Episodi
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What if AI didn’t just help you think — what if it actually started doing the work you hate to do?
That’s the question Katie tackles in part three of this four-part AI series.
So far, this series has covered two major ideas: first, most business owners are using AI too narrowly, mostly for output instead of execution. Second, if AI doesn’t sound like you yet, it’s not because it can’t — it’s because you haven’t trained it with enough context.
Now comes the real shift.
In this episode of Marketing Trends Now, Katie explains how to move from using AI as an assistant to using it as an executor. Because if AI is still only “helping” you, but you’re doing every final step yourself, you’re still the bottleneck.
In this episode, Katie covers:Why even “good” AI users are often still doing all the work themselvesThe mindset shift from help me to handle thisWhy speed alone is not enough if tasks are still running through youHow to identify the repetitive tasks that drain the most energyWhy your anti to-do list matters more than your prompt libraryWhat friction removal actually looks like in a real businessPractical examples like follow-up emails, podcast repurposing, and meeting prepWhy the goal is momentum, not perfectionHow to start building repeatable systems without overcomplicating everythingTimestamps:
00:00 – Stop Using AI for Ideas Only (Execution Is the Real Win)
01:00 – Why You’re Still the Bottleneck (Even With AI)
02:00 – The Mindset Shift: “Help Me” vs “Handle This”
03:00 – Build Your AI Anti-To-Do List (Start Here)
05:00 – Real Example: Automating Emails & Content With AI
07:00 – Why AI Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect (Momentum > Perfection)
If AI is only helping you think, you’re still doing all the work. The real payoff happens when AI starts handling pieces of execution and removing friction one task at a time.
Before the next episode, pick one task from your anti to-do list and use AI to handle it from start to finish. Then refine what it gives you. And if you want help building a smarter marketing system that actually frees up your time, that’s exactly what we help business owners do at Next Step Social.
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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What if AI doesn’t sound like you — not because it can’t, but because you’ve never actually shown it how?
That’s the shift Katie Brinkley tackles in part two of this AI series.
In this episode of Marketing Trends Now, Katie breaks down one of the biggest frustrations business owners have with AI: it feels generic, off-brand, and like it creates more editing instead of less. But the issue usually isn’t the tool. It’s the lack of context.
If you’ve ever opened ChatGPT or Claude, typed in a prompt, and thought, “I would never actually post this,” this episode is for you.
In this episode, Katie covers:Why most people expect AI to read their mindsWhy better prompts are not the answerThe real difference between prompts and contextWhy AI sounds generic when your brand voice is undefinedThe three things you need to define before AI can sound like you: your tone, your audience, and your beliefsWhy you need to show AI, not just tell itHow to use examples of what feels right and what feels wrong to train better outputsWhy starting from scratch every time guarantees inconsistent resultsHow patterns and structure turn AI into part of your workflow instead of just another toolTimestamps:
[00:00:00] – Why AI Content Doesn’t Sound Like You (Big Mistake)
[00:01:30] – The Real Problem: AI Doesn’t Know Your Brand Voice
[00:03:00] – Stop Prompting—Start Training AI With Context
[00:05:00] – How to Teach AI Your Tone, Messaging & Audience
[00:07:00] – Why Most AI Content Feels Generic (And How to Fix It)
[00:09:00] – Turn AI Into a Time-Saving System (Not More Work)
If AI doesn’t sound like you, it’s not because it’s broken. It’s because it doesn’t know you yet. Better results come from better context, better examples, and better patterns.
Before the next episode, find one piece of content that sounds exactly like you and one that feels completely off. Use both as your starting point. And if you want help building smarter systems that make your marketing actually feel like you, that’s exactly what we do at Next Step Social.
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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodi mancanti?
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What if AI isn’t saving you time — not because it isn’t powerful enough, but because you’re using it the exact same way as everybody else?
That’s the real question behind this episode.
In part one of this new AI series, Katie Brinkley breaks down why so many business owners are using AI, but still not feeling the payoff. Because yes, AI can help you write a caption, brainstorm an email, or draft a blog outline. But if you still have to rewrite everything, make all the decisions, and carry all the mental load, then AI didn’t really free you up. It just gave you a faster starting point.
This episode is about the shift from using AI like a content tool to using AI like a CEO.
