ill communication: copywriting tips & sales strategies for small businesses

Want to position yourself as the go-to expert in 2026?  I'm sharing the one writing prompt that'll make your ideal clients sit up and pay attention - and it's easier than you think.  This content strategy builds authority, showcases expertise, and directly speaks to the clients you want to work with.  Plus, I'm revealing how to turn this single piece of content into your easies...

It's that time of year when everything feels like a whirlwind - wrapping up business, closing final sales, and creating holiday magic for the whole family.  If you're heading into 2026 feeling a little disheveled and disorganized, this episode is for you. I'm sharing 11 powerful reflection prompts to help you honour your wins from 2025, release what didn't serve you, and set cl...

The marketing landscape is shifting fast, and 2026 is gonna reward business owners who prioritize clarity, humanity, and true community over viral trends and algorithm chasing.  In this episode, I'm sharing the six marketing and copywriting trends I'm seeing that will define success in the coming year - from community-driven business models to generative AI optimization.  If you're...

In this episode, I'm taking a pause from the business hustle to share what's actually keeping me grounded and functioning during this busy season.  Hear all about my new skincare obsession (complete with a quartz roller that resets my entire nervous system) to a spa subscription that's forcing me to actually take care of myself, plus the weirdest life-saver of all: beans. Yes, beans...

The holiday season hits different when you're a Gen X business owner juggling kids' recitals, aging parents, and trying to keep your business running.  I'm sharing how to set up your marketing so you can actually step away and enjoy the holidays without the last-minute scramble.  Plus, I'm inviting you to my annual Get Shit Done Holiday mixer ( www.kimkiel.com/holiday ) where w...

In this episode, I'm trying something totally new - my first real-time interview! I sit down with Brenda Rigney, a fellow Gen X entrepreneur who's cracked the code on using the platform Skool to generate leads, build community, and create remarkable revenue streams. Brenda spent 27 years climbing the corporate ladder with multimillion-dollar brands before making her midlife pivot to entr...

Self-proclaimed "world's biggest procrastinator" Kim Kiel gets real about how perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking can paralyze your marketing.  After ghosting her own email list for six months (yes, a copywriter who ghosted her list!), Kim discovered the power of B-minus work and strategic constraints.  She shares the exact mindset shifts and practical strategies that helped h...

If you're tired of hearing from the same gurus shouting each other out and talking about the same things over and over again, this episode is for you. Kim shares why she's excited about Regeneration 2025 , a free virtual summit that's bringing together diverse voices who are reimagining business as a force for good. You'll discover why the online coaching world often feels like...

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 jumpi...

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 t...

Kim tackles the biggest roadblock keeping seasoned entrepreneurs stuck on the sidelines: the belief that they're "not ready" for premium clients and high-ticket offers.  If you've been watching others with less experience get more attention while you undervalue your expertise, this episode reveals why you're probably more ready than you think.  Kim shares how every high-ea...

After seven years in business and 165 episodes, I'm retiring my signature program, The Joy of Copy Club. This past year felt heavy. I lost my spark. I even applied for a job (spoiler: didn't get it). But the universe had other plans. New clients reached out. Podcast downloads doubled. My newsletter is growing like never before. I realized something big: The Joy of Copy Club evolved into...

In this episode, Kim invites you to her brand-new live workshop, Master Your High-Ticket Message: How to Attract and Win Premium Clients.  If you've been struggling to raise your rates, exhausting yourself with lower-ticket offers, or wondering how to position yourself as THE go-to expert, this episode is your wake-up call.  Kim walks you through exactly what she'll in the workshop—from...

High ticket buyers are still buying — even in a softer economy. In this episode of the Ill Communication Podcast , I’m busting 7 of the biggest myths I hear from Gen X business owners about premium offers. From “my niche can’t command premium rates” to “I’ll alienate my audience” or “I need a bigger audience first,” I’ll share real-life examples and the mindset shifts you need to confidently step...

We’re not just in an economic recession — we’re also in a trust recession. Consumers and businesses are being more choosy than ever about where they spend their money. So how do you keep selling in shaky times? Spoiler: it’s not by slashing your prices. In this episode of the Ill Communication Podcast, I’m showing you why doubling down on premium, high-ticket offers is the smartest move in a downt...

Leading up to my milestone birthday, everyone kept asking: How are you going to celebrate? Big party? Big event? Honestly, I didn’t want to do any of that—and for the first time, I felt totally okay about it.  I gave myself permission to celebrate exactly how I wanted, which is how I ended up fully embracing the We Do Not Care Club. In this episode, I’m sharing the Business + Marketing Edition of...

In this episode, Kim shares 18 unconventional and totally doable ways to run year-end promotions that boost revenue without discounting your prices.  You’ll learn how to think strategically, playfully, and profitably about Q4 sales. From Black Friday and Cyber Monday to creative pop-up promos tied to seasons, theme days, and even your business birthday. Resources: Daysoftheyear.com Study: https://...

In this episode of ill communication: copywriting tips and sales strategies for small businesses,  Kim Kiel dives into: Copywriting tips to simplify your sales message and attract more clients How to avoid jargon and write copy that resonates with your audience Why formal “corporate-sounding” copy is holding you back Simple strategies to make time for writing compelling, conversational copy View t...

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 listene...

Hot take: it’s actually easier to sell a $5K offer than a $100 one. (Especially if you’re not down for chasing thousands of likes and followers.) 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 o...

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...

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 t...

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,...

If you tuned in to last week's episode, you know we discussed the importance of being bold and clear in your messaging and marketing.  Right now, one of the biggest trends is having a clear point of view.  Nothing helps you stand out more in your marketing than knowing how to articulate what you do and whom you help in a clear and compelling way.  Some call this the elevator pitch, some call...

Welcome to the Summer Remix series on the Ill Communication Podcast! ☀️ Every summer, I take a short break from recording new content and re-air some of the most popular episodes (fan favourites, most downloads!) This week, we’re revisiting an episode originally released at the very start of 2025. In it I share 7 copywriting and marketing trends that will boost sales this year (even if we are half...