Marketing Trends Now by Katie Brinkley

Katie Brinkley
  • 5.0 (16)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Stay one step ahead in the ever-changing world of marketing with Marketing Trends Now, the weekly solo podcast hosted by seasoned strategist Katie Brinkley. Katie breaks down the latest trends in social media, digital marketing, and content strategy—giving 6-figure business owners the insights they need to scale with confidence. Whether you're tired of chasing algorithms or ready to find an agency that acts as your true marketing arm, this show delivers sharp, actionable updates to keep your brand visible, relevant, and growing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5D AGO

    What Do OpenAI’s New ChatGPT Ads Mean for Your Business?

    What happens when the tool you use to think, plan, and create starts showing ads? In this solo episode, I break down OpenAI’s move to test ads inside ChatGPT for free and Go plan users, and what that really means for marketers, creators, and small business owners. This isn’t just another ad unit. This is the start of ads entering a high-intent, conversation-first environment. I’m not here to panic you or hype you up. I’m here to walk you through three things: What to watch forWhat to testWhat you can ignore completely Because the real story isn’t “ChatGPT has ads now.” The real story is where attention is moving next. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Ads in ChatGPT 00:58 Initial Reactions and Concerns 01:24 Understanding the Strategy Behind Ads 02:09 Context and Clarity in Ads 02:44 Trust and High-Intent Environments 04:40 Testing and Positioning Your Brand 05:34 Content and Platform Relationships 06:54 What to Ignore and Final Thoughts 08:22 Conclusion and Challenge Your challenge this week is simple: If your ideal customer explained their problem out loud, would your brand sound like the answer? If not, that’s what you need to fix next. And if you want help tightening that strategy, aligning your content, and building visibility that actually converts, head to NextStepSocial.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
  2. Why Isn’t Your Social Media Strategy Converting?

    FEB 5

    Why Isn’t Your Social Media Strategy Converting?

    In this episode of Marketing Trends Now, Katie Brinkley dives into Sprout Social’s 2026 Social Media Content Strategy Report and uncovers why most marketing strategies aren’t working. She breaks down the growing disconnect between what brands post and what audiences actually want, offering data-backed insights on platform selection, AI content use, and engagement practices. Top 5 Takeaways: More isn’t better. 87% of marketers want to expand platform presence, but audiences are focused on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Audiences want connection—not more content. Responding to comments and creating original content matters more than trendy posts.AI is misused. Brands are overusing AI for production, while the real power lies in using it for content intelligence and audience insights.Engagement over presence. Being everywhere doesn't work if your audience isn’t there. Focus where your audience actually spends time.Your strategy should start with listening. Audit your platforms and use AI to uncover what your audience really wants to see from you. Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction to Social Media Challenges 00:30 Understanding the Social Media Landscape 01:14 Key Findings from the 2026 Social Media Report 02:54 The Importance of Engagement and Connection 03:47 AI in Social Media Marketing 04:37 Next Step Social's VIP Day 05:25 Using AI for Content Intelligence 06:49 Actionable Marketing Strategies for 2026 07:34 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Tired of posting into the void? Start aligning your content with your audience’s needs. Visit nextstepsocial.com to see how we help brands create content that connects—and converts. 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.

    8 min
  3. What Does TikTok’s U.S. Ownership Change Mean for You?

    JAN 29

    What Does TikTok’s U.S. Ownership Change Mean for You?

    TikTok didn’t just roll out a new feature—it became a different company in the U.S. With a new ownership structure, data oversight, and a retrained algorithm, everything from your reach to your results could start shifting. This episode breaks down what’s actually changed, what to expect next, and how smart business owners can adapt their content strategy without spiraling or overcorrecting. What You’ll Learn: What the new TikTok USDS entity is (and who controls your data now)How algorithm retraining affects reach and discoveryWhy creators are cautious, but not leavingWhat you should do now to stay visible without burning out Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to TikTok's Major Update 00:17 New Ownership and Data Oversight 03:13 Impact on TikTok's Algorithm 05:31 Creator Economy's Response 06:18 Strategic Advice for Marketers 07:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts If your business depends on TikTok visibility, now’s the time to get proactive. Let’s talk about building a multi-platform strategy that keeps you visible—no matter how the algorithm shifts. 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.

    10 min
  4. What Does Instagram’s New Ad Update Really Mean?

    JAN 22

    What Does Instagram’s New Ad Update Really Mean?

    Instagram just rolled out a small-looking pop-up that signals a much bigger shift: Meta is letting users train the algorithm — and if you run ads, this changes everything. In this solo episode, I break down what this update means for your targeting, your ad creative, and your conversion rates moving forward. What You’ll Learn:What Instagram’s new “interest selection” prompt actually meansHow Meta is combining AI + user signals to replace third-party dataWhy this shift will punish generic ad creativeWhat message-market match really looks like in 2026How small businesses can win by being specific and strategic Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Personalized Ads 01:17 Instagram's New Pop-Up: A Game Changer 02:10 Meta's Strategic Shift Towards AI 04:20 Implications for Advertisers 06:09 Actionable Steps for Your Ad Strategy 06:53 Conclusion: Embrace the Change Running ads that aren’t converting like they used to? Don’t panic. Pivot. Let’s talk about how to align your messaging, creative, and audience targeting so Meta works for you — not against you. Instagram ads 2026, Meta ad targeting, Facebook ad changes, AI-powered ads, user-selected interests, message-market match, paid strategy 2026, Katie Brinkley, Next Step Social, Marketing Trends Now 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/@MarketingTrendsNow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketingtrendsnow/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min
  5. What Does a Hollywood Award Mean for Your Podcast Strategy?

    JAN 15

    What Does a Hollywood Award Mean for Your Podcast Strategy?

