The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations

Kara Duncan
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hey there, welcome to "The Kara Report"! Each week, we’re sharing what we see real businesses doing to grow their business and expand their reach to help you grow your business and become a marketing pro. In each episode, we get granular and talk about real-world marketing strategies, what DOESN’T work when scaling your business, and host candid conversations on the latest business and marketing trends. We'll even share the juicy data we collect and behind-the-scenes bloopers as they come. No fluff, no filler; just authentic, in-depth discussions that explore the key factors that truly make a difference in your business success. After all, we know that marketing your business is about more than Instagram Reels tips and social media algorithm hacks, and great marketing also doesn’t always mean you’re running a successful, profitable business.  While we specialize in content marketing, blogging for SEO, Pinterest marketing, and website copy for our own content marketing agency, all marketing strategies are welcome (and discussed) here. Whether you're an established entrepreneur looking to refine your business or marketing strategy or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, we’re serving up valuable insights designed to help you navigate the ever-changing world of business and marketing.  We believe when you do the work, you’ll reap the rewards and we promise we will focus on results-driven action steps (not the busy work) to help you hit your goals this year. Now let’s get started!

  1. 14H AGO

    111 | The Hidden Cost of Saying Yes, Bringing Back Hospitality, and Building the Wrong Business with Frances Ledgewood

    If you’ve ever felt like your business slowly turned into something you never meant to build... this episode is for you. What starts as being helpful, flexible, and “open to anything” can quietly turn into burnout, resentment, and a business that no longer fits your life. And often, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong, it’s because you haven’t given yourself permission to niche down. In this conversation, Francis Ledgewood shares what it really cost her to say yes to everything, and how learning to set boundaries changed not only her business, but her peace of mind. We talk about niching down without burning bridges, why saying no feels so personal (especially in creative work), and how building a focused business can actually attract better clients—not fewer. We also talk about hospitality in modern business: how to build something that feels elevated without becoming cold or untouchable, and why analog experiences (like handwritten notes) still matter in a digital-first world. Francis offers an honest look at comparison, confidence, and what it takes to stay in your own lane when social media makes that harder than ever. 🎙️ In This Episode: The hidden cost of always saying yes in businessWhat it really looks like to niche down over time (not overnight)Why boundaries are essential for building a sustainable creative businessHow hospitality can coexist with luxury and professionalismLetting go of comparison and staying in your own laneWhy analog touchpoints still matter in a digital worldThe mindset shift that comes with experience and confidence Links Mentioned:  Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/111Sign up for Frances' next Collective for Stationery DesignersLearn more about working with FrancesFollow Frances on InstagramListen to Frances episode on The Power in Purpose podcast: https://blog.candicecoppola.com/behind-the-brand-ledgewood-fine-stationery/Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

    31 min

  2. FEB 10

    110 | 11 Business Lessons from Working With Multi-6 + 7 Figure Business Owners

    Do you ever wonder what people who have more successful businesses are doing? I know I always swipe through on carousels and listen to episodes like this, and often it's the same kind of things, like "they're consistent", "they charge their worth", kind of basic advice like that. This episode is not like that. Instead, I have gathered 11 things that I genuinely see people doing who have multi-six and seven figure businesses, (and I know this BECAUSE I am behind the scenes in their business). I guarantee you haven't thought of or noticed some of these things before. Also, YAY for this being episode 20 already! If you haven't left a review yet, I would really appreciate it you would take a moment to now! 🎙️ In This Episode: 11 things that almost every multi-six and 7 figure business owner I work with is doingWhat these things have in common (they aren't exciting lol)What I'm going to be working on doing better in my own biz based on these "findings" Links Mentioned:  Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/110Hire us to be your Pinterest Managers + Blog Writers: https://thekarareport.com/blogging-and-pinterest-marketing-agencyGet access to my private podcast, Build It Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcastLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

    33 min

  3. FEB 3

    109 | Nine Non-Negotiables After Nine Years in Business

    Nine years in business is wild — and this week I’m celebrating my “business birthday” by sharing nine non-negotiables I’ve learned across nearly a decade of running my own business. Entrepreneurship truly is the craziest personal development journey there is lol. Some of these are tactical (things I actually do). Some are mindset (things I had to learn the hard way). None of them came naturally, and I’ve slipped on all nine at different points, but they’ve shaped how I think, how I work, and are true non-negotiables for how I run my business today. 🎙️ In This Episode: The unexpected mindset shift that changed how I run my businessWhat I stopped obsessing over (and what happened when I did)A repurposing habit that quietly compounded over nine yearsA polarizing philosophy on getting paid (and why I stand by it)The leadership skill that took me the longest to learnWhy I assume my clients are smarter than I amThe “hard” I choose on purposeA belief that keeps me sane around friends + family 🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/109 Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

