Your Tag is Showing... At least it Should Be!

Guest Author: Rebecca Hubbard is a 30 year entrepreneur and CEO / Founder of Digital-Women.com, “Women with their modems running…”, celebrating 11 years as an international online networking community for women in business.

I’m speaking taglines here. What is a tagline? It’s that cute little saying that goes after your business name and sometimes known as your “slogan”. Usually it’s used for branding or for helping the public recognize your brand name or business name. Some personal names even have famous taglines, but we won’t get into that in this article.

If you are as old as I am you will recognize these companies without me even saying their name:

• “Like a Rock”
• “It’s the Real Thing”
• “Makes You Feel Good All Under”
• “Finger Lickin’ Good”
• “Melts in Your Mouth and Not in Your Hand”
• “Cheese that goes Crunch!”

These are some pretty famous taglines and some companies have even changed theirs over the years. Coca Cola is a good example. “Things go better with Coke”. As a matter of fact, I don’t even know of another company that has changed their tagline as often as Coca Cola has. Some were quite memorable while some faded away like the carbonation on a hot day. I believe they have had at least 20-plus taglines since their inception.

Taglines are important for several reasons, but the main two being recognition and trademark. Taglines are just as protected under trademark law as your business name. Don’t try to use the slogan, it’s the real thing, if you are selling any kind of beverage or you might find yourself in court. Be original in your thought.

If you are an aspiring, new entrepreneur and you already have a business name, then a tagline is essential for creating recognition for your company. Your tagline should be short, catchy, easy to remember, and trademark-able. Try not to create one that is going to tie up someone’s tongue.

You don’t HAVE to have a tagline, but I recommend one. Some companies have forgone a tagline but their name itself is so unique that they don’t need one. Some off the top of my head where I “don’t” remember a tagline is: Google, Delta, Velveeta. If they did have a tagline it must have been an unmemorable one. Anytime you can make the public remember you in any way possible, then “it’s a good thing…” ( Sit down Martha! LOL)

I’ve thought up a few to get your own creative juices flowing… ( I am hoping none of these are taken, if so let me know…)

• Gift Basket Business – “Weave your way into their hearts”
• Pen Business – “Leave your mark on the world, not on your shirt”
• Bakery Business – “We RISE to every occasion”
• Eyeglass Business – “What are YOU looking at?”

When thinking up your tagline or slogan, try it out on a few people and record their reactions or comments. They might even come up with a better one for you. Play around with it until it feels right, then you’ll know you have a winner!

Now just for fun…. some “personal brands”, see if you don’t recognize the person immediately.

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”
“What is it now, Pilgrim”
“Go ahead, make my day”