Explore every episode of the podcast ill communication: copywriting tips & sales strategies for small businesses
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Should businesses skip out on Black Friday promos? And what to do instead! | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:25:18 | |
Black Friday and Cyber Monday don't have to be a frantic scramble for your business. In this replay episode from Empire Secrets, Kim shares four strategic alternatives to the traditional Black Friday hustle - from building swipe files and generous unsubscribing to participating in Giving Tuesday and shopping smart for your business needs. Whether you're sitting this season out or jumping in, you'll discover how to align your marketing with your values, avoid training customers to wait for discounts, and create more spaciousness in your business during the most consumer-driven weekend of the year. Perfect timing as we enter the lucrative year-end selling season. Get added to the notification list for the Sales Email Course by emailing hello@kimkiel.com. Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Pull a tarot card or share other "witchy" content this week {Writing Prompt} | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:08:05 | |
Halloween is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to shake up your content strategy with something unexpected. In this sweet and short episode, Kim shares an out-of-the-box seasonal content idea that'll help you connect with your audience on a more human level. Whether you're into tarot cards, pumpkin recipes, or scary business lessons, this episode will inspire you to bring surprise and delight into your marketing. Because here's the thing: people buy from people, and even premium clients want to see your personality shine through. Plus, Kim shares how you can get four weeks of premium authority content prompts delivered to you each month in her Pivot to Premium program. Find out more and enroll: www.kimkiel.com/pivot Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| 10 simple ways to share your values in your business and marketing (and why it’s important you do) {Summer Remix} | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:18:55 | |
In today’s world, sharing your values online can feel risky. Speak up and you might face criticism. Stay silent and you risk feeling out of alignment. As recent events in the online marketing world have shown, navigating that line isn’t easy. In this Summer Remix episode from early January, I’m revisiting one of the most loved episodes of the year, one that sparked countless messages from listeners who finally felt ready to start showing up for the causes and people they care about. You’ll discover 10 simple, actionable ways to weave your values into your business and marketing, from quick, low-effort ideas to more involved strategies, so you can stand for what matters and strengthen your connection with your audience. Whether you’re nervous about “getting it wrong” or just looking for ideas to take a stand with integrity, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to start. Plus, I’ll share a new resource from my friend Tasha Booth, her pop-up community Spark, created for progressive, values-aligned business owners who want a safe, supportive space to process and take action during these turbulent times. You can learn more and join here: Join the Spark Community. It’s time to use your business as a force for good, and I’ll show you how. Resources: Join SPARK, a progressive movement and community of values-aligned business owners (affiliate link): https://kimkielcopy.krtra.com/r/a/QXaz6hBGOjCx6vo Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Banish these words from your online marketing (and what to say instead) | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:12:00 | |
In this episode of ill communication, I'm getting a little hot and bothered about some words and phrases that need to disappear from our online marketing. These are words that are thrown around willy-nilly without really giving much thought to it. Some of these words and phrases are just plain lazy, and they show you haven't really given much thought to your reader, and it’s time to let them go. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Use my fave online thesaurus to find juicier words and phrases: https://www.wordhippo.com/
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| The Business Owner’s Black Friday Cyber Monday Survival Guide | 08 Nov 2023 | 00:10:58 | |