    Podcasting just entered the Hollywood chat — literally. In 2026, the Golden Globes awarded “Best Podcast of the Year” for the first time ever. But this moment isn’t just about celebrity winners. It’s about what this means for trust, credibility, and content marketing moving forward. In this episode, we cover: Why this award changes how podcasting is perceived by brands and audiencesThe ripple effect this creates for business owners and thought leadersWhy podcasting is no longer a “side project” — it’s a legitimate owned media strategyHow to know if podcasting should be part of your marketing mix in 2026 Timestamps: 00:00 Podcasting Joins Hollywood's Inner Circle 00:29 Why This Matters for Your Business 00:35 Welcome to Marketing Trends 00:57 Golden Globes Recognizes Podcasts 03:33 Impact on Entrepreneurs and Creators 06:39 Strategic Moves for Your Business 08:14 The Power of Podcasting 09:13 Join Our Webinar 09:52 Stay Connected and Subscribe If this episode sparked something for you, check out our upcoming webinar: Get Visible, Get Leads, and Grow Your Practice with a Binge-Worthy Podcast System https://www.nextstepsocial.com/free-training Or just DM me — I’d love to talk about how podcasting can serve your business this year. 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/@MarketingTrendsNow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketingtrendsnow/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
  6. Should You Start Using Carousels on YouTube?

    JAN 8

    Should You Start Using Carousels on YouTube?

    YouTube is quietly testing something that feels very not YouTube: image carousels inside the Shorts feed. But this isn’t just a feature drop — it’s a signal. This solo episode breaks down why this small test could reshape how you use YouTube, and how it ties into a bigger trend: every platform becoming… the same. Key Takeaways:YouTube is testing swipeable photo posts (up to 10 images) inside ShortsWhy this mirrors Instagram carousels and TikTok photo postsWhat makes carousel content effective on other platformsThe risk of using the same format without adjusting your strategyA reminder: strategy always wins over format Timestamps: 00:00 YouTube's Surprising New Feature 00:32 Introduction to Marketing Trends 00:52 YouTube's Image Carousel Test 01:49 The Bigger Picture: Platform Convergence 04:53 How Carousels Perform on Different Platforms 07:02 Implications for YouTube Creators 08:24 Strategic Takeaways and Conclusion Not sure how to pivot your content strategy across platforms? That’s exactly what we help with at Next Step Social. Let’s make sure your content converts — wherever it shows up. 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/@MarketingTrendsNow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketingtrendsnow/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min
  7. Which Marketing Trends Will Win in 2026 — and Which Will Fail?

    JAN 1

    Which Marketing Trends Will Win in 2026 — and Which Will Fail?

    If your best-performing platform changed the rules tomorrow, would your business survive it? Most people say no. That’s why this episode exists. In this solo 2026 forecast, I break down the real shifts that will define how we grow, engage, and show up on social this year — so you can stop guessing and start getting ahead. Key Takeaways:Why AI is no longer optional for content creation workflowsHow social platforms are now acting like search engines — and what to do about itWhy short-form content is shifting from entertainment to educationThe return of long-form content (and how to leverage it)Why algorithm-proof brands are built on communitiesHow to diversify your strategy before platforms pull the rug outWhy real expertise will outperform “raw authenticity” in 2026 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Adaptability in Marketing 00:26 Welcome to Marketing Trends with Katie Brinkley 00:47 Looking Ahead: Trends Shaping 2026 02:25 Trend 1: AI Integration in Social Platforms 04:35 Trend 2: Social Platforms as Search Engines 06:49 Trend 3: The Evolution of Short Form Video 08:06 Trend 4: The Comeback of Long Form Content 09:27 Trend 5: The Rise of Micro Communities 10:44 Trend 6: Diversified Content Systems 11:49 Trend 7: Authenticity and Real Expertise 12:46 Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Marketing Pick one trend, build a 30-day experiment around it, and let me know what happens. This isn’t about doing more — it’s about being smarter. 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/@MarketingTrendsNow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketingtrendsnow/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  8. What Do Facebook’s New Algorithm Changes Mean for Your Business?

    12/25/2025

    What Do Facebook’s New Algorithm Changes Mean for Your Business?

    Facebook just overhauled the algorithm, layout, search, and engagement tools — and that means big opportunity if you know how to adapt. Let’s be honest: most of us treat Facebook like an obligation. We post there because we feel like we should. But Meta’s latest updates tell us one thing loud and clear: they want our attention back, and they’re betting big on visuals, immersive design, and search-driven discovery. In this episode, I break down exactly what’s changing — and what you need to do right now to stay ahead of the curve as a business owner or content creator. Key Takeaways:The 6 major Facebook changes you need to know aboutWhy visual-first, mobile-friendly content is now essentialHow Facebook is turning search into discovery (finally!)Why comments, profiles, and marketplace are more important than everHow to stay relevant when users can now tell Facebook to “hide” your posts Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Facebook's Major Updates 00:45 Why Facebook is Making These Changes 03:31 Visual and Feed Updates 05:18 Navigation and Search Enhancements 08:09 Algorithm and Comment Section Improvements 10:26 Summary and Strategic Takeaways 11:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is your cue to stop autoposting and start optimizing. Look at your Facebook strategy with fresh eyes — visuals, conversations, and community are your leverage points. 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/@MarketingTrendsNow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketingtrendsnow/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
See All (36)

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Stay one step ahead in the ever-changing world of marketing with Marketing Trends Now, the weekly solo podcast hosted by seasoned strategist Katie Brinkley. Katie breaks down the latest trends in social media, digital marketing, and content strategy—giving 6-figure business owners the insights they need to scale with confidence. Whether you're tired of chasing algorithms or ready to find an agency that acts as your true marketing arm, this show delivers sharp, actionable updates to keep your brand visible, relevant, and growing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information