Marketing Made Simple

Why That Worked #21: Slate—Why This $20K Truck Is Getting All the Attention

Wed, 28 May 2025

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.

We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

In crowded markets, being different isn’t enough. You have to communicate how you’re different. Too many businesses blend in because they focus on what the competition is doing instead of what customers actually care about. You might offer better pricing, better service, or a better product, but if you don’t say it clearly, it won’t matter. Messaging that stands out starts with understanding what your audience hates about the current options and then owning the opposite. The brands that win don’t just have better products. They have better words. So how do you find the message that sticks?

In this episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed unpack the viral product launch of Slate, a new affordable and customizable electric truck. They analyze the messaging strategy behind Slate’s viral launch video, and how the brand positioned itself against high-priced vehicles with a fun, customer-focused message. Listen in and learn how to build a controlling idea that creates clarity and focuses on what customers really want.

Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Watch the Slate ad HERE for yourself.

Why That Worked #20: Snipd—What Your Brand Name is Really Saying to Customers

Wed, 21 May 2025

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

Coming up with a product name or tagline seems simple. Until you have to do it. You brainstorm, you debate, and you finally land on something… only to find yourself explaining it to people over and over. That’s the real test of a name: if you have to explain it, it’s not working. The truth is, your name or tagline is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. It’s your first impression, elevator pitch, and clearest hook all rolled into a few words. So why do some names work instantly while others fall flat? And how do you make sure yours is good?

In today’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down the art and science of naming and tagline creation, using the podcast app Snipd as a case study. They explore how a name that sounds clever can still confuse your audience, and why instant clarity always beats creativity. You’ll hear a practical breakdown of how to avoid the “curse of knowledge,” how to test if your name really works, and what makes a tagline stick in someone’s brain. Listen in to discover the simple shifts that make your message irresistible.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Why That Worked #19: Magic Spoon—How One Tagline Dethroned Sugar and Disrupted a $65B Industry

Wed, 14 May 2025

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

It’s not enough to have a great product. You have to position it so customers instantly understand the value. That’s what separates the brands that break through from the ones that disappear. Magic Spoon didn’t invent cereal, they just told a better story: one where protein replaces sugar, and taste isn’t sacrificed for health. And they did it with a smart tagline, a well-defined villain, and a brand voice that made people pay attention. So how can you sharpen your positioning to you stand out like they did?

In this episode, Don and Kyle break down the marketing genius behind Magic Spoon’s rise in a crowded cereal market and how it became a household name. From tackling the sugar-loaded bad-guys of the breakfast aisle to delivering a tagline that opens a story loop and closes the sale, Magic Spoon gives us a playbook worth copying. Tune in to learn how to identify your brand’s real enemy and position your product so it’s instantly understood.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Why That Worked #18: Southwest—The Genius of ‘Bags Fly Free’ and What Happened When It Changed

Wed, 07 May 2025

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

Southwest Airlines built one of the strongest brands in the world by doing one thing better than almost anyone: clear, clever messaging that made customers feel like family. “Bags fly free” was more than a tagline. It was a promise that set them apart from every other airline. But when they recently backtracked on that core message, the backlash was instant. In a world where loyalty is fragile and expectations are sky-high, even the best brands can stumble if they don’t communicate the right way. So what happens when a company known for brilliant messaging gets it wrong?

In this week’s episode, Don and Kyle unpack the marketing brilliance that made Southwest an iconic brand and why their latest messaging misstep is such a big deal. They reveal how Southwest’s playful, people-first branding created an unbeatable bond with customers, and how this new shift risks breaking that trust. You'll learn what Southwest could have done differently, why your messaging must evolve without abandoning what made you great, and how to communicate tough changes without losing customer loyalty. Tune in to find out how even a beloved brand can slip and how you can avoid making the same mistake.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Why That Worked #17: Annoying Ads—The Dumbest Campaigns That Won Your Attention and Made Millions

Wed, 30 Apr 2025

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

Most people try to make their marketing polished, clever, or inspirational. But in the end, clarity beats creativity every time. In fact, some of the most “annoying” ads in history made hundreds of millions of dollars simply because they were impossible to ignore. They weren’t beautiful, they weren’t clever, but they were unforgettable. So why do so many businesses avoid this approach? Because we assume our customers want sophistication, when what they really need is a message that’s crystal clear and easy to remember. If your ad gets ignored, it doesn’t matter how gorgeous it is.

In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed discuss the genius behind annoying marketing campaigns like HeadOn, Chia Pet, and the George Foreman Grill. You’ll learn why these seemingly ridiculous ads worked, how they used repetition and simplicity to dominate attention, and what you can take away to sharpen your own message. Tune in to learn how to make your marketing stick no matter how simple (or obnoxious) it may seem.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!