

Marketing Made Simple
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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, you'll get practical tips to make your marketing easy and make it work!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 6, 2025 • 42min
Why That Worked #31: Airbnb—The Brilliant Strategy Behind Their New Messaging Campaign (RE-RELEASE)
Discover how Airbnb's latest messaging campaign successfully addresses common travel frustrations and captures audience attention. The hosts delve into effective brand messaging strategies, emphasizing the importance of clarity and understanding customer needs. They analyze the balance of ease and trust in Airbnb's communications, critiquing previous taglines while showcasing the significance of tailored marketing approaches. Practical insights from the StoryBrand framework provide listeners with actionable tips to enhance their own brand messaging.

22 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 35min
Why That Worked #30: AI with Jay Owen—How Smart Businesses Use It Without Losing the Human Touch
Jay Owen, founder of AI with Jay and a StoryBrand certified agency owner, dives into the world of AI and its impact on small businesses. He discusses how to embrace AI without sacrificing creativity, offering practical strategies for integrating it as a creative partner. Jay highlights the importance of personal relationships in a tech-driven landscape, emphasizing that while AI can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace human connections. Listeners will discover tools and mindsets essential for thriving in this rapidly evolving environment.

12 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 31min
Why That Worked #29: Infomercials—What OxiClean & Shamwow Can Teach Us About Messaging That Sells
Dive into the world of infomercials with insights from the iconic OxiClean and ShamWow pitches. Discover how clarity, drama, and urgency in messaging can captivate audiences. Learn about the art of exaggeration and how specific, targeted communication enhances product appeal. The hosts analyze the rapid-fire presentation styles that drive sales and build trust with viewers. Uncover effective techniques that can transform your marketing strategies, making your message resonate even amidst distractions.

Jul 16, 2025 • 45min
Why That Worked #28: John Mark McMillan—How to Make Promotion a Part of the Creative Process
Join musician and songwriter John Mark McMillan, who brings over 20 years of experience and 10 albums, as he delves into the art of authentic promotion. He discusses the struggle of sharing art without feeling like a sellout and the emotional connections that music fosters. John shares insights on merging creativity with business, emphasizing vulnerability and storytelling in engaging audiences. Discover how he navigates the dynamic between artistic freedom and audience connection, ultimately leading to a genuine impact.

10 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 23min
Why That Worked #27: Bombas—The Shark Tank Pitch That Got Everything Right (And What Businesses Can Learn From It)
Dive into the secrets behind the Bombas Shark Tank pitch that transformed a simple sock into a billion-dollar brand. Discover how impactful storytelling, emotional resonance, and memorable soundbites played a crucial role in their success. The podcast also reveals essential strategies for crafting engaging elevator pitches and effective product presentations. Learn how clear communication and vibrant branding can enhance consumer perception, alongside tips for building successful online brands and securing growth capital.

13 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 32min
Why That Worked #26: Dan Go—The Fitness Coach Who Built a Mega Brand by Niching Down
Discover the secret to successful personal branding by niching down, as experts dissect the journey of fitness coach Dan Go. Learn how targeted messaging can build trust and attract the right audience. The discussion reveals the power of clear communication for entrepreneurs, alongside insights on health and productivity from ages 24 to 44. Explore creative strategies for mastering personal branding and effective marketing, including the value of curiosity soundbites. This episode is packed with tips to help you establish a compelling identity in today’s market.

7 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 43min
Why That Worked #25: Annie F. Downs—The Strategy Behind Her Breakthrough Personal Brand
Annie F. Downs, a bestselling author and vibrant speaker known for her relatable personal brand, shares her insights on authenticity in branding. She discusses the delicate balance of sharing personal stories while staying grounded, emphasizing that trust is built through genuine connection rather than polished images. Annie describes her journey of embracing vulnerability and the challenges of aligning her brand with audience expectations. With practical advice on social media strategies and content creation, she inspires listeners to be true to themselves in the noisy digital landscape.

28 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 29min
Why That Worked #24: Pass/Fail—Breaking Down the Best and Worst in Branding
Discover how impactful messaging can elevate or damage a brand's credibility. The hosts assess the transition from user-generated to employee-generated content, revealing its effectiveness in modern marketing. They analyze Shedeur Sanders’ NFL draft comments alongside the bold branding of Liquid Death. The conversation shifts to the art of messaging, distinguishing confidence from arrogance and the importance of storytelling in user reviews. Learn how to transform your messaging into a powerful trust-building tool.

11 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 48min
Why That Worked #23: Dadville—The New Rules of Being a Great Dad
Dave Barnes and John McLaughlin, musicians and co-hosts of the Dadville podcast, dive into the evolving landscape of fatherhood. They challenge the stereotype of dads as bumbling figures, stressing the need for active and heartfelt involvement in parenting. Their conversation includes the importance of mindful communication and how small changes in tone can positively impact children. They share personal anecdotes, emphasizing vulnerability and teamwork in creating nurturing family dynamics, ultimately redefining the role of modern fathers.

26 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 26min
Why That Worked #22: Seizing the Moment—Lessons from Nike’s Viral Scheffler Ad
Discover how Nike capitalized on cultural moments with their viral marketing surrounding Scotty Scheffler's PGA win. Learn why real-time responsiveness is crucial, contrasting Nike's success with Skechers' missed opportunity. Uncover the power of 'attention mining' and how brands can connect with consumers by tapping into current social trends. Explore strategies to communicate effectively and resonate with cultural angst, transforming audience engagement into brand loyalty.