Using NLP language concepts to aid external marketing for increased effectiveness
- Darren Shaw

- Nov 14, 2024
- 4 min read

NLP’s linguistic tools can be extremely powerful for external marketing campaigns, particularly in crafting persuasive messages, resonating with target audiences, and encouraging engagement. Here’s how NLP can enhance an external marketing campaign:
1. Building Rapport with Language Patterns
Mirroring Language: Adapting the language style of your target audience (whether formal, friendly, or energetic) helps build rapport. NLP encourages listening to and adopting your audience's preferred vocabulary and tone, which increases their sense of connection and understanding.
Pacing and Leading: Start with language that reflects your audience's current experiences or concerns (“We understand that change can feel challenging”), then lead them to the desired outcome (“… but our service makes it easy and empowering”).
2. Using Power Words and Sensory Language
Engaging the Senses: NLP teaches us that people process information differently, often through visual, auditory, or kinesthetic (touch/feeling) channels. You can use sensory-based language to reach a broader audience. For example, visual language ("imagine the bright future..."), auditory language ("hear the sounds of success..."), and kinesthetic language ("feel the confidence...") can all connect more deeply with different audience segments.
Power Words for Influence: Certain words and phrases are inherently more persuasive or influential. NLP suggests using words like “discover,” “transform,” “unlock,” and “proven” to create an emotional response that drives engagement and action.
3. Reframing for Positive Perception
Turning Negatives into Positives: Reframing is a key NLP skill that can shift perspectives by presenting information in a more positive light. For example, instead of saying “Don’t let another day slip by without taking action,” you could say, “Today is the perfect time to start achieving your goals.”
Reframe Benefits to Address Pain Points: Identify your audience’s specific challenges and reframe your message to position your product or service as a solution. For instance, “If your busy schedule keeps you from personal development, our program is designed for maximum impact in minimum time.”
4. Embedding Commands in Content
Subtle Calls to Action: Embedding commands involves weaving directives into sentences so they sound natural yet are highly persuasive. For example, in the sentence, “Imagine how your life will change when you click here to start your journey,” the phrase “click here” acts as a subtle call to action embedded in the suggestion.
Positive Presuppositions: NLP teaches the use of presuppositions to assume a favorable outcome. For example, instead of saying “If you decide to sign up,” you might say “When you sign up, you’ll start seeing real progress.”
5. Tailoring Messages with Values-Based Language
Identifying Core Values: NLP focuses on understanding and aligning with people’s values. In marketing, you can research your audience’s core values (e.g., sustainability, freedom, or achievement) and incorporate language that highlights how your product aligns with these values. If your audience values innovation, words like “cutting-edge” or “pioneering” resonate strongly.
Speaking to Pain Points and Aspirations: Using values-based language can position your product as the ideal fit for their needs. For example, if your audience values independence, emphasize that your product “puts you in control of your journey.”
6. Crafting Hypnotic Language Patterns
Open Loops for Curiosity: NLP often uses open loops (leaving a question unanswered) to build curiosity. In marketing, you can use this technique to encourage continued engagement, like “What if you could transform your productivity with just one small change? We’ll reveal how…”
Using Stories and Metaphors: Stories are a powerful way to make messages memorable and relatable. A good metaphor or story can help prospective customers see themselves in the narrative, feeling more connected to the product or service.
7. Future Pacing to Create Desire
Helping Your Audience Envision the Outcome: NLP's future pacing technique invites people to imagine a desirable future after taking a specific action. Phrasing like, “Imagine yourself a month from now, already achieving X with ease,” helps potential clients visualize the results of using your product or service.
Highlighting the Transformation: Language that paints a clear picture of life “after” the purchase helps to establish a desire for change. This could be as simple as saying, “Picture the freedom and flexibility you’ll experience after joining our program.”
8. Handling Objections Through Presuppositions
Anticipate Objections and Reframe: NLP’s presupposition strategy helps address common objections in a way that subtly dismantles them. Instead of saying, “Our product is affordable,” you could say, “People love how quickly they see results, regardless of the initial cost,” which presupposes that the cost is justified by the benefits.
Using Embedded Suggestions: You can subtly suggest that objections are easy to overcome by embedding solutions within the message. For example, “Many people who were initially unsure about committing have found it’s one of the best decisions they’ve made.”
Incorporating NLP linguistic tools into marketing content can dramatically increase its effectiveness, as it helps to create messages that resonate on a subconscious level, build rapport, and drive engagement. Through the art of language, NLP equips marketers with a skill set that makes their campaigns both persuasive and memorable.
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