12 Iconic Slogans from the 1970s That Will Make You Nostalgic
The 1970s were a golden era for advertising, with catchy slogans that still resonate today.
As you journey through the vibrant landscape of this decade, you’ll discover how these memorable taglines captured the spirit and ethos of the time. What made these slogans truly iconic was their ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, embedding themselves in the fabric of everyday life.
In this article, you’ll explore twelve legendary slogans that defined the 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on our cultural memory.
Whether you remember them from your childhood or have only heard about them, these slogans reveal the genius of marketing and the power of a well-crafted phrase.
Get ready to take a trip down memory lane and rediscover the slogans that made history.
1) “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” – Coca-Cola
“I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” is one of the most iconic slogans from the 1970s.
It began on January 18, 1971, with Bill Backer, a creative director, and Billy Davis, a music director, collaborating in London.
This slogan was used in the famous “Hilltop” commercial.
The commercial featured young people from different countries coming together on a hill, singing about unity and peace.
The song in the ad was so popular that it transcended the commercial itself.
People called radio stations asking to hear it, and Coca-Cola received more than 100,000 letters about the ad.
The simple idea of sharing a Coke to bring people together struck a chord worldwide.
The commercial captured the optimistic spirit of the early 1970s and showcased Coca-Cola’s brand as a symbol of happiness and togetherness.
2) “Have It Your Way” – Burger King
“Have It Your Way” was a slogan introduced by Burger King in 1974.
This catchy phrase quickly became a hallmark of the fast-food chain.
You might remember the jingle: “Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us.” It emphasized customization.
In the 1970s, customers valued personalized service, and this campaign hit the mark.
You could get your burger exactly how you liked it, unlike the rigid menus of other places.
This slogan helped set Burger King apart in a crowded market.
It reinforced the idea that you had choices.
This was an effective way to attract more customers by giving them control over their orders.
Even after the 1970s, the slogan stuck around.
It’s still one of the most remembered in fast-food history.
3) “We Try Harder” – Avis
In the 1960s, Avis was struggling to compete with Hertz.
To turn things around, they launched the “We Try Harder” slogan in 1962.
This message aimed to show customers that Avis was dedicated to providing excellent service because they were the underdog.
This slogan struck a chord with many people.
It conveyed a sense of effort and determination, which made Avis stand out.
They weren’t just claiming to be the best; they were promising to try their hardest.
The campaign was a big hit and helped Avis gain a lot of attention.
The strategy highlighted their commitment to exceeding customer expectations.
In the 1970s, this slogan continued to be a crucial part of Avis’s marketing.
It helped them build a loyal customer base by consistently delivering on their promise to try harder.
4) “The Quicker Picker Upper” – Bounty
If you grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, you might remember Bounty paper towels and their catchy slogan: “The Quicker Picker Upper.” This slogan wasn’t just clever marketing; it spoke to the product’s effectiveness.
During this time, Bounty ads often featured a waitress named Rosie, played by Nancy Walker.
Rosie would quickly clean up messes in her diner, showcasing how Bounty was more absorbent than other brands.
“The Quicker Picker Upper” became ingrained in people’s minds.
It promised faster cleanups and better absorption, which was exactly what busy households needed.
Bounty’s slogan stuck around for decades.
It’s a testament to how a simple yet powerful tagline can make an everyday product memorable.
5) “Fly the Friendly Skies” – United Airlines
In 1965, United Airlines introduced the slogan “Fly the Friendly Skies.” This catchy phrase aimed to create a positive and welcoming image for travelers.
The slogan quickly became iconic.
It captured the public’s imagination and helped United Airlines stand out.
You could hear it on TV, read it in magazines, and see it on billboards.
Throughout the 1970s, the phrase was a prominent part of United’s branding.
It emphasized a friendly and enjoyable flying experience.
The ads often used cheerful music and warm visuals.
Even though the slogan had a few revivals, it remained symbolic of a bygone era.
It brought nostalgia for the golden age of air travel when flying felt special and customer service was a priority.
“Fly the Friendly Skies” wasn’t just a slogan; it was a promise.
It reminded you that your journey was just as important as your destination.
6) “Good to the Last Drop” – Maxwell House
“Good to the Last Drop” is one of those unforgettable slogans that really sticks with you.
