You've probably heard the supposed secrets to small business success: posting 5 times a day on Instagram, going viral on TikTok, adhering to a strict 5 am morning routine, or constantly churning out new digital products. But are these really the keys to small business success?

As someone who's built a highly profitable and surprisingly relaxed service-based business that's generated over a million dollars in lifetime revenue in just 6 years, I can confidently say I did NONE of those things.

Instead, I developed a handful of habits that have allowed me to run a successful, laid-back business that provides both a comfortable work-life balance and a solid monthly income.

In this episode, I'm sharing the 20 Tiny Habits that helped me build a thriving small business as a copywriter. These are practical, actionable tips that can help you achieve success without sacrificing your sanity or personal life.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• A small but impactful ritual that will add joy to your workday
• A practical technique to overcome writer's block and start writing faster
• The mindset shift that turns business challenges into exciting experiments

Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!

Resources Mentioned:

Find links to things I mention in this episode: www.kimkiel.com/resources

Episode 92: Stress-free financial management for small businesses with Profit First, featuring April Stroink: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/stress-free-financial-management-for-small-businesses-with-profit-first-featuring-april-stroink

Episode 5: The Mary Poppins of copy formulas - “Practically perfect in every way” (AIDA): https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/the-mary-poppins-of-copy-formulas-practically-perfect-in-every-way

Episode 13: How to 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-sleazy

Check out Rose Han’s YouTube video - 20 Tiny Habits that made me Rich: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff4z3pAqagQ

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

Text me a question or comment!

In this episode, I’m introducing an exciting new segment of the podcast called "Pick My Brain," where I answer your burning questions about copywriting, messaging, marketing, and sales.

To kick this segment off, I'm tackling a question that many content creators struggle with: How to consistently come up with fresh ideas for podcasts, emails, and other content.

I’m sharing the 12 ways I come up with content even when I feel like I’m fresh out of ideas and inspiration. From my secret weapon (the Joy of Copy Cards) to leveraging tools like AnswerThePublic and ChatGPT, I'm giving you a peek into my content creation toolkit. But it's not just about the tools – I also dive into mindset shifts and habits that can transform your approach to content ideation.

If you've ever found yourself spinning wheels when it comes to content ideas, this episode is for you!

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• How to turn your clients' challenges into compelling content
• A ninja marketing strategy that provides an endless stream of ideas directly from your audience
• The surprising place I look for inspiration that you probably haven't considered
• How to leverage AI without sacrificing your unique voice

Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!

Resources Mentioned:

To find simplicity in your business listen to Episode 111: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/why-simplicity-is-the-secret-to-online-business-success

Learn how to use days of the year to inspire content by listening to Episode 90: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/turn-blah-blah-blah-into-bravo-how-to-complete-small-business-copywriting-projects

Learn how to use AnswerThePublic by listening to Episode 25: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/what-is-copywriting-and-why-is-it-important-plus-a-bonus-tip

Listen to Episode 40 to learn how to use a thank you page survey: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-the-1-question-survey-gives-you-a-constant-flow-of-creative-ideas-directly-from-your-customers

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

Text me a question or comment!

I’m all about finding the easy, simple way to do things, so in this episode, I’m sharing my approach to a simple yet effective marketing strategy: the monthly marketing moment.

As a copy coach and sales strategist, I’m breaking down how hosting regular, low-key workshops or Q&A sessions has helped me grow my email list, build authority, and foster relationships with potential clients.

Whether you're looking to build your brand, expand your network, or simply connect with your audience more consistently, this quick episode has something for you!

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• What is a monthly marketing moment?
• The 3 huge benefits of a monthly marketing moment
• How to implement your own monthly marketing moment without overthinking or overcomplicating
• Who this approach is ideal for

Tune in to learn why I love this "lazy, low-key style of launching" for boutique business owners and service providers who don't need complicated funnels or systems to attract a handful of premium clients.

Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!

Resources Mentioned:

111: Why simplicity is the secret to online business success

Pick my brain!

1. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/kimkiel to record a voice note with your question or suggestion. Include your name, email and background info for context.

2. Send me a text. Find the link to text me a question or comment in the show notes. When you click that link, it’ll open up your text messenger, where you can text your question directly to me. Leave all the weird numbers that pop up and add your name and email or mobile number so I can keep in touch.

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

Text me a question or comment!

I’m taking a much needed detour on this episode to address a common issue many of us entrepreneurs face: feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks and systems needed to run a successful business.

Through two real-life examples from my recent coaching calls where this exact topic came up, I illustrate how both new and experienced business owners can become paralyzed by trying to implement too many strategies at once.

