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. 20H AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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

  7. JAN 6

    What Kind of Goals Should You Set in an AI-Powered World?

    In this solo episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m diving into something that’s been on every entrepreneur’s mind this year: do goals still matter in 2026? The world is changing fast, and with the rise of AI, shifting priorities, and burnout creeping in, it’s easy to lose sight of your direction. But here’s the truth: goals still matter—when you know how to set them right. I’ll share how to: Get crystal-clear on your directional goalsPush through the doubt that creeps inRecommit to goals that align with who you are (not just what everyone else is doing)Use the momentum of Q1 to build sustainable progress—not just productivity Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Embracing the Uncertainty of Goal Setting 00:38 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:08 The Reality of Goal Setting in 2026 04:29 The Importance of Writing Down Goals 09:33 Setting Directional Goals 10:34 Marketing Goals for 2026 11:39 Behavior Goals: The Key to Consistency 14:23 The Role of AI in Achieving Goals 20:28 Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Time and Staying Focused 21:54 Conclusion and Call to Action If you’re looking to reclaim your focus, strengthen your strategy, and finally commit to what matters this year, this episode is for you. Let’s reset your strategy for 2026 and start taking aligned action—together. 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.

    24 min
  8. The Top 10 Marketing Lessons You Need from 2025

    12/30/2025

    The Top 10 Marketing Lessons You Need from 2025

    As 2025 wraps up, I’m taking you behind the data to reveal the top 10 most downloaded episodes of Rocky Mountain Marketing this year—and the biggest theme that kept emerging: trust-first strategy over trends. In this year-end special, you’ll hear from brilliant guests like Gordon Firemark, Megan Dougherty, Mike Swenson, Lisanne Murphy, Sarah Nay, and more. We cover everything from building trust in the age of AI, creating human-first content, crisis-proofing your brand, to leveraging SEO and podcasting for sustainable growth. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by marketing "shoulds"—this episode is your permission slip to slow down and get strategic. In this episode, you'll learn: What 2025 taught us about audience trust and authentic marketingWhy AI without strategy won't work in the long runHow to get more ROI from your marketing effortsHow your podcast can become a powerful business driverWhat real business owners did to simplify, grow, and lead effectively Timestamps: 00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Intentional Marketing 00:21 Introduction to Rocky Mountain Marketing 00:51 Year-End Review: Key Insights from 2025 02:18 Top 10 Episodes Countdown: Legal Protection for Podcasters 05:54 Podcast Blueprints for Business Success 08:54 Crisis-Proofing Your Brand 11:45 Transforming Your Website into a Sales Machine 15:29 Sustainable Growth Strategies for Small Businesses 18:19 Using Psychology to Attract Dream Clients 20:40 Finding Clarity and Passion in Entrepreneurship 21:37 Getting Your Local Business on Google's First Page 25:25 Human-First AI Marketing with Mike Monte 29:06 Turning Cold DMs into Warm Conversations 33:54 Trust-First Marketing Without Posting Every Day 38:44 Final Thoughts and Year-End Reflections Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, this recap is packed with timeless advice to guide your 2026 strategy. Hit follow and subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss the powerful conversations we have coming next year! 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.

    41 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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