Todd Liles and the Wizard of Ads

Todd Liles
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MARKETING

Welcome to Todd Liles and The Wizard of Ads, a podcast for business owners who want to become remarkable. Todd Liles will take you deep into the mind of Roy H. Williams, the Wizard of Ads, to unleash the timeless truths and secret strategies that have helped him build dozens of America's most successful businesses. Do you want to build a brand that wins the heart, captures the mind, and creates lasting relationships? Take a deep breath and buckle up. It's time to fly.

  1. How to Write Headlines That Demand Attention (and Make People Keep Reading)

    1D AGO

    How to Write Headlines That Demand Attention (and Make People Keep Reading)

    The difference between an ad that gets ignored and one people can’t forget? The headline. In this episode of Todd Liles and the Wizard of Ads, Todd and Roy H. Williams unpack the craft of writing headlines that demand attention and pull readers deeper. From the absurd “Bat Boy Found in Cave” tabloid to The Economist’s legendary billboard, you’ll learn why the best headlines spark curiosity, create tension, and leave a “hovering question mark” your brain can’t ignore. In this episode, you’ll discover: The true job of a headline (it’s not to sell — it’s to propel) Why curiosity and surprise activate the brain’s Broca’s area How images serve one purpose: to push people to the headline The “hovering question mark” formula for curiosity-driven ads The Magical Worlds exercise for turning absurd lines into powerful copy Why every sentence should be strong enough to start your ad What makes The Economist’s billboard one of the smartest headlines ever 👉 Whether you’re writing ads, social posts, or emails, this episode shows you how to craft headlines that grab attention and make people keep reading. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, review, and share the show with a business owner who refuses to be ordinary. Because in business, the bold win—and the remarkable reign. 📌 Connect with Todd Liles: Website | Instagram | Linkedin 🔗 Full show notes and resources: www.toddliles.com/wizard

    37 min
  2. The Habit Loop of Advertising | Why Repetition Makes Brands Unforgettable

    SEP 25

    The Habit Loop of Advertising | Why Repetition Makes Brands Unforgettable

    Repetition isn’t just frequency...it’s the habit loop that cements your brand in the customer’s brain. In this episode of Todd Liles and the Wizard of Ads, Todd and Roy break down how cue, routine, and reward form the backbone of branding. From Claude Hopkins’ Pepsodent campaign to Liberty Mutual’s Emu ads, you’ll learn why repetition creates procedural memory, why consistency builds trust, and why predictability kills ads. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why repetition is more powerful than frequency in branding The science of procedural memory and how adrenaline cements habits How identity reinforcement drives customer purchases The habit loop explained: cue, routine, reward Why consistency compounds trust but predictability kills ads How brands like Liberty Mutual and puppet-based campaigns use cues effectively Why rules are for fools — ads must break the mold to work If you want your HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business to be remembered first, this episode shows you how to make your brand unforgettable. f you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, review, and share the show with a business owner who refuses to be ordinary. Because in business, the bold win—and the remarkable reign. 📌 Connect with Todd Liles: Website | Instagram | Linkedin 🔗 Full show notes and resources: www.toddliles.com/wizard

    47 min
  3. Why Your Paid Advertising Isn’t Working (And How To Fix It)

    SEP 18

    Why Your Paid Advertising Isn’t Working (And How To Fix It)

    Most contractors are spending more on advertising than ever (Google ads, coupons, mailers) but seeing fewer results. The clicks cost more, the leads convert less, and the cycle keeps companies stuck chasing quick wins instead of building long-term profit. In this episode of Todd Liles and the Wizard of Ads, Todd and Roy unpack why most advertising keeps home service owners broke — and what to do instead. You’ll learn: Why today’s advertising delivers less at a higher cost The danger of building on “rented land” like Google instead of your own name Why direct response feels good but fades fast Why brand, trust, and referrals outlast any ad platform How small companies can beat bigger competitors through branding and relationships The steps to build a company customers search for by name, not category If you’re ready to stop wasting money on ads and start building a brand that lasts, this episode will show you how. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, review, and share the show with a business owner who refuses to be ordinary. Because in business, the bold win—and the remarkable reign. 📌 Connect with Todd Liles: Website | Instagram | Linkedin 🔗 Full show notes and resources: www.toddliles.com/wizard

    44 min
  4. The Art & Science of Copywriting: Why Great Ads Move Hearts AND Minds

    SEP 11

    The Art & Science of Copywriting: Why Great Ads Move Hearts AND Minds

    Most people think copywriting is just about formulas. Others think it’s just about creativity. The truth? Great copy requires both. In this episode of Todd Liles & the Wizard of Ads, Todd and Roy unpack the art and science of copywriting—how structure and intuition combine to create ads that truly move people. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: -The difference between art (intuition, rhythm, emotion) and science (frameworks, formulas, discipline) in writing -How the left brain and right brain work together to unlock creativity -Why constraints and boundaries actually enhance creativity -The role of intuition, pattern recognition, and emotion in great copy -How to recognize great copy when you see it—and reverse-engineer why it works -Why Apple’s 1984 ad nearly failed in pre-testing (and what that teaches us about research vs. resonance) Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or aspiring copywriter, this episode will change the way you think about creating ads that sell. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, review, and share the show with a business owner who refuses to be ordinary. Because in business, the bold win—and the remarkable reign. 📌 Connect with Todd Liles: Website | Instagram | Linkedin 🔗 Full show notes and resources: www.toddliles.com/wizard

