Have you ever started reading content with sensory words and felt like you have been hypnotized due to how you got so absorbed by the story? Have you ever begun reading an article and then wish it never ends?
If your answer to these questions is a yes, then the writers of those books deserve some accolades. I have firsthand experience on how difficult it can be creating content good enough to hold the attention of your readers for long, let alone leave them expectant of a continuation.
I can remember reading ‘Flowers in the attic’ as a child. Oh please! Don’t give me that look! I was a very inquisitive child growing up and read just about anything I stumbled upon.
Away from my explanation, so I was totally engrossed in this particular novel that it became my companion. I mean, where didn’t we go together? Probably just the bathroom! I was so in love with the book I could take it to the restroom and spend hours reading the novel.
I remember how frustrated I was when that particular volume finished and I discovered I would need to purchase the continuation.
Now, you may already be wondering how they were able to keep their readers spellbound. Well, I will tell you a little secret. All they do is simply let you see from their eyes! In simpler terms, they transfer their imagination to you.
If you want to learn how to spice up your content with sensory words, then this post is for you.
One thing professional writers have been able to master is the art of language that will provide you with a somewhat magical experience whenever you read their books, as words have great potency and can either make you happy or sad.
Words have a way of educating as well as arousing even the strongest of emotions.
So, are you ready to learn how to spice up your content with sensory words? If yes, read on.
Use sensory words to spice up your content
Are you familiar with the author ‘James Hadley Chase’? Can you remember how spellbinding his novels were and how you couldn’t take your eyes away until you were done reading?
You must have heard someone make a statement using the word ‘sensory words’, but I’m pretty sure you don’t know what it means. Sensory words are simply words that arouse the senses and help you write in a manner that triggers your readers to be imaginative.
This is a powerful, yet simple tool that professional writers have mastered and constantly use to activate your imagination always. When you spice up your content with sensory words, they make your writing interesting to the readers as they get to imagine the scenarios you paint.
For example, rather than say “I bought a nice dress today”, you can opt to say “I was on my way to the bank when I walked past this boutique and stopped right in my tracks. Right before me was the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. From its yellow floral designs to the way it accentuated the mannequin’s waist, I didn’t even know when I walked into the boutique and bought the gown”.
Can you see the difference in the example? They are both saying the same thing, but this time in different tones. While the first one merely goes straight to the point, the second example triggers your imagination and makes you picture the gown worthy of such praises in your mind. They are more descriptive and likely to hold your readers’ attention.
You can even use sensory words if you are an online entrepreneur. All you have to do is to create your content in such a way that your readers can actually picture the product in their minds using the description you have given.
Your aim should be to make your content magical using sensory words and leave your readers impatiently waiting for more.
See also: Content marketing tools
Include the future benefits
Another thing you will have to include in your content is the benefits of your product. It’s not okay to just use the sensory words to list its features. You must include the benefits to explain what your readers will gain from using the product.
No, I’m not talking about the common way we list our products’ features and benefits. I’m talking about you describing what it’s like to experience the benefits of your product.
Don’t just tell them “The soap gives you a smoother face”, rather tell them how the soap will smoothen their face giving them that feeling of satisfaction, as well as how it will clear their facial blemishes. You can also take it a notch further by giving them an analysis of what they will experience and notice when they begin using the product.
Say something like, “The first thing you’ll notice immediately you begin using this product is how it will melt into your face and soften it, leaving you feeling refreshed. You will also notice how soft and supple your face will be immediately after using the product”.
Give them a firsthand experience that will trigger their interest and make them eager to try your product.
See also: The ultimate guide to creating Google-friendly content
Practice using your daily experiences
If you don’t already know this, one of the best ways to engage your readers’ senses in your writing is to use your personal experiences while illustrating a product usage.
Let’s assume you want to give your readers a firsthand experience of what the village looks like, you can say “The little chicks run around, looking for grains to nibble on. A loud cry leaves me transfixed! A white goat beside the market entrance breaks away from her pen and dashes into the beef seller’s stall.
Everyone goes berserk! Children running with nothing but their diapers, women trying to tie their wrappers as they cheer the men in pursuit of the goat. I take in the smell of the harmattan breeze. I shiver as the cold slaps my back before making my way to the stall of the tomato seller. It is Christmas and I’m home in the village”.
Can you see how I have been able to describe my visit to the market, ensuring that my readers also have an imaginative experience? You can also try writing yours to see what you can come up with.
See also: See also: How to create an endless supply of content
Create a swipe file
A swipe file is a file with ads to help a writer get inspired when writing their own copy. Good writers use swipe files to spice up their content.
You need to make a list of sensory words and store them in a file that is readily accessible. This will help you when writing your own copy.
Use new words regularly
Right now, you are aware of what you need to apply to your written content. Adjectives are the way to go. Use a dictionary to help you find new words and apply them regularly to your writing.
When you consciously apply new words to your writing, they help you spice up your content with sensory words.
FAQs
How do you use sensory words?
Sensory words engage all sense organs. Adjectives are used to spice up your content with sensory words.
Do sensory words help create a vivid description?
Yes. Sensory words help your target audience see, smell, hear, taste and feel your written words.
In what way do sensory words bring out the creativity of writers?
Spicing up your content with sensory words helps enliven your words in your target audience’s mind.
Conclusion
Learning to use sensory words to spice up your content isn’t rocket science. It is something you can perfect only if you are willing to learn and practice using it.
You can try using sensory words in your content to spike the imagination of your readers, as well as practice using your own day to day experiences to create beautiful descriptive sentences.
Finally, you can begin practicing the use of sensory words in your spare time. With constant practice, you will notice the amazing effect it will have on your content.
So, what do you say?
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