Remember the first time you heard the tagline of MasterCard – “There are some things that money can’t buy. For everything else, there’s MasterCard”? It made so much sense every time you heard it. It had that right touch of meaning, emotion and wittiness about it that all great taglines should have. It conquered the mind and had brilliant recall value.
As an Apple and a Jobs’ fan, I personally love Apple’s “Think Different”. Though this was originally a slogan designed for a campaign, it has become over the years synonymous with the brand, summing it up perfectly. Every time I read it, it never fails to motivate or inspire me.
Well, that is what great taglines are supposed to do. They make you think, feel, relate with the brand, connect with its vision, trust it and remember it for years to come.
Mind you,
The best taglines are not just a few words put together or just a catchphrase. They have the power to give your brand an exclusive positioning, image and value, in a super-competitive market.
Like logos, taglines grab attention quickly, easily, and stick to your brain even if you forget everything else about a marketing campaign or advertisement.
Table of Contents
A remarkable tagline should be the following:
Good enough to remember – A good tagline should be simple, easy to recognize, catchy and should convey the message in a few seconds; only then people will remember it.
It will sell the benefits, not the features – Whether a brand is selling high-end cars or deep-fried chicken, a tagline should tell the audience why they need the product or the benefits, not rant about the features!
It will convey emotions – The top taglines establish an emotional connection with the audience and go beyond just the brand or product. They use short, simple words to evoke positive feelings in the reader or listener and build awareness and loyalty.
Unique and different competitors – A tagline should ideally lend a brand a competitive edge and help it stand out from others. It shouldn’t be easy to replicate.
So, in this blog, we decided to take 50 powerful taglines and dissect them to find out what makes them great. Read on.
Also Read: Answers to 9 Frequently Asked Questions about GMB Posts
What makes these 40 awesome taglines truly inspirational?
1. MasterCard – There are some things money can’t buy. For everything else, there’s MasterCard
This (not really short) priceless slogan was run in 46 languages and across 98 countries! Since 1997, this memorable tagline has been able to connect with the audience, even though it never really harps on how money is essential for buying things in life. Check out their first television commercial that showed how the conversation between a dad and son during a baseball game is “priceless”, even though it takes money to pay for a drink and a hot dog.
2. Adidas – Impossible is Nothing
This is undoubtedly one of the best taglines of companies that sell sports gear and wear. Adidas came up with it in 1974, after being inspired by a quote from the legend Muhammad Ali. It motivates you to not only chase your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem, but also pushes you to break boundaries.
3. Nike – Just Do It
Coined in 1988 for the first time, this tagline grabbed eyeballs because of its encouraging attitude and sass. It reached out to a wider audience, beyond sports persons, telling them that if they wanted to do something, they should just do it. Nothing should stop them from attaining their goals or overcoming obstacles.
4. BMW – The Ultimate Driving Machine
Among the taglines of famous companies, this one has a special place. First ideated in 1970, it cleverly captures the aspirations of those who work hard and wish to live life king-size. No wonder, for anyone who dreams of luxury cars and a wow lifestyle, BMW is a top-of-the-mind brand.
5. Dollar Shave Club – Shave Time. Shave Money.
As a grooming products company, Dollar Shave Club has hit the nail on its head with this smart, quirky tagline. It resonates easily with the target audience as it tells you how you can get the job (shaving) done quickly and affordably, and still look great.
6. De Beers – A Diamond is Forever
No wonder this is one of the best marketing taglines that have stolen women’s hearts since 1948. It is amazing how 4 words sum up the power, prestige, wealth and romance that diamonds embody. And the slogan reels in men too, as they know that these sparkling gems convey the beauty, purity and eternity of relationships like nothing else.
7. Budweiser – This Bud’s for You
Budweiser came up with this emotional and mate-y slogan in 1979 paired with a commercial that was an instant hit. Watch it to find out how the tagline appealed to working-class men quickly. Even today, it conveys the brand’s message of being that friend who stands by you through thick and thin, apart from refreshing your parched throat.
8. L’Oreal – Because You’re Worth It
If you are looking for company slogan ideas that go beyond the product and convey something powerful and lasting, this is definitely it. Note how L’Oreal empowers women by making them feel worthy of beauty treatments, as they are all divas inside.
9. Coca-Cola – Open Happiness
Though Coca-Cola’s Open Happiness slogan in 2009 was later replaced with Taste The Feeling (among others), it continues to stick to the audience’s brain for its catchiness, crispness, simplicity and the remarkable emotional connection. The campaign brought smiles to people’s faces apart from boosting the brand’s ROI dramatically.
