Rocky Mountain Marketing- Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs

Katie Brinkley
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Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast, your go-to guide for everything marketing, aimed specifically at small businesses, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and coaches. I'm Katie Brinkley, your host and navigator in this journey, sharing my expertise and inviting savvy guests to dissect the nitty-gritty of social media, entrepreneurship, email marketing, and all things digital marketing. Imagine having a friend who's been there, done that, and is now ready to let you in on the secrets of what's working right now in the marketing world. That's exactly what you'll get when you tune into the podcast. I cut through the noise and give you real, actionable advice, proven strategies, and innovative approaches that can help you scale your business and maximize your impact. Whether it's a deep dive into the latest trends in social media, a breakdown of successful email marketing campaigns, or exploring novel marketing strategies, I'm all about giving you practical knowledge that you can apply right away. My goal is to make your marketing journey less of a guessing game and more of a strategic endeavor. So, whether you're fine-tuning your existing marketing plan, looking for fresh ways to reach your audience, or just starting to get your feet wet in the vast sea of digital marketing, the Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast is your trusty map and compass. Join me, Katie Brinkley, as we build a lively community of go-getter marketers and visionary business leaders, tackling the exciting challenges of marketing together. Ready to take a bold step forward in your marketing adventure? You're in the right place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    How Do You Turn Instagram and Facebook DMs Into Consistent Sales?

    Have you ever felt weird sliding into someone’s DMs? Let’s be honest — direct messages can feel personal. Almost intrusive. And with LinkedIn spam and automated bots everywhere, it’s easy to assume that DM outreach is sleazy. But what if I told you that the DMs are actually where the magic happens? In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Jenna Larson, co-founder of GroupTrack CRM, to talk about how entrepreneurs can turn organic social media engagement into real revenue — without ads, without going viral, and without a massive following. And the results? Over $1.2 million in revenue last year — zero ad spend. We unpack: Why going viral is overrated for business growthHow to use DMs as a relationship-building tool (not a sales trap)The simple 3-step DM framework that increases response ratesWhy most automation tools fail without follow-upHow to track leads inside Facebook and Instagram without losing your mindThe exact message template that triples responses Timestamps: [00:00:00] – Why DMs Feel Awkward (But Drive Sales) [00:04:30] – $1.2M with No Ads or Viral Posts [00:08:05] – Why Automation Alone Doesn’t Convert [00:10:40] – The First DM You Should Always Send [00:16:00] – The 1-Line DM That Triples Responses [00:19:00] – How to Uncover Needs Without Being Pushy [00:22:00] – The Simple Follow-Up That Closes Sales [00:24:50] – How to Start DM Conversations with Small Audiences [00:28:40] – Turning 900 Followers into Revenue [00:31:30] – Where to Learn the Organic DM System If you’re tired of “post and pray” marketing, this episode will completely shift how you see social media. Because the truth is — you don’t need more followers. You need better follow-up. Visit Jenna Larson's social media pages: Website: https://grouptrackcrm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-larson-41659827/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  2. FEB 24