In this episode, Katie covers:Why AI often feels helpful but not truly life-changingThe difference between using AI for outputs vs. using it to reduce frictionWhat “ask and receive mode” is, and why it keeps you stuck in shallow AI useWhy so many entrepreneurs are still the bottleneck, even when they’re using AIHow AI can support execution, decision-making, and your day-to-day operationsThe difference between making more content and creating more capacityWhy repetitive tasks drain more energy than most business owners realizeWhat an “anti to-do list” is, and how to use it as your starting point with AIWhat to do before the next episode in this 4-part seriesTimestamps:
[00:00:00] – Why AI Isn’t Actually Saving You Time
[00:00:45] – The Hidden Problem With Using AI for Content
[00:01:30] – AI as a Tool vs AI as a CEO-Level Asset
[00:02:15] – The “Ask & Receive” Trap Most Users Stay In
[00:03:00] – Why AI Isn’t Reducing Your Workload
[00:03:40] – Why Content Feels Generic (And Boring)
[00:04:30] – The Real Opportunity: AI for Execution, Not Output
[00:05:15] – How AI Should Support Your Daily Decisions
[00:06:00] – The Real Problem: Lack of Capacity, Not Ideas
[00:06:45] – From Tool to Team Member: The Big Shift
[00:07:30] – Stop Using AI for Noise—Start Using It for Growth
[00:08:15] – Why More Content Isn’t Getting Results
[00:09:00] – Where AI Should Actually Save You Time
[00:10:00] – You’re Not Cutting Corners—You’re Building Leverage
[00:11:00] – What AI Support Looks Like in Real Life
[00:12:00] – Start Here: Your “Anti-To-Do List” Strategy
[00:13:00] – The Shift That Separates Beginners From Leaders
[00:14:00] – Your Next Step: Train AI to Think Like You
If you’re only using AI for captions, ideas, or rough drafts, you’re still in the shallow end. The real opportunity is using AI to reduce repeat tasks, remove friction, and create more room for high-level thinking.
Before the next episode, make a list of three things you do every single week that you never want to do again. That’s your starting point. And if you’re ready to stop using
AI like a shortcut and start using it as part of a smarter marketing system, that’s exactly what we help business owners do at Next Step Social.
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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Have you ever had a video get views, but nothing actually came from it? No leads. No engagement. No traction. That’s the trap so many business owners fall into on YouTube: they see views and assume something is working.
But not all views are created equal.
In this episode of Marketing Trends Now, Katie Brinkley breaks down the YouTube metrics that actually matter if you’re using video to grow your business. Because if you’ve ever opened YouTube Studio and felt overwhelmed by the data, this episode will help you simplify what to track and what to ignore.
In this episode, Katie covers:Why views are one of the most misleading metrics on YouTubeWhat YouTube actually cares about when deciding to push your contentWhy watch time and audience retention matter more than raw viewsHow to use your first 30 seconds to keep people from dropping offThe real role of click-through rate, thumbnails, and titlesWhat impressions tell you about whether YouTube is even showing your contentThe difference between making videos for views vs. making videos for business growthTimestamps:[00:00:00] – Why Views Don’t Equal Business Growth
[00:00:30] – The Biggest Mistake in YouTube Analytics
[00:01:15] – Why Views Are a Misleading Metric
[00:02:00] – The Metric That Actually Drives Growth (Retention)
[00:02:30] – How to Use Audience Retention to Improve Content
[00:03:00] – Why the First 30 Seconds Make or Break Your Video
[00:03:30] – Click-Through Rate: Titles & Thumbnails That Convert
[00:04:00] – Fixing the Disconnect Between Click & Content
[00:04:30] – Impressions: The Metric Most Creators Ignore
[00:05:00] – How to Diagnose What’s Actually Not Working
[00:05:15] – Stop Chasing Views—Focus on Business Results
[00:05:30] – The 3 Metrics Every Business Owner Should Track
[00:05:45] – How to Use Analytics as Growth Feedback
If you want YouTube to help your business, stop obsessing over views and start paying attention to the metrics that show trust, interest, and momentum: retention, click-through rate, and impressions.
This week, go into your YouTube analytics and focus on just three things: how long people are watching, whether they’re clicking, and whether YouTube is showing your content. Start there. Improve one thing at a time. And if you want help turning your YouTube content into a strategic lead-generation system, that’s exactly what we do at Next Step Social.
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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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If you’ve been following AI video this past year, there’s a good chance you heard “Sora” and thought, this changes everything. And honestly, it did. But now OpenAI is reportedly moving away from Sora as a standalone app — and that matters for business owners more than most people realize.
Because this isn’t really about one app going away. It’s about what AI companies are prioritizing now, what tools are actually worth your time, and how to stop chasing shiny objects in your marketing.
In this episode of Marketing Trends Now, Katie Brinkley breaks down what Sora’s shift really means, why AI video is moving from flashy to functional, and how entrepreneurs can use AI in a way that actually supports leads, sales, and consistency.
