Marketing Made Simple

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


Listen Later

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!

 

 

--

 

 

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.

 

--

 

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!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Marketing Made SimpleBy Powered by StoryBrand

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

280 ratings


More shows like Marketing Made Simple

View all
The Digital Marketing Podcast by Ciaran Rogers, Daniel Rowles and Louise Crossley

The Digital Marketing Podcast

102 Listeners

The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast by Pat Flynn

The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

3,450 Listeners

Social Media Marketing Podcast by Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner

Social Media Marketing Podcast

1,449 Listeners

Entrepreneurs on Fire by John Lee Dumas of EOFire

Entrepreneurs on Fire

3,827 Listeners

The Amy Porterfield Show by Amy Porterfield

The Amy Porterfield Show

4,580 Listeners

Perpetual Traffic by Tier 11

Perpetual Traffic

748 Listeners

Why That Worked  – Presented by StoryBrand.ai by StoryBrand.ai

Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai

1,944 Listeners

Marketing School - Digital Marketing and Online Marketing Tips by Eric Siu and Neil Patel

Marketing School - Digital Marketing and Online Marketing Tips

1,253 Listeners

The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business by Jenna Kutcher

The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business

12,056 Listeners

Social Media Marketing Talk Show by Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner

Social Media Marketing Talk Show

82 Listeners

The Russell Brunson Show by Russell Brunson | YAP Media

The Russell Brunson Show

895 Listeners

The Jasmine Star Show by Jasmine Star

The Jasmine Star Show

2,577 Listeners

The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray

The Marketing Millennials

146 Listeners

Marketing Against The Grain by Hubspot Media

Marketing Against The Grain

352 Listeners

AI Explored by Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner—AI marketing

AI Explored

77 Listeners