At the time of this episode going live, we are just 2 weeks out from the most lucrative time of the year for many online businesses! Yes, you guessed it- Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. In this episode of ill communication, I'm sharing the business owner's Black Friday, Cyber Monday Audio Survival Guide to help you make the most of this upcoming event, whether you're planning a flash sale or not! Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Binge all of the episodes mentioned: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-business-owners-black-friday-cyber-monday-survival-guide Or listen to them here: Episode 41: The 5P Flash Sale Formula: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-5p-flash-sale-formula Episode 8 - the 5Cs of copywriting: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-new-5cs-of-copywriting-a-modern-refresh-of-bob-blys-brilliant-formula Episode 17: How to get the most out of Black Friday - even if you’re not selling anything: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-black-friday-even-if-youre-not-selling-anything Episode 58: 18 out-of-the-box ways small businesses can drive sales with a year-end promotion: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/18-out-of-the-box-ways-small-businesses-can-drive-sales-with-a-year-end-promotion Episode 20: Don’t write from scratch! Use the ACCA copywriting formula to get more sales and donations: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/dont-write-from-scratch-use-the-acca-copywriting-formula-to-get-more-sales-and-donations
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Finding joy when things are heavy | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:09:37 | |
The world is very heavy right now. Whenever I'm faced with awful news, whether it's in my own personal life or in the lives of humans on the other side of the world. I seem to find a lot of joy in just the tiniest things. So in this episode of ill communication, I wanted to share another episode about what's bringing me joy these days. I hope it might spark something new for you, or help you tune in to even the tiniest thing that could bring you a bit of joy, love, and peace when the world is feeling anything but. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: My Fave Things: Saje Natural Wellness Aromatherapy Diffuser: https://www.saje.ca/products/aroma-om-stone-cool-mist-diffuser?variant=43882545447157 Saje Natural Wellness Diffuser Blend Collection: https://www.saje.ca/products/best-of-saje-diffuser-blend-collection American Franchise Academy https://www.americanfranchiseacademy.com/ Sigrun new website coming soon! Follow Sigrun on Instagram or LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/sigruncom/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigruncom/ CoordCrew : https://coordcrew.com/ Fraiche Food Sunshine Muffins: https://fraicheliving.com/sneaky-mommy-muffins/ Fraiche Food Cookbook: https://amzn.to/498U8w0
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Is the Joy of Copy Club right for me? | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:15:47 | |
Is the Joy of Copy Club right for you? I’m going to do something a little different today. As you may have heard over the last few episodes, the doors to the Joy of Copy Club are open and welcoming new members. So in this episode of ill communication, I want to share with you a little bit about why I created the Joy of Copy Club and the kind of businesses who join so that you can find out if it’s the right fit for you! Topics covered in this episode include:
The next cohort starts soon and I want to see you there! Tune in to learn more about the transformation that’s possible when you join the Joy of Copy Club. Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Join the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclub
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| What happens when you stop “shoulding” all over your business | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:09:00 | |
Ever feel like you have too much on your plate? This is generally one of the top reasons why women business owners work with me privately as their copywriter or inside the Joy of Copy Club. They’re bummed because they’re not sending the emails they know they should, or updating their web copy like they know they should, or launching that flash sale they know they should. They keep “shoulding” all over themselves and their business. In this episode of ill communication, I am sharing what happens when you finally stop “shoulding” all over your business and do what is right for you instead. Topics covered in this episode include:
Tune in to learn how to stop “shoulding” in your business and start taking action with ease and joy! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Join The Joy of Copy Club: http://www.kimkiel.com/copyclub
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Why women in business need a village | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:06:07 | |
They say it takes a village to raise a child and that’s absolutely true. It also takes a village to support our aging family members. In fact, I wouldn’t make it without my village in my life and business. I believe all women in business should have a village of support and genuine connections that can help them succeed, and in this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing why. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Join us in the Joy of Copy Club: https://www.kimkiel.com/copyclub
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Calling BS on these copywriting myths & misconceptions | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:11:55 | |
Wondering what it really takes to write compelling sales copy? There’s a lot of false information floating around out there, and I’m here to tell you not to believe the lies!
