The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
Kara Duncan
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!
All episodes
Best episodes
Top 10 The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
29 | The Business Systems Trifecta You Have Been Missing with Sandra Henderson
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
07/09/24 • 40 min
There are so many buzzwords in the online space and it can constantly make you feel like you're missing out. For example, today's guest is coming on to talk all about systems, specifically, her systems trifecta, which is three things that your systems absolutely need to actually be helpful. So many people will tell you that you "need systems", but nobody tells you how to go about creating them in your business and what they look like when they're working.
🎙️ In This Episode:
- 3 things your systems need to have in order to actually help you
- What to do if your systems are out of control
- Why we need to plan our systems for our "worst" days instead of our best days
Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/29
- Learn more about working with Sandra: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/
- Follow Sandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne
- Tune into Keeping it Candid (Kara is on episode 52): https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/keepingitcandid
- Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
5 | Building a Strong Personal Brand as a Service Provider (and Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur) with Sarah Beau
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
01/16/24 • 33 min
If you've been looking to grow a strong personal brand as a service based business (or a multi-passionate entrepreneur), this interview is for YOU.
Sarah Beau is a branding photographer based in Calgary in Canada. She's fabulous. She did my own branding photography a few years ago and over the past few years, I have become a loyal member of her "cult following" on Instagram. She has such an engaged community of the best people, and I've really been able to see not only how she's grown her personal brand, but also how she's been able to use that personal brand to leverage new opportunities and embrace the multi-passionate entrepreneur that she is.
Make sure you listen to this interview all the way through because what she's doing now is really, really cool and I can't wait to bring all of her expertise to you today!
🎙️ In This Episode:
- Where to start when it comes to creating a personal brand (it's not just "choosing content buckets")
- How to include personal brand elements in your new branding photoshoot
- The biggest mistake people make when they hire a branding photographer
- Her take on the super editorial/edgy branding trend in the online space (I personally wanted to know!)
- How she's using Instagram for her business (it's not to grow!)
- How she leveraged her personal brand to start a new venture as a multi-passionate entrepreneur
Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/5
- Learn more about blogging for SEO here: https://thekarareport.com/bbb (use code PODCAST20 for 20% off)
- Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahbeaucreative
- Follow Derp Dog Studios on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derpdogstudios
- Hire Sarah for Calgary Brand Photos: https://sarahbeaucreative.com
- Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
35 | You Need To Be Ruthless About What You Listen To
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
08/20/24 • 10 min
Are you ruthless about what you listen to? Are you surrounded by people agreeing with you and complaining that this year sucks, it's slow, the economy, etc? I'm not here to say it's not valid, but today I'll enter with a hot take - more of a pep talk than my usual tangible tips. Let's get into it.
🎙️ In This Episode:
- What's driving me crazy on threads lately
- One of the easiest ways to self-sabotage
- How I'm adapting to changes as a marketer right now (having my best year yet tbh)
Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/35
- Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/blogging
- Join Blogging for Bingeable Brands (Use Code PODCAST20 for 20% Off!): https://thekarareport.com/bbb
- Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
36 | Coming Up With Buzz-worthy Content Ideas (That Actually Generate Sales For Your Business) with Nicole Czarnecki
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
08/27/24 • 50 min
How do we actually come up with ideas for our marketing content? That's exactly what I want to know, and Nicole Czarnecki has answers. Nicole is absolutely brilliant at the creative side of marketing, especially the kind that's very intentional and designed to drive real results. Sometimes, we think of marketers as either creative types or data-driven types. Personally, I lean more towards the blogging side because I don't consider myself overly creative—I find the keyword first, and then the idea follows.
On the other hand, those who excel at social media content tend to lean more into the creative piece, though, of course, there are exceptions. But here’s the thing about Nicole: she’s incredibly creative, yet you’d never expect her to be so strategically focused. After many conversations with her, I’m consistently blown away by her brilliance, and I’m beyond excited to share our latest conversation with you on the podcast today. So, let's get into it!
🎙️ In This Episode:
- Where "trendy content" should fit into your strategy as a small business
- The different types of content small business owners should create
- How to leverage the collab tool like big brands (as a small business)
- How to come up with killer content ideas (all the time)
- The amount of time social media actually takes (and how to batch it and make it easier)
Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/36
- Learn more about working with Nicole: https://www.sayheysocial.com/
- Follow Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heynicoleraye
- Check out the Content Clubhouse (Nicole's Membership): https://www.sayheysocial.com/clubhouse-register
- Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
50 | 2 of the Biggest 2025 Website Trends (+ UX Tips You'll Want To Implement ASAP) with Hannah Davis
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
12/03/24 • 30 min
Who doesn’t love a good trends episode? Today, I’m excited to bring on Hannah Davis to talk all about 2025 website trends and how we can update our websites without making them look overly trendy. I also loved how she tied in website UX (user experience) into everything she does!
We chatted all about the balance between copy and design, how to use templates effectively, and common website mistakes to avoid.
🎙️ In This Episode:
- 2 of the biggest 2025 website trends
- How to know if WE should be jumping on the latest trends (big and small)
- What to do if nobody is buying from our website
- Improving our UX in 2025
PS: We talked a lot about the importance of good COPY in this conversation. So this is me reminding you that I offer VIP days if you want a professional to write yours for you: https://thekarareport.com/copywriting
Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/50
- Learn more about Hannah at Made with Boldness: https://madewithboldness.com/
- Follow Hannah on Instagram: https://instagram.com/madewithboldness
- Hire Kara to write your website copy: https://thekarareport.com/copywriting
- Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
67 | How to Build a High-Impact Business Without Sacrificing Your Freedom with Rosemary Dede
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
04/01/25 • 29 min
There are a million ways to grow your business—but what if the most powerful strategy to grow a high-impact business was actually doing less?
