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

Apr 30, 2025

Discover the surprising power of annoying ads and how they can be immensely effective! The hosts delve into unforgettable campaigns like HeadOn and Chia Pet, using repetition and simplicity to grab attention. Clear messaging trumps creativity, as demonstrated by the memorable success of these brands. Learn why straightforward, catchy slogans resonate with consumers and drive sales, transforming perceived nuisances into marketing gold. It's a fresh perspective on how clarity and engagement can outshine polished but forgettable ads!

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ANECDOTE

Head On's Annoying Success

The "Head On" ad repetition made it unforgettable and effective despite its simplicity and annoyance.
They avoided over-explaining, relying on viewers inferring it was headache medicine.

ADVICE

Keep Marketing Simple and Clear

Avoid over-explaining your product; keep messages simple and easy to understand.
Use repetition and a clear differentiator to help your marketing stick in customers' minds.

INSIGHT

Memorability and Clarity Sell

Effective marketing causes customers to memorize your offer with short, economical messaging.
Provide a clear plan in ads to overcome subconscious objections and encourage purchase.

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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!

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.

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!