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| 3 ways women can create more ease and reduce overwhelm in your business | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:12:27 | |
Do you ever feel like the pressure to run your business, take care of the house and domestic work, take care of your family, and take care of your health is just… impossible? You’re not alone! In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing 3 simple ways to create more ease in your business today so that you can reduce the overwhelm and find more peace. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Listen to episode 32 - How to write a killer About Page using the HELLO framework: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-write-a-killer-about-page-with-the-hello-framework Listen to episode 13 - How to write a compelling sales message without being cheesy or sleazy: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-write-a-compelling-sales-message-without-being-cheesy-or-sleazy Listen to episode 60 - Caution! May cause side effects: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/writing-prompt-caution-may-cause-side-effects Follow Whitney Alexandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitney.alexandra/
I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkiel Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| [Writing Prompt] Caution! May Cause Side Effects | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:06:09 | |
Today ill communication is on its 60th episode! If it were a person, it would be targeted and inundated by ads and marketing for anti-aging medication, shingles, vaccinations, heart medication, and other drugs to create health and healing in an aging population. And those advertisements would all reference the side effects. This leads me to the writing prompt that I’m sharing today- the side effects of working with you! Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| How small businesses can nail Q4 sales - what you need and what you don’t | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:17:42 | |
I don’t know about you, but every sales coach and marketer that I follow is talking about how to make it rain in the last quarter of the year. With all the hype and marketing about messaging, launches, and year-end promotions, it might feel like a lot of pressure. If you've been in my orbit for a while, you know I'm all about finding an easier path forward in marketing, copywriting, and sales. In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing how small businesses can nail their Q4 sales along with what you actually need and what you definitely don’t. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Get inspired by out-of-the-box promotion ideas in Episode 58: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/18-out-of-the-box-ways-small-businesses-can-drive-sales-with-a-year-end-promotion Sign up for the Sales Email Sprint: http://www.kimkiel.com/emailsprint
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Mastering high-ticket sales - the psychology of premium buyers and what makes them say yes {Summer Remix} | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:22:43 | |
Hot take: it’s actually easier to sell a $5K offer than a $100 one. This week’s Summer Remix episode of Ill Communication is a listener pick, voted in by my LinkedIn crew. And honestly? They nailed it. Because selling high ticket offers isn’t just a smart move, it’s a sustainable one. If you’ve been stuck in the hustle of selling low-ticket offers, wondering how to make the math math... this episode is your invitation to step into premium positioning and claim your role as a trusted expert. This episode is part one of a high-value, no-fluff mini masterclass on selling premium offers. Resources Mentioned: Listen to episode 133: Counterintuitive strategies to market and sell high-ticket offers to premium clients (part 2): https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/counterintuitive-strategies-to-market-and-sell-high-ticket-offers-to-premium-clients-part-2 Sales Copy Scorecard: https://kimkiel.com/scorecard Show notes are always available at: https://kimkiel.com/podcast
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| 18 out-of-the-box ways small businesses can drive sales with a year end promotion | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:12:59 | |
September marks one of the busiest and most lucrative times of the year! Are you ready? My goal with this episode is to inspire you to go out and sell yourself and your services with one of these 18 out-of-the-box ways to drive sales with a year-end promotion. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Get your ticket to the Sales Email Spring: www.kimkiel.com/emailsprint Check out the Days of the Year website: Daysoftheyear.com
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Why businesses need the Sales Copy Scorecard [plus a bonus writing prompt] | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:08:04 | |
Wondering how effective your sales copy really is? I have a treat for you! In this episode of ill communication, you're going to get a resource to help you check in and assess how your copy and sales strategies are supporting you and your business. And you’ll get a writing prompt that is perfect for this time of year. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: See what your Sales Copy Score is. Download the scorecard here: www.kimkiel.com/scorecard Fill out the listener survey to win a copy prize pack (value: $1100): www.kimkiel.com/survey
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| 5 powerful copywriting secrets to skyrocket your sales, featuring Heather Holloway | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:27:07 | |
Are you ready to take your copy to the next level so that you can start getting the sales you have been dreaming of? You’re going to love this episode of ill communication! In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing a rebroadcast of a conversation I had with the incredible Heather Holloway on her podcast where we talk about 5 powerful copywriting secrets to skyrocket your sales and it is packed with value! Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Connect with Heather by visiting her website: https://hollowaymediaservices.com/ Share your thoughts on the ill communication podcast for a chance to win a prize: www.kimkiel.com/survey
