How do you make a jingle memorable without being overly repetitive or annoying to the listener?

Most people come to me for a podcast INTRO and OUTRO.

Although it's not a jingle, the INTRO/OUTRO sets the tone for the podcast. And trust me you wouldn't want me to try and sing!!

Since the advent of AI, most buyers also want it to sound natural and yes @Christina R simple, like a human being actually is there introducing the podcast. They don't generally want all the sound effects, loud music and crazy voice over. But it totally depends on your buyer and the vibe they want.

So you have to ask solid and intuitive questions in your order requirements. This will help the buyer uncover some of the issues they haven't thought about. You are the professional and they come to you for those ideas and creativity. But you are also a guide so even though you have ideas and experience, you need to make sure it fits with their vision by asking the right questions. Pretend you are a reporter trying to get the story but in a :30 story!

Keep the questions simple and to the point, otherwise you have to sift through paragraph after paragraph just to find the best 3 points! Make these questions mandatory so they can't just give you a title and the host name only to skip away for the weekend leaving you there scratching your head!

Some buyers don't even know what they want until they hear it. So, it's important to let them be part of the process and let them know it's definitely a "collaboration" not a "dictation!"

Let your buyer approve every step, even if it's not your style.

SIMPLICITY.  I like to assess the melody - what are they going for, fun? friendly? if its something thats fun I make sure the melody has a little "pep in its step" so to speak, something quick, snappy, and most importantly simple.

Once the melody is done and i'm happy with it, I add in the backing vocals standard of a jingle (doubles, harmonies, stacks!) 

By simplifying the arrangement and focusing on a memorable core, I ensure the jingle's DNA. Once the core is solid, I add additional elements as needed, with the core always remaining the primary focus.