Embedding hidden commands in copywriting
10 Comments · Filed on: Copywriting · Internet Marketing · Persuasion & InfluenceWithout a doubt, one of the most powerful skills you can develop as a hypnotic copywriter is the ability to embed hidden commands into seemingly harmless sentences.
This effective copywriting technique can give you virtually unlimited selling power.
Just take a minute to imagine being able to command your readers to do anything you want just by using the right words.
You should note, however, that just because you embed a few hidden commands in your copy, it does not mean that the prospect is forced to do anything. This powerful persuasion technique simply presents commands in a more subtle manner; it helps you to make suggestions your prospects to take the actions you want without them being perceived as commands or suggestions.
And how exactly is it used? The best way to show you how to use this technique is by giving you some examples. The hidden action commands in the following sentences are highlighted in bold:
“You’ll find it very insightful to, John, read my affiliate success book.”
“Just take a minute to consider how much easier your online success will become when you learn my secret marketing strategies.”
“Your promotion efforts will be more productive and generate dramatically better results when you put this information to use.”
“I’m wondering just how quickly you’ll realize you need to learn these strategies.”
Notice how the word “you” or the name of your prospect is placed in the middle of each sentence; directly before the command is given. When a command is issued this way, your prospect hears it as a powerful subconscious suggestion and is more inclined to act over it than if you’d given the command directly (forcing the conscious mind to decide).
When this technique is used properly, no one ever objects to your hidden commands. The overall effect is that the prospect will feel compelled to act on your suggestion without feeling pushed or pressured into action.
It has been proven time after time by master persuaders that wording your commands like this hit the prospect in a different psychological level and dramatically increase the chance of her taking the action you want.
Right now, while all this information is still fresh in your mind, take time to write 10 sentences that include hidden commands and try them throughout the day (be ethical). You’ll soon experience the persuasive power of hidden commands. Once you have your list of hidden commands, leave your best example as a comment for everyone to learn and discuss.














10 comments so far ↓
Comment #:1 by Jason
Interesting technique; and it really connects the benefit (first half) with the sale (second half).
Not so sure about the first sentence, though; I’d stick with “you”. Sticking their name in there makes the sentence feel awkward; it really broke my train of thought and made the flow feel choppy.
But overall, this is a technique I’m sure to try.
Comment #:2 by Miguel Alvarez

Jason, you’re right. Inserting the name will most likely break the train of thought of the reader – and that’s part of the technique. Let me explain why…
The most important word to any person is their own name. After breaking the train of thought with your own name, your brain will scramble to refocus attention; and that’s when the hidden command is slipped into the subconscious.
You’ll see the power of this technique as soon as you, Jason, start using it to increase your sales.
Comment #:3 by Focus on your customers: the people and the value | MrHoang Blog
[...] persuasive copywriting, which implies that copywriters need to use words, motivating the visitor to take action. Naturally, it leads us to persuasive design, which describes [...]
Comment #:4 by Understand SEO pricing and get a good SEO company | MrHoang Blog
[...] persuasive copywriting, which implies that copywriters need to use words, motivating the visitor to take action. Naturally, it leads us to persuasive design, which describes [...]
Comment #:5 by Hidden Commands - Do it! - Blogged At Webmaster ToolBox
[...] Embedding hidden commands in copywriting [...]
Comment #:6 by Dan
I’m sorry but I’m not sure I follow you. Maybe it will become clearer to me when you write some more articles like this one.
Comment #:7 by Design for the Unconscious: Use Design Secrets to Create Great Websites | Just Simple Marketing Works
[...] persuasive copywriting, which implies that copywriters need to use words, motivating the visitor to take action. Naturally, it leads us to persuasive design, which describes [...]
Comment #:8 by DayLee
Just stop and think of the number of folks you can help when you write more tips like this one!
Comment #:9 by Mark
Would it be beneficial to actually embolden the command in our copy or would that make it too obvious and ruin the effect we desire?
Comment #:10 by Miguel Alvarez

@Mark.
Sometimes bolding the command lends itself without being too obvious. Sometimes not. It all depends on the wording.
Another technique I’ve seen used is to use a slightly different color to make the embedded command stand out subconsciously. Wicked stuff… but it works.
Cheers!
Miguel Alvarez
Copywriting.com