If you’re an entrepreneur, you already know that branding is more than just a logo or a catchy name. It’s an entire experience, a vibe, a feeling you give to your customers. And what better way to make that experience memorable than through a funny slogan or tagline that sticks.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve deep into the world of funny slogans, taglines, and mottos.
We’ll explore the psychology behind why humor works so well in advertising and how it can set your brand apart. You’ll learn about different types of funny slogans across various industries and how to craft your own. We’ll even guide you through the testing phase to make sure your slogan hits the mark.
What this article will cover
Why go for a Funny Slogan?
Slogans encapsulate your brand’s mission, tone, and personality in just a few words. But why opt for a funny slogan?
Humor is a universal language that breaks barriers and grabs attention. A funny slogan not only makes your brand more memorable but also fosters a sense of connection and relatability.
It’s like the wink in a conversation, the nudge that says, ‘Hey, we’re more than just a business. We’re a brand with a sense of humor.’
When it comes to branding, using humor is not just to get a laugh. It’s a powerful tool that can elevate your brand’s identity and make a lasting impression.
Let’s start by taking a look at why humor is such a game-changer in advertising and the benefits it brings to your brand’s slogans.
Why Humor Works in Advertising
Humor has a unique way of engaging the human brain. It triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which creates a sense of happiness and relaxation. This positive emotional state makes consumers more receptive to your brand’s message.
Moreover, humor often involves an element of surprise, which grabs attention and makes the content more memorable.
It’s like a mental sticky note that makes your brand hard to forget.
Case Study: Old Spice’s Humorous Campaigns
Take, for example, Old Spice’s iconic tagline, ‘The Man Your Man Could Smell Like’ campaign. It was quirky, unexpected, and downright hilarious.
The campaign not only revitalized the Old Spice brand but also set a new standard for humor in advertising. Take a look.
It garnered millions of views, sparked social media conversations, and most importantly, increased sales. The humor made the brand relatable and memorable, proving that a good laugh could indeed translate into good business.
Benefits of Using Funny Slogans
Brand Recall
A funny slogan sticks in the mind like a catchy tune. When consumers are faced with a plethora of choices, they’re more likely to opt for a brand that they can easily recall.
A humorous slogan acts as a mental shortcut for consumers, helping them remember your brand when it’s time to make a purchase. It’s like having a mini-advertisement running continuously in the back of their minds.
Emotional Engagement
Humor is an emotion, and emotions drive decisions. A funny slogan can evoke positive feelings toward your brand, creating a deeper emotional connection.
This emotional engagement not only enhances brand loyalty but also encourages word-of-mouth recommendations. After all, who wouldn’t want to share a good laugh?
Market Differentiation
In a crowded marketplace, standing out is crucial. A funny slogan offers that unique selling proposition that sets your brand apart from competitors. It adds character to your brand, making it more appealing and relatable to consumers.
While competitors may offer similar products or services, a humorous slogan can be the deciding factor that tips the scale in your favor.
Types of Funny Slogans
So, you’re convinced that humor is the way to go for your brand. Great choice, but where do you start?
There are various types of funny slogans you can use, each with its own unique flair and impact.
Funny Taglines
A tagline is a short and snappy phrase that encapsulates your brand’s mission, tone, and personality. When you add humor to the mix, you get a funny tagline that entertains people while simultaneously communicating your brand’s essence.
For example, Dollar Shave Club uses the tagline ‘Shave Time. Shave Money.’ It’s a clever play on words that’s both funny and informative.
How to Craft a Funny Tagline
Creating a funny tagline involves a blend of wit, relevance, and simplicity. Here’s a quick tutorial to get you started:
- Identify Your Brand’s Personality: Is your brand quirky, sarcastic, or playful? The tone of your tagline should align with your brand’s character.
- Know Your Audience: What kind of humor does your target demographic appreciate? Tailor your humor style accordingly.
