List of advertising clichés

An advertising cliché, is a cliché used in advertising. This is a list of the most commonly used examples.

Phrases

• For all your ____-ing needs.
• And much, much more!
• Not sold in any store!
• How much would you expect to pay?
• But wait! Order now and you also get ___!
• But wait, there's more!
• There has to be a better way!
• Don't waste your time on [similar but supposedly less efficient product].
• Actual results may vary.
• Don't be fooled by imitators/competitors.
• For a limited time only.
• Our best just got better.
• New and improved.
• Terms and conditions apply.
• Only $__!
• Just __ easy payments of $__!
• Free*
• Ask your doctor if ____ is right for you.
• How do we do it? Volume!
• Prices marked TOO LOW to advertise! (Usually seen in ads for automobiles.)
• Void where prohibited.
• Some assembly required.
• Fun to play with, not to eat
• Each sold separately.
• Batteries not included. (This phrase and the 3 above it are commonly heard in children's toy commercials.)
• Part of a complete/good/balanced breakfast (almost always heard in ads for children's breakfast cereal)
• As seen on TV!
• You can't afford not to buy this!
• Makes a great gift!
• More than just [product category]!
• The secret is ___. (Used to describe something that is unique to a particular product.)
• Better than the leading brand.
• Don't delay, call now!
• scientifically proven to be more effective than (brand X)!
• Kids, get your parents' permission before ordering!
• For the (woman, man, kid) in you! (alternately: Makes you feel like a ___)
• Product is often described as being an "old family recipe"
• We're practically giving them away!
• None genuine unless it bears the signature of ___ (common in 19th century quack medicine)
• You've tried the rest, now try the best!
• Many will enter, few will win.
• In car ads, a sale is always referred to as an "event".
• A great deal will be made that the product is being sold under a certain amount (such as "Under $1000!") when the stated price said it is just under that amount: "and it's yours for only $999!".
• Four out of five ___ agree product X is the best! (where ___ is somebody who is expected to be an expert in the field: doctors, dentists, mothers, etc.)
• Act now and get a free _____ with your purchase!
• When you call, ask your operator about ___.
• The sale must end this weekend!
• The announcer for a [...] commercial would say the side effects and dangers of the [...] in a manner so fast it is almost overlooked.
• The announcer asking "average people" (who are played by actors) about their experiences about the product.
• Replacing the type of product being sold with the word "solution", such as "cleaning solutions" or "lighting solutions".
• Magically ____s!

External links

• "The modern rules of advertising?" at BBC News, 2 September 2005