Discover the story behind the iconic jingle “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” and who wrote it. Learn about State Farm’s marketing strategies and brand impact.
Have you ever heard the jingle “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there”? It’s a catchy tune that has been stuck in our heads for generations. But have you ever wondered who wrote it? In this article, we’ll dive into the history of State Farm, their advertising and marketing strategies, and the story behind the iconic jingle.
The “Like a good neighbor” campaign has become synonymous with State Farm, representing their commitment to being there for their customers in times of need. This jingle has stood the test of time, remaining a powerful and effective marketing tool for the insurance company. Understanding the story behind the jingle is key to understanding the success of State Farm’s branding efforts.
So, let’s explore the story behind the “Like a good neighbor” jingle and the impact it has had on State Farm’s brand.
History of State Farm

Overview of the Company’s History
State Farm was founded in 1922 by George J. Mecherle, a retired farmer and insurance salesman. He wanted to create a company that provided affordable auto insurance to farmers in rural areas. The company quickly grew, expanding its products to include home insurance, life insurance, and more.
Today, State Farm is one of the largest insurance companies in the world, with more than 83 million policies and accounts in the United States alone. They have over 58,000 employees and 19,000 independent contractor agents.
How the Slogan “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm Is There” Came to Be
In the 1970s, State Farm was looking for a new advertising campaign that would resonate with customers. They wanted to emphasize their commitment to being there for their policyholders, no matter what.
The “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” slogan was created in 1971 by the advertising agency DDB Chicago. It was a simple and catchy phrase that emphasized the company’s values. The jingle was added to the campaign a few years later, in 1978.
Since then, the “Like a good neighbor” campaign has become a staple of State Farm’s branding efforts. It has been used in television commercials, print ads, and more. The campaign has been so successful that it has been adapted for use in other countries, including Canada, Mexico, and China.
Advertising and Marketing Strategy of State Farm

State Farm is well-known for its advertising and marketing campaigns, and the “Like a good neighbor” campaign is one of its most successful. But what makes this campaign stand out from the rest? Let’s take a closer look at State Farm’s advertising and marketing strategies and the importance of the “Like a good neighbor” campaign.
Overview of the company’s advertising and marketing tactics
State Farm has a long history of successful advertising and marketing campaigns. From their sponsorship of sports teams to their involvement in community events, State Farm has always focused on building relationships with its customers. In recent years, they have expanded their marketing efforts to include digital and social media marketing, targeting younger generations of customers.
One of their most successful campaigns is the “Like a good neighbor” campaign, which has been running for over 40 years. The campaign emphasizes State Farm’s commitment to being there for their customers in times of need, portraying the company as a trusted and reliable partner.
Importance of the “Like a good neighbor” campaign
The “Like a good neighbor” campaign has become synonymous with State Farm, representing their values and commitment to their customers. The jingle has become a cultural icon, recognized by people across the country.
The success of this campaign can be attributed to its focus on building relationships with customers. By emphasizing the importance of being a good neighbor and helping others, State Farm has positioned itself as a company that cares about more than just profits.
Overall, the “Like a good neighbor” campaign has been a crucial part of State Farm’s advertising and marketing strategy, helping them to build a strong brand and connect with customers on a deeper level.
Who Wrote the “Like a Good Neighbor” Jingle?

Background Information on the Jingle
The “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” jingle was first introduced in 1971 as part of State Farm’s new advertising campaign. The jingle quickly became a staple of State Farm’s branding efforts and has remained a vital part of their marketing strategy for over 50 years.
Discussion of the Writer(s) Behind the Jingle
The writer behind the iconic jingle is Barry Manilow. Manilow is a well-known American singer-songwriter, musician, and producer who has written and produced many hit songs throughout his career. However, the “Like a good neighbor” jingle is one of his most famous pieces of work.
Manilow originally wrote the jingle as a full-length song, which was then shortened for use in State Farm’s advertising campaign. The jingle’s success helped to launch Manilow’s career and cemented his place in pop culture history.
Impact of the Jingle on State Farm’s Brand
The “Like a good neighbor” jingle has had a significant impact on State Farm’s brand. The jingle’s catchy tune and memorable lyrics have helped to reinforce State Farm’s commitment to being there for their customers. The jingle has become so closely associated with State Farm that many people can’t hear the phrase “like a good neighbor” without thinking of the insurance company.
The jingle has also helped to establish State Farm’s brand as friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. By using a catchy and memorable jingle, State Farm has been able to create a lasting impression on their customers and stand out from their competitors.
In conclusion, the “Like a good neighbor” jingle has played a crucial role in State Farm’s branding efforts and has become an iconic piece of pop culture history. Barry Manilow’s catchy tune and lyrics have helped to reinforce State Farm’s commitment to their customers and establish their brand as friendly and reliable.
Analysis of the Jingle’s Success
Why the Jingle is Successful
The “Like a good neighbor” jingle is one of the most successful advertising jingles of all time. It has been around for over 40 years and has stood the test of time. But what makes it so successful?
First and foremost, the jingle is incredibly catchy. It has a simple melody that is easy to remember and sing along to. This makes it highly effective in creating brand recognition and recall.
Additionally, the jingle’s message is clear and concise. It communicates State Farm’s commitment to being there for their customers in times of need. This message resonates with people and highlights the value of having insurance with State Farm.
Longevity and Cultural Impact
The longevity of the “Like a good neighbor” jingle is a testament to its success. It has become a part of popular culture, with people referencing it in movies, TV shows, and even in everyday conversation.
The jingle has also spawned many parodies and variations, further cementing its place in our cultural lexicon. This has helped to keep State Farm top-of-mind for many people when they think about insurance.
Overall, the “Like a good neighbor” jingle’s success can be attributed to its catchy melody, clear message, and cultural impact. It has become an iconic piece of advertising history and a testament to the power of effective branding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history behind the “Like a good neighbor” campaign?
The “Like a good neighbor” campaign was first introduced by State Farm in 1971. The campaign aimed to highlight the company’s commitment to being there for their customers in times of need, just like a good neighbor would be. The jingle, “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there,” was introduced a few years later and has become synonymous with the company’s brand.
Who wrote the “Like a good neighbor” jingle?
The “Like a good neighbor” jingle was written by Barry Manilow and his writing partner, Marty Panzer. The duo was approached by State Farm’s advertising agency to create a jingle that would resonate with audiences and help establish the “Like a good neighbor” campaign.
How has the “Like a good neighbor” campaign impacted State Farm’s brand?
The “Like a good neighbor” campaign has become an integral part of State Farm’s brand, representing their commitment to being there for their customers in times of need. The jingle has stood the test of time, remaining a powerful and effective marketing tool for the insurance company. The campaign has helped establish State Farm as a trustworthy and reliable insurance provider.
Has the “Like a good neighbor” campaign been successful?
Yes, the “Like a good neighbor” campaign has been incredibly successful for State Farm. The jingle has become one of the most recognizable and iconic jingles in advertising history. The campaign has helped establish State Farm as a leader in the insurance industry, and the company remains one of the largest insurance providers in the United States.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” jingle is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a testament to the power of effective marketing and branding. By creating a memorable slogan and jingle that customers can identify with, State Farm has been able to build a strong and loyal customer base.
We learned about the history of State Farm, their advertising and marketing strategies, and the story behind the iconic jingle. The success of the “Like a good neighbor” campaign is a testament to the expertise, authority, and trustworthiness of State Farm.
At 5 WS, we strive to provide you with informative and engaging content that answers all your questions. We hope that this article has shed some light on the story behind the “Like a good neighbor” jingle and its impact on State Farm’s branding efforts. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for reading!