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Reflections on a year of podcasting (plus a prize giveaway!) | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:12:09 | |
Today we are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the ill communication podcast, and I am raising my glass to YOU! I so appreciate you tuning in each week and taking the tips and lessons you learned and implementing them in your communications, your marketing, and your copy. So cheers to you, my friend! Because this episode marks one year of podcasting, I thought I'd share a few reflections and lessons learned, and I'm announcing a fun contest and giveaway you won’t want to miss out on. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Thanks to my podcast manager and her team: https://stephaniejudice.com/ Listen to one of the Top 5 episodes: E 27: Reality Bites: 5 things I wish I knew before starting my business as a Gen Xer: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/reality-bites-5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-starting-my-business-as-a-gen-xer E32: How to write a killer About Page with the HELLO Framework: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-write-a-killer-about-page-with-the-hello-framework E26: The X Factor - Why Gen X women are an untapped market: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-x-factor-why-gen-x-women-are-an-untapped-market E2: How to write your bio with the 5 Sentence Formula: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-write-your-bio-with-the-5-sentence-formula E30: Use Before After Bridge to close more sales: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/use-before-after-bridge-to-close-more-sales Enter the giveaway prize draw of a FREE Sales Copy Audit and Joy of Copy Recipe Cards (Value: $1100) by sharing your feedback: www.kimkiel.com/survey
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| To niche or not to niche? 5 surprising benefits of choosing a niche for your business | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:16:46 | |
Let’s talk about the great debate inside marketing and sales- to niche, or not to niche? In this episode of ill communication, we'll weigh the pros and cons of niching in your business. We'll also talk about how niching affects and influences your marketing and sales. And I'll give you some questions to ask yourself if you want to define or refine your niche a little. Topics covered in this episode include:
And make sure you're following and subscribing to this podcast so you don't miss any episodes! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| 5 surprising ways to build a more sustainable business | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:45:59 | |
Do you ever check in with yourself and ask what kind of a business and life you want to have? How much you want to work, or how much freedom you desire? In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing a replay of a conversation I had with Elaine Lou Cartas, an award-winning business coach, career coach, and speaker for women of color and allies and the host of the Color Your Dreams podcast. In this conversation, we dove into the 5 surprising ways to build a more sustainable and easy business that you love. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Subscribe to Elaine’s podcast and newsletter: www.elainelou.com
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Mistakes: why you should talk about them [Writing Prompt] | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:06:25 | |
You know those days when you're staring at your screen, you know you should send an email to your list, but you don't know what to write about? Or those days when you just want to put in a little bit of effort, deliver maximum value, and maybe move people closer to working with you? If this sounds like you, then make sure to tune in because, in this episode of ill communication, I'm sharing a powerful writing prompt that is so simple and easy to create! Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast! Resources Mentioned: Listen to Episode 33 - 5 website mistakes that sabotage your sales (and how to fix them): https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/5-website-mistakes-that-sabotage-your-sales-and-how-to-fix-them Listen to Episode 43 - Want to simplify and streamline your messaging? Here are 3 tips to help Gen Xers write more compelling copy: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/want-to-simplify-and-streamline-your-messaging-here-are-3-tips-to-help-gen-xers-write-more-compelling-copy
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Ethical sales and marketing for coaches with Master Coach, Molly Claire | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:39:50 | |
If you've ever thought writing sales copy feels sleazy or you're worried about doing things wrong, this episode of ill communication is for you. I sat down with one of my past clients and a dear soul, Molly Claire. We had a conversation filled with practical tips to help you write copy that's aligned with your values, speaks to your clients, minimizes harm, and sells your services in an ethical and elegant way. This is a replay of when I was a guest on Molly’s show, The Masterful Coach Podcast and I know you’ll love it. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!! Resources Mentioned: Visit Molly’s website: www.mollyclaire.com Follow Molly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyclairecoaching/
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| My summer re-reading list - the top 5 business and copywriting books | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:09:55 | |
In this episode of ill communication, you're going to get a list of the most influential books I've read that have helped me grow my business and write amazing copy for myself and for my clients. I'm calling this episode my summer re-reading list because these are books I keep coming back to read year after year after year. If you're looking for a little summer reading or rereading, this episode is for you! Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| How to cut down your time, increase your creativity, and embrace and sell your own genius with Jessica Fearnley | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:38:49 | |