In this episode, I’m joined by holistic business coach Rosemary Dede, who helps high-achieving women build businesses that align with their lifestyle, values, and seasons of life. We talk about redefining success, creating intentional systems, and building a business that supports you, not the other way around.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or like your business is running you, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reset, and build from a place of clarity.
🎙️ In This Episode:
- How to identify the true needle-movers in your business
- Simplifying your offers and systems for more time + impact
- Selling with ease and showing up for your warm audience
- The difference between work-life balance vs. work-life harmony
🔗 Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/67
- Connect with Rosemary: https://rosemarydede.com
- DM Rosemary on Instagram (she loves voice notes!): https://instagram.com/rosemary.dede
- Listen to Rosemary’s podcast: Balanced Business Formula
- Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
59 | 9 Ways to Find Fresh Content Ideas (When You've Said EVERYTHING There Is To Say)
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
02/04/25 • 25 min
Do you ever feel like you've said everything there is to say in your business—like you're just repeating yourself over and over? While repetition is key in marketing, it can still start to feel a little stale. If that sounds familiar, this episode on how to find content ideas is for you.
Today, I'm sharing nine ways I generate fresh content ideas—even as someone who writes a ton of content. These strategies work not only for social media but also for blog posts, podcasts, and YouTube channels. As a service provider with years of experience working with clients, I still have to find new ways to say the same thing in fresh, engaging ways.
So, get ready—I’m spilling all the tea on how I do it. Let’s dive in!
🎙️ In This Episode:
- How to keep your content fresh and engaging without saying anything "new"
- Simple strategies to generate new content ideas from what you already have
- The power of repurposing and reframing content for different audiences
- Creative ways to source trending topics and industry insights for inspiration
- Why taking action and consistently creating is more important than overplanning
Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/59
- Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/blogging
- Our Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterest
- Hire me for website copy: https://thekarareport.com/copywriting
- Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
31 | Proven Methods to Find the Perfect Topics: Never Run Out of Blog Ideas Again
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
07/23/24 • 18 min
How should you come up with blog topics? That's one of my most frequently asked questions. People either say, "I have so many ideas, I can't get my thoughts out," or "I sit at a blank screen with no idea what to blog about." After doing this for four years, I have a system.
I cover everything you need to know about blogging for SEO in my Blogging for Bingeable Brands mini course, which you can get 20% off with code Podcast 20, but today, I'm sharing how to find your best blog topics!
🎙️ In This Episode:
- 3 Ways to Find Keywords That Are Trending/Profitable
- How to Turn Keywords Into Topics
- What To Do if You Already Have a Ton of Ideas
Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/31
- Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/blogging
- Join Blogging for Bingeable Brands (Use Code PODCAST20 for 20% Off!): https://thekarareport.com/bbb
- Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
30 | An Advanced Conversation for Creatives Using AI (Chat GPT Tips + New Tools to Try) with Lauren deVane
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
07/16/24 • 40 min
There are so many buzzwords in the online space and it can constantly make you feel like you're missing out. For example, today's guest is coming on to talk all about systems, specifically, her systems trifecta, which is three things that your systems absolutely need to actually be helpful. So many people will tell you that you "need systems", but nobody tells you how to go about creating them in your business and what they look like when they're working.
🎙️ In This Episode:
- Chat GPT vs. Claude vs. Gemini
- How to better prompt AI tools
- The mistakes we are making with AI tools
- How to make AI sound more like YOU
Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/30
- Learn more about working with Lauren: https://snipfeed.co/bemusedstudio
- Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebemusedstudio/
- Learn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
70 | Imposter Syndrome Has Cost Me THOUSANDS.... Let's Talk About It (4 Ways)
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
04/22/25 • 27 min
We talk a lot about strategy in business—pricing, marketing, systems—but what about the mindset stuff that quietly chips away at our growth and profits? The truth is, some of the most expensive mistakes I’ve made weren’t because of bad investments or wrong moves... they were because of imposter syndrome.
You know the feeling: you hesitate to raise your prices because you’re worried people will walk away. You sign up for yet another course hoping it’ll finally make you feel “qualified enough.” You keep quiet in client conversations instead of setting boundaries because you don’t want to seem difficult or unprofessional. If any of that hits close to home—you’re not alone.
In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on four sneaky ways imposter syndrome has cost me thousands (yep, tens of thousands, if I’m being honest). From overinvesting in education I didn’t need to undercharging for services I knew were delivering real results, I’m walking you through the hard lessons I wish someone had told me earlier. Awareness is the first step!
🎙️ In This Episode:
- How investing in too many courses was a $$$ mistake
- The software I kept paying for just to “look professional”—and how much it cost me
- Why I overdelivered for years and undercharged, even with happy clients + results
🔗 Links Mentioned:
- Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/70
- Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services
- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations have?
The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations currently has 75 episodes available.
What topics does The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations cover?
The podcast is about Marketing, Content Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Business, Copywriting and Marketing Strategy.
What is the most popular episode on The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations?
The episode title '30 | An Advanced Conversation for Creatives Using AI (Chat GPT Tips + New Tools to Try) with Lauren deVane' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations?
The average episode length on The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations is 28 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations released?
Episodes of The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations?
The first episode of The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations was released on Dec 30, 2023.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