Podcast
ill communication: copywriting tips & sales strategies for small businesses
Hosted by Kim Kiel - Marketing & Copywriting Strategist · EN
As a small business owner, you know copywriting is one of the essential “skills to pay the bills.” But how often do you sit down at your laptop and struggle with knowing what and how to write? You’re not alone. It’s difficult to write your own copy (even for pro copywriters). Plus, when you’re juggling a family, clients, and a team... there just isn’t enough time in the day to do it all. It’s why sending an email to your list or updating your website never gets crossed off your to-do list.
Enter ill communication: copywriting tips and sales strategies for small businesses. Each bite-sized episode is designed to give you easy, actionable (and fun) writing tips to help you craft your sales copy faster, create more engagement, and generate more sales. Tune in weekly to hear expert copy coach and die-hard Beastie Boys fan, Kim Kiel, drop a juicy tip, writing prompt, or sales formula you can take action on immediately. You’ll never have to wonder WTF to write again.
New episodes drop every Wednesday. Ch-check it out. To find out more, visit kimkiel.com
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Share this powerful piece of authority content to attract premium clients in 2026
Dec 3100:06:38Tap to summarizeWant 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 easiest-to-sell workshop ever (I've done it myself with amazing results). Perfect for wrapping up 2025 and setting yourself up for a profitable new year. Come see this prompt live and in action at my upcoming masterclass!Attend the live masterclass on Friday January 16 - tix are free, but reserve your seat at:https://www.kimkiel.com/trendsText me a question or comment!
Transcribe →Looking back and ahead - 11 reflective prompts to set achievable goals for business and life in 2026
Dec 2400:12:37Tap to summarizeIt'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 clear intentions for the year ahead. These aren't just fluffy journaling questions - they're strategic prompts that will help you identify your biggest business goals, the support you need to achieve them, and the specific copy and marketing assets you'll need to make 2026 your most successful year yet. Grab your favourite journal and a cozy spot, and let's create some clarity for the year ahead.Text me a question or comment!
Transcribe →Top 6 marketing & copywriting trends for 2026
Dec 1700:22:52Tap to summarizeThe 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 ready to ditch the exhausting hustle and build a sustainable, premium business that actually works, this episode will show you exactly where to focus your energy in 2026.Resources mentioned in this episode:Join Pivot to Premium to implement and refine these 6 trends in 2026: www.kimkiel.com/pivotIf you’re looking for tactical and practical ways to be more regenerative and seasonal with your marketing and content, make sure you grab my content remix strategy. It’s a free workbook with out-of-the-box ways you can repurpose your existing content - it includes example and swipes from some of the biggest creators - to remind you that not only is it smart to repurpose, but it’s essential. Get the remix strategy at www.kimkiel.com/remix If you’ve been sleeping on LinkedIn and want a little motivation to get going, then you should grab my 30-day FAFO LinkedIn Challenge. Go to kimkiel.com/fafoText me a question or comment!
Transcribe →What’s saving my life right now - December 2025
Dec 1000:18:14Tap to summarizeIn 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. I'm getting real about the small things that are creating big shifts in how I move through my days - including a mantra that stops me from spinning out and why I finally let go of expectations that were draining my mental peace. Consider this your permission slip to find joy in the little things.Resources:Check out Kendra’s What’s saving my life right now episodes on the Lazy Genius Podcast: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/wsml117My fave skincare products:CeraVe Night Cream: https://amzn.to/48BkmrB Neroli Eye Ritual: https://www.purabotanicals.ca/collections/skincare/products/neroli-eye-ritualAmbrosia Beautifying Serum: https://www.purabotanicals.ca/collections/skincare/products/ambrosia-beautifying-serumHyaluronic Ruby Serum: https://www.purabotanicals.ca/collections/skincare/products/hyaluronic-ruby-serumExotic Pink Coffee Dust: https://www.purabotanicals.ca/collections/skincare/products/exotic-pink-coffee-dustGemstone Face Roller: https://www.purabotanicals.ca/collections/beauty-ritual-accessories/products/new-gemstone-face-rollerMy Fave Fitness Classes:Core Love: https://www.corelove.ca/My fave Recipes:Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches: https://houseofnasheats.com/slow-cooker-french-dip-sandwiches/Go to Black Beans: https://bigflavorstinykitchen.com/go-to-black-beans/My fave room diffuser:Saje Wellness Aromatherapy Diffuser - https://www.saje.ca/products/aroma-om-stone-cool-mist-diffuser Here’s my fave diffuser collection: https://www.saje.ca/products/happy-home-inviting-diffuser-blend-collectionMy fave body butter:Bee by the Sea Body Cream: https://amzn.to/4oZ92vT Text me a question or comment!
