A Copyblogger Tagline Clinic…
In the Comment Section!

Oh, I’d be happy to help with a tagline clinic.

Sean
There…I stopped in.

Boomer writing about stuff mostly of interest to other boomers. No politics, few rants, attempted humor.

Real tag: Suitably old but mysteriously advanced.

I tell people, my blog lets me release my inner smart ass.

We’d be happy to come help as well. Sounds fun!

Thanks for the opportunity to get your advice. I started a blog for my photography site just a few months ago.

http://www.toddsmithphotography.com/transparency/

I currently use the tag line: “A blog about photography and seeing. Come see the world with me!”

I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.

Thanks

I’m pretty happy with my current tagline, but would love to see if theres anyway I can improve it.
DanZarrella.com: Viral Marketing and Social Media Scientist

Hi:
I have a personal finance blog called Think Your Way To Wealth- My tagline is “Helping You Increase Your Wealth By Making Smarter Personal Finance Decisions”
I think it describes my blog, but is awkward and/or lengthy.
Any suggestions?

Again, use parameters:
Problem.
Solution.
Target Audience.

At the very core, that’s what I want to see.
Just like at the restroom at the airport.

Target audience: Men/women.
Problem: Oooh, I have to go.
Solution: This way please.

Thanks for the opportunity to get your advice. I started a blog for my photography site just a few months ago.

http://www.toddsmithphotography.com/transparency/

I currently use the tag line: “A blog about photography and seeing. Come see the world with me!”

I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.

Thanks

@ RC - Not bad, but long and clumsy. Let’s see what we can do:

Helping You Increase Your Wealth By Making Smarter Personal Finance Decisions

Smart Finances to Increase your Wealth
Smart Decisions, Better Finances
Smart Choices for More Wealth

@ Todd - What benefit does that give the reader? Figure out why someone should view your photos or how they can benefit from your photos and your exposés

See Through My Eyes for Wider Perspective
See The World Without Leaving Home

OK, you got me curious now. How does the tagline at Middle Zone Musings stack up?

“It’s about lessons learned… from life.”

What do you guys think of the one for my site http://ScreenRant.com :

“TV and Movie News without the Sugar Coating”

I’ve refined it over time… it used to be the much more cumbersome:

“Sci-Fi, TV & Movie News & Reviews without the Sugar Coating”

Feedback appreciated, but I actually think it’s pretty good.

Thanks,

Vic

This is a great idea! A workshop in the comment section, love it!

I’d love feedback on my tagline too.

http://www.cprforyourbusiness.com

Thanks so much!

P.S. Thanks for taking the time to do this Tagline Clinic!

I guess I’ll be a little repetitive here…but not everyone will read every comment, so here here goes.

Problem.
Solution.
Target Audiece.

Target Audience:Who are you saving money for? Yoga teachers, baby boomers, men in black? That needs to be clear.

The problem: Define how you’re saving money. It’s too broad right now, and therefore waffly.

The solution:: What’s your solution?

These parameters will help you quickly get a message across that your customer understands. The most important thing is for the customer to know they’re the customer in the first place.

Our current tagline is “Save Money, Save The Planet.”

But after reading this article, it seems that the tagline might be a little too abstract to convey the message of what the blog is actually about.

Saving money was initially a focus of the blog, but not so much core to it now that I’ve published more articles. Saving the planet is the end goal, but really sounds a little too hyperbolic for my tastes.

Any ideas?

You have the parameters right.
You have a problem | solution | target audience.

Not sure what you mean by ‘attitude’ though.
However the tagline may just sneak through.

I may be tempted to just continue…because yes, it does move me along to see what’s next.

As for the question: Do you need a tagline? Well,just because other airports didn’t have a restroom sign, would you not prefer a restroom sign at your airport?

I am having a hard time coming up with a tagline for my gallery. I am not even sure if I should have a tagline because most high end contemporary art galleries don’t…But my focus is to showcase fine art in an environment that is welcoming and not intimidating like most other high end galleries, making it easier for new collectors to start buying original art.

So my tagline idea was: Contemporary Art Without the Attitude.

Feedback?

Are you saving them money, time, effort, learning curve?
What’s zee problem, mate? Define that for me.

S-

What about a blog for business people who want to create data visualizations but can’t use external sites like Swivel or ManyEyes and don’t have access to robust data tools like SpotFire or Tableau?

The audience is business people who have data to present (e.g., a product manager who wants to show brand penetration across U.S. markets) and who want to show this data in an innovative, thought-provoking manner.

The problem that person faces is that they are typically limited to using Excel or PowerPoint to get their point across. I’m going to help solve that problem with tutorials and other content so they can use Excel or PowerPoint but still produce fantastic data visualizations and “wow” their bosses/colleagues/CEO.

Tagline thoughts so far:
(1) Use Microsoft Office to visualize your business data
(2) Bring your data to life in applications you already have
(3) Powerful ways to visualize business data using Microsoft Office

Part of the problem is that I don’t want to limit myself to Microsoft’s applications because there are other lightweight apps people could use.

Any thoughts?

You don’t have to limit yourself to Microsoft’s applications, but be clear about the problem you’re solving and you won’t have to.

s-

Part of the problem is that I don’t want to limit myself to Microsoft’s applications because there are other lightweight apps people could use.

Any thoughts?

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on my tagline (Mentoring for freelance writers), James. It’s ‘what it says on the tin’ kind of line, but is it too dull?

For my new ning network at http://www.spiritwriters.com:

A community of inspirational writers and spirit channels lighting the world with words.

I seem to be missing the “problem” part, though. The aim is to publish our writings on our network profiles and blogs to get our writing seen more… also to share ideas for (self) publishing.

I’ll keep working on it. Thanks for the great clinic!

I don’t have a tagline. Should I?

WordPress Themes and a Bunch of Outdated Posts

I kid, I kid. Trying out the BC special.

Wordpress Themes that take the ‘arrrghh’ out of online business.

Wordpress Tips that take the ‘arrrghh’ out of online business.

I’d actually choose between the two…if you could.

Sean

Pearson:

WordPress Themes and Tips that Make Online Business Easy

Sean — “WordPress Themes” is mission-critical to my biz, so that’s got to be in there. The problem statement regarding online business is a perfect complement, too, I think, so thanks for pointing me in the right direction there!

How about:

Tips for Improving Business Performance with Social Media Tools

I could seriously do with a tagline for my email marketing blog:

http://www.stylecampaign.com/blog

Any help or suggestions would be fantastic…I don’t have anything right now.

What problems do I solve?

Right now I have a post: “8 Web friendly Camcorders (To suit all budgets)

My email marketing clients kept asking me what camcorder they should buy for web video. So I contacted some businesses already creating cool vids and passed on what model they use.

One thing that’s really important to me (not sure if it should be worked into a tagline) is even though the blogs on my company website it’s strictly non-promotional.

I started using my tagline as a placeholder, but would like to improve it. Any suggestions?

Hi,

Thanks for putting this on, it’s quite instructive.

Similar to Dan who is improving business visualizations, I have created (for now) an Excel template that allows inventors and entrepreneurs who know diddly about accounting or Excel to make their custom business model and financial statements in an hour or so. I’m completely redoing the site and the software, and so now’s the perfect time for a tagline.

Problem: Entrepreneurs know their products and customers, but don’t understand their “business” and often can’t speak bankerese or investorese. So they either hire a very expensive consultant on whom they become overly dependent, or slap something together that does nobody any good.

Solution: EZ Numbers enables anyone to make their own, dynamic financial statements (Cash Flow, P&L, Balance Sheet, investor performance) the same day they meet with a potential investor.

Target: Shown above.