In this episode of Ill Communication, I’m covering the importance of focusing on core priorities and giving you permission to keep things simple, especially when starting out or pivoting your business.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why a simple, focused approach could be the key to attracting more clients and growing your business
• Practical advice on how to identify and prioritize the most critical elements for business growth
• The "bare minimum" needed to get started or pivot your business, and how can you identify it
• How simplifying your approach will lead to more clarity and success in your business

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel encouraged to take a step back, assess your immediate needs, and focus on the "bare minimum" required to move your business forward.

Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!

Resources Mentioned:

Uncover your best next step in your biz on a free Sales Strategy Call: https://bookacallwithkim.as.me/SuccessCall

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

Text me a question or comment!

Recently, I almost marked an email as spam—from someone I know and follow!

Why? Because her name wasn’t in the sender section.

I had no idea it was from her and thought it was spam, which could have hurt her deliverability.

I don’t want this to happen to you! In this episode of ill communication, I’m diving into the importance of putting thought and strategy into your Sender Name.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The three levers that impact your open rates
• When to change your Sender Name and when to use your business name
• How you can customize your Sender Name to show your personality
• One important “don’t” when creating your Sender Name

Tune in to learn some key do’s and don’ts that will help you ensure your emails land where they belong- in your subscribers' inboxes with a Sender Name they know and trust.

Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 10 & 11: Increase your email open rates with these proven strategies:

Part 1: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/increase-your-email-open-rates-with-these-proven-strategies-part-1

Part 2: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/increase-your-email-open-rates-with-these-proven-strategies-part-2podcast-template-title-9ew3a

Email Study: https://www.litmus.com/blog/6-shocking-myths-about-subject-lines

Pick my brain!

1. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/kimkiel to record a voice note with your question or suggestion. Include your name, email and background info for context.

2: Send me a text. Find the link to text me a question or comment in the show notes. When you click that link, it’ll open up your text messenger, where you can text your question directly to me. Leave all the weird numbers that pop up and add your name and email or mobile number so I can keep in touch.

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

Text me a question or comment!

Thinking about running a flash sale?

Then this episode is for you. In this replay episode, I'm sharing one of the best ways to get a little revenue boost or book a few more clients into your calendar, the 5P Flash Sale Formula.

This formula is 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 give your business a boost
• Why you don’t need to discount your products or services to run a flash sale
• The myths you shouldn’t believe about flash sales
• What the 5P flash sale formula is and why it works
• How to use the 5P flash sale formula to increase your sales quickly and easily

You’re going to want to bookmark this episode to come back to again and again, so make sure to tune in!

Show notes are always available at www.kimkiel.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to episode 25: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/what-is-copywriting-and-why-is-it-important-plus-a-bonus-tip

Listen to episode 40: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-the-1-question-survey-gives-you-a-constant-flow-of-creative-ideas-directly-from-your-customers

Book a Sales Strategy Success Call: https://bookacallwithkim.as.me/SuccessCall

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

Text me a question or comment!

In this episode of ill communication, I’m sharing a rebroadcast of an episode I recorded with my friends Rob and Kira over on The Copywriter Club podcast.

I have had several copywriters reach out to me after listening to this episode because in it I talk about some of the practical and tactical ways I started my freelancing business, how I find clients, and how I've weathered the economic slowdown that has caused a lot of us to see a downturn in our revenue.

Even if you're not a copywriter, you should listen to this full episode, because the tips and strategies I share about referrals, finding clients, building a slower hustle-free business, and creating offers will apply to every small business out there.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The one thing that helps me when I am having some self doubt
• What to do if you are a struggling copywriter to grow your business
• My tips for staying on track and staying hopeful after a tough year
• The one thing you need to remember when it comes to boundaries
• How I get referrals in my business

This episode will inspire you whether you are a copywriter or not! Check it out now.

Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!

Resources Mentioned:

Follow the Copywriter Club:

Website: https://thecopywriterclub.com/

Podcast: https://thecopywriterclub.com/podcast/

Join the Copywriter Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecopywriterclub/

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

Text me a question or comment!

Do you love your bio? As business owners, a bio is something we all need, and it’s one of the first things we write for our business.

In this replay episode of ill communication, I’m sharing one of my most popular episodes of all time. It's the number one most downloaded episode on my podcast, and I think it's because it answers a big pain point or a search topic all business owners have.

We're all searching for an answer to the question of how to write your bio.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Mistakes that you definitely don’t want to make with your bio
• The key to creating a cheat sheet of awesomeness
• The five sentences every good bio needs

Tune in to take your bio to the next level today!

Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!

Resources Mentioned:

Get the 5 Sentence Formula recipe card: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/how-to-write-your-bio-with-the-5-sentence-formula

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

Text me a question or comment!