Meet Kim Kiel | Copywriting Coach and Sales Copy Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Kiel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Success looks different for everyone. For some, success is big fat paycheck. For others, it might be having more time and flexibility in your schedule to be available for your kids – or just to have fun. Some seek instant success, and others find success in small steps.

In my business as a copywriter and copy coach for women entrepreneurs, success has been slow… and that’s been very intentional. I started my business in my mid-40s, with young children in school, so I had to build my business in part-time hours. As my kids needed less of my time, I could dedicate more time to business – but it has always been my primary goal to have a flexible, home-based business that generates decent revenue.

I’ve built a highly-respected brand by playing the long game. I’ve never prioritized a quick win over a longer-term success.

This means I follow up with sales calls I’ve had weeks, months, or even years prior. I keep in touch with past clients to get repeat business or referrals. It’s a longer, slower game, but it’s allowed me to grow a very successful, highly profitable copywriting agency without burning out.

The most important factor in my success is focusing on the long game and taking steady steps toward my goals.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
One of the best decisions I’ve made in life is the decision to start my own business.

I was in my early 40s and feeling burnt out and overwhelmed with juggling the demands of a non-profit day job and a busy, young family. When I discovered a field called “copywriting” and I saw copywriters were making pretty decent revenue, I thought “I can do that!”

I was fortunate to turn my then-employer into my first client – and the business grew from there.

I always wanted to have a very boutique, high-touch business. I didn’t want to run a huge agency, employ teams of people, or rely on complicated tech and marketing to acquire or manage customers. So I focused on delivering great copy and working with great clients.

Joining business coaching communities were instrumental in my success. Whereas other copywriters tend to hang out in communities with other copywriters, I make it a priority to join paid communities alongside my ideal clients. As we bond and connect in the community, I’ll naturally be the top of mind when they need help writing sales copy, or when they hear others looking for support.

One tiny regret I have is not building my authority and growing my email list as much as I could have over the past 6 years. However, after I launched my top-rated podcast (ill communication: copywriting tips and sales strategies for small business), I became more disciplined in creating and sharing content and staying connected with my email subscribers and community.

As with everything I’ve done in business, I’m always looking for the easiest path forward… the path of least resistance. And that’s my approach to helping business owners write copy. I simplify the copywriting process for them, so they can more easily get their voice and message into the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a bit of a foodie and a nature nerd, so my itinerary would reflect that. I’d start the day with a visit to a coffee shop like Cafe Intermezzo to fuel up with an espresso doppio before spending the day at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. We’d wind down the day sipping cocktails and eating delicious tapas at Bulla Gastrobar.

Another day, I might rent e-bikes and tour along the Beltline trails. As a closet jazz vocalist, I’d check out the live jazz listings and spend an evening soaking up the music scene.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of the best decisions I’ve made in my entrepreneurial journey is investing in the right courses and programs. Marie Forleo’s B-School was the first investment I made when I transitioned from my charity day job to becoming a self-employed copywriter.

I’ve continued to invest in mindset coaches, copywriting programs and networking groups. I’m currently working with success coach, Whitney Alexandra, who’s helping me build a fabulous business I love.

And I don’t think we hear enough in business about the importance of the people in our lives who cheer us on, help us celebrate our successes, and keep us motivated through the tough stuff. My husband, my girlfriends and my biz besties are critical to my success!

Website: www.kimkiel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimkiel/

Other: Get Copywriting Tips and Sales Strategies for small business on the ill communication podcast: www.kimkiel.com/podcast

Image Credits
Christina Louise Branding Photography + Carrie Roseman Portraits