you earn $11.000/year you are poor.

    But if everyone else is earning $10.000/year you will feel better about yourself.

    This is greed.

    If you have a Porsche Boxster and your neighbor just bought a Porsche 911, you will be envious on him. You own a Porsche, you are miles away from many people, but still ... you don't own a 911.

    Also, Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a good point to start:

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  • Profile picture of the author jonnieke
    To my opinion, think that fear is the most powerful emotion .Fear has been attributed to a lot of sicknesses and diseases in the society today i.e fear of failure, future ,etc. There are many dreams that don't live to see the light of the day because of one emotional factor known as fear.There are many great visions and ambitions that are never realized because of fear, fear of trying .There are many business ideas that are never birthed because of fear.Argument such as what if the business fails?, what if the idea does not work?
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  • Profile picture of the author Tedel
    If you ask me, fear.
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