In this episode of ill communication, I’m excited to introduce you to one of my favorite people in online business- Jessica Fearnley! I was recently a guest on her show, The Seven Figure Consultant Podcast, and it was so good that I just had to share it with you in this episode. We cover a few things related to copy and business building, including when to outsource copy or other tasks in your business, common mistakes people make on their websites, and how to combine inspiration with habit to write more effectively. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast! Resources Mentioned: Visit Jessica's website: https://www.jessicafearnley.com/ Follow Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-fearnley-47173019/ Subscribe to the Seven Figure Consultant LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6620704138135162880/
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Dean Jackson’s 9-word email: dos, don’ts and why it still works in 2025 {Summer Remix} | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:12:13 | |
This summer, I’m bringing back some of my most-loved podcast episodes, and today’s is a gem. You’ve likely heard of the 9-word email, a magical little formula created by marketing legend Dean Jackson. It’s short, punchy, and still incredibly effective for re-engaging leads and booking new clients in 2025. But here’s the problem. Most people are using it wrong. A recent newsletter from a well-known marketing expert reminded me how often the most important parts of this strategy get left out. So I’m diving back into this episode to give you the full picture. What to do, what to avoid, and how I’ve personally used this email to book $10K in client work. You’ll learn:
Whether you’re reviving cold leads or teasing a new offer, this email strategy can be gold when used properly. Need help crafting your own 9-word email or sales sequence? Book a 90-minute sales strategy session: https://kimkielcopy.thrivecart.com/strategy-coaching-power-session-usd/ Additional resources: Find out more about Dean and subscribe to his newsletter: moredean.com Ask me anything! (send a voice message to Kim) https://www.speakpipe.com/kimkiel Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| An easy content hack + a sneak peek into summer episodes on the ill communication podcast | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:06:13 | |
Welcome to the Champagne episode of ill communication! It’s the 48th episode of this podcast and it’s my 48th year on Earth, so I thought it was worthy of celebrating! In this special episode, I’m giving you an inside scoop on what to expect from me over the next couple of months. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Check out the kitchen sink email to repurpose content in episode 37: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-use-the-kitchen-sink-email-to-provide-a-value-bomb
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| 3 critical tips to help you get ready for fall and year-end sales campaigns | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:15:51 | |
Running a business is kind of like running a long, slow, ultramarathon. It has ups and downs, highs and lows, laughter and tears, and often feeling like you can’t or don’t want to carry on. It’s all about how we prep and set ourselves up for success so we can continue running our businesses and reaching our goals, even when we feel pukey. In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing 3 critical tips to help you get ready! Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Learn about the 5P flash sale formula: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-5p-flash-sale-formula Secure your seat inside the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclub
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| The power of copywriting to grow your business [Case Study] | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:16:56 | |
Still wondering if you should invest in copywriting for your business? In this episode of ill communication, I want to share a case study with you that really demonstrates the power of copywriting to grow your business. I’m sharing the story of one of my clients, Kaye. She is a small boutique fitness business owner and mom of three. So needless to say, she is busy. But investing in copywriting still had a huge impact on her business. It’s possible for her and it’s possible for you too. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Listen to episode 45: The ROI of Copywriting: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-roi-of-copywriting-how-to-decide-what-you-need Connect with Kaye at Core Love Fitness: https://www.corelove.ca/ Follow Core Love on IG: www.instagram.com/corelovefitness Check out the Joy of Copy Club Open House: https://www.kimkiel.com/openhouse Check out the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclub Book a call to see if Copy Club is a good fit for you: https://bookacallwithkim.as.me/copyclubcall Email me any questions: hello@kimkiel.com
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| The ROI of copywriting: how to decide what you need | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:13:57 | |
Should you invest in copywriting support? No matter where you are in your business, you will likely need to invest in some type of copywriting support at some point. In this episode of ill communication, I’m exploring the pros, cons, costs, and benefits of investing in copywriting support for your business. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Check out the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclub Check out the No BS Audit: www.kimkiel.com/audit Reach out to chat about what kind of copy support you need today: hello@kimkiel.com
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Can’t find the time to write sales copy? Here’s why. [Plus a bonus email prompt] | 31 May 2023 | 00:10:27 | |
Have you been wanting to sit down and write sales copy but find that you just don’t have time? This is a common sentiment I hear from women business owners, and it breaks my heart! In this episode of ill communication, I’m digging into this sentiment and sharing some tips to overcome it. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Book a no-pressure call with me: https://bookacallwithkim.as.me/introcall Listen to Episode 13: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-write-a-compelling-sales-message-without-being-cheesy-or-sleazy Listen to Episode 5: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-mary-poppins-of-copy-formulas-practically-perfect-in-every-way
