Content Marketing How to Write a Tagline? Top Writing Tips

Have you ever struggled with the question “How to Write a Tagline?” Creating a memorable tagline that accurately represents your brand can be the key to standing out in a crowded market and connecting with your target audience. But with so many factors to consider, writing a tagline that is both effective and catchy can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of expert tips to help you craft a tagline that will make your brand unforgettable. From understanding your brand and target audience to emphasizing benefits, these tips will guide you through the process of writing a tagline that supports your marketing efforts and connects with your customers. In this blog, we will discuss top tips on how to write a catchy tagline:

What is a Tagline?

A tagline is a short phrase. It is a brief and concise statement, usually consisting of just a few words. Ideally, a tagline should be short enough to be memorable and easily understood, while also being long enough to effectively communicate the brand’s mission, values, or personality.

Did you know that 50% of people view the company’s tagline to understand the company’s message? ^[1]

Typically, taglines represent a brand. A good tagline can range from just a few words, like Nike’s “Just Do It,” to a phrase or sentence that is a little longer, like Apple’s “Think Different.” The length of brand taglines will depend on the brand, the target audience, and the message that the brand wants to communicate.

In general, writing taglines is a good idea to boost email marketing, brand awareness and social media reach. When writing an effective tagline, aim for a length that is no longer than 10 to 15 words. If a tagline is too long, it may become difficult to remember or to understand, and it may not effectively convey the brand’s message. Additionally, a shorter tagline is typically easier to fit into advertising or marketing materials, making it more versatile and effective. Tagline is a short brand message that reflects brand values.

Tagline Vs Slogan:

A tagline and a slogan are similar in that they are both brief phrases or sentences that are used to summarize a brand’s positioning, mission, or identity. However, there are some differences between the two:

Tagline: A tagline melts in your mouth. It is usually a longer and more comprehensive phrase that defines a brand’s overall message and values. It’s intended to be memorable and to evoke an emotional response in consumers. A tagline is usually more closely tied to a brand’s visual identity and is used consistently over a longer period of time.

Slogan: A slogan is a shorter and more focused phrase that highlights a specific aspect of a brand’s offerings or values. Slogans are often used in advertising campaigns and are designed to be catchy and memorable. A slogan is typically used for a limited period of time, often to support a specific product or marketing initiative.

In other words, a tagline is a long-term statement that defines a brand’s identity. A slogan is a short-term phrase that supports a specific marketing message.

Also Read: What is a Brand Statement? 3 Easy Steps To Develop a Unique Brand Tagline

How to Write A Tagline – Stepwise Suggestions

So, how do you write a great tagline? What are taglines in writing? Taglines help you grab the attention of readers instantly. They convey your brand’s values to the target audience and potential customer base. Here are some steps for writing a successful tagline:

Step #1: Define your brand

Since a tagline is supposed to be a short and accurate messenger for conveying brand values, always make it relevant to your brand. Start by understanding your brand’s values, personality, and mission. This will help you to identify the key elements that you want to communicate through your tagline.

Step #2: Know your target audience

The method on how to write a tagline begins with understanding your target audience. You can not write a tagline without keeping your readers in mind. Just like your brand is exclusive for a particular audience, the same applies for tagline writing. Understanding your target audience will help you to create a tagline that resonates with them and speaks to their needs and values.

Step #3: Keep it Simple and Memorable

People don’t have time to read long taglines. In fact, long tag lines tend to eat up a brand’s message. A good tagline should be concise and memorable, making it easy for people to remember and associate with your brand. A tagline should be brief, usually consisting of just a few words, and easy to remember. Make sure that your tagline is not too long or complicated as this will not be effective.

Step #4: Avoid Cliches

Brand wars are all about gaining the competitive edge, usually via differentiation. Setting your own brand identity is a crucial part of brand building. If you follow cliches, you are less likely to get notices. Avoid using cliches or generic phrases that are overused in your industry. Instead, strive for originality and creativity to make your tagline stand out.

For example, a cliche tagline would be something like “One-Stop Online Shop”. You can replace it with a tagline “Shop, Simplified: All you need in one place.” This tagline emphasizes the convenience and simplicity of shopping at this online store. It also shows that the store offers a wide range of products and eliminates the need for customers to search multiple sites for what they need. It also communicates that the brand is focused on making shopping easier for its customers.

Step #5: Make it Unique

As discussed above, brand building is all about differentiation. Following your competitor’s tagline is not a great way to get noticed. In fact, your audience will notice the similarity and call your brand a “Copy”. In order to avoid this, think outside the box and brainstorm different ideas. Your tagline should set your brand apart from its competitors, so aim to create something that is unique and differentiating.

If you are running short on tagline ideas, use an AI-Assisted Tagline Generator for more tagline ideas.

Step #6: Make it Versatile

Remember that your tagline is supposed to reflect your brand’s identity, so it should be versatile. If your brand is bringing an eco-friendly change in the market, your tagline should reflect that rather than sounding too sales-y. Make sure your tagline can be used across a variety of marketing materials, such as advertisements, websites, and packaging.