Before seeing the admonishment to avoid cute, I’d thought about:

-Because Business is Hard Enough
-Words Open, Numbers Close

Now I’ve been successfully nudged more towards something like:

-Anyone Can Make Their Own Financials and Raise Money for their Start-Up

But it needs some doctorin’!

Thanks,
Paul

Chris Brogan…You can write better headlines. It’s a matter of structure. Knowing what works–and why it works. Parameters help.

If you want to write better headlines, we have a 8 page document that helps you do just that–and do it consistently. Email me.

Sean

Thanks Sean, I will leave it out and keep it short and sweet. Concentrate on what problems I solve and come up with a few ideas over lunch today!

Wow, there’s so much good advice here I’m almost nervous submitting my tagline…but here goes anyway:

Target Audience: People like me, interested in consumer technology and communications ideas / strategies.

The problem: Some technology (especially related to online communications) is way too jargony and geeky for my friends & Mom

The solution: I try and distill it down to something that’s understandable (or at least can be followed by) my mom.

The Tagline: Communications and technology in manageable, byte-size pieces

Your thoughts?

@ Brad Grier – Byte-Sized Technology In Easy-to-Understand Language

@ Chris Brogan - Men with Pens: Where Ninjas Don’t Have Nothin’ on Chartrand’s Taglines

Often the answer is located in your own words. You say it fine, then completely fudgleegoop it with ‘tagline speak.’ So notice what you’re saying:

target: inventors
problem: who know diddly about accounting
solution: make financial statements in an hour or less.

Speak easy, mate!

-Sean

For info, my main blog title is:

“The Extreme Buzz Marketing Guru & His Killer Bunnies”

My TAGLINE is: “Because everyone is entitled to my opinion”

I break most of the rules, but then, that is the style of my blog. So it fits. Should I change anyway?

Zee customer not care if you be ‘coachman’ or ‘village medicine guy.’ He care about ‘transition’ and the bouncity-bounce from ‘cubicle to home business.’

Zee transition is the key.
That’s the problem you solve.

Not care about ‘coach man’
Sean
===========

One more question….
I’m a business coach, but the word “coaching” can often be misunderstood and I’ve been reluctant to use it in the tag. Is it better with or without?

“Coaching from corporate cubicle to home business”
or simply
“from corporate cubicle to home business”

What about the generalists?

I started off with GameFinance as a blog concentrating on the financial/business side of the video game industry, but though lack of time, it sort of foundered.

Lately, I have been using the site as more of a generalist blog, focusing on the things that intrest me: Games, Music, Social Media.

Since I made that switch, it has been alot easier to write, because I feel less constrained in what I am doing.

I can still write about the game industry, as an analyst/commentator, but I can write about whatever else intrigues me each day.

Right now, I am using the original tag: playing with 10-ks so you don’t have to.

It’s not bad, but I could be better.

So how do generalists tag their blogs?

I feel like my last reply has been lost in the shuffle — any thoughts related to the following would be great!

-repost-

Sean, excellent help — I feel like I’m getting somewhere, if my brain can work just a little faster…

The problem is that they know pie charts are a problem in general. The person wants to improve how they communicate data but they
(a) can’t use an external site
(b) don’t have data tools in-house
(c) don’t want to learn how to program

The person has seen “cool” visualizations on-line through yahoo or digg; they may have even explored swivel or many eyes. They know who Edward Tufte and Stephen Few are — essentially, they are enthusiasts without tools.

I want them to get excited about the possibility of doing those types of interactive visualizations themselves without extensive programming. They’ll be able to download powerpoint and excel templates, add in their data, modify some parameters, and off they go.

If you’re asking, you probably know that it doesn’t sit too well. Or doesn’t say much. If your bank balance depended on a client staying or leaving (based on your tag line) would you keep it or change it to something that makes sense?

Rules, even when broken, are broken with structure in mind. Lack of structure is chaos.
Even a thief breaks a rule (steals etc) knowing what to expect, and knowing how not to get caught. The druggie on the other hand just simply wants money for his dope, doesn’t follow ‘thief rules’ and spends time in jail.

Long answer to short question.

Sean
============

For info, my main blog title is:

“The Extreme Buzz Marketing Guru & His Killer Bunnies”

My TAGLINE is: “Because everyone is entitled to my opinion”

I break most of the rules, but then, that is the style of my blog. So it fits. Should I change anyway?

The key to the tagline, Dan, is to get me to the headline. It’s not to get me to understand your entire business.

So find out their biggest problem:

improve how they communicate data but they
(a) can’t use an external site
(b) don’t have data tools in-house
(c) don’t want to learn how to program

Choose from the above

Then in your headline (and subheadline) give them the rest of the stuff.

Sean

@EdShaz - a lot of visitors to my site are newbies. They’re marketing or product mgt or PR professionals, or they’re corporate internal comms types, and they have “heard” the words social media, but don’t know where the rubber meets the road.

My goal is converting blather into action. I want to show people actual ROI on these tools, and give them recipes to go cook their own cake.

Hi! Great opportunity, thanks. My website is
http://www.rockandrollmama.com, and is aimed at helping moms maintain their musical identities after having children.

The tagline is “Because you’ve still got it.”

But people seem to prefer another phrase on the site “Keeping you inner Janis alive.”

Thanks for any feedback…

Thanks Sean — simply typing these things out helped a lot (plus your advice of course…)

@ Chris Brogan — …I’m partial to your ‘converting blather into action’ as a tagline. Simple. Fun. Bottom-line oriented.

Problem.
Solution.
Target.

First make sure you get that through, Cynthia.
Right now the problem you seem to describe is a bit vague. Get more specific.

What are creative goals?
I’m a cartoonist… You can tell me, Cynthia

Sean

Gulp. Here goes.

My company is Original Impulse and I coach creative people - writers, artists and business people to achieve their creative goals. My current tag line:

Life As a Creative Adventure

What a cool idea.
I recently started a site for selling ebooks containing research on the topic of cholesterol. The name of the site is The Missing Facts. The purpose is to provide factual information that may be missing or distorted in the common commercial-oriented information channels. I intend to extend this to other topics in the future.

My current tagline: What you don’t know may help you.
Obviously, this is a play on “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.”

All suggestions considered with humility.

Glenn

Still too vague.
What is technology?

e.g. Easy-to-understand podcasting techniques.

vs.

Easy-to-understand technology.

==============

Also: Putting in too much is a problem:

Byte-Sized, Easy-to-Understand Podcasting techniques
vs.

Easy-to-understand podcasting techniques.

The tagline is only meant to get me going to the headline. And ideally it should have:

1) Problem
2) Solution
3) Target (specific)

Sean

I won’t dispute your position.
If that’s what you want, it’s what you want.

If you want clarity, then hey, there’s a system.
I’m happy that you won the award, but awards are not often a benchmark for clarity. They’re a benchmark for what’s cool.

As an advertising copywriter, in one of the world’s biggest agencies, the coolest ads would win awards. And the business would go down the gurgler (award and all).

I’m not saying you should change it.
But would I recommend you change it?

Si.

With all due respect…

Sean

Sean,

That is the issue though, my livelyhood is not dependant on my blog… hence why I can break the mould and not take it too seriously.

In fact, I think it is perhaps the only non-profit marketing blog on the net (is that an oxymoron?)

I realise I am in a privileged position though, and I wouldn’t recommend others to do the same, but I do have a license to mess around.

I actually won an award for my current tagline, it was voted one of the best on the web. (god knows how it slipped through the net)

@Dean - that’s mostly a swipe at Joseph (meant with love) but I’ll fill you in at some point so you’ll appreciate the good-natured joke.

@Brian - you know, I kind of like that. Will muse on that a bit more.

@ Brad – To my eyes, the comma stops the flow. Keep that flow going.