- Brainstorm: List down words and phrases that resonate with your brand and try to find puns or wordplay.
- Keep It Short: Brevity is key. Aim for a tagline that’s no longer than six to eight words.
- Test and Tweak: Run your tagline by a diverse group of people to ensure it’s universally funny and not offensive.
Funny Mottos
While taglines are generally used in advertising and marketing materials, mottos are phrases that serve as a guiding principle for the company. They’re often more internal but can also resonate externally when they’re particularly impactful, or funny.
The humor in mottos is usually more subtle and tends to have a deeper meaning.
Ben & Jerry’s motto, ‘Peace, Love & Ice Cream,’ for instance, brings a smile to your face while encapsulating the brand’s laid-back, socially conscious vibe. It’s not a laugh-out-loud kind of funny, but it’s charming and endearing.
Funny Slogans Can be Used in Different Industries
Whether you’re flipping burgers or coding the next big app, the power of a funny slogan transcends industries.
In the fast-food industry, humor can make your brand more relatable and memorable. Take Wendy’s, for example, with their slogan, ‘Where’s the beef?’ It’s a humorous way to highlight their focus on quality ingredients.
Tech companies often use humor to make complex products more accessible. Mozilla Firefox’s ‘Slow is so last season’ is a great example. It’s a cheeky nod to fast browsing speeds, making a potentially dull topic more engaging.
In retail, a funny slogan can set the tone for the customer experience. T.J.Maxx’s ‘Maxx life’ is a fun take on living life to the fullest, but with a focus on their brand.
So, which type of funny slogan do you think will work best for your brand? Ready to craft your own? Let’s move on to the next section!
Crafting Your Own Funny Slogan
You’ve seen the impact a well-crafted, humorous slogan can have. Now, let’s look at how you can create one for your brand.
Start with Brainstorming Fun Ideas
The first step in creating a funny slogan is, obviously, the brainstorming phase. This crucial stage sets the foundation for all the creativity and wit that will follow.
There are various proven brainstorming techniques to help you generate funny ideas.
Set a timer for 10 minutes and write down anything that comes to mind about your brand, products, or industry. Don’t worry about structure or coherence. The goal is to get your creative juices flowing. You might stumble upon a phrase or concept that could be the seed of a great slogan.
You could also use the Mind Mapping technique. This is a visual technique that helps you organize your thoughts around a central idea. Start with your brand name in the center and branch out with related words, themes, or phrases. This can spark ideas for a funny slogan that’s also deeply connected to your brand.
There are various digital tools like MindMeister or Stormboard that can facilitate your brainstorming process. These platforms allow you to create digital mind maps, collaborate in real-time, and even vote on ideas, making the process more interactive and effective.
Set up a a relaxing, judgment-free atmosphere for your brainstorming session. Whether you’re brainstorming alone or with a team, make sure the environment is conducive to creativity. Play some light music, keep snacks handy, and maintain a positive vibe.
And allocate a specific amount of time for brainstorming. Definitely not more than one hour. This creates a sense of urgency that can actually enhance creativity, while also ensuring you don’t go down a rabbit hole.
Using Puns and Wordplay For Funny Slogans
Puns and wordplay are an easy and fun way to make a logo relatable yet fun, or clever.
Take the classic example of De Beers’ ‘A Diamond is Forever.’ A humorous twist could be ‘Diamonds: Because Forever is a Long Time to Be Disappointed.’
To use puns or wordplay start by listing down words related to your product or service. Then look for homonyms, synonyms, or rhyming words that can be combined in a way that’s relevant to your brand and brings a smile to your face.
Keeping It Short and Catchy
A slogan should be a quick read. The shorter it is, the easier it is to remember. Aim for 6-8 words that pack a punch.
Use alliteration for a memorable impact (e.g., ‘Fit, Fresh, Fun’), and avoid jargon or complicated words.
