Copywriters - Strap it up or go bare?

[target1982]

I am putting the finishing touches on my website and I had a big, glaring white space in the top corner which, I think, is crying out for a strapline. I also have a blank reverse on my business card which seems a good vehicle for a convincing tagline.

I've had a look around other writers' sites and it seems there's a 50/50 split on using slogans.

Do you guys use one or do you coast beautifully on your name alone?

Sorry for the lack of contribution since my first thread. My daughter has been teething and clinging to me like a little koala.

[ewenmack]

The time you are taking to work this out could be
spent more wisely making valuable content for your market...

and making an offer to the reader to get even better stuff by buying
what you have...

Don't you think?

Well I think the reader will be more interested in what's in it for him/her.

Best,
Ewen

[target1982]

Well true, but I was just interested is all! No harm in asking, is there?

[target1982]

Y'know this is a genuine question. I'm a newbie, yes, so I am very easily perturbed by people who want to expose me as really not knowing very much yet.

How's about just bypassing the wise words (which can feel a little condescending & which I didn't request) and actually answering what I thought was a fair enough question?

[max5ty]

I think a slogan is a great idea for a business.

There are companies that spend millions to get the perfect one.

Melts in your mouth, not in your hands. M&M'S

They add the extra punch that gets your business remembered.

There are so many business names out there today, it's hard to keep track or remember them all. A good slogan will be remembered faster than the business name, and once the slogan is remembered, the customer puts it with the business.

I personally don't think you can go wrong adding a slogan.

[target1982]

Thanks Max5ty, I appreciate your input.

[michaelhearne]

create a USP vs. a slogan - slogans are often a waste of words (even though some spend big bucks on them)...

the USP however is short and punchy while delivering a sales message...

[jdk1970]

When I was a contract worker I used a Mark Twin quote on the back of my business card: "The difference between the almost right word and the right word—it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."

[ThomasOMalley]

I recommend the use of a tagline on any business website.

An excellent resource for creating taglines is Barry Callen's book, Perfect Phrases for Sales and Marketing Copy.

Best,

Thomas