Byte-Sized Technology You Can Understand

Meh. I like the other one better

@ Rock n’ Roll Mama – Well, what happens if someone doesn’t know who Janis is? (I know, I know. It could happen… clarity!)

@ Bob Younce – Helping Internet writers to achieve their dreams

It’s not bad at all, but it’s ‘chewy’. How about:

Helping Web Writers Reach Their Dream?

@ Glenn - What you don’t know may help you.

To me, this is way too vague and too clever. What’s your mission, what are the benefits, what’s your adjective? How about:

Discover the Missing Facts for Better Health?

@ Brian/Chris – Using Bullshit to Create Business

Ok, now I’m really out of here…

Back to Psychotactics land.

-Sean

Thanks for your reply.
That is a concern, the fact that someone may not know who Janis is.
So as it stands, There’s a logo which holds “Rock and Roll Mama”, then s freestanding tagline that says “Because you’ve still got it.”

Too vague? Thanks.

@ Sean and @ James - Thanks for the thoughts, fellas. You’ve given me something to ponder.

@ James Chartrand — good thoughts on the comma, and the whole concept (Kudos!).

Obviously I need to give this more work, but have a meeting to get to so will revisit this thread later.

Thanks for the help! It’s appreciated.

– Brad

Wow great idea to do this here. Been doing a redesign of our site got 1 section and home page left to do. I’ve been having problems coming up with a phenomenal tagline. We have a temporary one right now on the new design under the logo.

The main problem is for us is that our site is multi-topic online magazine ranging from parenting to fashion to gardening to home improvement to travel. About 12 main topics and hundreds of sub topics and growing.

We are not just solving any one certain problem but we try to remain positive about our subjects. Even negative subjects (such as loosing a loved one) we still pace our readers into a positive outlook and perception. Pretty much we are positive in sharing information, thoughts, ideas, experiences, etc. about improving and enjoyment of life. Combined with a community that also allows our readers to share along with us.

Right now our temporary tagline goes: Sharing The Pleasure Of Living.

What we want to do is remain positive in the tagline. We also would like to emphasize a “togetherness” feel to it that implies that we are a community of authors (articles and information we write) as well as readers helping each other, solving problems, sharing experiences, improving something, etc. The community feel could help pull the articles we write and our discussion forums together as we are kind of a hybrid if you will. (Forums are not separate from main content but worked into the content and structure of the site.)

Really just want something that can resonate with readers to compel them to not just read but to hop in and share along with us.

If you all have any suggestions let me know.

Brian et al,

Thanks for this wonderful opportunity. Hope it’s not too late in the day to get help.

One of my missions is to help biz owners pay less in taxes. Current tagline is pretty weak: “helping you lower your taxes.” My son quips that I can make LIFE tax-deductible, but that’s a little over the top.

Prob: Many businesses don’t take all the tax deductions they could. Soln: I translate IRS-speak into English so they can understand their options, save money. Audience: Small business owners, particularly solo and home-based entrepreneurs.

Current product = eBook/audio explaining Home Office Deduction. Work-in-process = eBook/audio on choosing the best business structure (understanding the tax consequences and when limited liability really isn’t limited).

Web sites http://www.TaxesForSmallbusiness.com, http://www.TaxDeductionForHomeOffice.com.

My other mission is to help those same small biz owners save time and money on their admin tasks. My ezine is called e-fficiency and the tagline is “helping you learn how to get the most from your computer.”

Prob: sm biz owners have limited time & funds; much software is too expensive, difficult to use. Soln: I find free & low-cost software/services to help them work smarter. Also give shortcuts/strategies for being more productive. Audience: technically challenged & cash-strapped entrepreneurs.

Web site: http://www.SherylSchuff.com

I know that my copywriting and taglines need work and am eager to get your input. Thanks.

Sheryl

P.S. I’m great with numbers!

Bob Younce : how about “From PC to Print”

You may want to be positive, but by that you’re suggesting something that your brain can’t comprehend.

Namely, that the brain doesn’t understand solutions, unless it understands a problem. So if we go back to the year 2000 and I say: Hey do you want an iPod? (solution), you’re asking: What is an iPod and why would I want it.

You’re automatically assuming that a problem is ‘negative.’ But it’s not. When there’s a chair in your way, it’s a problem. When you don’t have bread in the fridge, it’s a problem. When the kids are late to school, c’est un problem. But where’s the negative aspect? It doesn’t exist.

Your client needs to detect the problem first. You may ‘not want to be negative’; not highlight the problem…and therefore end up with all the taglines that don’t work.

Sure I’ve been rough with you on this post, but it’s important for you to get the point.

Sean
http://www.psychotactics.com

@ Sheryl - How about:

Helping You Deduct your Life (or Almost!) from Your Taxes

@ Van - Saving You Time and Money, One Telecom at a Time

@ James Joyner - An Online Journal of Political and Foreign Affairs

In your case, remember that a tagline isn’t always about branding. It’s about clarity, direction and giving fast information so that people can stick or move on. It’s not really there to make you look good per se, though that’s great when that happens.

The tagline isn’t WOW, but it’s clear and solid.

Inside the World of Political and Foreign Affairs is all I can think of, to be honest (maybe I need more coffee).

There is so much advice floating around about tag lines it can get very confusing…I had heard it was good to ask a question, but it’s so not working for me.

I have my website that is a directory of birthday freebies and discounts from businesses nationwide that people can search by state to find local offers. I also have a blog to compliment it. The blog provides featured businesses, product reviews/giveaways, and frugal birthday tips.

http://www.freebirthdaytreats.com
http://www.freebirthdaytreatsblog.com

My target market is the frugal shopper: college students, parents, singles, seniors

My tag line is:

“What are you getting free for your birthday?”

But should it be something like this?

“Find local businesses offering birthday freebies and discounts for adults, kids and pets using this nationwide online directory.”

I like my tagline for http://www.ruethedayblog.com, but I’m wondering if it really says enough, “The best of the internet…and beyond.”
The site is very broad for alternative-minded people (best description I can make), and features links, quotes, stories, news and more.

Also, my other blog, http://www.strangerswithhobbies.com, really needs a tagline and I just can’t come up with one.
It’s a catch all for hobbies and covers how-to-do hobbies, weird hobbies and more.

Any advice?

Great learning opportunities here. Thank you!

My blog, which will focus on product launch/online strategies for service-based entrepreneurs, is “this close” to being ready for viewing and the tagline I’m putting forth at the moment is: Practical online sales and product marketing strategies for soul-inspired entrepreneurs.

Any suggestions? (And thanks in advance.)

@Sean: US Federal income taxes for businesses (Sch C for sole proprietors/single member LLCs, Form 1120/1120 S for corporations

@ James: since I have privileges of practicing before the IRS, I gotta be real careful not to sound scammy; also think I need to be clear that I work with businesses, not individuals

Note: I don’t prepare the tax returns, I teach folks about the regs so they can make better decisions, work better with their own tax preparer.

Any ideas for my computer related activities?

If you guys are still on duty… I’ve used “When You’ve Got Something to Say” for years. It worked for my business presentations consulting business. It kind of works for my social media, well, whatever you would call what I am doing now in social media.

But when I reordered my business card yesterday, I deleted the line.

More and more my focus is on helping understand, interpret and apply the benefits social media (specifically microsharing/microblogging) could bring to people inside the workplace. As in, using social media to better connect to one another and be more effective in their careers and lives.

It’s a lot to ask, since I have not provided a ton of detail, but does anything come to mind?

Warmly, Pistachio

Hi guys, my site, GrownHeadz.com, is a hip-hop site for adults (hence the name). The tagline is “For Adults Who Love Hip-Hop.”

