In Episode 69, Samuel McVay sits down with Keith Coast, a comedy magician and musician who's performed across 18 countries and 48 U.S. states. What started as an unexpected meeting through Whatnot book auctions turned into a fascinating conversation about building a diverse entertainment career. Keith rolled into Kansas straight from a library summer reading program in Greensburg, powered through a 3-hour-40-minute drive from Oklahoma City, and somehow ended up doing balloon art and book auctions until midnight. His story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship-balancing multiple revenue streams from magic shows to book reselling while maintaining a genuine passion for entertaining families and audiences worldwide. Keith's path into magic began at age 20 at a small boardwalk kiosk in Kemah, Texas, and has evolved into a full-time touring operation. Beyond the magic tricks and stage presence, his approach to building an online presence through his website, social media, and platforms like Whatnot shows how modern entertainers leverage digital channels to reach audiences and scale their business.
Meeting Keith Coast through the unlikely niche of Whatnot book auctions led to discovering one of the most versatile entertainers in the country. Samuel McVay and Keith connected over a shared appreciation for hustling across multiple platforms-Keith's journey mirrors what many modern service professionals face: building visibility, managing client relationships, and scaling operations across different channels.
Keith's path into entertainment started at 20 years old at a boardwalk kiosk in Kemah, Texas, where he learned magic from someone he met on the spot. What began as curiosity transformed into a 20+ year career spanning 18 countries and 48 states. He performs library summer reading programs, corporate events, and private shows-a diversified business model that keeps him traveling constantly. His work includes magic, music, comedy, and balloon artistry, each feeding into his larger brand.
The conversation revealed something crucial about building an online presence in the entertainment space. Keith maintains a website (keithcoast.com), active Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube accounts, and runs a successful book-selling operation on Whatnot under "Square Trade Company." He's strategic about separating his entertainment work from his reselling business, understanding that audiences want to know where to find him and what to expect. This mirrors how local service businesses need consistent branding across platforms-whether it's HVAC contractors, plumbers, or other trades. A clear digital footprint, unified messaging across social media, and an easy way for customers to book or purchase is essential.
Keith's self-awareness about his multiple revenue streams is instructive. He joked about keeping "work at work," acknowledging that entertainment is his main job while book reselling provides complementary income. For entrepreneurs and service business owners, this diversification strategy reduces risk and creates multiple touchpoints with customers. His willingness to adapt-adding more entertainment elements to his Whatnot streams based on audience feedback-shows the importance of listening to your market.
The episode captures the grind of a modern entertainer: driving 3+ hours for a library gig, leaving at 4 PM to meet Samuel for dinner, and maintaining genuine fan relationships in small Kansas towns. Keith mentioned having 20 kids in Greensburg who recognize him-that's brand loyalty built through repeat performances and authentic connection. That's exactly what local service businesses aim for: being the trusted, known expert in your community who gets called back again and again.
What does Keith Coast do as a magician and musician?
Keith Coast is a multi-talented performer who combines magic and music in his act. He's also a reseller and entrepreneur with multiple revenue streams. On the Killer Growth podcast, he shares his journey performing at venues like the Apollo Theater and how he got booed-and how he bounced back from that experience.
How can magicians, musicians, and entertainers benefit from digital marketing?
Entertainers and performers need to build their brand online to book more gigs, sell tickets, and attract corporate clients. Local SEO, Google Ads, and social media management help performers get discovered by event planners, venues, and audiences in their area. A strong online presence turns one-time audiences into repeat clients and referral sources.
How does KillerGrowth help entertainers and performers get more bookings?
KillerGrowth builds custom websites that showcase your act, manages Google Ads and Meta Ads to reach event planners and potential clients, and implements local SEO so people searching for 'magician near me' or 'live musician in Wichita' find you first. We also use GoHighLevel CRM to track leads and automate follow-ups so you never miss a booking opportunity.
What makes KillerGrowth different from other Wichita digital marketing agencies?
KillerGrowth specializes in local service businesses and entertainment entrepreneurs. We don't just build websites-we drive actual clients through proven local SEO, paid ads, and CRM automation. Our founder Samuel McVay focuses on real results, not vanity metrics. We work directly with you to understand your business model and create strategies that convert online visibility into booked gigs and revenue.
How do I get started with KillerGrowth?
Book a free strategy call with Samuel McVay at killergrowth.com/booking. We'll analyze your current online presence, discuss your goals, and create a customized plan to get more clients, bookings, or sales. No pressure-just honest advice on what will actually move your business forward.