ill communication: copywriting tips & sales strategies for small businesses

Kim Kiel

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

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Episodes

Turn Blah-Blah-Blah into Bravo! How to complete small business copywriting projects
Apr 17 2024
Turn Blah-Blah-Blah into Bravo! How to complete small business copywriting projects
Send us a Text Message.It’s Blah Blah Blah Day! Yes, you heard that right! It's a day to tune in to the voices telling us to do something. Maybe it was your spouse telling you to take out the garbage, or your financial coach telling you to incorporate your business. In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing how you can use this day to complete all of those small business copywriting projects you have been putting off. Topics We Cover in This Episode: What Blah Blah Blah Day means for your businessWhy you need to revisit your goals from the beginning of the yearHow you can join me in taking action on things you’ve been ignoringLet’s stop procrastinating and get those copywriting projects done! Tune in to find out how I’ll help you make it happen.And then join me at a live co-working and copy coaching session on Tuesday April 23. Take your copy from blah-blah-blah to BRAVO. The coaching and co-working call is free, but save your seat here: www.kimkiel.com/officehours Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!Resources Mentioned:Clear a copy project off your to-do list at a copy coaching session: www.kimkiel.com/officehours  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.Leave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
What are segues and how to write them in storytelling emails
Apr 10 2024
What are segues and how to write them in storytelling emails
Send us a Text Message.In this episode of ill communication, we are doing a follow-up on the episode last week all about the anatomy of a great storytelling email. In that episode, I shared the essential components of a storytelling email: the hook, story, segue, and so-what. Now, I’m diving deeper into what a segue is and how to write one for your storytelling emails. Topics covered in this episode include:What a segue is and why it’s essential Why stories make such an impactExamples of segues to show you how simple it actually isHow to write the perfect segue for your storySegues and storytelling don’t have to be complicated. In fact, they are quite simple. Tune in to hear how to do it with the perfect segue! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!Resources Mentioned:Join the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubLet’s chat: hello@kimkiel.comListen to Episode 88: The anatomy of a great storytelling email: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-anatomy-of-a-great-storytelling-emailListen to Episode 80 for a live example of story - segue - so what: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-remove-jargon-from-your-marketing-and-copywriting-and-why-its-a-mustI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
The anatomy of a great storytelling email
Apr 3 2024
The anatomy of a great storytelling email
Send us a Text Message.Let’s dive into something that trips up a lot of people when they sit down to write an email -how to weave in a personal story. I know a lot of business owners want to write emails like this… but they think it’s super hard or complicated. But guess what? It’s not!So in this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing The Anatomy of a Great Storytelling Email. And trust me, it's one you'll want to bookmark. Topics covered in this episode include:The flow of a great storytelling email How to write a great hook The key to incorporating stories into your emails A couple of prompts to get you started using stories The power of a good segue How to link the narrative to the lesson or tip for your readerIncorporating storytelling into your emails doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming! Tune in to hear my tips to get started today.Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Listen to episode 76: 10 scroll-stopping hooks to get more engagement on your emails and posts: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/10-scroll-stopping-hooks-to-get-more-engagement-on-your-emails-and-posts10 Scroll-stopping hook formulas Cheatsheet: https://www.kimkiel.com/s/10-Scroll-Stopping-Hook-Formulas-Cheatsheet.pdfGet great at writing storytelling emails inside the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
What the Beastie Boys can teach us about writing great copy
Mar 27 2024
What the Beastie Boys can teach us about writing great copy
Send us a Text Message.It’s no secret that I love the Beastie Boys. They actually inspired the name of this podcast! Their autobiography is where my love of the Beastie Boys collided with my love of the written word. The Beastie Boys Book is a masterclass in writing and storytelling. In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing three important things that the Beastie Boys can teach us about great copywriting. Topics covered in this episode include:The importance of voice and tips for writing in your own unique voice and personalityThe importance of detail and how you can use details to make your brand more realistic and believableThe importance of story and how to use storytelling to make your business memorable Tune in now to hear these copywriting lessons learned from the legendary Beastie Boys! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!Resources Mentioned:Listen to a mini-playlist of some of my fave Beastie Boys tunes: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1fGT8BnYZHMfBE2962NFLE?si=hYvcp_DFR1-xMcV0nYqGpA&pi=u-NtJbmFXQSNmmSabotage Music Video: https://youtu.be/z5rRZdiu1UE?si=YqC2Hdt1DS2fD_PMIntergalactic Music Video: https://youtu.be/qORYO0atB6g?si=SUNsJ-soe7PCbG78Don’t Play No Game I Can’t Win: https://youtu.be/w-QIiVS_7Hs?si=-xLm-l_TRRI0dhoMThe Beastie Boys Book (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3D0XVwJI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
3 quick tips to stop procrastinating writing your weekly newsletter [WRITING PROMPT]
Mar 13 2024
3 quick tips to stop procrastinating writing your weekly newsletter [WRITING PROMPT]
Send us a Text Message.Ready to stop procrastinating in writing your weekly newsletter? I have you covered! In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing a brilliant writing prompt with you that can be used in your weekly newsletter, blog post, social content, or to inspire a podcast episode. This episode is short, sweet, and actionable so grab your notebook or a fresh Google Doc and get ready to start writing! Topics covered in this episode include:What this prompt is and why you’ll love itHow to use this writing prompt effectively to engage your audienceA quick example of how to craft this type of messageThis writing prompt is sweet and simple, and you’re going to love it. Tune in to find out what it is! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Join the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubLearn more about the Rule of 3 in Episode 9: Triple Trouble - why you should follow the Rule of 3 in copywriting: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/triple-trouble-why-you-should-follow-the-rule-of-3-in-copywritingLearn more about the Rule of 1 in Episode 15: How to simplify copywriting AND get more sales: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-simplify-copywriting-and-get-more-salesI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
