27: From Accidental to Intentional CEO: Mastering Marketing Strategies for Creative Entrepreneurs with Kayla Dean

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, many entrepreneurs stumble into business ownership without formal training. Kayla Dean, a seasoned copywriter and strategist, is no exception. She started her journey as a freelance writer, which gradually transformed into a full-fledged business. In this episode of the Accidental CEO Podcast, Kayla shares her story and the marketing strategies she used to grow her business, improve client experience, and stay ahead of industry trends.

From Freelance Writer to Intentional CEO

Kayla’s journey began in 2018, not as a lifelong dream to be an entrepreneur, but as a desire to make a living as a writer. With a background in English literature and creative writing, Kayla had no formal business training, yet she quickly found herself building a career as a freelance writer.

Her first steps into entrepreneurship were marked by uncertainty, as she navigated the world of copywriting through platforms like Fiverr and freelance gigs. Over time, she realized that what started as a freelance hustle had evolved into a real business, prompting her to embrace her role as a CEO.

One of the key turning points in Kayla’s journey was the realization that she needed to formalize her business. Moving from a personal bank account to a business account, separating finances, and creating standard operating procedures were crucial steps in legitimizing her business and stepping into the role of an intentional CEO.

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Leveraging Marketing Strategies for Business Growth

As her business grew, Kayla honed her marketing strategies to attract higher-paying clients and scale her services. Here are some of the key strategies she implemented to achieve this growth:

1. Focusing on Client Experience

Early in her career, Kayla realized that providing a premium client experience was essential to charging higher rates. By investing in systems that enhanced her client experience, she was able to justify premium pricing and consistently deliver value. This focus on client experience not only helped her increase her rates but also led to more referrals and repeat business.

2. Implementing Strategic Pricing

As her skills and experience grew, Kayla incrementally raised her prices. This shift from charging lower rates to confidently pricing her services in the $5K-$8K range was supported by a combination of factors: experience, confidence, and a solid understanding of her market. By positioning herself as a specialist and offering high-value services, she attracted clients willing to invest in her expertise.

3. Investing in Continuous Learning

One of the keys to Kayla’s success has been her commitment to continuous learning. From reading books and blogs to attending summits and investing in coaching, Kayla ensures that she stays up to date on the latest trends in copywriting, marketing, and business strategy. This commitment to self-improvement allows her to refine her skills and offer cutting-edge services to her clients.

Navigating the Challenges of AI in Copywriting

The rise of AI in the copywriting industry has created both excitement and concern among creatives. Kayla shared her perspective on this evolving technology, acknowledging that while AI tools like ChatGPT can assist with tasks like transcription and idea generation, they lack the strategic depth that a skilled copywriter brings to the table.

Kayla emphasizes that copywriting is not just about writing words; it’s about crafting messages that resonate with audiences and drive conversions. AI may assist with the basics, but the strategic thinking required for effective copywriting still belongs to the human element.

Creating a Tailored Client Experience

Kayla’s creative process begins with in-depth client research, including interviews with her clients’ past customers. By understanding their needs and experiences, she tailors her copywriting to speak directly to the target audience. This approach has led to remarkable results, such as helping a wedding photographer receive 26 inquiries in just one month after updating her website copy.

Copywriting plays a pivotal role in transforming a brand’s message and ensuring that it resonates with the ideal client. By focusing on the client’s experience, Kayla helps businesses not only attract more leads but also build stronger connections with their audience.

Defining Success on Your Own Terms

Kayla’s story is a reminder that success in business is not one-size-fits-all. As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get caught up in external benchmarks, like building a million-dollar business. However, Kayla emphasizes the importance of defining success on your own terms. For her, success is about clarity, joy, and working with clients who truly resonate with her values.

As she continues to grow her business, Kayla is focused on creating digital products and templates that make her services more accessible to a wider audience. At the same time, she remains committed to working with creative entrepreneurs and helping them craft compelling brand messages.

Final Thoughts

Kayla Dean’s journey from accidental CEO to intentional entrepreneur is filled with valuable lessons for creative business owners. From refining your client experience to embracing continuous learning, her marketing strategies offer a roadmap for success in any creative field.

For those looking to elevate their copywriting and branding, Kayla’s advice is clear: focus on strategy, continuously improve, and define success on your own terms. By doing so, you’ll create a business that not only thrives but also brings you joy.

Mentioned in this Episode
1:1 Coaching with Nata
Boost Your Confidence Workbook
Timeline Pro App

Connect with Kayla
Instagram
Website