10. Apple – Think Different
Undoubtedly one of the most effective business taglines, Apple’s Think Different made its stock prices soar since 1997. It was a part of a quirky and bold commercial known as “Here’s to the Crazy Ones, Think Different” in a bid to pay respect to world-changing visionaries as well as to subtly challenge IBM’s Think IBM campaign. And it worked wonders, by positioning the brand as perfect for those who embrace innovation.
11. Adobe – Better by Adobe
This simple 3-word tagline brilliantly conveys how Adobe helps both businesses and individuals to work and communicate more efficiently. It is catchy, easy to remember and hints at the brand’s constant endeavor to innovate as well.
12. KFC – It’s Finger Lickin’ Good
Originally coined in the 1950s, this “delicious” slogan is popular even today, and has appealed to generations of foodies effortlessly. The tagline clearly puts across how great the KFC chicken tastes and grabs eyeballs when you are super hungry.
13. Dunkin’ Donuts – America Runs on Dunkin’
This tagline, which focuses on how busy Americans stay active and energetic due to the brand’s coffee (and the sinfully sweet donuts), was a part of a famous ad campaign in 2006. It resonates easily with the audience as they can connect Dunkin’ Donuts with positive energy that keeps them going.
14. General Electric – Imagination at Work
We think it’s one of the best spark taglines ever! It was inspired by GE’s corporate identity manager Tim McCleary’s goal of redefining General Electric as a brand that is driven by innovation. So, the slogan conveys how imagination is essential for innovation and success, and is integral to GE’s culture.
15. McDonald’s – I’m Lovin’ It
First launched in 2003, this campaign and tagline has easily won hearts of those who love tasty food that is convenient and easy on the pocket. The best part is that, it doesn’t define the food at all, and instead zeroes in on the emotion that people feel while enjoying the meal.
16. Maybelline – Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline.
We love how this cosmetic giant was able to create such a powerful tagline in the 1990s…one that makes you think of gorgeous women with glossy lips, satiny skin and super long lashes. Maybelline’s slogan also hints at the power and confidence of any woman who can use their products to become a diva!
17. Corona – Find Your Beach
This is one of the best taglines from companies that sell beer as it evokes images of golden sands, cool waves, the holiday spirit, carefree leisure and lots of fun. Since 2010, this has been Corona’s famous way of associating “spirited” fun with its refreshing beer, even if you are not on a beach for real.
18. Gillette – The Best a Man Can Get
Though this tagline is more than 30 years old, it still appeals to men who want to be their best selves and look and feel awesome. The target audience can quickly relate with it, as the brand subtly indicates how grooming has a big role to play in every walk of life, whether you are heading for a meeting, wooing a lady or playing around with pets. Recently, it also redefined its ads to address how “being a man” should not mean toxic masculinity. Here’s the video:
19. Lay’s – Betcha can’t eat just one!
Here is a smart (and pretty honest) tagline by Lay’s that first appeared in the 1960s and is still popular for good reason. After all, who can just have one salty, crispy, yummy chip and stay satisfied?? We love how the brand came up with a slogan that is fun, catchy and tingles your taste buds.
20. Amul – Utterly Butterly Delicious
First created by an advertising company in Mumbai in 1994, Amul’s sing-song tagline became so famous and unique, that it is now an integral part of the brand’s logo. The way it connects the reader or listener to the rich and timeless taste of Amul’s butter and other dairy products is commendable. The cute face of the Amul girl only enhances its appeal.
21. Asian Paints – Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai
The colour giant had first coined this tagline in 2007 and it had an incredible impact on the average Indian mindset, as owning a home (and making it beautiful) is the topmost goal for many. Counted as one of the most emotional company slogans, it highlights the uniqueness of each house and how it is associated with myriad occasions, moments, and feelings.
22. Raymond’s – The Complete Man
Since the 1970s, this short yet touching tagline has been defining Raymond, the famous men’s clothing brand. It beautifully showcases the values and aspects that make a man caring, responsible, respectful, and dapper at the same time! Whether he is a father, a teacher, a husband, a son or a corporate leader, this slogan makes the brand relevant for all.
23. Surf Excel – Daag Acche Hai
What we admire about this simple yet curious tagline is that, it helps mothers see stains in a whole new light. While the brand says nothing to promote its cleaning solutions, it cheekily mentions how kids have fun, learn a lot, and become caring when they play outside and get dirty.
24. American Express – Don’t Live Life Without It
Taglines of companies which deal in financial services don’t have to be boring…as American Express proves. Their recent tagline, for example, brilliantly sums up how customer satisfaction is at the center of the brand’s vision and mission.