7 Simple steps to create a high-performing lead magnet that attracts a flood of buyers to your business
Mar 6 2024
7 Simple steps to create a high-performing lead magnet that attracts a flood of buyers to your business
Send us a Text Message.If you’ve been in online business for even just a minute… you know you need a way to attract ideal buyers or leads to your business. And while you may have followers who double-tap your content, that doesn’t make them qualified leads.That’s where lead magnets and email marketing come in. In this episode of ill communication, I'm sharing seven steps to choosing the right lead magnet to attract buyers to your business. Topics covered in this episode include:Why every business owner needs a great lead magnetMy seven-step method for creating a lead magnet that effectively brings in your ideal clients Some different lead magnet ideas you can use in your businessDon’t procrastinate when it comes to growing your email list! Tune into this episode to hear some tips for creating a killer lead magnet.Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!Resources Mentioned:Find out how to use Answer the Public in Episode 25: What is copywriting and why is it important? (Plus a bonus tip!): https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/what-is-copywriting-and-why-is-it-important-plus-a-bonus-tipJoin the Welcome Sequence that Wows Bootcamp: www.kimkiel.com/bootcamp.I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
The 3 essential email sequences service-based businesses need
Feb 28 2024
The 3 essential email sequences service-based businesses need
Send us a Text Message.Let’s state the obvious: no matter how big or small your business is, you need an email list. Your email list is a critical asset in your business because it is your list and your data. You own it, and these are your relationships. I know that the idea of having an email list can be overwhelming, So in this episode of ill communication, I want to demystify and simplify the three essential sequences you need in your business.Topics covered in this episode include:Why email marketing is crucial for any business, big or smallThe easiest email sequence you can write for your audienceHow to create a sales sequence that converts every timeThe most important email sequence of all How to use the Dinner Party Framework to create a welcome sequence that wowsEmail marketing is more important than ever. Tune in to hear the top three essential email sequences your business needs!Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Listen to episode 81 - Why the World Needs to Hear from More Women in Business: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/why-the-world-needs-to-hear-from-more-women-in-businessAttend the bootcamp and write your welcome sequence in 5 days: www.kimkiel.com/bootcampI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
Why copy coaching is helpful for business owners, and what happens on a coaching call
Feb 21 2024
Why copy coaching is helpful for business owners, and what happens on a coaching call
Send us a Text Message.Wondering if copy coaching is right for you?Live copy coaching is just a part of what we do inside the Joy of Copy Club and my members have said that they love it. In this episode of ill communication, I wanted to share with you a little insider peek into what kinds of topics or questions people can bring to these open coaching calls or Q&A sessions.Topics covered in this episode include:What copy coaching is and what we do during our live copy coaching sessionsThe types of things I help members with during these coaching callsHow you can experience this for yourself - for free!Tune in for a peek at what copy coaching can do for you! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Follow Heather Sager: https://heathersager.com/Listen to Heather's Podcast, Hint of Hustle: https://heathersager.com/podcastFollow Carla Dawes and her Rising into Resilience Program: https://risingintoresilience.com/Access weekly copy coaching inside the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubExperience a live copy coaching session! Sign up for the free Open Copy Coaching and Q&A session: www.kimkiel.com/officehoursI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
How to remove jargon from your marketing and copywriting (and why it’s a must)
Feb 7 2024
How to remove jargon from your marketing and copywriting (and why it’s a must)
Send us a Text Message.It’s time to remove the jargon from your marketing and copywriting! Why? When you use industry jargon and buzzwords in your messaging, you risk alienating your audience and making them feel stupid or left out. So in this episode of ill communication,  I want to share a couple of really quick and easy strategies to help you eliminate jargon from your copy and messaging.Topics covered in this episode include:What the studies show about using jargon in your messaging How eliminating jargon boosts persuasion and salesSimple ways to get rid of the jargon in your copyTools you can use to simplify the processAs the adage goes, a confused mind never buys. Tune in to learn how to better connect with your audience by removing all of the jargon! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!Resources Mentioned:Join the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubLinks to the studies mentioned: https://www.michbar.org/file/barjournal/article/documents/pdf4article1900.pdfhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acp.1178https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/articles/health-care-plain-language-study/I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
An honest look at being a copywriter and entrepreneur in 2023 and 2024
Jan 31 2024
An honest look at being a copywriter and entrepreneur in 2023 and 2024
Send us a Text Message.In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing a candid look at being a copywriter and entrepreneur in 2023 and 2024. 2023 was definitely harder than I expected, but I have a lot of things I’m excited about in the new year that I can’t wait to tell you about.So grab your favorite drink, have a seat, put your feet up, and get cozy.I’m getting a little personal today.Topics covered in this episode include:The struggles many entrepreneurs faced in 2023The wins and highlights in my business, despite the hardshipsThe experiments I tried last year and what I learned from themThe types of projects I am focusing on in 2024My goals for the new year Upcoming events and workshops  you do not want to missTune in to hear the hard truth about last year and what I’m excited about in 2024! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Listen to the Brand Voice Series starting with Episode 71: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/what-is-a-brand-voice-guide-why-small-businesses-need-oneJoin the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubFind out more about B-School: www.kimkiel.com/bschool Save your seat for February’s open copy coaching sesh: www.kimkiel.com/officehours Check out my copywriting services: www.kimkiel.com/services Share your thoughts and ideas about the podcast: www.kimkiel.com/feedback I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
Are email newsletters still effective in 2024? Email best practices for small businesses.