We post reviews, videos and snippets of albums from hip hop artists with a more mature outlook, something adult listeners can relate to. We also talk politics and pop culture, and we have a financial column. Our target audience are still fans of the music, but are alienated from the values in mainstream hip-hop and don’t have the time to hunt around for quality underground music. So we want to connect the audience with the artists who might otherwise miss their fanbase.

We’d toyed around with “Got a degree, got a mortgage, got kids. Still love hip-hop.” But that seemed a little eh.

Any help would be appreciated!

James I’m going to get you in trouble with Harry if you suggest a better tagline for my new site, which I’m so happy to say you all are designing.

My new tag line is “The Authority Site on How to Start a Freelance Writing Career” — AND Harry’s already put in in the new banner (I’m just warning you).

Gee Brian, I wish you’d done this series a few weeks ago, then James wouldn’t possibly have to get in troube with Harry

FYI, I’m not gonna change it b/c it says exactly what my site is all about, but I’m curious as to what you think and/or would come up with.

Excellent suggestions you’ve made to some of the posters here. I’m gonna start calling you King “Copy” James!

Yuwanda

I would LOVE help with my new tagline! Right now it is: “Helpful resources for teachers, students, and parents…”

I sell literature guides/curriculum, plus provide help w/ grammar, writing, etc…

I just launched it Sunday! Thank You!

I’ve been on deadline all week on a website job. But here are a few of my tag takes and remakes - so many splendid suggestions!

In no particular order …

@Cynthia Morris … For Original Impulse

Reframe Your Life As a (for) Creative Adventure, Starting Now.

@ Dj A- See

“For Adults with Hip-Hop Attitude.”
“Hip Hop for the (Hip) Geezer Who Lives Within”
“Hip Hop for Geezers Who Need a Skosh More Room” (boomers will remember this take on Levis Dockers.)

Gotta run. Kids wanna watch Wife Swap (Learn how to be happy with the wife you have in just 2 weeks!)

Keep it simple.
“Guaranteed Steps To Save Money On Your Telecom Expenses”

What a great idea…so here it goes -

5 Easy Steps Guaranteed To Save Money On Your Telecom Expenses and free up your time of handling telecom related problems

I am a telecom broker and i can guarantee businesses the lowest rates and i go one step further than most in i take over handling their telecom related problems, which is always inevitable.

Thanks in advance,

Jill: It doesn’t.
Use the parameters.

1) problem.
2) solution
3) target

Otherwise it’s just a pretty line.

Sean
———-
I like my tagline for http://www.ruethedayblog.com, but I’m wondering if it really says enough, “The best of the internet…and beyond.”

I write a blog on where I give tips on giving excellent customer service, and point out key mistakes of other companies, so my clients can avoid those mistakes. The name of the site is customerservicesizzle.com, and the current tagline is “Service Secrets that Create Loyal Customers.” I’d love thoughts from the experts.

Thanks,

Jerry

Examining life’s nutty problems with simple philosophy

Sean,

Thanks for replying. Let’s see if I can answer the questions…

Problem: Internet littered with lots of shallow, obvious and vague tips on life, health, and well-being (e.g. exercise 3 times a week, or, reduce your stress). Like duh.

Solution: In my blog, I try to go deeper to help people get a different perspective on life problems. I read social science research, philosophy, literature and integrate information from different sources to bring people meaningful advice that they can implement.

Target: People with a philosophical bent who want to think more deeply about the best way to live.

Is all of this too vague? I guess I just want my blog to be a forum for delving deeply into life’s issues. I realize that’s not a niche so I’m not sure what audience to address.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Julie

I have a personal injury law practice. All the so-called legal marketing experts say to forgo the tag line, but I tend to study and follow more of the non-legal marketing material. My site is intended (still growing) to be an educational based marketing site where a client can come and learn about personal injury cases before talking to a lawyer, etc. I am using whitepapers, etc.

The tag line I have been considering is:
“Determine your case by learning your case.”

Your thoughts?

Yup, Sonia’s right.
Good tagline–perfect, in fact.

Hmph, get stuck in meetings for a day and I miss ALL THE FUN.

Brogan, you’re better at this than you think you are. I think “Helping You Convert Social Media Blather Into Action” is a winner. If I’m a PR or marketing person who’s just been informed she has to figure out this whole damned social media thing, I see that tagline and immediately start reading.

Developing a site that will teach you how to beat the market (seriously). Here are some thoughts, anyone have suggestions?

Free Yourself By Learning To Beat The Market

(ultimate benefit expressed clearly)

Teach Yourself [How] To Beat The Market

(no ultimate benefit, but simple & succint, ‘how’ is optional)

Secure Your Financial Future By Learning To Beat The Market

(dry & no ultimate benefit)

Any suggestions? Thanks!

@Sally J (Practical Archivist) - I’m a professional organizer and I read your blog, and direct people to it. So maybe professional organizers are part of your “target” that Sean refers to.

I hate to be blunt, but there’s no such thing as an implied problem. Now you can pay attention to what you believe in, or you can pay attention to what works.

And we’ve tested this over the past 6 years (at the very least) in every country and language that we could. And in dozens of situations. And in every darned instance it works.

So you’ve got a choice.
You can ignore me.
Or not.

Sean
http://www.psychotactics.com

Thanks for the input everyone.

Sean,

I do have a different opinion on stating a problem and solution.

“Namely, that the brain doesn’t understand solutions, unless it understands a problem. So if we go back to the year 2000 and I say: Hey do you want an iPod? (solution), you’re asking: What is an iPod and why would I want it. ”

Your ipod example:

Yes, just asking “Hey do you want an iPod” has little meaning. An Ipod is just an OBJECT not a solution that yes can be beneficial and solve a problem but not enough meaning is given to the statement for those who do not already know what an ipod is. So in a way I do agree. But an exact problem does not have to be stated.

Remember: Problem, Solution, Benefit

A problem can be IMPLIED through stating a benefit as part of the solution. The benefit is the link between problem and solution whether the problem is stated or not - OR - If the SOLUTION is stated or not. As in this example: “Hey, do you want your iPod to hold more songs?” The benefit is clear…the problem is implied…the solution isn’t stated.

“With This Tweak Your Ipod Can Now Hold Twice As Many Songs!”

Your brain looks for meaning in the benefit so it tries to find past experience and/or “CREATES” experiences to link it to. Even though the problem isn’t stated…my brain linked to some possible problems.

So…

Reading the above example got me to think that my ipod has a little bit of room left. I can imagine here shortly that it will be full and I will have to dump a bunch of songs fiddle around with what I want to listen to every day etc. Uggg…

So the implied problem is that my ipod has a certain amount of space to hold all my songs. So I have to jog everything around. The solution is “This Tweak” and the benefit is “MyIpod Can Now Hold Twice As Many Songs!”

Catch what I am saying?

@ Everyone - Great stuff going on. I’ll sit down in the morning and do some tagline Ninja à la James for you all.

Cheers!

@Sean:

Revised and gridded per your request:

Our website: EBSQ Self-Representing Artists http://www.ebsqart.com

Problem: artists, often without access to (or interest in) traditional high-end galleries and licensing deals, want to take control of their art careers and sell directly to the public but don’t know where to start

Solution: we provide a way for artists to connect with each other, easily show their work online, give them easy-to-use marketing tools, exhibition opportunities, and the ability to link to other places where they sell online (we’re currently a portfolio site only, not a sales venue . Think Flickr for art, although we predate them by about 4 years)

Target: artists who are interested in selling online exclusively or in addition to traditional venues, many of whom live outside of urban/art centres, and who may or may not be interested in connecting with a larger artist community

Current tag: Get out of the vacuum and express yourself!

@Sean - Commenting again and putting it in your required format.

