ill communication: copywriting tips & sales strategies for small businesses

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 i...

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 rerea...

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 bus...

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: The types of episodes you’ll be getting in the future How you can get off the...

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 critic...

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 st...

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: The three types of copywriting support you can ge...

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: The truth about the time it takes to write sales copy Why I don’t thi...

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: The things that get in the way of you writing compelling copy Why customer voice...

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 ca...

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: What flash sales are and how they can help...

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: The not-so-secret secret to writing high-converting sales copy My hack for getting a constant stream of feedback fr...

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: Why trending topics make great copy or content topics What you can write about depending on your business Headline and subject line ideas  A word of warning a...

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: What a BFD statement is and why you need one How you can use this state...

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 em...

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...

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 epi...

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 episo...

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: Why the posit...

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: Why your About P...

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: What the 4 U’s are How this formula works...

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 communi...

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 buil...

Entrepreneurs in midlife (50+) are TWICE as likely to be successful in business as those in their 20s.  Why?  Because we bring a lot of professional and life experience to the table. And people are willing to pay for that experience. In this episode of ill communication, I share more about why I'm so passionate about supporting Gen X women in business. I share about my experience with B-Schoo...

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...