What is a tagline? How to create a good one? How is it different from a slogan? If you’re looking to create or improve your company’s tagline or slogan, read on for some helpful tips!
What Is a Tagline?
A tagline is a short, catchy phrase that summarizes what your brand or product is all about. A good tagline should be memorable, easy to understand and relevant to your target audience. Sometimes, taglines are also referred to as catchphrases. What is a tagline in comparison with a slogan?
Tagline vs. Slogan
While the terms “tagline” and “slogan” are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. A tagline is more descriptive, focused on encapsulating the main idea or benefit of your brand concisely, while a slogan is usually more aspirational or emotional in nature.
Types of Taglines
What is a tagline? Now you know, but you might not know that there are many types of taglines that you can use for your business, depending on what you want to achieve. Below are some common types of taglines:
- Product taglines: A product tagline is a short phrase that describes the main benefit or features of a product. For example, “The ultimate driving machine” is BMW’s product tagline.
- Brand taglines: A brand tagline is a phrase that represents the overall identity or purpose of a brand. It should be reflective of the brand’s values and positioning in the marketplace. Nike’s brand tagline is “Just do it.”
- Corporate taglines: A corporate tagline is a short phrase that encapsulates the company’s business philosophy or mission. For example, Google’s corporate tagline is “Don’t be evil.”
- Catchphrases: A catchphrase is a short, memorable phrase that is often used in advertising or promotion. It is usually catchy and easy to remember. Cadillac’s catchphrase is “The standard of the world.”
Why Is a Tagline Important Even for Small Businesses?
As a small business owner, you might be wondering if a tagline is really necessary. After all, isn’t a logo or product name enough to represent your brand?
While a logo and product name are important components of your branding and any marketing campaign, they are not enough to tell your whole story. A tagline can help do that. A good tagline can communicate what makes your brand unique and position it in the marketplace. It can also help build brand equity and customer loyalty over time.
Examples of Taglines
What is a tagline? Below are some examples of well-known taglines and slogans:
- BMW: The Ultimate Driving Machine;
- Nike: Just Do It;
- Cadillac: The Standard of the World;
- L’Oréal: Because You’re Worth It;
- McDonald’s: I’m Lovin’ It;
- Coca-Cola: Together Tastes Better;
- Toyota: Let’s Go Places;
- Samsung: Do What You Can’t;
- Airbnb: Belong Anywhere;
- Lay’s: Betcha Can’t Eat Just One;
- Burger King: Have It Your Way;
- Maybelline: Maybe She’s Born With It. Maybe It’s Maybelline.
How to Create a Tagline
What is a tagline? Let’s remind ourselves. A tagline is a short, catchy phrase that concisely describes your brand or product. It can be serious or funny, but ultimately it should be memorable. Here are some tips for creating a tagline that will stick in people’s minds.
Keep It Short and Sweet
The best taglines are short and sweet. They’re easy to remember and don’t require a lot of brainpower to understand. Keep your tagline under 5 words if possible.
Make It Relevant
Your tagline should be relevant to your brand or product. It should describe what you do or what you’re offering in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.
Avoid Clichés
Clichés are overused and often meaningless phrases that don’t add anything of value to your tagline. Steer clear of clichés like “the best of the best” or “we’re number one!” and opt for something more original.
Put a Twist on a Common Phrase
A common way to create a memorable tagline is to put a twist on a well-known phrase. For example, Nike’s “Just Do It” or KFC’s “Finger Lickin’ Good.” This can be an effective way to grab people’s attention and make your tagline stand out.
Think Outside the Box
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to your tagline. Be creative and experiment with different word choices and phrasing. The goal is to create something unique that will help you stand out from the competition.
Look for Inspiration
If you’re having trouble coming up with a tagline on your own, try looking for inspiration from other brands or businesses. See what they’ve done and see if anything sparks your own creativity.
Look at Your Logo
Your logo can be a great source of inspiration for your tagline. See if there’s anything in your logo that you can use or play off of in your tagline. Don’t be afraid to change your logo slightly to better fit your tagline if needed.
Get Feedback and Brainstorm
Once you’ve come up with a few potential taglines, it’s important to get feedback from others. See what they think and if they can remember your tagline easily. Getting input from others can help you fine-tune your tagline and make sure it’s effective.
Brainstorming with a group can also be helpful in coming up with new ideas. Ask your team for their thoughts and see what they come up with. The more ideas you have to work with, the better chance you have of creating a memorable tagline.
Use Power Words
Power words are words that evoke an emotional response. They can be used to add impact to your tagline and make it more memorable. Some examples of power words include: love, amazing, incredible, transform, etc.
Choose Your Words Carefully and Use Short Words
The words you choose for your tagline are important. They should be carefully chosen to accurately represent your brand or product. Avoid using industry jargon or acronyms that people may not understand.
It’s also important to use short words in your tagline. Long, complicated words can make it difficult for people to remember your tagline. Use simple, easy-to-understand words instead.
Test It Out
Once you’ve come up with a few potential taglines, it’s important to test them out. See how they work in different situations and with different audiences. Try using them in marketing materials, on your website, or in social media posts. See how people react and see if they can remember your tagline easily.
Don’t Pressure Yourself
Creating a memorable tagline can be challenging. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to come up with the perfect phrase. It may take some time and experimentation to find something that works. Be patient and keep trying different things until you find a tagline that sticks. It can come to your mind unexpectedly, so be sure to keep a notebook handy to write down any good ideas as they come to you.
What is a tagline? How to create a good one? Now you know!