    How Do You Grow an Email List Without Burning Out with Tracy Beavers

    What if the algorithm disappeared tomorrow? What if Instagram shut down your account? What if LinkedIn throttled your reach? Would you still be able to reach your audience? In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sat down with Tracy Beavers, CEO and founder of Tracy Beavers Coaching, to talk about one of the most overlooked (yet powerful) marketing assets entrepreneurs have: your email list. Social media is visibility. But your email list? That’s ownership. Tracy and I unpack: Why social media is “rented land”The real financial risks of relying only on platformsWhat happened when Meta went down for 36 hoursHow to grow your email list organically (without burnout)Practical Facebook strategies for list buildingThe truth about lead magnets in 2026Why consistency beats complexity every time If you’re building your business on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok alone, this episode will shift your entire perspective. 5 Key TakeawaysSocial media builds visibility — email builds ownership.Even 400 subscribers is powerful when nurtured strategically.You only need one consistent weekly content system to grow your list.Lead magnets should include audio or video for stronger trust-building.If you don’t own your audience, you don’t own your revenue stream. Listen now and start building a marketing strategy that protects your business long term. Timestamps:00:00 The Algorithm Problem 00:49 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:19 Meet Tracy Beavers 03:05 Why Email Lists Matter 06:02 When Social Media Fails 08:01 Escaping Facebook Jail 11:22 Starting Small Is Okay 14:25 Email vs Social Media 15:54 Realistic List Growth Goals 17:33 Creating Weekly Content 19:27 The Lead Magnet Strategy 21:33 Facebook Growth Strategies 22:26 Personal Profile Power 25:20 Business Pages for Social Proof 28:19 Best Lead Magnets Right Now 31:48 Connect with Tracy 33:17 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 34:25 Closing and Subscribe Visit Tracy Beavers online: Website: https://www.tracybeavers.com/ Facebook Group: https://tracybeavers.biz/bacekatiebpodcast The Social Media Made Easy Guide: Create 90 Days of Content Topics in Only 30 Minutes!: https://tracybeavers.biz/90in30katieb Create Online Success Podcast: https://www.tracybeavers.com/podcast Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  3. Is Your 2026 Social Media Strategy Completely Backwards?

    FEB 17

    Is Your 2026 Social Media Strategy Completely Backwards?

    What if everything you thought you knew about social media marketing in 2026 was actually backwards? In this solo episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m breaking down the 2026 Social Media Content Strategy Report—and the data reveals something BIG. While 70% of marketers are prioritizing AI-generated content, consumers are asking for the exact opposite. They want real voices. Real connection. Real people. In this episode, I walk you through: Where brands are actually investing (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube)Why Facebook is far from “dead”The rising importance of YouTube for product educationWhy TikTok only makes sense for certain audiencesThe massive disconnect between marketers and consumersHow to use AI for intelligence — not replacementWhat consumers truly want from brands in 2026 If you’re a business owner trying to figure out where to spend your time, energy, and marketing budget this year, this episode will save you from expensive mistakes. Timestamps: 00:00 Everything You Know About 2026 Social Media Might Be Backwards 00:51 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing + What We’re Unpacking Today 01:21 Where Brands Are Investing in 2026 (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook) 04:10 Facebook Isn’t Dead: Discovery, Service & Community (Plus What to Post) 05:57 Instagram’s New Role: Episodic Reels & Entertainment-First Strategy 07:15 YouTube’s Big Moment: Long-Form, Product Education & Video Podcasts 08:33 TikTok Reality Check: Gen Z, Search Behavior & Authenticity Wins 09:53 Quick Break: How NeXTSTEP Social Helps You Simplify Your Strategy 10:49 The AI Disconnect: Marketers Want Automation, Consumers Want Humans 12:18 Use AI for Social Intelligence (Not Just Content) + Why Podcasts Help 14:15 What Consumers Actually Want From Brands in 2026 (6 Must-Do’s) 15:59 Your 2026 Action Plan: Pick Platforms, Be Human, Engage More 18:38 Final Thoughts + Subscribe, Connect, and Get the Book Ready to simplify your strategy and amplify your results? Visit NextStepSocial.com to build a data-backed content strategy that actually works. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  4. Can Substack Replace Your Social Media Strategy in 2026?

    FEB 10

    Can Substack Replace Your Social Media Strategy in 2026?

