The 3 marketing essentials your small business needs to boost sales this year

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 halfway through). ✨ You will hear:Why human-centered marketing is non-negotiableThe rise of audio, video, and live eventsA shift toward flywheels instead of funnelsWhat slower, longer sales cycles mean for your launchesThe untapped power of direct mailWhy now’s the time to go localHow to use AI without sounding robotic So grab your sun tea, your notebook and pen, and start taking notes about the trends you need to be aware of and integrate into your business for the rest of 2025. Resources Mentioned:🎧 Episode 126: 11 prompts for end-of-year reflection & goal setting in 2025 kimkiel.com/podcast-1/a-guided-reflection-for-entrepreneurs-11-prompts-for-end-of-year-reflection-goal-setting-in-2025🎧 Episode 127: 25 No-BS Resolutions for GenX business owners kimkiel.com/podcast-1/25-no-bs-resolutions-for-genx-business-owners-who-want-more-ease-success-and-fun-in-2025🎧 Episode 75: Top 6 Copywriting Trends for 2024 kimkiel.com/podcast-1/top-6-copywriting-trends-for-small-businesses-in-2024🎙️ Get the brand voice audio series and workbook kimkiel.com/voiceworkbook📞 Book a call to work together in 2025 bookacallwithkim.as.me/introcallText me a question or comment!

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 clients immediately know you’re talking to themWhy your brand voice and personality are more important than ever (and how to show up like you across every touchpoint)What it really means to have a strategic sales plan so you’re not scrambling last minute or repeating the same rushed copy every launchThis episode is your permission slip to pause, recalibrate, and rework the way you market and sell with a strategy that’s thoughtful, flexible, and designed for real results.Plus, I’ll introduce you to Copy Camp, my summer sales and messaging accelerator built for high-touch founders who want to finish the year strong without the hustle.🔥 Join me around the campfire at https://kimkiel.com/copycampQuestions about Copy Camp or the Joy of Copy Club? Hit me up!Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopyInstagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copyLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielVoxer: kimkielcopyText me a question or comment!

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 matters. Plus, I’m celebrating this incredible milestone—150 episodes of helping you become an ill communicator—and sharing my gratitude for your support every step of the way.Topics Covered in This Episode:3:45 - The FAB Formula: what it is and how it works5:19 - How to transform a dry feature list into compelling benefits using real examples6:47 - Two key phrases that instantly bridge features and benefits in your copyPlease help me celebrate 150 episodes. If you enjoy or get value from this podcast, please leave a rating and review!Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Episode 147: How to handle the emotional and mental health challenges of entrepreneurship with Rebecca Vigelius: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-handle-the-emotional-and-mental-health-challenges-of-entrepreneurshipEpisode 77: How to use the PAS copywriting formula to sell more (without sounding douchey): https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-use-the-pas-copywriting-formula-to-sell-more-without-sounding-douchey Episode 5: AIDA - The Mary Poppins of copy formulas - “Practically perfect in every way”: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-mary-poppins-of-copy-formulas-practically-perfect-in-every-way 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/kimkielText me a question or comment!

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 that keeps you motivated and builds momentum.Topics Covered in This Episode:The truth about why your brain is wired to focus on the negativeThe “male hubris, female humility” effect—and how it shapes how we (don’t) celebrateWhy skipping celebrations could be hurting your business growthShow notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Find out more about the neuroscience of celebration in these articles:https://hbr.org/2022/01/celebrate-to-winhttps://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/09/01/embracing-entrepreneurship-recognizing-and-celebrating-successes/https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescommunicationscouncil/2023/11/14/the-power-of-celebrating-success-in-the-workplace/I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!

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 crafting fun and functional email autoresponders to remixing old content so it looks like you never left. Plus, I’m offering my top seasonal prompts, content planning strategies, and a peek into Q4 prep so you can avoid the post-summer scramble. It’s all about helping you log off with confidence, clarity, and cash still flowing in. If you've ever wanted a real plan to unplug—this is it.Topics Covered in This Episode:The first step to creating a summer you’ll actually enjoyA sneaky way to keep selling, even when you're off the gridHow to write an out-of-office email that makes people want to engage with youGrab your ticket to the Summer of Ease Workshop and get your copy and content done! www.kimkiel.com/summerShow notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Join the Summer of Ease Workshop: www.kimkiel.com/summerI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!