Maxwell House used this phrase to market their coffee, and it became super popular in the 1970s.
The slogan was actually around before that, but it was the 1970s ads that made it iconic.
TV commercials and print ads often featured this tagline prominently.
There’s also a cool story behind it.
It’s said that Teddy Roosevelt popularized the line.
After having a cup of Maxwell House coffee, he supposedly remarked that it was “Good to the Last Drop.”
Whether or not Roosevelt actually said it, the phrase captured the perfect sentiment for coffee lovers.
It’s simple and straight to the point, just like a good cup of coffee.
During the 1970s, the slogan was everywhere.
If you were around then, you probably saw it on billboards, TV commercials, and even coffee cans.
Maxwell House made sure you couldn’t miss it.
This catchy slogan helped Maxwell House stay a household name and it’s still recognized today.
7) “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands” – M&M’s
You’ve probably heard the slogan “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands” at some point.
This catchy phrase is as iconic as the candy itself.
Introduced in 1954, it became widely popular during the ’60s and ’70s.
This slogan highlights one of M&M’s biggest selling points: they don’t get your hands messy.
During the 1970s, this slogan helped M&M’s stand out in the crowded candy market.
You could enjoy them without worrying about chocolate smears.
The phrase is simple but effective.
It speaks directly to your experience as a consumer.
When you think of M&M’s, not having sticky fingers is a big deal.
This clever marketing tactic made the slogan stick in our minds.
To this day, “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands” remains a part of M&M’s branding.
It’s a testament to the lasting power of a well-crafted slogan.
The phrase continues to appeal to both old fans and new generations.
8) “Snap! Crackle! Pop!” – Rice Krispies
You probably remember the catchy “Snap! Crackle! Pop!” slogan from Rice Krispies.
It’s one of those jingles that sticks in your head.
Introduced in the 1930s by Kellogg’s, this slogan really took off during the 1970s.
The trio of cartoon characters, Snap, Crackle, and Pop, made it even more memorable.
Their fun personalities made you feel like breakfast was an event.
The snap, crackle, and pop sounds added to the magic.
Kids loved the cereal not just for its taste, but for the fun sounds it made when milk was poured.
The characters also appeared in commercials, which were a big hit.
Parents liked Rice Krispies too.
With only 3 grams of sugar, it seemed like a healthier choice compared to other sugary cereals.
Those sounds and characters are still iconic today, reminding us of simpler times.
Your mornings were never boring with Snap, Crackle, and Pop around.
9) “Reach Out and Touch Someone” – AT&T
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Reach Out and Touch Someone” used a lot.
This slogan, introduced by AT&T in 1979, became super popular.
It was part of their campaign to get more people to make long-distance calls.
The idea was to make people feel closer to their loved ones, even if they were miles apart.
The campaign wasn’t just about TV ads.
You could see “Reach Out and Touch Someone” everywhere, from billboards to print ads.
It struck a chord with people, making them think of their family and friends.
AT&T wanted to soften its image too.
People were worried about AT&T’s growing monopoly, so the company needed something to make them feel good about using their services.
The slogan helped with that.
The phrase worked well because it used emotion.
You felt like picking up the phone and calling someone you missed.
This clever use of feelings made it one of the most memorable ads ever.
Even today, people remember “Reach Out and Touch Someone.” It shows how powerful a simple, emotional message can be.
10) “Let Your Fingers Do the Walking” – Yellow Pages
“Let Your Fingers Do the Walking” was a famous slogan from the Yellow Pages in the 1970s.
You probably remember those thick, yellow books filled with phone numbers and addresses for local businesses.
The slogan made finding services easy by just flipping through pages.
In ads, a disembodied hand would “walk” through the pages, showing how simple it was.
This catchy phrase also hinted at convenience.
Instead of driving around town looking for a specific product or service, you could sit at home and find it in seconds.
Even though the Yellow Pages have mostly moved online, the slogan still reminds us of a time when fingers did the searching, not the internet.
11) “Finger Lickin’ Good” – KFC
KFC’s slogan “Finger Lickin’ Good” became a hit in the 1960s.
The phrase, created by a restaurant manager, quickly caught on with customers.
It perfectly captured the way people felt about the deliciousness of KFC’s fried chicken.
In the 1970s, the slogan was everywhere.
You saw it in television ads and printed on KFC buckets.
