ill communication: copywriting tips & sales strategies for small businesses

The marketing landscape has changed big time , and today’s buyers are more cautious, more skeptical, and taking way longer to say yes. In this episode of Ill Communication , I’m breaking down the three essentials your business needs to sell with more clarity and ease in 2025, especially in what many experts are calling a “trust recession.” We cover: How to clarify your core message so your dream c...

Tired of writing sales copy that just seems to list out features and specs, but leaves your readers yawning? In this special 150th episode of Ill Communication, I’m diving into the secret sauce that transforms dull, lifeless sales copy into a message that sparks curiosity and inspires action: the FAB Formula. It’s the technique that helps you bridge the gap between what your offer is and why it ma...

How often do you stop to truly celebrate your wins—big and small? In this episode, I dive deep into why celebrating successes matters more than you think, both in your business and in your personal life. From sharing personal stories of family milestones to reflecting on how I often skip over acknowledging wins in business, this episode is all about the power of creating a positive feedback loop t...

What would it take for you to truly unplug this summer—without your business missing a beat? I’m sharing all the juicy details about my most popular workshop of the year: The Summer of Ease . I walk you through why planning now can give you the freedom to enjoy more sunshine and yes—more ease. Join me as I break down exactly what we’ll be doing together in this live, get-it-done session—from craft...

This episode is different—and deeply personal. I'm stepping away from the usual copywriting tips to talk about something many of us avoid: mental health, burnout, and the hidden toll of holding it all together. The past year left me mentally and emotionally tapped out, and I didn’t even fully realize it until I was on the other side. So in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m opening u...

How do you turn what's happening in your life right now into compelling content your audience actually wants to read? I’m sharing a powerful seasonal writing prompt that will help you show up consistently and with purpose—whether it’s through email, social media, blog posts, or your podcast. I’m in the thick of baseball season with my son, and it got me thinking: our daily lives are full of t...

What if “f*cking around and finding out” was exactly the mindset you needed to gain new traction in your business? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my new FAFO (F*ck Around and Find Out) era—what sparked it, how it reshaped my marketing approach, and why I’m finally letting go of perfectionism. If you’re anything like me, you might’ve resisted LinkedIn for years. But once I finally...

How many people are missing out on your offer just because it’s hard to find or share?  I’m giving you six dead-simple, free, and often overlooked ways to promote your offers that you can implement today. These strategies are designed to support all types of buyers from the DM-happy to the lurkers who never comment but love to click. Tune in to learn how to make your marketing more inclusive, more...

Have you ever wondered why your emails aren’t getting opened—or worse, landing in the trash? I’m sharing three often-overlooked email tweaks that can instantly improve your open rates and get more eyeballs on your offers. This episode is all about boosting your email engagement with simple but powerful strategies. Whether you’re just starting your email list or looking to freshen things up, these...

Are you unknowingly turning potential clients away the moment they land on your website? In this quick-hit episode, I’m sharing five super simple—but wildly effective—tweaks you can make to your website today to capture more leads and close more sales. Whether you’re just starting out or you've had your site up for years, these micro-adjustments are often overlooked but can make a huge differ...

What if the key to writing better copy wasn’t writing more —but writing less ? In this episode, I’m kicking off a new mini-series called 1 Minute Messaging Magic, where I’ll share fast, actionable tips you can apply right away to improve your messaging and marketing. And today’s tip is all about one simple shift that will instantly make your words more powerful: letting them breathe. This week’s t...

We make thousands of decisions every day—some are small, some are life-changing. But have you ever shared one of your biggest decisions with your audience? In this episode, I break down how opening up about your own decision-making process can build trust, connection, and authority in your business. Inspired by one of my recent and most popular episodes, I’m giving you a writing prompt that will h...

What if the reason you're struggling to attract high-ticket clients isn't your offer—but your messaging? In this episode, we're diving into the five stages of awareness and how they shape your marketing success. If you're frustrated by attracting the wrong type of clients, struggling to sell your premium offers, or wondering why your messaging isn't resonating with your id...

