“Just Do It.”
“I’m Lovin’ It.”
“Because You’re Worth It.”
Iconic taglines have a way of planting themselves in our brains and refusing to budge. They’re catchy, powerful and oh-so-simple. But how do you create a tagline that becomes unforgettable?
Here’s the good news… writing a killer tagline doesn’t require wizardry, it just takes a mix of creativity, clarity and a sprinkle of strategy.
What Makes a Tagline Iconic?
An iconic tagline connects with your audience on a deeper level. It’s memorable because it’s:
✅ Short and Snappy: No one’s memorising a paragraph. Keep it tight.
✅ Emotionally Resonant: It makes people feel something – pride, excitement, trust or even hunger.
✅ True to Your Brand: It captures who you are and what you stand for in just a few words.
People are more likely to recall short, rhythm-based slogans over longer, more complex messaging. That’s why brands like Nike, Apple, and McDonald’s have kept their taglines punchy and simple (MarTech Health).
Taglines are the ultimate mic-drop moment for your brand 🎤
How to Write a Tagline That Slaps…
1. Know What You Stand For
Your tagline is your brand’s mission boiled down into a single phrase. What’s your vibe? Your promise? Your personality?
💡Example: If you’re a Newcastle-based creative agency, your tagline might play into the city’s energy: “Big Ideas for a Bold Newcastle.”
2. Keep It Simple (But Not Boring)
Complex taglines don’t stick. Simplicity is your best friend. But remember – simple doesn’t mean dull. Aim for 3-6 words. Less if you’re feeling brave.
🚫 Bad: “Our Coffee is the Best in Newcastle and Beyond.” (Too long, too generic)
✅ Good: “Wake Up, Newcastle.” (Short, local and memorable!)
3. Make It Playful, Poetic or Punchy
A good tagline dances off the tongue. Use rhythm, alliteration or unexpected turns of phrase to make it fun to say.
Example: “Sip Happens” for a wine bar. It’s cheeky, playful and memorable 🍷
4. Sell the Feeling, Not the Product 🧠
People don’t buy things – they buy how things make them feel. Your tagline should reflect that.
Apple didn’t go with “We Make Great Computers.” They went with “Think Different.” See the difference?
Other great examples:
🕊️ Dove: “Real Beauty” (They’re not selling soap – they’re selling self-confidence.)
💄 L’Oréal: “Because You’re Worth It.” (It’s not just makeup – it’s self-empowerment.)
🪽 Red Bull: “Gives You Wings.” (It’s not about caffeine – it’s about energy, adventure and pushing limits.)
Your tagline should make people nod and think, Yes, that’s exactly how I want to feel!
5. Pass the ‘Would You Wear It on a T-Shirt?’ Test 👕
If you wouldn’t slap your tagline on a hoodie, billboard or bumper sticker, it’s probably not punchy enough.
Think about some of the best taglines in the world… They’d all look great on merch because they stand for something bigger than just a business.
Your tagline should be wearable, tweetable and unforgettable.
Tagline Hall of Fame: Words That Changed the Game
🏆👟 Nike: “Just Do It”
Simple. Bold. Motivating. This tagline empowers people to take action, no matter their level of athleticism.
🏆🍎 Apple: “Think Different”
Two words that perfectly sum up Apple’s innovative, boundary-pushing ethos.
🏆🍫 M&Ms: “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands”
Descriptive, playful and specific. It makes a promise and delivers.
Why Taglines Matter for Newcastle Branding
In a city as vibrant as Newcastle, where businesses range from boutique coffee shops to tech startups, an iconic tagline can set you apart. It’s your chance to claim your space, show off your personality and stick in the minds of your local audience.
Whether you’re creating a brand tagline for a café or a catchy slogan for a digital marketing agency, the goal is the same: Be remembered for your thing!
Let’s Create Something Iconic Together
At Wild & Free Media, we’re word nerds with a passion for coming up with taglines that stick. Whether you’re rebranding, launching or just want to freshen up your message, we’re here to help you find the words that make your brand unforgettable.
Ready to write your tagline mic-drop moment? Let’s chat and make magic happen.