25. Disneyland – The Happiest Place on Earth
Now, that’s the best official tagline Disneyland could have come up with! A magical kingdom full of fairytale characters, amusing shows and exciting rides….it promises the ultimate entertainment to both children and adults. And that translates to happiness, without a doubt.
26. Mercedes-Benz – The Best or Nothing
Short, crisp and straight to the point, this tagline sums up the brand’s motto clearly. And it easily targets those with high aspirations or those who don’t settle for the second best. It also takes a quiet dig at the competitors.
27. Nescafe – It all starts with a Nescafe
Known all over the world for its rich, aromatic and energizing coffee blends, Nescafe makes a snazzy statement with its tagline. Be it working on a new project or starting a relationship, the brand drives home the point that its coffee is the catalyst!
28. Toyota – Let’s Go Places
While looking for optimistic and progressive taglines of famous companies, this one caught our eye because of the way it promises a more exciting future for the audience and also makes them a part of it. First coined in 2012, this tagline reflects Toyota’s big dreams and its aim of enriching lives with innovative creations.
29. Subway – Eat Fresh
Sometimes, all you need are two words, to make your brand stand out from others. And that is exactly what Subway has done with their business tagline Eat Fresh, referring to the quality and nutritional value of its ingredients.
30. Walmart – Save Money. Live Better.
Easy and simple, this tagline has been showcasing how Walmart blends quality and affordability, since 2007. No wonder, a large section of the global population can identify with the brand, as most households look for the best things that don’t destroy their modest budgets.
31. Kit Kat – Have a Break. Have a Kit Kat.
This very familiar tagline was first used in 1957, but continues to convey the brand message cleverly and simply. It stands out from competitors by focusing on how you should take breaks from your busy schedule and enjoy them, instead of talking about the crisp wafer or chocolate coating.
32. Thumbs Up – Taste the Thunder
Though this widely popular tagline was later replaced with “Aaj Kuch Toofani Kartey Hai” for a more Indian connection, Taste the Thunder will always be memorable and iconic for its short and creative appeal. It perfectly describes the taste, fizz and excitement of the beverage.
33. Boost – Boost is the secret of our (my) energy
Since the 90s, Boost has earned a special place in the health beverage market with this catchy tagline. The fact that cricket celebrities like Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni have endorsed it, has only added to the brand’s value and mission.
34. Polo – The Mint with the Hole
The reason why this is one of the best company slogans is because it leverages the unique design in a highly competitive mint market. The tagline evokes curiosity and even trial.
35. Idea – An idea can change your life
In 2007, this meaningful tagline, coupled with Abhishek Bachhan as the brand ambassador, nudged Idea into the spotlight easily. It helped the brand to position itself as an innovator in the telecommunications industry.
36. Kingfisher – The King of Good Times
While the chairman of Kingfisher beer is currently embroiled in legal issues, there’s no denying that this tagline made the brand a household name very quickly. It connects the beer with happiness, fun and everything cool seamlessly.
37. Hero Honda – Desh ki Dhadkan
The reason why we consider this to be one of the best taglines ever is because of how it combines patriotic feelings with the powerful Hero bikes. Also note how the slogan hints at the affordability factor by targeting the common man through the word “Desh”.
38. Mentos – Dimag ki batti jala de
Here is another mint brand that gained a competitive edge through a unique and fun tagline. It focuses on how Mentos helps you think better and smarter and handle tricky situations! And thanks to some cool ads, the slogan works even without any scientific proof to support its claim.
39. LIC – Zindagi ke saath bhi, Zindagi ke baad bhi
It is easy to see how the Life Insurance Corporation built its image of trust and assurance with this slightly longish but memorable slogan. The average Indian can easily connect with it as the brand promises financial security of his loved ones now and in future.
40. Taj Mahal Tea – Wah Taj!
During the 1980s, the Wah Taj tagline was introduced to lend this renowned tea brand an Indian appeal. Since then, aided by celebrity endorsements, it has been closely associated with the brand’s promise of premium quality tea blends that delight the consumer with every sip.
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To wrap up
A good tagline is difficult to make but it’s a great way to differentiate your brand from billions of businesses out there. So, if you remember what we said in the beginning, the best taglines help build and protect your brand image for years and sometimes decades. They play a key role in spreading the word, pushing people to try your products and making loyalists out of them. So go ahead and share this inspirational list of taglines with anyone trying to think of a great tagline for their brand.
A remarkable tagline is essential, and it must be unique, and should clear up what your business is. Thanks for sharing some tips for creating a remarkable tagline for a business, I hope it will help so many business owners to create a better tagline for their business. Keep sharing more content like this.