    37 min

  4. JAN 27

    108 | The Missing Piece in Your “Automated” Booking Process (+ What Really Gets You Paid Faster) with Colie James

    If you’ve ever gotten a little too excited about “workflows” and “automation” only to realize that something is still not clicking... this one’s for you. We talk about an overlooked, not-so-glam part of your CRM that can quietly change everything: the actual words your clients and leads are reading. Because it doesn’t matter how slick your setup is if your actual communication feels like an afterthought.  If you’ve been dealing with people who hesitate, disappear after inquiring, or need a whole sales call just to figure out what happens next—this conversation will make you rethink what “good communication” really means. Colie breaks down how your emails can do the heavy lifting: build trust, guide people without hand-holding, and even shorten your sales cycle (especially if you do not want to live on discovery calls).  And we don’t just stay in the “getting hired” stage. One of my biggest takeaways is what happens after someone books—because so many businesses go quiet once the invoice is paid, then wonder why clients feel unsure, needy, or less excited. We get into how to nurture people through the experience so they feel taken care of the whole way (and so you’re not stuck answering the same questions on repeat).  Also: I share what changed for me when I started emailing weekly—even with a small list—and how that helped me stay top-of-mind without relying on Instagram. If you’ve been thinking “email marketing feels like a lot,” you’ll like this part.  If you want to go deeper, Colie’s next “Email Like You Mean It” sprint runs February 2–6: https://coliejames.com/email 🎙️ In This Episode: Why “automation” doesn’t work if you are undercommunicatingHow to make your CRM emails build trust and shorten the sales cycleWhat to include in inquiry emails so clients don’t hesitate (or ask 10 follow-up questions)How to write emails that do the “sales call” work for you—without being pushyHow post-booking emails lead to raving fans, referrals, and rebookingsThe overlap between client communication and weekly email marketing Links Mentioned:  Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/108Join Colie's next Email Like You Mean It Sprint: https://coliejames.com/emailLearn more about working with Colie: https://coliejames.com/Follow Colie on Instagram: https//instagram.com/coliejamesSubscribe to The Business First Creatives Podcast: https://coliejames.com/podcast/Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

    39 min

  5. JAN 20

    107 | So You Want To Hire a Writer That Doesn’t Use AI? Let’s Talk About It.

    Is it possible to hire a writer that doesn't use AI?  Why do all marketers copy and past from ChatGPT when I could just do it myself? These conversations and hot takes are driving me crazy over on threads  — like AI automatically equals slop and human-only equals quality. But the real conversation is much more nuanced than that. In this episode, I’m breaking down what it actually means to hire a writer that doesn’t use AI in 2026 — including the cost, ROI, SEO impact (or lack thereof), and the assumptions business owners are making when they say “no AI.” We’re talking about when human-only writing genuinely makes sense, where AI fails, and why refusing to use AI doesn’t automatically give you better content. 🎙️ In This Episode: Why “hire a writer that doesn’t use AI” is trending and what people really wantThe costs and ROI of human-only writing vs AI-assisted writingWhen human-only writing does matter (and when it doesn’t)The strategic downside of being anti-AI long-term🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/107 Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

    15 min

  6. JAN 13

    106 | I QUIT Instagram After Posting for 6 Years... Here's What Happened (And What To Know If You Want To Do The Same)

    Quitting Instagram is often framed as dramatic, impulsive, or reckless — like you either delete the app overnight or you’re “doing business wrong.” But the real conversation is more nuanced than that. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of why I quit Instagram after six years — not out of burnout or frustration alone, but after looking closely at my data, time investment, and actual return. We’re talking about what really happens when Instagram stops being a growth channel, how to tell if it’s still serving your business, and what needs to be in place before you step away. This is the honest, strategic conversation I wish more people were having — especially for business owners who feel stuck on Instagram but aren’t sure they’re allowed to leave. Whether you’re thinking about posting less, going nine-grid, or quitting altogether, this episode will help you make the decision intentionally (not emotionally or reactively). If Instagram has been draining your energy, eating up your time, or quietly not working the way you hoped — this episode will help you figure out what to do next. 🎙️ In This Episode: Why I quit Instagram after giving it a real, consistent tryThe data that made the decision clear (and what surprised me)The difference between using Instagram as a growth channel vs a nurture channelWhat to ask yourself before quitting or slowing down on InstagramHow I’m marketing and nurturing clients without relying on InstagramHow to make stepping back look intentional (not like you disappeared)🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/106 Listen to Episode 100 (Instagram-free business examples): https://thekarareport.com/100 Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter Grab the Enji state of small business report: https://www.enji.co/state-of-small-business-report-2025?ref=ywmwndy Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