Testing and Implementing Your Slogan
After all the brainstorming, drafting, and refining, you might think your funny slogan is ready for the spotlight. But before you unveil it to the world, we suggest you take some time to test its effectiveness.
Why?
Because even the wittiest slogan can fall flat if it doesn’t resonate with your audience.
So, A/B testing your slogan and gathering feedback is important to help you ensure that the funny slogan, motto or tagline you came up with hits the mark.
A/B Testing
A/B testing involves presenting two versions of your slogan to see which one performs better in terms of customer engagement, recall, or conversion.
This data-driven approach removes guesswork and helps you choose the best funny slogan option for your brand or business.
To conduct an A/B test you need to:
- Create two different slogans.
- Use them in similar marketing materials or online ads.
- Track key metrics, such as, click-through rates and engagement to choose which slogan was more effective.
Now this is easier said then done (correctly). So, when it comes to A/B testing your business slogan, it’s often a smart move to bring in the experts. Experienced marketers, such as those from specialized branding agencies or digital marketing firms, have the know-how and tools to conduct these tests effectively.
They can set up control and variable groups, analyze data, and provide actionable insights that you might miss if you go it alone. Their expertise can save you time and resources, ensuring that your funny slogan not only entertains but also converts.
So, if you’re serious about making a splash with your new slogan, consider investing in professional help for the testing phase.
Gathering Feedback
Together with A/B testing, or as an alternative to it, we recommend gathering feedback about your slogan before launching it to the world.
This phase is all about listening to your customers, your team, and even other entrepreneurs. Feedback provides you with valuable insights into how your slogan will be perceived by the public and what tweaks might be necessary.
There are various methods you can use to collect opinions. Surveys, focus groups, and social media polls are excellent ways to gather feedback on your slogan. You can also conduct face-to-face interviews with trusted colleagues or industry experts.
Examples of Funny Business Mottos and Slogans
Ok so me and my team tried our hands at brainstorming some funny business slogans for fictitious companies. Here’s the results of our efforts, with an explanation of why we thinks these funny taglines hit the mark.
1. ‘We Fix Leaks, Not Hearts’ – Joe’s Plumbing Co.
Why It Works: This motto adds a touch of humor to a generally mundane service, making the brand more memorable. It also subtly emphasizes their expertise in plumbing while acknowledging the emotional aspect of service.
2. ‘Eat Here or We’ll Both Starve’ – Mama’s Diner
Why It Works: This motto creates an emotional connection with humor and a touch of vulnerability, making customers more likely to root for the business.
3. ‘We’re Like a Gym for Your Finances’ – FitWallet Financial Advisors
Why It Works: This motto cleverly relates financial planning to physical fitness, a concept many people are familiar with. It’s funny and makes the service seem less intimidating.
4. ‘Your Trash is Our Treasure’ – GreenCycle Waste Management
Why It Works: This motto flips the script on how we view waste, adding a humorous twist. It also emphasizes the company’s focus on recycling and sustainability.
5. ‘We Make Your Mother-in-law Jealous’ – Sparkle Home Cleaning
Why It Works: This motto taps into a common stereotype for humor and also promises high-quality service that will impress even the most critical individuals.
6. ‘We’re the Cat’s Meow’ – Purrfect Pets Pet Store
Why It Works: Animal idioms always catch attention, and this one is no exception. It’s cute, funny, and memorable, just like the pets the store sells.
7. ‘Turning Your Frown Upside Down’ – Smile Dental Clinic
Why It Works: This motto uses humor to address a common fear of dental visits. It promises a pleasant experience, which can help attract nervous patients.
8. ‘Where Coffee Meets Its Maker’ – Brewed Awakening Coffee Shop
Why It Works: This motto plays on words and adds a humorous, almost philosophical touch to the daily ritual of coffee drinking.
9. ‘We’re Not Your Average Joe’ – Joe’s Exceptional Carpentry
Why It Works: This motto uses a common name to emphasize the business’s unique selling proposition. It’s a clever way to say they’re a cut above the rest.