Why isn’t your marketing working? You’re putting in the effort, crafting your message, and showing up consistently—but something isn’t clicking. In this episode, I’m sharing the one foundational piece that most small business owners overlook when writing their copy: voice of customer (VOC) research . You’ll learn how to find and use the exact words, emotions, and motivations of your ideal buyer to...

Have you ever assumed silence means a missed opportunity? In this episode, I’m sharing a simple but powerful lesson: the fortune is in the follow-up! Inspired by a real-life conversation with my son about job hunting, I dive into why following up isn’t desperate—it’s strategic. Whether you're reaching out to a potential employer, a client, or a past connection, a well-timed check-in can chang...

Have you ever held onto something—whether in life or business—longer than you should, simply because you’d already invested so much into it? In this deeply personal episode, I open up about a bittersweet decision my husband and I recently made and dive into the emotional rollercoaster of letting go, the fear of feeling like a failure, and the powerful lesson in recognizing when it’s time to pivot....

What’s the real difference between a copywriter and a ghostwriter? In today’s episode, I’m diving into the differences and similarities between copywriting and ghostwriting—a topic that’s piqued my interest and curiosity over the last few months. As more and more copywriters start calling themselves ghostwriters, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is there a real distinction, or is it just smart branding...

What if there was a simple formula that made writing your marketing content faster, easier, and more effective? In this episode of Ill Communication , I’m sharing one of my go-to copywriting formulas that belongs in every marketer’s toolkit—Challenge, Solution, Result (CSR). This versatile structure is perfect for your welcome email sequence, sales emails, and even social media posts. Whether you’...

Why do some high-ticket offers sell effortlessly while others struggle to gain traction? The secret isn’t just in what you’re selling—it’s how you’re selling it.  In this episode, I’m covering what strategies actually work when marketing and selling premium offers in 2025. I’ll reveal where your high-ticket buyers are really hanging out (hint: it’s not where you think), how to craft messaging that...

Selling high-ticket offers ($5K+) isn’t just about slapping on a premium price tag—it’s about speaking directly to the right buyers in the right way. High-ticket clients think, research, and invest differently, which means your messaging must reflect that. In this two-part series, I’m unpacking what makes a high-ticket offer irresistible and the strategic shifts that help you attract, convert, and...

Is the secret to growing your business actually going back to basics? With AI tools, algorithm changes, and skeptical consumers, keeping up with online business trends can feel exhausting. But what if the real key to success isn’t about chasing the latest hacks—but instead, focusing on timeless, proven business foundations?  In this episode, I’m sharing my personal experience with B-School, Marie...

How can your business reflect the world you want to create? In this week’s episode, I set aside my original plan to share a message that’s been too loud to ignore. Let’s talk about aligning your business with your values—boldly, intentionally, and authentically. We’re covering practical ways to show up for what matters to you, build a meaningful connection with your audience, and attract clients w...

Ready to become a respected voice in your industry without coming across as pushy or self-promotional?  Let me show you how to create the kind of content that naturally positions you as an authority while building genuine connections with other experts in your field. In this episode, I spill the tea on my Beastie Boys-inspired approach to becoming an "ill communicator" (spoiler alert: it...

Ready to transform your marketing strategy for 2025?  I'm breaking down seven game-changing marketing and copywriting trends that most experts aren't talking about.  We’ll get into why human-centered marketing is more crucial than ever and discuss the big shifts happening in the marketing industry for 2025.  Plus, I share candid thoughts on AI's role in marketing and why going local...

Tired of setting the same old New Year's resolutions that fizzle out by February? Ready for some refreshingly honest, achievable goals that actually align with your life and business? I'm sharing 25 no-BS resolutions specifically crafted for GenX business owners (though trust me, they'll resonate no matter your generation). From finally raising your rates to embracing "B-minus...