    25 min

  7. JAN 6

    105 | 2026 Business Goals: What ChatGPT Got Right (and Wrong), What I'm Prioritizing This Year, and Why It's Not Going To Be a Growth Year

    In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how I approached my 2026 business goals after a big year of growth. From experimenting with AI for planning, to realizing what I don’t want my business to turn into, this conversation is more about intention than ambition (although let's be honest... there's plenty of ambition lol). I’m not offering a perfect framework or a 10-step plan. Instead, I’m walking through the questions, trade-offs, and decisions shaping the way I’m moving into 2026 and why I’m choosing to build differently this year. 🎙️ In This Episode: How I approached setting my 2026 business goalsWhat I liked about planning with AI clarified (and what I didn’t)The three focus areas guiding my decisions this yearHow I’m thinking about time, profit, and sustainability in 2026 🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/105 Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services  Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

    36 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    104 | 2 Years of Podcasting About Business & Marketing (My Favorite Moments!)

    Two years. Over a hundred conversations. Countless moments where I hit record not knowing what would come out on the other side and somehow, it all added up to this. Instead of doing a neat, polished recap or a predictable year-end episode, I wanted to do something more honest (and more fun).  You’ll hear pieces from the very beginning, when everything was scrappier (and yet also, more scripted). There are moments I forgot I ever shared, lessons I didn’t realize I was still carrying, and ideas that feel even more relevant now than they did when I first said them out loud. It’s not a highlight reel in the glossy sense — it’s more like flipping through the margins of a notebook I’ve been writing in for years. Mostly, this episode is a thank-you. If you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re brand new, I hope you love this little recap! Episodes Mentioned: Episode 1: New Podcast: My “All of a Sudden” Moment (+ How You Can Have One Too)Episode 3: Marketing for Introverts: I’m Kind of an Awkward Person, That’s Why Content Marketing is So Important to MeEpisode 10: You Can Fire Me But You Can’t Hurt Me (+ Other Advice When Selling “Yourself”)Episode 32: 3 Weird Things I’ve Done to Get More Wedding ClientsEpisode 35: Be Ruthless About What You Listen To (Entrepreneur Mindset Reminder)Episode 44: Why Does Everyone Market To Beginners? Why Basic Content Is Everywhere (2 Reasons!)Episode 46: I Read 10x Is Easier Than 2x So You Don’t Have to (5 Lessons I’m Keeping!)Episode 60: 7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Virtual Assistant (Why They Keep Quitting Or Failing To Meet Your Expectations)Episode 61: My Biggest Business Lessons: What I Got Right (and Wrong) in My First 8 Years in BusinessEpisode 70: Imposter Syndrome Has Cost Me THOUSANDS… Let’s Talk About It.Episode 74: Positivity Is Powerful (With Data To Back This Up!) + 5 Ways to Shift Your MessagingEpisode 80: Do you really need to market your business when you’re fully booked?Episode 85: 4 Huge Advantages Small Business Owners Have Over 7-Figure Business Owners 🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/104 Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services  Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

    53 min
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5
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About

Hey there, welcome to "The Kara Report"! Each week, we’re sharing what we see real businesses doing to grow their business and expand their reach to help you grow your business and become a marketing pro. In each episode, we get granular and talk about real-world marketing strategies, what DOESN’T work when scaling your business, and host candid conversations on the latest business and marketing trends. We'll even share the juicy data we collect and behind-the-scenes bloopers as they come. No fluff, no filler; just authentic, in-depth discussions that explore the key factors that truly make a difference in your business success. After all, we know that marketing your business is about more than Instagram Reels tips and social media algorithm hacks, and great marketing also doesn’t always mean you’re running a successful, profitable business.  While we specialize in content marketing, blogging for SEO, Pinterest marketing, and website copy for our own content marketing agency, all marketing strategies are welcome (and discussed) here. Whether you're an established entrepreneur looking to refine your business or marketing strategy or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, we’re serving up valuable insights designed to help you navigate the ever-changing world of business and marketing.  We believe when you do the work, you’ll reap the rewards and we promise we will focus on results-driven action steps (not the busy work) to help you hit your goals this year. Now let’s get started!

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