Problem: New parents are overwhelmed when a new baby arrives home. Moms have challenges with breastfeeding. New parents are sleep deprived. Parents of premature or sick babies need to keep track of critical information. Moms go back to work. They want to know what is happening with their babies. Parents don’t have easy ways to share in one location milestones, baby activities, and create first year baby album with family tree.

Solution: Web and mobile software to help new parents communicate about childcare, understand their baby’s patterns and cues, manage their schedules, and make the transition into parenthood easier. Our apps help track breastfeeding, bottle feeding, diapers, medicine, pumping, immunizations, sleep as well as create a milestone based online baby first year album with family tree. You can see our parent stories here: http://www.babblesoft.com/testimonials.php

Target: New parents, Expecting parents, people buying baby shower gifts who like to use the Internet and mobile devices.

Current tagline: “Easy-to-Use Web and Mobile Solutions for a New Generation of Parents… ”

Previous taglines: Web and Mobile Solutions That Make the transition into parenthood easier; Making the transition into parenthood easier…

Aruni
company: http://www.babblesoft.com
blog: http://www.entrepreMusings.com

@Brogan - too long. “Converting Social Media Blather into Profits” makes more of a promise than “action”, and indicates your audience: business.

I finally figured out a half-way decent tagline for Gateway Blogging: Transform Your Blog into a Gateway that Turns Readers into Buyers. I’d like it to be shorter, but just “Turn Readers into Buyers” might be too short.

Remarkablogger tagline is a total no-brainer that has served me well: Remarkable blog consulting and coaching.

Awesome job, James, Sean, and others. This rocks.

Great thread, Brian!

Do any of the experts have comments on the SEO implications of the recommended approaches?

For example, how much do you weigh the trade off between a shorter tagline vs. more keywords.

Rock and Roll Mama, please answer the following

1) What is the problem?
2) What’s the solution?
3) Target?

Hi! Great opportunity, thanks. My website is
http://www.rockandrollmama.com, and is aimed at helping moms maintain their musical identities after having children.

The tagline is “Because you’ve still got it.”

But people seem to prefer another phrase on the site “Keeping you inner Janis alive.”

Thanks for any feedback…

Amie:
For artists that are sick of snooty galleries.

Sean
http://www.psychotactics.com

@ David - Determine your case by learning your case

Alright, so you learn my case. Then you determine it. Then what? What’s in it for me? What makes you different from all the other lawyers out there? What’s the benefit for people?

@ Georg - Clear Cut Concepts for the New Breed Network Marketer.

Well, heifer’s a breed, but I like to think that I’m James

How about Straightforward Business-Building Strategies for New Marketers

@ Mike - Leadership, Communications, Strategy, and Operations Taught By Dynamic
Practitioners”

That’s a long, long one. Cut that down, bring it to size and focus more. There’s also no benefits to a reader. How about this?:

Improving Your Business with Dynamic Leadership Strategies

@ Yuwanda - The Authority Site on How to Start a Freelance Writing Career

Hmmm, for your intents and purposes, I’d keep that one with just some minor tweaks. Instead of “how to start”, why not put “build”? It’s shorter with more impact. Could you add an adjective to that career? A successful freelance writing career? A fulfilling one?

@ Kristen - Helpful resources for teachers, students, and parents…”

Where’s the benefits? So what? Why should I read this? How about this instead:

Teaching Resources that Help Students Learn Better

@ Séamus Anthony - Doing One Thing Every Day

Well, what’s a *thing*? Why do you do one thing? Why should I as a reader care about that? How does this change my life?

@ Jerry - Service Secrets that Create Loyal Customers

The ’service secrets’ reminds me of something sneaky like the Secret Service. But overall, this one is good. What you offer, an adjective and what the benefits are.

Customer Service Secrets to Create Loyal Clients

How’s that?

@ Aruni - Easy-to-Use Web and Mobile Solutions for a New Generation of Parents

How about:

New Baby Resources for Plugged-In Parents (and Peace of Mind!)

@ Steve H - Father and Son….and $10 in 30 days

I’d actually work on leaving that $10 open for growth instead of making it look like that’s all you want. Alright, so benefits to reader? None. You’ll need that too.

Learning How to Grow $10 into Substantial Money for a Better Future

Long, but you get the picture. Trim this down. Think a bit. What do you give to people? (your learning on how to grow) Benefits? (better future and substantial money).

@ Jeremy – Which market? Stock market? Online market? Business niche market?

Tips on How to Beat the Market to Secure your Future

@ Michele - The Step-by-Step System for Taking Charge of your Life

Teaching You How to Organize your Life One Step at a Time

James: I have to go out to pick up a car - I’ll think about your questions and get back to you on that later today.

The tagline for my freelance writing/editing business is “Solving Your Word Problems.” Skirts the edge of cutesy, but it seems to play well. A lot of my clients are scientists.

Sean said: “Amie:
For artists that are sick of snooty galleries.

Sean
http://www.psychotactics.com”

My problem with this solution is two-fold: a lot of our members would LOVE to eventually have work in a gallery, but currently don’t have access to one due to being self-taught or not being close to an urban centre. I don’t want them to think these aspirations mean this isn’t the place for them, or that by showing their work on our site they are running the risk of antagonizing potential brick & mortar opportunities.

Also, a lot of our members DO show their work in galleries but we are their primary (or secondary) online presence for their work. I don’t want to scare these people away, particularly since these are quite often our more talented members (and good art seems to attract more good art).

Our previous tag was “Find Art. Share Art. Support Living Artists.” which we felt expressed what you could do on this site, and that it was a place for both artists and people who want to view or purchase work from those artists. Conversations with Liz Strauss brought about our current tag “Get out of the vacuum and express yourself!” since it was a call to action specifically to artists to be part of our community (since they’re the ones that pay to be members). We want our artists to know that they’re not alone in figuring out how to be an artist in the 21st century since the internet has literally levelled the playing field and new rules are evolving if you want to be successful.

I think I understand how you came to that particular tag line for us, but now I am just left really confused.

-Amie
http://www.ebsqart.com

re Séamus Anthony - Doing One Thing Every Day

“Well, what’s a *thing*?”

An action to get music career or activity happening to a satisfying degree.

“Why do you do one thing?”

Aimed at those musicians who let excuses os whatever variety stop them from doing anything much to get it together as a muso. One Thing Everyday adds up (and is easier than several per day if you have a job, family etc).

Why should I as a reader care about that?

Because you are a frustrated musician looking for a simple method to overcome complete inertia.

How does this change my life?

Hopefully you overcome complete inertia and start kicking some butt

Hi everyone, I write a personal finance blog at (http://www.bargaineering.com/articles) and I’ve been struggling to find a tagline that explains such a broad topic.

Current tagline: “earn more | save more | live more | enjoy more ”

Problem: Finances is confusing, boring, sometimes hard.

Solution: I discuss all matters of personal finance so that it’s not confusing, inject some of my humor to make it not boring, and people can ask questions for the things that are hard.

Target: Anyone who handles money.

Thanks!

@Carol … The thing about weight-loss programs is they involve more work than people generally want to invest. People want a quick fix - a painless solution — so the tag needs to communicate ease.

My suggestion: “Think yourself thin.”

@ Martin - Please post 1. Problem 2. Solution 3. Target

Thanks.

Sean,
Thanks for the reply. Here’s my thought:

Problem: People want to create (a business, a book, a body of art, a life that they really love) but how to do it with all the other responsibilities and blocks (fears) that arise?
Solution: Do it your way with my simple, personalized approach to making things happen
Target: (Mostly) women who want more authenticity and expression in their lives.