    If you’re feeling burned out on social media and tired of battling the algorithm, it’s time to consider building something you own—like Substack. In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Fuhs, a seasoned digital marketing strategist and Marine Corps veteran who’s gone all in on Substack. We unpack how this platform has evolved far beyond a newsletter and why it might be the most strategic move you can make in your marketing right now. Here’s what we cover in this episode: What makes Substack a powerful multimedia publishing platformHow to build a loyal email list without burnoutThe importance of owning your content and audienceCreative ways to repurpose your video, podcast, and written contentAvoiding common Substack mistakes that lead to early drop-offHow consistency and community create long-term marketing wins Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction to Substack and Its Relevance 01:10 Meet the Guest: Jim Fs 02:04 Jim's Journey with Substack 04:45 Exploring Substack's Features 09:05 Substack as a Multimedia Platform 14:38 Maximizing Substack's Potential 25:32 Common Mistakes and Best Practices 30:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 32:38 Outro and Call to Action Whether you’re a content creator, coach, or business owner, this episode will help you take control of your marketing strategy in 2026. Visit Jim Fuhs online: Substack: https://jimfuhs.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimfuhs/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/dealcasters Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dealcasters/id1554420305 Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  5. What Is "Behind the Practice" and Why Should Entrepreneurs Tune In?

    FEB 3

    What Is "Behind the Practice" and Why Should Entrepreneurs Tune In?

    In this special episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down once again with my business partner and COO, Shawn Quintero, to unveil something close to our hearts: our brand new podcast—Behind the Practice. We're pulling back the curtain on how we’ve evolved as an agency, and why this new podcast is more than just another show—it’s a strategic shift designed to serve the heart of our mission: helping health and wellness experts turn their practice into a powerful, revenue-generating brand. We dive into: The origin story of Behind the PracticeWhy we’re doubling down on podcasting in 2026Our vision for serving purpose-driven entrepreneursHow storytelling can scale trust and conversionsThe importance of niching down and building aligned media Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction and Announcement 00:34 Meet the Co-Owner: Sean Quintero 02:32 Behind the Practice: Concept and Purpose 03:48 Personal Stories and Impact 06:51 Target Audience and Unique Approach 09:11 Podcast as a Marketing Tool 24:32 Operationalizing Your Podcast 26:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Whether you're in the health and wellness space or an entrepreneur looking to scale your visibility, this episode is packed with insights you can use. Ready to see what’s Behind the Practice? Tune in now and discover how a podcast can become your most powerful business asset. Visit Shawn Quintero online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  6. How Will TikTok’s Algorithm Changes Impact Your Content?

    JAN 27

    How Will TikTok’s Algorithm Changes Impact Your Content?

    In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I break down one of the most critical changes we’ve seen on TikTok in a while. With new ownership under the U.S.-based TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, retrained algorithms, and updated Terms of Service, business owners and creators are rightfully asking: Should I still be investing time here? I walk you through what these updates mean, how to respond strategically, and the crucial distinction between your marketing content and your business assets. If TikTok is part of your growth strategy, this is a must-listen. 5 Key Takeaways: TikTok’s U.S. Ownership Shift: TikTok is now operating under a U.S.-based corporate entity, with ByteDance holding less than 20%. This impacts data governance and the algorithm retraining process.Retrained Algorithm, Real Impact: If your reach is fluctuating, it might not be your content—it’s the recalibrated algorithm learning new engagement priorities.New Terms of Service: TikTok now has broader content licensing language, explicitly allowing your content to be used for machine learning and platform improvement. This is standard across platforms but now more transparent.Don’t Use Social as a Storage Vault: Uploading high-value assets, drafts, or proprietary content to TikTok (or any platform) is risky. Treat your business content with strategy and caution.Build an Exit Ramp Now: Grow your email list, promote your podcast or YouTube channel, and make sure TikTok isn’t your only traffic engine. Don’t build on rented land. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  7. How Can a Lunch and Learn Grow Your Local Business?

    JAN 20

    How Can a Lunch and Learn Grow Your Local Business?