    52 min
  5. Strategy vs. Tactics: The Truth About Building Ads That Actually Work

    SEP 4

    Strategy vs. Tactics: The Truth About Building Ads That Actually Work

    Do you know the difference between strategy and tactics? Most advertisers don’t—and it’s costing them millions. Strategy is the long-term framework, the belief system that guides every decision and aligns with customer truth. It’s the diet, exercise, and daily habits that win the trophy year after year. Tactics are the quick levers—discounts, headlines, PPC clicks—that create short bursts of response but fade just as fast. They’re good, but they don’t last. In this episode of Todd Liles & The Wizard of Ads, Todd and Roy H. Williams break down the critical difference between the two and why you need both: -Why strategy beats tactics in long-term advertising -How to design campaigns that survive beyond a “limited-time offer” -Why frequency, consistency, and truth create household-name brands -The danger of chasing PPC “rented leads” vs. owning customer loyalty -Why every business needs a strategist (your vamp) to win the show Don’t gamble your budget on tactics alone. Learn how to build a media strategy that actually works. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, review, and share the show with a business owner who refuses to be ordinary. Because in business, the bold win—and the remarkable reign. 📌 Connect with Todd Liles: Website | Instagram | Linkedin 🔗 Full show notes and resources: www.toddliles.com/wizard

    1 hr
  6. The Truth About TV Advertising: 5 Rules Every Business Owner Must Know

    AUG 28

    The Truth About TV Advertising: 5 Rules Every Business Owner Must Know

    Is TV advertising worth it in today’s world...or is it a waste of money? In this episode of Todd Liles & the Wizard of Ads, we uncover the 5 truths about television advertising every business owner must know before spending a single dollar. You’ll learn: -Why TV has unmatched emotional impact — and the high barriers to doing it right -How to buy TV that actually works (news + sports, repetition, and beating the DVR) -The real cost of TV (hint: it’s about audience size, not your company size) -The power of TV vs. radio storytelling — and why 30 seconds on TV = 60 seconds on radio -When TV is the wrong tool — and why courage is required for persuasion Whether you’re running a local shop or scaling nationally, this episode will help you decide if TV belongs in your media mix — or if you’re better off walking away. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, review, and share the show with a business owner who refuses to be ordinary. Because in business, the bold win—and the remarkable reign. 📌 Connect with Todd Liles: Website | Instagram | Linkedin 🔗 Full show notes and resources: www.toddliles.com/wizard

    43 min
  7. Is Print Dead? Why Powerful Messages Outlive Every Medium

    AUG 21

    Is Print Dead? Why Powerful Messages Outlive Every Medium

    Is print advertising dead? Todd Liles and Roy H. Williams (The Wizard of Ads) say no...and they prove it. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why print still works in a digital-first world The power of signage, location, and physical presence as marketing tools How the De Beers “A Diamond Is Forever” campaign became timeless—and what it teaches us about branding Why your message matters more than your medium When print can outperform digital for trust, prestige, and impact From signs that turn into landmarks to stories that last generations, this episode shows why print still commands attention...and why great messages never die. What you’ll learn isn’t about media trends, it’s about timeless influence. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, review, and share the show with a business owner who refuses to be ordinary. Because in business, the bold win, and the remarkable reign. Connect with Todd Liles: Website | Instagram | Linkedin 🔗 Full show notes and resources: www.toddliles.com/wizard

    38 min
  8. Google Ads Won’t Save You: Be the Brand They Search For

    AUG 7

    Google Ads Won’t Save You: Be the Brand They Search For

    Most businesses spend thousands on Google ads, fighting for generic search clicks that don’t convert. But the real money isn’t in buying clicks...it’s in owning mindshare so customers type your name into the search bar. In this episode of Todd Liles and the Wizard of Ads, Roy H. Williams and Todd Liles reveal: -Why unbranded search ads keep you stuck in a price war -The difference between “switchable” and “non-switchable” customers -How to stop competing for cheap leads and start building loyalty -Why mass media builds branded search faster (and cheaper) than digital alone -A $40M case study proving you don’t need big ad budgets to win If you’re tired of paying Google just to be one of many options, this episode shows you how to become the only name people search for. Watch now and learn how great brands win before the click. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, review, and share the show with a business owner who refuses to be ordinary. Because in business, the bold win—and the remarkable reign. 📌 Connect with Todd Liles: Website | Instagram | Linkedin 🔗 Full show notes and resources: www.toddliles.com/wizard

    44 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to Todd Liles and The Wizard of Ads, a podcast for business owners who want to become remarkable. Todd Liles will take you deep into the mind of Roy H. Williams, the Wizard of Ads, to unleash the timeless truths and secret strategies that have helped him build dozens of America's most successful businesses. Do you want to build a brand that wins the heart, captures the mind, and creates lasting relationships? Take a deep breath and buckle up. It's time to fly.

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