Sorry Michael

Newbie Checklist

1. Problem: Newbies feel lost, frustrated and stuck
2. Solution: A checklist that analyses where the problems are and shows how to overcome them.
3. Target: Newbie Marketers

Internet Video Television
1. Problem: People feel too technically challenged to put a decent video online.
2. Solution: Easy to use guides, videos and software
3. Target: Inexperienced people who want to make/upload videos

Thanks.

@ Paul – Solving Your Word Problems

Where’s the benefit to clients? Remember, it’s all about “So what?”

@ Carol/Michael – I go with Roberta’s version or “Thinking Your Way Thinner”

@ Seamus - Doing One Thing Every Day

How about:

Eliminating Excuses So That You Overcome Inertia?

@ Jim - “earn more | save more | live more | enjoy more ”

Not bad, not bad… benefits en masse… How about:

Fun Finances to Help You Earn More, Live More and Enjoy More

@ Mike/Amie/Mama – You guys are with Sean, so I won’t double back

@ Martin Luxton - End Newbie Pain Step By Easy Step/ YOU! Can Make An Internet Video

How about:

Teaching You Home Videos the Easy Way
Helping Newbies on the Net Navigate Marketing Successfully

@ George – What’s traditional business these days? It’s offline, online and anywhere you can get it. I think it’s okay to make your reach to both groups – the world is going that way, so why not ride the wave?

@ Brian – Ha, you’re hired! (But don’t forget the benefits!)

People, without a clear benefit-after-the-buy in your tagline, it isn’t effective. People need to see the result before they even start to be interested in your blog/product/service. So put that end result right there where they can see it - make it easy to want what you have.

I’m working on a blog for a public library and need to come up with a tagline I can use all over the web. Public library taglines are usually cheesy puns (all booked up) but i want something blunter like, say,

Read more books
or
Find the right info fast

but better!

@ Alex - Now that is fulfilling to hear. Yes, we can all shoot off fast advice for a few seconds of fun and some impact, but to hear that someone sat down and had a think about everything means that I’ve managed to do my job well - drive-by shooting as it was.

Cheers, and if you need help, please feel free to contact me.

James (and Brian :-))

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.

Martin

Hi - my post is #128 and I didn’t stick to the checklist…sorry…

Problem: Finding what’s free for birthday’s can be very time consuming and offers are difficult to locate. Consumers are usually under the assumption that they have to settle for free desserts from restaurants instead of the multitude of free and discounted offers actually available for adults, kids and pets.

Solution: Easy to use online directory of businesses nationwide that visitors can browse to find local offers to enjoy.

Target: Frugal shoppers - college students, singles, parents, seniors

Current tag line: “What are you getting free for your birthday?”

Any advice, comments or thoughts are appreciated! Thank you so much!

“Sometimes the best taglines are simple statements of benefits.”

@ Brian Killian - Whew…After the comment I got earlier from Sean it you kinda reinforced my thoughts I posted earlier. For a bit I thought my thinking was all wrong.

@james Wow you are quick to come up with some taglines! Good stuff that people can work off of. Very well done

This is a good example of how the problem adds a little punch…This was Brian K’s work…just so you know.

“An easier way to lose weight”

= Only solution. And it works. But look below from the same post.

“(How To) Lose weight, not breath”

And see how the problem suddenly pops up, creating a factor of specificity. The earlier statement is simply one of many, many statements you’ll see if you look at weight-reduction sites. How many weight-reduction sites talk about ‘breath’ (or other specifics).

This is the power of the problem.
Ignore it at your risk.

Sean
http://www.psychotactics.com/blog

What’s the problem?
Solution?
Target?

List them.

Sean

I have a personal injury law practice. All the so-called legal marketing experts say to forgo the tag line, but I tend to study and follow more of the non-legal marketing material. My site is intended (still growing) to be an educational based marketing site where a client can come and learn about personal injury cases before talking to a lawyer, etc. I am using whitepapers, etc.

The tag line I have been considering is:
“Determine your case by learning your case.”

Your thoughts?

What’s the problem?
Solution?
Target?

List them.

Sean

I have a personal injury law practice. All the so-called legal marketing experts say to forgo the tag line, but I tend to study and follow more of the non-legal marketing material. My site is intended (still growing) to be an educational based marketing site where a client can come and learn about personal injury cases before talking to a lawyer, etc. I am using whitepapers, etc.

The tag line I have been considering is:
“Determine your case by learning your case.”

Your thoughts?

I have a personal injury law practice. All the so-called legal marketing experts say to forgo the tag line, but I tend to study and follow more of the non-legal marketing material. My site is intended (still growing) to be an educational based marketing site where a client can come and learn about personal injury cases before talking to a lawyer, etc. I am using whitepapers, etc.

The tag line I have been considering is:
“Determine your case by learning your case.”

Your thoughts?

@sean
@brian

Do you have any further suggestions for me?

#s 116/117/122/134

Many thanks.

Sheryl:

Problem
Solution
Target.

Tell me these three, and I’ll help

Sean

@ Sean.

#192 - thoughts? May have gone a little overboard in providing context but it’s relevant for understanding who we are, what we do and who we target. Would love suggestions.

Thanks James for your feedback. I thought it was too long already, which is why I “took out” the word successful. Your insight is invaluable just the same.

Wow, great comments, and great ideas here!

OK, my client is a web-based audio transcription service where you upload your audio file, a transcriptionist converts your audio to text, then you download the finished work product.

Their current tagline is very straightforward: “We Convert Spoken Audio Into Text”. I think it’s a little too straightforward (is that possible?) and a tad cumbersome. My initial suggestion was “Putting Your Words in Writing”, but that may be a little too abstract. My other thoughts are “Converting Audio Into Text” and “Audio Transcription Made Simple”.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
Kari

@ Venka - Ooh, I like that. How about:

Designer Lighting to Make Your World Shine

@ Sharon - Ahhh, good one. How about:

Words That Help you Launch Your Writing Career
Experience, Expert and Extra Helpful for Your Freelancing

(okay that one is a little creative…)

Straightforward Freelance Advice You Can Trust for Your Career

(long and wordy)

Freelancing Advice to Launch your Career of Freedom

Straight Talk about Your Writing Career

Hiya, I’m back with my info in the proper formula (my original query was #133) ::grin::

Prob: Your family history is slowly disappearing. Photos and letters are in a constant state of decay. Cheap plastic storage boxes, UV rays, high heat and/or cycling humidity will speed up this decay. Information from vendors is unreliable because terms like “archival” and “photo safe” are completely unregulated and therefore meaningless.

Soln: Learn how to care for your family collection the same way a professional archivist would. Without getting a library degree. In plain English, without the jargon. Practical advice for any budget.

Audience: Family historians, organizers, downsizers… plus anyone who wants to preserve family treasures for future generations.

Wow James - thank you so much for your concise and targeted feedback (comment #179). It’s interesting how this simple post is causing so many to go back and re-think more than just their tagline, myself included

Admittedly, I’m kind of hung up on the whole “Father and Son” thing. Maybe it’s extraneous fluff, maybe it should be included elsewhere (about page/author box). I think that’s what I’ll end up doing…

The problem: Not enough money
The target: Parents/families who need supplemental/recession-proof income
The solution: Free Online Internet marketing training
The benefit: Learn how to make money online

The elements/phrases I like are: Father and Son, learning, growing, more than $10, substantial money, better future.

Thinking of trimming it down, the phrase “recession-proof income” came to mind - I kind of like that too.

So, in light of those thoughts - I have these ideas…

I suspect none of them will work…the more I think about it, the less I want to see “Father and Son” in there…

On another note - as I was thinking about my “target” market. In reality, I’m creating my own version of written “cliff notes” for what is mostly video driven training. I think my target market may actually end up being thirty day challengers looking for written notes. The training videos are great, but sometimes I find myself wanting to locate one little snippet of information and I don’t always want - or have time, to watch a 10+ minute video to get it. So while I envision a site full of posts related to earning money online - maybe it’s REALLY about a time-saving resource for those taking this year’s thirty day challenge.

