How To Create A Simple Tagline

Okay, so in last week’s Fast Copy Friday I asked you if you had any copywriting questions that you’d like me to answer, and you did, and I made a video and then answered a couple more in the blog post.

Forgive the video – I was meant to record it with natural light this morning, and in reflection I’d have chosen a waaaay better angle. The kind of angle that makes me look like Kate Moss. Which would have probably meant asking Kate Moss to do the video instead 🙂

Enough frivolous irreverence, let’s get your questions answered:

How Do You Create A Tagline?

If you have a  trick…template…process for writing taglines, that would be great! ~ Liz

Well Liz, yes I do and I like to keep it nice and simple. I’ve answered your question in the video, but in summary I like to use 2 nice steps to create the tagline which includes:

1. What you do AND
2. Who you do it for

Or

1. What you do AND
2. Why you’re different

Watch the video for more explanation and examples like Wedding photography for gothic weddings, and life-coaching in the nude…

Your tagline is a short statement about what you do and why people love it. You can also use this template for a killer tagline that nails your answer to the question: “What do you do and why should I care?”

Do Copywriters Do Design?

Next up we had Steve and Steve writes (I feel so much like I’m an agony aunt – I love it):

I am looking to become a freelance copywriter for a niche industry that I’ve worked in for quite a few years as a sales person.

I have studied the copywriting side but my question is how is the actual copy presented ot the client? Does someone else design the layout, or is it the job of the copywriter to design the layout graphics too? ~ Steve

Well Steve, great question!

Generally speaking, the copywriter isn’t expected to do the actual design, BUT it is an important role of yours to advise on the format and layout, as that is something which definitely falls within your expertise.

Now, your clients may already have designers that they work with, and you can liaise with them on putting together your sales pages, advertorials, or brochures. You do have a vested interest in creating the best final product for your client and the design is critical.

Alternatively, you may at some stage decide to team up with a designer and offer the service as a package. This completely depends on how you want to work.

Most of my clients already have designers who already know their particuler branding so it makes sense for me to work with them, and to then review the final design pieces.

Don’t feel that you are offering a lesser service by not doing hands on design though – coming up with the words that can sell products is a highly valuable skill!

Okay – that’s all for this week…

Submit your questions

If you have a question you’d like me to answer next Friday pop it in the comments box below.

Have a superfandango weekend my lovely!