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 up about the behind-the-scenes struggles I’ve faced as a business owner—and the quiet moments of dissociation, disconnection, and doing the bare minimum just to keep going.To help make sense of it all, I’m joined by Rebecca Vogelius, a neuro-somatic intelligence practitioner and stress coach who helps high-performing women feel human again without sacrificing their success. Rebecca shares practical, physiological tools to help you come back to yourself when life (or business) gets heavy—and why rest and nervous system regulation aren’t luxuries, they’re survival skills.Topics Covered in This Episode:The hidden behaviors that might be signs of burnout or dissociationWhy “just think positive” might actually be making things worseA three-word tool to reconnect with yourself in under a minuteThis episode is a love letter to every entrepreneur who’s ever kept smiling while quietly unraveling. You are not alone. Whether you’re in the thick of it or feeling strong right now, this episode offers a new lens—and a few powerful shifts—to help you navigate the harder seasons with more clarity and capacity.Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Looking for a supportive business community to help you grow your business? Check out the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubGet Rebecca's Unbothered Entrepreneur Blueprint: https://www.rebeccavigelius.com/unbotheredblueprintCheck out Rebecca's website: https://www.rebeccavigelius.com/Connect with Rebecca:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rvigelius/https://www.instagram.com/rebeccavigelius/ I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!

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 timely inspiration just waiting to be turned into relatable, valuable content.This episode will help you tap into the rhythms of real life—whether it's spring, summer, graduation, or even pickleball season—and use them as fresh fuel for your messaging. Topics Covered in this Episode:A seasonal prompt that takes the pressure off content creationOne unexpected trick for repackaging old ideas into something freshWhy seasonal content builds “know, like, and trust” fasterA few juicy headline ideas you can swipe right now for your next postUse this writing prompt to share content that hits the mark this season. Tag me on social with your post, or send your emails to me. Reach out on LinkedIn or IG with any questions.Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!

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 leaned in, I saw real, measurable results.I’m sharing what I recently tested, what flopped, and what surprisingly worked—breaking a few so-called “rules” along the way. You’ll hear about the posts that performed best, the mindset mantras that kept me moving forward, and how a challenge designed to “just try stuff” became one of my most energizing and profitable experiments yet. If you've been stalling, overthinking, or waiting for perfect timing, this episode is your permission slip to shake things up.Topics Covered in This Episode:The anti-strategy that unlocked real results on LinkedInWhy posting "imperfect" content can outperform polished onesA challenge that got people excited about outreach and DMs againWhich LinkedIn “rules” I broke—and what happened when I didShow notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:F-around and Find Out on LinkedIN! Join the challenge here: www.kimkiel.com/fafoJoin the Joy of Copy Club and embrace the FAFO philosophy in all your marketing and copywriting: 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/kimkielText me a question or comment!

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 shareable, and way more effective.Topics Covered in This Episode:Why your clever call-to-action may actually be driving people awayThe marketing real estate you’re probably forgetting to useHow to make your offers shareable even for silent fansOne small change that can boost visibility across multiple platformsA common mistake that creates buyer friction and how to fix itHow to promote offers without relying on Stories or ReelsTell me what you thought about these 1-minute messaging magic episodes! Love em' or leave 'em? Use the Text Me link in the shownotes, send me a DM on social media, or email me at [email protected] to share your thoughts.Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Binge the whole 1-minute messaging magic series:Episode 141: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/1-minute-messaging-magic-let-your-words-breathe Episode 142: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/1-minute-messaging-magic-5-website-tweaks-to-get-more-leads Episode 143: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/1-minute-messaging-magic-boost-your-email-engagement-with-these-3-quick-tips I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!

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 tiny changes can make a huge difference. Let this episode be the reminder and refresh your inbox—and your subscribers—have been waiting for.Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why your sender name might be quietly sabotaging your open ratesOne email setting most people skip—but shouldn'tHow often is too often (or not enough) when emailing your listThe cringe-worthy mistake I made with my own preview textA mindset shift that makes hitting "send" feel easier and more genuineShare what you're struggling with! I'll turn your question or challenge into another 1-minute messaging magic episode, or a deeper dive episode. Send me an email or text!Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Listen to Episode  141: 1 Minute Messaging Magic: let your words breathe: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/1-minute-messaging-magic-let-your-words-breathe Listen to Episode 142: 1 Minute Messaging Magic - 5 website tweaks to get more leads: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/1-minute-messaging-magic-5-website-tweaks-to-get-more-leads I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!