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Want to simplify and streamline your messaging? Here are 3 tips to help Gen Xers write more compelling copy | 24 May 2023 | 00:09:27 | |
Ready to simplify and streamline your copywriting? In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing three tips that Gen Xers can use to write more compelling copy. I know it can be easy to overthink it, but these tips will help you get it done with simplicity and authenticity. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Join the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclub
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| How to grow a profitable business with lazy, low-key launch strategies you actually enjoy | 17 May 2023 | 00:18:35 | |
In this episode of ill communication, you're going to find out how I built a multi-six-figure business without any complicated funnels, huge ad spend, massive teams, or major stress. You’ll learn my favorite tools to keep things simple and easy as I’ve grown my business. Plus, I share a way to get your hands on some of my favorite zero-cost, minimal-effort, low-key launch strategies so you can grow your business without spending thousands of dollars on ads or complicated funnels. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Join the Low Key Launch Formula Workshop: www.kimkiel.com/lowkeylaunchformula Learn more about Laura Wright: https://www.laurawrightofficial.com/ Learn more about Amber Annette: https://amberannette.com/
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| The 5P Flash Sale Formula | 10 May 2023 | 00:15:09 | |
Thinking about running a flash sale? In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing one of the best ways to get a little revenue boost or book a few more clients into your calendar. I’m talking about the 5P flash sale formula and why it’s the best way to make your flash sales faster, easier, and more profitable! Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Listen to episode 25: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/what-is-copywriting-and-why-is-it-important-plus-a-bonus-tip Listen to episode 40: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-the-1-question-survey-gives-you-a-constant-flow-of-creative-ideas-directly-from-your-customers
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| How the 1-question survey gives you a constant flow of creative ideas directly from your customers | 03 May 2023 | 00:08:46 | |
In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing how you can get an endless supply of high-converting content ideas straight from your customers' mouths! As any pro copywriter will tell you, the best copy comes from your ideal customers. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Check out the 1-question survey in action: www.kimkiel.com/thank-you
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| [Writing Prompt] How “Love is Blind” can help your marketing | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:06:13 | |
In today’s episode of ill communication, I’m sharing a quick writing prompt. It’s all about taking what’s trending on social media or the news and using it to create content or copy for your business. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Join the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclub
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| 20 Tiny habits that help me generate $1million as a Gen X business woman {Summer Remix} | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:18:00 | |
Running a business doesn’t have to be all 5am wake-ups, endless social media posts, and high-pressure launches. Over the past 6 years, I’ve quietly built a chill, service-based business that has brought in over one million dollars in lifetime revenue. No complicated funnels. No viral Reels. No fancy productivity hacks. Just a handful of habits that keep me grounded, creative, and in motion. In this Summer Remix episode of the Ill Communication Podcast, I’m bringing back one of my favourite episodes of all time: 20 Tiny habits that help me generate $1million as a Gen X business woman. It's fast-paced, fun, and packed with unconventional wisdom you can apply right away (whether you're a fellow Gen Xer or not). Find links to my fave books, office gear and other essentials that support my tiny habits on my resources page: https://www.kimkiel.com/resources Additional Resources Mentioned: Episode 92: Stress-free financial management for small businesses with Profit First, featuring April Stroink: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/stress-free-financial-management-for-small-businesses-with-profit-first-featuring-april-stroink Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| How to craft your BFD statement - and why all businesses need one | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:10:20 | |
In today’s episode of ill communication, I’m sharing a simple and effective marketing tool that will help you amplify your authority and make it so that people want to work with you. I’m sharing how to craft your power statement or your BFD statement- which stands for Big Freakin’ Deal. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Listen to the episode all about writing your bio
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| How to use the kitchen sink email to provide a value bomb | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:07:08 | |
Looking for a fabulous email template to use when you want to serve up a real crowd-pleaser? In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing how to use the kitchen sink email template! This is so easy to use because you're not creating anything new. You're raiding your marketing and content pantry to pull out some tasty favorites and serving them up to your audience in one delicious email. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Come to my free Open Office Hours: www.kimkiel.com/officehours
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| 3 “novel” ways to create authority content with your bookshelf | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:09:11 | |
Is there anything better than picking a brand new book off the shelf, peeling it open, shuffling the crisp pages, and catching a whiff of that new book smell? I love books. Books are a great source of inspiration in my life and business, and in this episode, I’m sharing three surprising ways you can use your bookshelf to help inspire you to create authority content. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com!