Jan 24 2024
Are email newsletters still effective in 2024? Email best practices for small businesses.
Send us a Text Message.In this episode of ill communication, I’m talking about a critical piece of infrastructure all small businesses need in 2024.I’m referring to your email marketing and email newsletters.I’m sharing everything you need to know about email marketing this year including some email best practices, what’s working, and what’s not working. Plus, I need to alert you to some big changes with email marketing and deliverability that are coming up that you need to know about. Topics covered in this episode include:Whether email marketing and email newsletters are still worth your timeWhy it’s crucial that you diversify your marketing streamsThe difference between different types of email marketingHow often you should be sending emails (hint: it’s more than you think!)What the data says about what types of emails you should be sendingThe best email service provider to use The new rules you need to be aware of this yearIf you are curious about email marketing in 2024, this episode is for you. Check it out now! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Join the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclub Learn about email marketing statistics: https://www.constantcontact.com/blog/email-marketing-research-and-statistics/ Learn about plain text vs. HTML emails: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/plain-text-vs-html-emails-data Learn about the pros and cons of text-based emails: https://www.benchmarkemail.com/blog/text-based-email-versus-html/Why you shouldn’t send image-only emails: https://www.litmus.com/blog/why-you-shouldnt-send-image-only-emails Learn the new email deliverability rules: https://www.litmus.com/blog/new-yahoo-gmail-email-deliverability-rules Watch Cheryl Rerick’s deliverability webinar: www.kimkiel.com/cherylI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
How to use the PAS copywriting formula to sell more (without sounding douchey)
Jan 17 2024
How to use the PAS copywriting formula to sell more (without sounding douchey)
Send us a Text Message.As a podcast dedicated to sharing copywriting formulas, it’s a wonder I have made it this far without sharing the formula I’m sharing today. This may be the most famous, most well-known, and most-used copywriting formula of all time.Of course, I’m talking about PAS - problem, agitation, solution. It's a classic, proven formula, but it can be a little problematic. So in this episode of ill communication, I'm going to share a modern and sophisticated approach to using the PAS formula in your sales copy.Topics covered in this episode include:What this formula is and how it works in your copyWhy this formula is so impactful- when done rightMy ethical approach to using this formula to sell your offersThis is my modern, ethical twist on the famous copywriting formula and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Tune in now! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!Resources Mentioned:Learn why I love copywriting formulas so much: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/what-is-ill-communication-how-it-will-help-grow-your-businessLearn the P4 Formula - 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-sleazyCheck out The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan Kennedy: https://amzn.to/3CUkOSgI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.
Top 6 Copywriting Trends for small businesses in 2024
Jan 3 2024
Top 6 Copywriting Trends for small businesses in 2024
Send us a Text Message.Happy New Year, sweet friend! Because it's the New Year, it's the perfect time to celebrate and be grateful for the wonderful things that happened over the past year. It's also a time to reflect on and grieve some of the heartbreaks we might have had in 2023, and it's a good time to think about the coming year. That's why in this episode of ill communication,  I'm sharing the top six copywriting trends you need to know for 2024.Topics covered in this episode include:The marketing trend that people are craving right nowHow you can be bold in your voice and values this yearWhy 2024 is all about playing the long game These six trends are what I believe to be the big rocks of copywriting and marketing in 2024, so make sure to tune in to hear what they are! Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Listen to the Brand Voice Mini-Series: Episode 71: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/what-is-a-brand-voice-guide-why-small-businesses-need-oneEpisode 72: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-create-a-brand-voice-guide-for-your-small-businessEpisode 73: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/27-ways-to-infuse-more-voice-and-personality-into-your-marketing-part-3Follow Brenna McGowan: https://www.instagram.com/brennamcgowanco/Join The Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielLeave a voice note with your fave episode, a top takeaway or to Ask me Anything at: www.speakpipe.com/kimkielOr send me a text message by clicking the Send a Text link in the shownotes.