10. ‘We Can’t Fix Stupid, But We Can Fix What Stupid Does’ – HandyFix Repair Shop
Why It Works: This slogan uses humor to emphasize the shop’s repair capabilities, making it memorable while also highlighting their expertise in fixing a wide range of issues.
11. ‘Don’t Sleep With the Fishes, Sleep on Our Mattresses’ – DreamOn Mattress Store
Why It Works: This slogan cleverly plays on a well-known phrase to make it relevant to their product. It’s humorous and assures quality, implying a good night’s sleep.
12. ‘We’re the Last Straw You’ll Ever Need’ – EcoStraw
Why It Works: This slogan uses a common idiom to emphasize the durability and sustainability of their product. It’s catchy and aligns well with the company’s eco-friendly mission.
13. ‘We Take the ‘Pain’ Out of Painting’ – ColorMe Painting Services
Why It Works: This slogan uses a play on words to highlight the company’s value proposition—making the often tedious task of painting easier for customers.
14. ‘Where Your Bad Hair Days Are a Cut Above’ – Chic Hair Salon
Why It Works: This slogan uses humor to address a common problem, making the brand relatable while also promising a solution.
15. ‘We Make Your Computer Sit and Stay’ – TechTrain Computer Services
Why It Works: This slogan humorously likens computer training to dog training, making the service seem less intimidating while emphasizing effectiveness.
16. ‘We’re Not Fast Food, We’re Good Food Quickly’ – QuickBite Restaurant
Why It Works: This slogan cleverly distinguishes the restaurant from fast-food joints, emphasizing quality without sacrificing speed.
17. ‘We Put the ‘Care’ in Car Repair’ – AutoCare Mechanics
Why It Works: This slogan uses a play on words to emphasize the company’s focus on customer service, making it memorable and trustworthy.
18. ‘We’re Not Your Grandma’s Bakery, But She Loves Us Anyway’ – ModernBake
Why It Works: This slogan cleverly acknowledges tradition while emphasizing the brand’s modern twist, appealing to a broad demographic.
12 of the Funnies Real Company Slogans
Ok, so we tried creating our own funny slogans above, but now let’s look at 12 real-life examples of company slogans that have successfully infused humor into their branding.
- ‘When It Absolutely, Positively Has To Be There Overnight’ – FedEx
- ‘Life Is Short. Stay Awake For It.’ – Caribou Coffee
- ‘If You Don’t Look Good, We Don’t Look Good’ – Vidal Sassoon
- ‘Think Small’ – Volkswagen
- ‘We Try Harder’ – Avis Car Rentals
- ‘Think Outside the Bun’ – Taco Bell
- ‘Once You Pop, You Can’t Stop’ – Pringles
- ‘The Quicker Picker Upper’ – Bounty Paper towels
- ‘Melts In Your Mouth, Not In Your Hand’ – M&Ms
- ‘Yesterday’s Meals On Wheels’ – Get Pumped Plumbers
- ‘You’ll wonder where the yellow went’ – Pepsodent Toothpaste
- ‘Because Change Happens’ – Zurich Financial Services
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the psychology behind humor in advertising to the nuts and bolts of crafting your own funny slogan.
The key takeaway? Humor is a potent tool in your branding arsenal, and a funny slogan can be the memorable hook that sets your brand apart.
However, crafting a funny slogan for your business is not just about creating a humorous one-liner. There’s a whole process behind it, and various subtleties to take into consideration.
Understanding your audience is key to an effective slogan that aligns your brand with the style of humor you employ. Different demographics respond to different types of humor. For instance, a younger audience might appreciate internet memes or pop culture references, while an older demographic might lean towards classic wit or satire.
So, now that you understand all the nuances, it’s time to grab a pen, open up a brainstorming app, or simply start a conversation with your team. It’s time to craft a funny slogan for your brand and business.
For more slogan ideas check out some other categories here.