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Confessions of a “failed” launch (Part 2) | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:13:57 | |
In the last episode of ill communication, I shared part one of my two-part series where I shared reflections on what worked in my low-key lazy launch to promote Marie Forleo’s B-School program. In this episode, I’m sharing part two of the series. I'm going to share with you the things that did not go well or things I would do differently if I were to get a do-over. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Check out my Ugly Sales Page: www.kimkiel.com/bschool Read why Gen X women are leaving their leadership positions and careers: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-02/gen-x-female-executives-are-leaving-their-jobs-in-droves Find out more about Vanessa Lau’s sabbatical: https://vanessalau.co/sabbatical
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Confessions of a "failed" launch (Part 1) | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:18:12 | |
Ready for some transparency? In this episode of ill communication, I’m pulling back the curtain on an affiliate promotion I did for B-School, Marie Forleo’s premium business course. I’m breaking down what worked for me and what didn't work for me in the hopes you can find some insights that you can take with you into your business or your next promotion or launch. Topics covered in this episode include:
Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Learn more about B-School: www.kimkiel.com/bschool Listen to episode 28: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/what-is-b-school-is-it-worth-it Check out Claire Pelletreau’s Absolute FB Ads Course: https://clairepells.com/afa Use Buzzsprout for your podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1999869—-affiliate
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| 5 website mistakes that sabotage your sales - and how to fix them | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:16:48 | |
Is your website helping your sales and conversions or hurting them? In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing 5 website mistakes that kill your conversions and sabotage your sales. These mistakes are likely causing potential customers to bounce away from your website or your sales page, but don’t worry. They are super easy to correct! Topics covered in this episode include:
After listening to today's episode, you'll be able to open up your website and see if you're making any of these mistakes and you can take immediate action to correct them. Make sure to tune in to learn how! Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Learn more about the No-BS Copy Audit: www.kimkiel.com/audit
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| How to write a killer About Page with the HELLO Framework | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:15:23 | |
Ready to learn about one of the most important marketing assets in your business and brand? It’s one of the most visited pages on your website and it is notoriously difficult to write. I’m talking about the About Page! In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing tips on how you can write a killer About Page with the HELLO Framework. Topics covered in this episode include:
Whether you're writing or optimizing your website right now, or plan to do it sometime this year, you'll want to hear about this framework. Make sure to tune in! Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Check out my About Page: www.kimkiel.com/about Review the Cheatsheet of Awesomeness in Episode 2: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-write-your-bio-with-the-5-sentence-formula
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Write stronger copy using the 4-U Formula | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:04:52 | |
Ready for a super simple framework that will help you make sure that everything you publish will get eyeballs or clicks? In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing the 4-U formula. This is a simple framework or formula that's going to help you assess whether your copy is ready to go out into the world. Topics covered in this episode include:
This framework is the best way to make sure that every piece of copy you put out into the world will catch the attention of your ideal audience. Tune in to learn more! Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Get the Magnetic Copy Checklist: https://www.kimkiel.com/magnetic
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Use Before After Bridge to close more sales | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:09:46 | |
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, only rookies write from scratch! The best copywriters in the business spend the majority of our time researching our clients’ offers, our clients’ voices, and our clients’ customers. And then we take that rich research and we plug it into a copywriting framework or formula to assemble a brilliant marketing or sales message. In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing another simple and super effective copywriting formula that you can use for writing Facebook ads, social media posts, emails, and customer testimonials or case studies. It’s called the BAB formula and I love it for so many reasons. I’m diving into what this formula is, how to use it, an example of it in use, and what to be careful of when using this formula. It is simple and easy for your reader to understand, and it keeps things super simple for us when we're writing as well. Tune in to learn how to get started using it! Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Find out more about the Amplify Your Voice Guides: https://www.kimkiel.com/services
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Use this writing prompt to get more engagement | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:06:03 | |