Step #7: Consider your Brand’s Tone

Consider the tone of your brand and make sure your tagline reflects that tone. For example, if your brand is playful, your tagline should be playful as well. You don’t want your tagline to lie outside your brand’s tone of voice guidelines.

Step #8: Emphasize the Benefits

Focus on the benefits that your brand provides to your target audience, rather than just listing features. A tagline that emphasizes the benefits will be more appealing and memorable to your target audience.

For example, instead of saying “Our products are made with high-quality materials,” you could say “Experience long-lasting quality with our products.” The second tagline emphasizes the benefit of the product’s quality, making it more appealing to the target audience.

By focusing on the benefits, you can create a tagline that not only accurately represents your brand, but also connects with your target audience on an emotional level.

Step #9: Test it

Try out different tagline options and see which ones resonate with your target audience. Ask for feedback from others, including friends, family, and colleagues, to see what they think. You can brainstorm suitable tagline ideas and select the top 2-4 best options from the set. Then, you can run 2 different A/B Testing campaigns to see which of the taglines is performing better. 

Step #10: Refine and simplify

Once you have a list of potential taglines, refine and simplify them until you have a final option that meets all of the criteria for a good tagline.

Template Example of How To Write a Tagline

1. 1. Start with your Brand: “Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products”

1. 1. Define Target audience: Environmentally conscious consumers who are looking for cleaning products that are safe for their health and the environment

1. 1. Know your brand values: The brand is focused on providing environmentally friendly cleaning products.

1. 1. Be brief and memorable: “Clean without compromise” is a tagline without any confusing words. It is short and memorable. 

1. 1. Avoid cliches and Keep it Simple: The tagline “Clean without compromise” is original and creative, avoiding common cliches like “green cleaning” or “eco-friendly solutions”.

1. 1. Test your tagline: The tagline could be tested with the target audience to see if it resonates with them and effectively communicates the brand’s value proposition. You can launch an A/B testing. 

1. 1. Consider your brand’s tone: The tagline is serious and straightforward, reflecting the brand’s commitment to providing safe and eco-friendly cleaning products.

1. 1. Make it versatile: The tagline can be used across a variety of marketing materials, such as advertisements, websites, and packaging.

1. 1. Emphasize the benefits: The tagline “Clean without compromise” emphasizes the benefit of being able to clean without compromising on safety or the environment.

This tagline “Clean without compromise” accurately represents the brand and speaks to the needs of the target audience, making it an effective tool for building brand awareness and supporting marketing efforts.

How to Write a Tagline – Frequently Asked Questions

What should I write in tagline?

The content of a tagline will depend on the specific brand, its target audience, and the message that the brand wants to communicate. However, a good tagline should:

• • Be memorable: A tagline should be memorable, so that people will easily associate it with your brand.

• • Convey your brand’s unique value proposition: Your tagline should communicate what sets your brand apart from its competitors, such as its unique values, benefits, or mission.

• • Resonate with your target audience: Your tagline should speak to your target audience and connect with them on an emotional level.

• • Be concise: A tagline should be brief and to the point, usually consisting of just a few words.

• • Be versatile: Your tagline should be versatile, so that it can be used across a variety of marketing materials, such as advertisements, websites, and packaging.

What are some catchy taglines?

Here are some examples of popular, catchy taglines:

• • Coca-Cola: “Open Happiness”

• • McDonald’s: “I’m Lovin’ It”

• • KFC: “Finger Lickin’ Good”

• • Subway: “Eat Fresh”

• • BMW: “The Ultimate Driving Machine”

• • Chevrolet: “The Heartbeat of America”

• • Dell: “Easy as Dell”

• • Walmart: “Save Money. Live Better.”

• • Volkswagen: “Drivers Wanted”

• • FedEx: “When it Absolutely, Positively has to be there Overnight”

• • Procter & Gamble: “The Touch of Home”

• • Airbnb: “Belong Anywhere”

• • Under Armour: “I Will”

• • Hershey’s: “There’s Happy in Every Hershey’s Bar”

• • Pepsi: “The Joy of Pepsi”

How long should a tagline be?

In general, it’s a good idea to aim for a tagline that is no longer than 10 to 15 words. If a tagline is too long, it may become difficult to remember or to understand, and it may not effectively convey the brand’s message. Additionally, a shorter tagline is typically easier to fit into advertising or marketing materials, making it more versatile and effective.

Conclusion

Writing a catchy tagline is more about reflecting your brand’s values effectively rather than choosing fancy words. Learn the basics of how to write a tagline and add new life to your marketing messages!

References:
[1] Slogan Stats – PRNewsWire

Recommended Reads:

• • What is UX Copywriting and How to Nail It?

• • Conversion Copywriting: Principles and Formulas for Success

• • How to Write a Tone of Voice Guideline for Brand Content Marketing?