So maybe I should also consider taglines like:

- (Would “cliff notes” in a tag line be some kind of copyright or trademark infringement?)

But as I’ve written and re-written and churned through dozens of ideas - I think I’ve come up with a few that encapsulate the problem/solution/benefit and will make readers (challengers or otherwise) curious enough to stick around for a while:

I welcome any and all feedback - BTW, this has been one of the top 5 - most helpful, action focused things I’ve ever participated in.

With gratitude…

Extremely cool!

I am a real estate broker in Bullhead City, Arizona. I recently started a blog at http://BullheadCityBlog.com

Here is my grid:

Problem: There are very few usefull online resources for information about the Bullhead City community and real estate market. (BTW, we have lots of part-time residents -some that come in the winter to escape the cold and others that come top play on the river in the summer.)

Solution: I provide market updates and commentary, community information, and talk about news and events.

Target: Full-time and part-time residents, investors, and visitors to the Bullhead City area.

My current tagline is “Connecting you to Bullhead City”, but that now seems quite vague and address the target.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Evan

@ Steve H – As I said to Alex, if I can get one person to really *think* about what they’re doing and by that, help them be more successful or reach their goals, then I’m fulfilled. *That* is what is important to me.

In your case, the difficulty is that it’s personal. This is something close to your heart, which is great – but it also cans any objectivity you might have. (You’re not alone. Trust me, this is common.)

Father and son is great. You have a story. Tell it. But your tagline is not the place to do it. Your site copy, your blog posts, your about us… all those areas can tell your story. Yes, your tagline has to reflect that, I agree – but you’re not *selling* anything but yourself and your story, so the tagline becomes more challenging.

You do want to help others, though, so that has to be taken into consideration.

Learn how to make money online isn’t a benefit, by the way. It’s an action. A benefit is the answer to, “So what?” Learn how to make money online so… so what?

…So you can buy nice things
…So you can get rid of debt
…So you can feed your kids
…So you can make ends meet.

These are benefits of what you offer. How about:

Marketing $10 into More Income for an Easier Life
$10 Internet Marketing To Recession-Proof Your Life
Tips for Turning $10 into a Better Life

I’d rework the title of your site: Our 2008 30 Day Challenger. See, it’s all about YOU. That’s great for you, but why should readers care? They care about THEM.

Why not call it 30 Days to More Money? Or even The Father-Son 30 Day Challenge?

Or make your tagline 30 Days. $10. Financial Freedom (alright, that’s a huge stretch, but you get where I’m going.

That help?

@ Sharon - Tell him I sent you. Or, wait, don’t do that…

@ James - your advice is outstanding, a big help. Thank you so much!

I’ve renamed the site to:

The Father & Son Thirty Day Challenge|2008

And the tagline now reads:

30 Days. $10. Repeat & Grow. Recession-proof your life.

You’re absolutely dead-on in saying it’s personal and because of that, my objectivity goes out the window. That’s what makes this so tough. Tough to come up with ideas and tough to choose just one.

I do like how it looks and reads a lot better now. And I think it does a much better job of addressing the problem/solution/target rubric. But I’m open to any additional feedback…

Again - gratefully…

Yes, but a transcription service does that. My transcription service fixes the grammar while transcribing.

That’s different. So while audio is a ‘problem’ and text is a solution, you still want to define some specifics here.

s-

OK, my client is a web-based audio transcription service where you upload your audio file, a transcriptionist converts your audio to text, then you download the finished work product.

Their current tagline is very straightforward: “We Convert Spoken Audio Into Text”. I think it’s a little too straightforward (is that possible?) and a tad cumbersome. My initial suggestion was “Putting Your Words in Writing”, but that may be a little too abstract. My other thoughts are “Converting Audio Into Text” and “Audio Transcription Made Simple”.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
Kari

@James Men with Pens - thanks for the “new Baby Resources for Plugged-In Parents (and Peace of Mind!) tagline suggestion. I’ll try it out.

@Sean and @Roberta would love to hear your thought as well. Original was laid out at comment #168.

Aruni
co: http://www.babblesoft.com
blog: http://www.entrepreMusings.com

Wow!
Virtuoso performances by the experts and tons of great material here. I would love to see a “before and after” shot of the Web that reflects how many tag lines were changed in the last 36 hours thanks to all this expert coaching.

@James… thanks once again, that’s outstanding.

@Sean D’Souza, would really value your feedback as well…

#170, 179, 197, 202

Thanks,

George

@Maggie

If the ‘head’ pun refers to the ‘whole brain’ concept, no one will understand it but you. As you said, no one understands what that means. But if you like the ‘head’ pun, maybe it would work a little better as ‘get ahead’. As a tagline, I would suggest something like:

‘Get ahead. Ideas that open your horizens. Strategies that take you there.’

or

‘Ideas to keep you moving. Reaching for tomorrow’s possibilites today.’

@Sonya … thanks. As the mom to 3, I’m all about the worry factor. (And it doesn’t go away no matter how old they - or I - get!)

@ Sonia - Only because you called so sweetly…

@ Maggie - How about:

Mental Tricks to Help You Get Ahead
Strategic Tips to Boost Thinking Forward
Forward-Thinking Tips for Better Business Strategies
Exploding Your Success with Sharper Thoughts
Quick Wits, Quick Success
Faster Thinking for Successful Strategies

?

@James

Thanks

AND

It doesn’t seem to me that your suggestions identify the target audience…exactly the problem I’ve been having trying to come up with something clear and short enough for a tagline…

I’m hoping for something that will make my perfect prospects realize that I’m speaking to them

Thank you Sean, James for your advice. I’ve thought about my tagline some more and came up with:

“Uncommon wisdom for life’s common problems.”

How does that sound?

(BTW, I loved this thread also because I discovered some blogs I didn’t know about and quickly subscribed to them. There are so many interesting people here!)

@ Sean

I think I’m at the phase where a tightly focused niche makes more sense. Even though my ezine and soon-to-be-reactivated blog might appeal to a larger audience, my consulting services and eBooks are definitely targeted to a narrower group (e.g. subject = how to save money with a home office deduction).

Also, by defining the target group more narrowly I think I have an easier time locating them.

@Brian

While the productivity tips might be “simple” I’m not sure that’s the right word for the tax biz. And I’m also wondering about “tips.” Do you think that makes it sound like I’m offering a quick fix?

The tax saving strategies I teach take some time and effort to implement. In the Teaching Sells jargon, I think my unique difference is positioning. I make the information easy to understand and the “packaging” makes it portable and easy to use.

Thanks to both of you; I really appreciate the dialogue.

Argh. I meant: I think it would make it too crowded if I added it there now.

I am currently invisible and maybe this will help.

I have a blog Monkey Barrel Musings and my tag line is:
“Thoughts from the Top Banana at Monkey Barrel Press.”

Point of blog is to stimulate interest (and sales) in my first Children’s book - “My Name is Not Isabella” either through my publishing company website at http://www.monkeybarrelpress.com (tagline: The Fun’s Inside) or standard routes (i.e. Amazon, B&N, local indies, etc.)

The book is a picture book that targets the 4-8 age group (and this one predominantly girls). Prime customers would be Moms looking for reading options, positive message, girl power role models. Later books may not fit that mold, so I need some flexibility.

Blog mixes dicussion/lessons of my journey to write, produce, self-publish, market, promote, sell book. Also talks about being a mom and my family life. Also thinks I find interesting or amusing.