Are your creative juices running a little dry these days? Maybe you haven’t sent an email to your list in a little while or you need some ideas for a social media post? If that sounds like you, this episode of ill communication is for you. I’m dropping another writing prompt into your ears today that is perfect for these situations. It’s ideal for nurture and pre-launch content. It helps to build your authority, showcases your expertise, and builds know, like, and trust. It also drops a huge value bomb! This prompt is great if you want something that you can repurpose into a Reel, Tiktok, or even a carousel post. Tune in to learn what this writing prompt is, how to use it, examples of it in use, and tips for making the most out of it! Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Check out the episode where I used this prompt: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/reality-bites-5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-starting-my-business-as-a-gen-xer
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| {Summer Remix} Niche down, profit up: 5 surprising benefits of picking a niche (and why your small business needs one in 2025) | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:18:36 | |
Welcome back to the Ill Communication podcast! This summer, I’m remixing hand-picked episodes to help you refine your message and sharpen your sales strategy for the year ahead. Today’s episode is all about the power of picking a niche (something that can feel intimidating when you're trying to grow your business). But narrowing your focus doesn’t mean shrinking your opportunities… in fact, it does the opposite. If you want to stand out and sell more in 2025, it starts with dialing in your niche. Let this episode guide you toward more clarity, confidence, and aligned clients. Take a break from creating content (without looking like it) ✅ Save time 👉 Grab the jam-packed 8-page Google Doc for free at kimkiel.com/remix Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| What is B-School & is it worth it? | 08 Feb 2023 | 00:15:11 | |
I’ve spoken a lot recently about Gen X women and it seems like that really resonated with you all because I have seen an uptick in listeners and downloads. In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing the next episode in this series about Gen X women and small businesses. I’m sharing my experience with B-School, which is an online business and marketing platform by Marie Forleo. You’ll learn what it is, whether it’s worth investing time, money, and energy into, and the special way that I can support you if you decide to join. I get that not everyone is interested in starting or scaling a small business, or interested in B-School but I want to encourage you to listen anyway, because I'll be sharing some of the things I did that helped me be successful in this program and in starting a profitable copywriting business. Maybe you'll pick up something that you can apply to your business or to your life! Make sure to tune in! Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Listen to the other episodes in this mini-series on Gen Xers starting a small business: Episode 26: The X Factor - Why Gen X women are an untapped market: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-x-factor-why-gen-x-women-are-an-untapped-market Episode 27: 5 things I wish I knew before I started a small business: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/reality-bites-5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-starting-my-business-as-a-gen-xer Get more information about B-School, including my exclusive Bonus Suite: http://www.kimkiel.com/bschool
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| Reality Bites: 5 things I wish I knew before starting my business as a Gen Xer | 01 Feb 2023 | 00:18:36 | |
Thinking about starting a business of your own? In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing the five things I wish I knew before starting a business. I’m sharing the good, the bad, and the fugly! What you’re going to hear is how I built a super chill multi-six-figure business as a Gen-Xer. I’m currently celebrating five years as a business owner, which, if you look at the stats, is a pretty big deal! I’m also celebrating a financial milestone. After reviewing my profit and loss statement, I’m generating over a quarter of a million dollars a year in my business. It's just incredible to me that I've created this business, and it's largely been pretty easy. That's why today I want to share the things I wish I knew before becoming an entrepreneur. I also want to share a little bit about what I think is underpinning the kind of success that I've had, because there may be some insights you can take from your own life and business, too. So tune in to learn what these five things are and how you can use them to create the business of your dreams too. Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Find out why I started my business & why I love constraints in episode 1: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/what-is-ill-communication-how-it-will-help-grow-your-business Hear my rally cry about Gen X women in episode 26: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-x-factor-why-gen-x-women-are-an-untapped-market Sign up for the Dream Business Bootcamp at kimkiel.com/dream
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||
| The X Factor - Why Gen X women are an untapped market | 25 Jan 2023 | 00:09:29 | |
Today, I’m getting on my soapbox. They call us the Slacker Generation. The Forgotten or Lost Generation. The Latchkey Generation. But I like to think that we are the generation that had the best and possibly the highest hair. We are Gen X. In this episode of ill communication, I’m talking about the generation that’s largely left out of marketing and advertising campaigns. So if you want some insights into an untapped economic power and marketing opportunity, this episode is for you. The truth is, this generation hasn’t really been invited to the table in the same way that the Boomers and Millennials have. If you haven't considered marketing to Gen X women, you're missing a huge opportunity. This generation of women is amazing, and we make incredible entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn more about the potential for tapping into the Gen X market with your marketing and advertising materials. Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com! Resources Mentioned: Reach out to me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy Reach out to me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy/ Send me an email at hello@kimkiel.com
Text me a question or comment! ------ Elevate your messaging, offers and sales inside Pivot to Premium - a 4-month incubator for women-led businesses. | |||