Transcribe →You're invited to the Get'er Done Holiday Mixer
Dec 200:05:10Tap to summarizeThe 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 we'll batch content, write joyful out-of-office messages, and get your marketing sorted before December gets completely crazy. Bring your ugly Christmas sweater and let's make this the year you're prepared instead of panicked.Come to the Get Shit Done Holiday Mixer on Monday December 15! Get your free ticket: www.kimkiel.com/holidayText me a question or comment!
Transcribe →Using Skool to streamline business, build community, generate leads and scale revenue with Brenda Rigney
Nov 2600:42:58Tap to summarizeIn 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 entrepreneurship. Now she's helping other seasoned women business owners transition from hustle culture to sustainable, aligned businesses that actually make money.We dive deep into why she chose Skool over traditional platforms, how she's running innovative bundles and summits that are bringing in thousands of participants, and her strategy for creating affordable entry points while still building a profitable business. If you're curious about alternative ways to build community, tired of posting three times a day on Instagram with minimal results, or wondering how to create more spaciousness in your business while actually increasing revenue, this conversation is for you.Get access to the Aligned AF 2026 Breakthrough Bundle (including my Master Your High-Ticket Message workshop): https://www.skool.com/aligned-af-camp/about?ref=5e0354c078584362a305f7c9460f9d37 Connect with Brenda Rigney:Listen to the X Podcast: https://www.brendarigney.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbrendarigneySkool: https://www.skool.com/aligned-af-community/aboutText me a question or comment!
Transcribe →How to stop procrastinating and get into marketing motion
Nov 1900:18:41Tap to summarizeSelf-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 her build momentum and consistency, including how hosting monthly marketing moments boosts revenue, why accountability containers work, and how prompts and formulas can spark creativity instead of stifling it. If you're stuck in perfectionist paralysis or lacking consistency in your marketing, this episode will give you permission to take imperfect action and create the constraints that fuel results.Stop procrastinating and stalling your marketing by joining Pivot to Premium: www.kimkiel.com/pivotResources mentioned:AIDA formula: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-mary-poppins-of-copy-formulas-practically-perfect-in-every-wayP4 Formula: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-write-a-compelling-sales-message-without-being-cheesy-or-sleazyWriting Prompt: 3 signs you need a writing prompt: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/3-signs-you-need-to-use-a-writing-promptText me a question or comment!
Transcribe →How women are building the new economy
Nov 1200:09:05Tap to summarizeIf 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 a pyramid scheme (spoiler: it's not just you), and how events like this summit are creating something more regenerative, collaborative, and human. Kim talks about her experience with the Prosper Network and why this community feels so different from the typical online business echo chamber.She introduces you to some of the incredible speakers you'll hear from, including Tina Wells (the millennial whisperer), Sam Horn (communication expert who's worked with NASA and National Geographic), and Amina AlTai (who teaches career, body, and mind balance after her own burnout journey).This isn't about celebrity or sameness - it's about perspective, generosity, and expansion. If you're craving new ways of doing business that emphasize cooperation over competition and circulation over hoarding, you'll want to hear about this summit happening November 17-19.Sign up for the Regeneration Summit 2025 (aff link): https://kimkiel--ampersanded.thrivecart.com/the-prosper-network/6902ccbcc3361/ Join Kim as she explores what it means to build the next economy where women support women and become an unstoppable force in shaping culture and business.Text me a question or comment!
Transcribe →Should businesses skip out on Black Friday promos? And what to do instead!
Nov 500:25:18Tap to summarizeBlack 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.Get Mariana Henninger's Instant YES Machine: http://brandmagnetic.com/yesmachine Binge the Black Friday Cyber Monday Survival Guide Playlist: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-business-owners-black-friday-cyber-monday-survival-guide Text me a question or comment!
Transcribe →Pull a tarot card or share other "witchy" content this week {Writing Prompt}
Oct 2900:08:05Tap to summarizeHalloween 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/pivotText me a question or comment!
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