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6 Comments

Is it okay to reference another company in my slogan?

I want to build a better version of a product. Is it okay to reference another brand in my slogan? Like "A [brand] alternative"?

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    I would be more inclined to offer a FAQ or a section of your landing page/website that offers some comparisons with your competitors.

    Present the information in a professional/objective manner.

    I would even go so far as to show in what ways your competitor might be a better fit for a customer.

    Save yourself a future churned customer, and come off looking more knowledgeable and helpful. Perhaps that lost customer may recommend your product to a friend that is a better fit.

    At a minimum, I would refrain from "bad-mouthing" a competitor as part of your marketing. There are likely some "edgy, loose-cannon" companies that could get away with that kind of name-calling, but I would expect them to be the exception and not someone to emulate.

    When in doubt, I try to follow two rules:

    1. Don't be a jerk.
    2. Be helpful.

    I don't always succeed at following both, but really try to at least follow #1.

    Best of luck!

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      I would normally agree, but somehow in my instance, I think it helps with marketing. The reason I say this is because my competitor has a monopoly in the market and many of its customers are very unhappy with the product even though it solves their problem. I am trying to get those unhappy customers that have no choice but to use my competitor because there is nothing else. The emotion they feel towards my competitor is part of my marketing strategy. I think I need to be careful and imply my product is better without naming the company outright.

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        You mentioned putting their name in your slogan. My primary concern would simply be to not do anything so blatant with their name or trademarks, etc. that would open you up to lawsuits.

        It sounds like you have found a group of customers desperate for an alternative in a market with none to offer. It would be unfortunate to have such a great opportunity disrupted because of a trademark lawsuit, etc.

        Tapping into unhappy customers' frustrations with the competitor's product does sound like a solid strategy. I would certainly make sure you have copy on your website/marketing material that positions you specifically as an alternative to the incumbent competitor.

        Good luck. When you are able to disclose more about your work, please let us know how it goes.

  2. 1

    Why would someone use your product when you are just an alternative?

  3. 1

    As long as there isn't a negative connotation being suggested, I don't think there is an inherent problem with this.

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