Colonial Sanders, with his distinctive white suit and goatee, often appeared, making the slogan even more memorable.
The slogan remained popular through the 1980s.
People loved the simplicity and the promise of tasty, crispy chicken.
Whenever you walked into a KFC, the smell and sight of the food really did make you want to lick your fingers.
“Finger Lickin’ Good” has been a big part of KFC’s brand identity for decades.
The slogan continues to remind you just how mouth-wateringly good KFC fried chicken can be.
12) “Because You’re Worth It” – L’Oréal
In 1971, L’Oréal launched the slogan “Because You’re Worth It.” This slogan was part of a campaign to promote their hair color products.
It quickly became a hallmark of their brand’s identity.
You probably recognize the phrase even if you weren’t around in the ’70s.
It has stuck around for decades because it resonates with so many people.
The message is clear and positive.
The slogan aimed to boost women’s confidence and celebrate their uniqueness.
Instead of focusing only on looks, it emphasized self-worth.
This was pretty revolutionary in the beauty industry at the time.
“Because You’re Worth It” didn’t just sell products; it sold a feeling of empowerment.
You can’t underestimate the impact this had on consumers.
It made them feel valued.
The slogan’s success helped L’Oréal grow into a global beauty giant.
It also set a new standard for how advertising could connect emotionally with people.
Even after 50 years, the phrase still feels fresh and relevant.
Cultural Impact of 1970s Slogans
The slogans of the 1970s were more than just catchy phrases; they mirrored and influenced the changing cultural landscape.
They played a fundamental role in shaping advertisements and reflected the values of the time.
Influence on Advertising
During the 1970s, slogans became essential to branding.
You couldn’t escape them; they were on TV, radio, and billboards.
These slogans made products memorable and often became part of everyday language.
For example, “Have a Coke and a Smile” not only sold Coca-Cola but also promoted a sense of happiness and friendliness.
Ads were more than messages; they were experiences that resonated with people.
The trend of using catchy and meaningful slogans continued into the 1980s and still impacts advertising today.
Reflection of Societal Values
The 1970s were a time of social changes, and advertising slogans reflected these shifts.
Many slogans emphasized individuality and freedom, mirroring growing movements for civil rights and gender equality.
For instance, “You Deserve a Break Today” from McDonald’s connected with people by focusing on self-care and leisure.
Slogans like these showed a break from traditional, conformity-focused messages of earlier decades.
They tapped into what society valued at the time – authenticity, personal freedom, and a sense of community.
Creative Strategies Behind Iconic Slogans
Ad slogans from the 1970s relied on clever techniques to make brands unforgettable.
The focus was on building strong brand identities and using memorable language tricks.
Building Brand Identity
Brands in the 1970s needed a unique identity to stand out.
Companies aimed to connect with their audience by using slogans that reflected their values and personality.
For example, Coca-Cola’s “It’s the Real Thing” was more than just words; it was a statement about authenticity and quality.
Nike’s “Just Do It,” inspired partly by the last words of a convicted criminal, connected with people looking for motivation.
Slogans like these were powerful tools for creating a lasting brand image.
Memorable Language Techniques
Creating catchy slogans relied on simple yet powerful language.
The use of rhyme, repetition, and alliteration made slogans stick in people’s heads.
For instance, “Have a break, have a Kit Kat” uses repetition to reinforce the brand name.
Brands also used conversational language to make slogans relatable.
Wendy’s “Where’s the beef?” became famous because it was direct and easy to remember.
These techniques turned simple phrases into lasting memories.
Long-Term Legacy of 1970s Slogans
Slogans from the 1970s have left a lasting impact on advertising.
They continue to influence how brands craft their messages and connect with audiences.
Modern Advertising Trends
The 1970s were a time when brands began to tap into cultural movements and emotions.
This era saw the rise of slogans like “Make love, not war,” which became symbols of broader societal changes.
Advertisers today still use slogans that evoke strong feelings or cultural ties.
Brands like State Farm with “Like a good neighbor,” introduced in the 1970s, show how slogans can build trust and familiarity.
You see brands continuing to use catchy, emotionally resonant phrases.
These slogans tap into the values and sentiments of the target audience, often invoking nostalgia.
The simplicity and memorable nature of 1970s slogans have set a standard for modern advertising.