    In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with my partner-in-purpose (and co-owner of Next Step Social), Shawn Quintero, to break down how we’re using Lunch and Learn workshops to bring business owners and their teams clarity, confidence, and actionable results—without sales pressure or shiny-object overwhelm. As we kick off 2026, we’re leaning into education-first marketing and showing business leaders how to activate their teams, build trust through content, and show up consistently on social—organically and strategically. 5 Key Takeaways:Lunch and Learns aren’t new—but we’ve modernized the model to create immediate wins for business teams through actionable, in-person training.The Internal Influencer Strategy helps businesses leverage their own staff as the face of content—building more trust, more reach, and more results.Confidence is the biggest ROI. When teams feel empowered, they take ownership and drive brand visibility organically.It’s not a pitch. These workshops are designed for value-first connection and education—not upsells.Clarity beats complexity. We ditch bloated frameworks and instead provide simple, repeatable content strategies that any team member can start implementing that day. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: The Need for Clarity in Marketing 00:52 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:21 Meet Sean Ero: COO and Co-Owner of NeXTSTEP Social 02:02 The Concept of Lunch and Learns 02:32 The Evolution and Impact of Lunch and Learns 03:27 Training Staff to Leverage Social Media 03:59 The Role of Internal Influencers 04:42 Hands-On Training and Immediate Results 05:36 Education-First Marketing Philosophy 06:10 Differentiating Our Lunch and Learns 06:48 Bridging the Education Gap and Accelerating Sales 09:29 Empowering Teams with Clarity and Confidence 12:20 Balancing Education and Sales 15:26 Building Trust and Relationships 20:28 Conclusion: The Power of Clarity and Relationships 21:29 Outro: Stay Connected and Keep Learning Visit Shawn Quintero online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min
  8. What Makes Your Copy Stand Out in a Sea of AI-Generated Content?

    JAN 13

    What Makes Your Copy Stand Out in a Sea of AI-Generated Content?

    In this episode, I sat down with Lianna Patch, a conversion copywriter and comedian, to talk about what really makes content convert in 2026—humor, voice, and human connection. With so much AI-generated content out there, the businesses that win are the ones who sound like themselves. We dive into practical ways to make your copy more engaging, where AI fits into the mix, and why the funniest brands tend to be the most memorable. Key Takeaways:Safe copy is forgettable—don’t be afraid to polarize.Humor can be subtle and still powerful.AI can help draft but you need to inject voice and value.Specific copy sells—ditch vague industry buzzwords.Writing should be fun—because fun converts. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Engaging Copywriting 00:51 Meet Our Guest: Leanna Patch 02:07 The Role of Humor in Marketing 03:21 AI vs. Human Copywriting 04:42 Using Humor Effectively in Copy 06:22 Challenges and Opportunities with AI 08:26 Practical Tips for Better Copywriting 18:06 Upcoming Workshop and Resources 23:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Whether you’re writing email funnels or social captions, this episode is your permission slip to sound like a human again. Visit Lianna Patch's social media pages: Website: https://punchlinecopy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liannapatch Wanna have more fun on stage? https://punchlinecopy.com/speak-funny-training/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://yournextstep.agency/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
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About

Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast, your go-to guide for everything marketing, aimed specifically at small businesses, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and coaches. I'm Katie Brinkley, your host and navigator in this journey, sharing my expertise and inviting savvy guests to dissect the nitty-gritty of social media, entrepreneurship, email marketing, and all things digital marketing. Imagine having a friend who's been there, done that, and is now ready to let you in on the secrets of what's working right now in the marketing world. That's exactly what you'll get when you tune into the podcast. I cut through the noise and give you real, actionable advice, proven strategies, and innovative approaches that can help you scale your business and maximize your impact. Whether it's a deep dive into the latest trends in social media, a breakdown of successful email marketing campaigns, or exploring novel marketing strategies, I'm all about giving you practical knowledge that you can apply right away. My goal is to make your marketing journey less of a guessing game and more of a strategic endeavor. So, whether you're fine-tuning your existing marketing plan, looking for fresh ways to reach your audience, or just starting to get your feet wet in the vast sea of digital marketing, the Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast is your trusty map and compass. Join me, Katie Brinkley, as we build a lively community of go-getter marketers and visionary business leaders, tackling the exciting challenges of marketing together. Ready to take a bold step forward in your marketing adventure? You're in the right place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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