Want vs Need

Of course I plan to test, but historically which is the better word to put in a headline. Want or Need. For example ...


"Who Else Wants To Live Better on Less Money?"

"Who Else Needs To Live Better on Less Money?"

 

It really depends on your target audience.

 

"Would Like" or "Would You Like"

 

Why not make it more direct? "Do You Want to Live Better on Less Money?...Here's the solution:.."

 

To me, the two words have quite different connotations.

"Want" implies a powerful desire. For example, "I want a gigantic chunk of chocolate right now" would tell me that whoever said that is running around the house with their tongue hanging out, drooling as they search frantically through every drawer and cupboard.

"Need" implies pain if it's not fulfilled. This would be an example of need, "I am stuck in this c**sed wheelchair and I have to go downstairs to pee, but the c**sed elevator is broken. All I want to do is get to the bathroom!" tells me there is real suffering here. Have you ever truly needed some kind of help - and been refused it when you asked someone to help you? I have. It's the worst feeling in the world.

So there is a world of difference between the two. I think the majority of copywriting is concerned with stirring up a want - to the point where you are running around the house drooling, wringing your hands as you search frantically for that elusive chocolate bar. "Feel the pain" here means the "pain" of not having that candy. Or that ointment that can relieve your sore muscles after a day spent trimming the bushes and yanking weeds.

Dot

 

Need is the one you want to use. It's a much stronger word than want. People must have what they need, right now. But people can always wait to get what they want, later on. It's all based on the Maslow theory: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

When you appeal to a consumer's basic motivations, you'll improve the chances of a sale. Basic motivations are needs-based, whether that need is satisfied with food and shelter, or a Porsche and a new Rolex watch. I.E. convince people they need what you've got, they'll get it!

 

Choosing the proper verbs and nuances of words with their meanings - that usually lead to (sub)conscious persuasion for the necessary call for action response - is the thing that makes the difference between dull text and a copy that rings the right bells !

 

It doesn't matter.

The word "need," doesn't matter to the ones who WANT it, because they WANT it.

The word "want," doesn't matter to the ones who NEED it, because they NEED it.

Think like a buyer!

When you think like a buyer, you will come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter.

And don't overanalyze your copy to such a degree ... it could backfire on you.

 

"All You Need To Live Better on Lesser Money is.....( your product offering)"

 

"Who Else Wants..." used to be sickeningly popular.

Never "who else needs..."

As the Beer Monster said up above, Want suggests 'would you like'. I.e. make your life more fun. Needs suggests they have a problem, and you can fix it for them.

But not always.

Obviously.

 

I think you have to pick one vs. the other depending on the context. Both are powerful. I want a Lamborghini, but I don't need one -- not at today's gas prices!

 

NEED is much more persuasive.
It is more intense than 'want' and there are implied consequences if NEEDS aren't fulfilled.

 

Personally I wouldn't use either of these, as I think there are much better phrases to use to catch your audience's attention. Deciding whether to use a "want" or "need" is very dependent upon both the product you're selling and the audience. If you're selling a weight loss product, I would be inclined to go with need--Do you need to lose 15 pounds in the next two weeks? Other products may lend themselves toward a want.

 

I want to be a millionaire - So I need a million dollars

I want to be a millionaire - So I want a million dollars

I need to be a millionaire - So I want a million dollars

I need to be a millionaire - So I need a million dollars


Isn't the English language great.

That should confuse the hell out of non-natives, sorry guys no offence.

 

dorothydot - what an excellent answer - I reckon you've summed it all up there - well done!

 

Superb answer tiddles - I mean no offence either non-natives...