So a blend of amusing items, advice from writing/publishing, and “mommy blogger” stuff.

So maybe I am too all over the place? But, about the tagline?

Thanks so much for doing this.

My two cents: most taglines are platitudes. Actually, I stole that idea from Y2 Marketing (no, I’m not an associate). They (Edward Earle and Rich Harshaw) use a guidepost in judging taglines. It’s simply asking yourself, upon hearing/reading the slogan, is my reaction, “Well, I should hope so”.

The tagline should be more that a descriptor. I beleive it’s main purpose is to differentiate your business in a positive, understandable way.

My own tagline is: Helping smaller companies profit from the power of branding. I like it because it identifies my market, suggests a benefit and defines my service category. Together, those functions ddifferentiate my business.

G’day from Sydney, Australia …

What creative and generous suggestions!

I would appreciate feedback on my tagline for this website http://winatworkzone.com/blog - “win at work without sacrificing your values” OR “maximize your professional performance without burning out”.

Other suggestions?

Value your life, live your values,
Your ValuesCoach, Karyn Clarke

@ Karyn - Hmmm… How about:

Winning Strategies to Get Ahead and Stay Nice
How to Win at Work without Being a Jerk
Blending Getting Ahead with Values for Feel-Good Strategies
Max your Performance and Stay True to Yourself

@ Lisa - Ah, good to have you back! Let’s take a look…

I’m not sure from the description what the benefits would be. Changing the world is nice, but so what? Why should these women want to get involved with what you offer? Why do they need coaching to change the world? Change the world how, exactly?

@ Martin - Pretty much, though I prefer answering the question, “So what?” to find the clincher.

Your tagline is: Helping smaller companies profit from the power of branding.

You’re missing the “so what” - while you do hint at it, it’s better to nail it than skirt around the edges.

Powerful Small-Business Branding for Stronger Success
Small Business Power Branding for More Profits

Same message - but now the reader knows what he gets from you. Stronger success, more profits. Mm-mm.

@ Laura - Wholesome, Creative, Goodness

Well, that’s the problem with being clever over being clear. Remove your tagline and site name, and people will think it’s about healthy food. Your business depends on the visual to clearly convey what it is you do, so you’ll be walking around saying, “We do graphic design,” an awful lot.

What’s important (especially in your niche) is differentiating yourself and putting the benefits right there. Wholesome, creative and goodness aren’t benefits - why should I do business with you? What’s in it for me? Discover that. Get it up there. Avoid cute and go for clarity.

@ Jen - “Thoughts from the Top Banana at Monkey Barrel Press.”

You’re quite right in that this is rather invisible and meaningless. I have no idea who Top Banana or Monkey Barrel Press is, and as a casual observer, nothing makes me want to learn more.

Your blog is about you, a personal one that also helps boost sales - that’s great. Tell people what you’re about. What’s the so what? Your book is about positive role models for girls, so why not use that? Parents are all about their kids (and spending money on them). Tap into that.

Jen Fos: Writing positive role models for readable books for girls

A little long, but you get the picture. Who are you, what are you about, and what’s in it for me?

@ Michele - Not bad, no… but it puts the focus on you. It doesn’t really drive home that you’re all about me. (Me as in the reader.)

I do think it’s just a question of rearranging the words a little - “Inspiring YOU one word at a time?”

@James - Thanks so much! I hadn’t thought about the focus being on me. Sheesh. Thanks for pointing that out. I’m going to change readers to you like you suggest. I believe it will make a huge difference.

Again, thanks!

*smiles*
Michele

Ok! OK! I’ll admit it. I need help!
I am a popular franchise industry blogger, and would ove an idea for a tag-line.
My blog- The Franchise King Blog
http://thefranchiseking.typepad.com

Hello everyone,

I just spent a long-part of a day reading this clinic, and was humbled. So many great people with so many great blogs out there! So many teachers giving advice for free to so many others!

Now… I know James ‘hung out his pen’ for this clinic; but in case anyone else is still interested in helping out, below is my case. But before I get to me, let’s talk about you:

@Sally: How about

“Helping your memories last forever”
“How to make your memories last forever”
or
“Wise advise to keep your memories from vanishing”

@Amie:
my 2 cents worth are

“Connect with other artists and unleash the power within!”
or
“Join our community of artists and express yourself online”

Ok, back to me. My blog has evolved over the previous year a bit; it started as a self-reflection avenue (almost an online journal); and has evolved into a philosophy / life coaching / how to guide for improving your life. In James, format:

Target: People who are interested in learning & growing personally, professionally, spiritually

Problem: Too many acronyms; too many books to read; too many micro-specialisations to master and too little time in this life

Solution: Simple advise from the great masters that will help you change your life, one small step at a time.

My previous tagline was

“Ideas for more energised, connected & aware living”

and I recently changed it to

“Simple ideas to create the life you want”

But since this clinic started, I have been considering:

“Simple ideas to create the life you want”
“Helping you find simple answers to life’s difficult questions”
and even
“Simple advise from the great masters that will help you change your life, one small step at a time. ” (which is a bit too lengthy for my liking).

Anyone has better ideas? Suggestions? Which one do you like the most?

As an aside, although this was a tag-line clinic, I have also been reflecting on the title of my blog. “Reflections of a Crazy Colombian” doesn’t really say much about what it is I do; I would like to keep the ‘Crazy Colombian’ bit for 2 reasons (It’s my ‘personal brand’, and links to my URL - crazycolombian.com); but can’t figure out what to do with the title. One of the benefits of not having exploded my subscriber base yet is that I can still play and muck around with my blog without much opportunity cost. Any ideas or suggestions anyone?

@ James, Roberta, and Sean: Thank you for this great opportunity. It has been absolutely awesome! I think, however, you may want to create a ‘clinic’ portion of your blog, with constant advise. If you structure it as a forum people can start a thread for their blog/web site; and if you create a community of copybloggers who regularly come, read, and contribute, you will not have to drive the advise all the time. Just an idea.

Thanks all for making my day today,

Diego
The Crazy Colombian
crazycolombian.com

Hello there, i hope it’s not to late to add my site in. I run Chiles Advertising… oh well, here’s what really matters:

Target audience: Small-medium sized business owners, professionals who are secure in their fields.

Problem: Their sales have leveled off and they are not using their website/advertising well. The copy is stale and not emotional, they have no list or value-offers, and are not using social media tools either. Basically, they need a 21st Century Content Upgrade

Solution: I write copy that hits your visitor’s hot buttons, and entices them to buy your products, services and ideas. Creating “value products” like persuasive video and audio, white papers that convert your visitors from “maybe” to “yes, I want that now” buyers.

Right now my tagline is “Making money online with higher-profit strategies”

What about” Turning your website visitors into repeat customers time and time again”.

Thoughts?

I am going through a brand change, and I am in need of a tag line. My new brand name is Momnificent. In a nutshell, I help moms feel good about who they are and the life they live. Most moms come to me feeling stressed out and unhappy with some aspect of their lives. I offer solutions to their most common problems either through life coaching, workshops, personal growth products, and online tips. Anyone have ideas?

Sorry, just read up and realized I need to give you more…here goes…

Problem: People feel stuck in their lives. They aren’t living the life they want or desire. Some are but still feel unfulfilled as they haven’t dealt with past issues

Solution: One-to-one counselling sessions and group workshops to assist you on your path to success and true happiness/fulfillment. Overcome fears, personal obstacles, substance abuse, trauma, lose weight, determine your goals - personal and professional

Target: anyone…one to one clients or corporate meetings

Current tag line: there are a few floating around as mentioned earlier but also “FEEL DIFFERENT…THINK DIFFERENT… LIVE REAL”

Thanks again!