In this episode, Katie covers:Why OpenAI shifting Sora into ChatGPT and other products is a signal, not a setbackWhat this says about the future of AI ecosystems vs. standalone toolsWhy most business owners never consistently used AI video tools in the first placeThe difference between what AI can do and what is actually useful in your marketingWhy AI video is becoming more about enhancement than creation-from-scratchReal-world examples of AI-assisted content: clipping podcasts, adding captions, cleaning audio, and repurposingThe biggest mistake entrepreneurs make with AI toolsWhy strategy matters more than softwareHow the “awareness to action” framework keeps your content focused when the tools keep changingTimestamps[00:00:00] – Is AI Video Changing Marketing Forever?
[00:00:35] – What Happened to Sora (And Why It Matters)
[00:01:00] – The Real Problem With AI Tools Right Now
[00:01:40] – Why AI Is Moving Into One Ecosystem
[00:02:15] – Stop Chasing Tools—Start Building Workflows
[00:02:50] – The Shift From Flashy AI to Functional AI
[00:03:30] – Why Most Businesses Don’t Use AI Video
[00:04:00] – Practical Ways to Use AI Video Today
[00:04:45] – How to Turn One Video Into Multiple Assets
[00:05:15] – The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make With AI
[00:05:45] – Why Strategy Matters More Than Tools
[00:06:10] – The 4-Post Content Strategy Explained
[00:06:40] – Build a Content System That Actually Converts
[00:07:10] – The Simple AI Repurposing Strategy to Start Now
[00:07:40] – Final Takeaway: Strategy Beats Tools Every Time
The future of marketing is not more tools. It is better systems. The businesses that win will not be the ones testing every shiny new AI product. They will be the ones using AI inside a clear, repeatable content strategy.
This week, instead of creating something new from scratch, pick one strong piece of content you already have and turn it into three more pieces. That is where AI becomes useful. And if you want help building a content system that actually drives leads and sales, that’s exactly what we do at Next Step Social.
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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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If your Instagram comments have slowed down, your LinkedIn posts feel quieter, or Threads suddenly seems a lot less lively, you’re not imagining it. Engagement is shifting across platforms — but the real story is bigger than “the algorithm hates me.”
In this episode, Katie Brinkley breaks down the recent engagement trends across major platforms and explains what’s actually happening behind the scenes. Because while engagement is down on some of the biggest platforms, that doesn’t mean your content is broken. It means the environment has changed.
Katie walks through why social media feels more crowded, more competitive, and more algorithm-driven than ever before — and what entrepreneurs and business owners should do differently if they want their content to keep working.
In this episode, Katie covers:Why engagement is declining on Instagram, LinkedIn, and ThreadsWhy engagement is ticking up on platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, and XHow social media became far more competitive than it was even a few years agoWhy recommendation algorithms changed the rules of the gameWhy LinkedIn can still be powerful even when engagement rates dipWhat Threads’ cooling engagement really tells us about platform maturityThe difference between vanity metrics and real marketing resultsWhy posting more is not the answer if your strategy is weakHow the Awareness to Action strategy helps create purpose-driven contentTimestamps[00:00:00] – Why Your Engagement Is Dropping
[00:00:45] – The Data: What’s Actually Changing in 2025
[00:01:20] – Engagement Isn’t Dead (Here’s the Truth)
[00:01:50] – Social Media Is More Competitive Than Ever
[00:02:30] – Why Your Content Isn’t Getting Seen
[00:03:10] – Algorithm Shift: You’re Competing With Everyone
[00:04:00] – LinkedIn Engagement: What Really Matters Now
[00:05:00] – Threads & Platform Hype Cycles Explained
[00:05:50] – Why Engagement Metrics Can Be Misleading
[00:06:40] – Vanity Metrics vs Real Business Results
[00:07:05] – The Biggest Mistake Businesses Make
[00:07:30] – What Actually Drives Engagement Today
[00:08:00] – The 4 Post Strategy (Awareness → Action)
[00:08:40] – Why Connection Beats Likes Every Time
[00:09:10] – What to Do When Engagement Drops
[00:09:40] – The One Question That Changes Everything
Engagement is not the goal. Trust, connection, and business outcomes are the goal. The businesses that succeed are not the ones chasing every algorithm shift. They are the ones building content systems that still create leads and opportunities, even when engagement fluctuates.
If your engagement dropped tomorrow, would your content strategy still bring in leads? That’s the question that matters. And if you want help building a content strategy that creates visibility, trust, and business growth no matter what the algorithm does, that’s exactly what we do at Next Step Social.
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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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AI promised to save us time. Faster captions. Faster blogs. Faster videos. Faster everything. But if you’ve actually tried using AI in your business, you already know the truth: it doesn’t always feel faster.
In this episode of Marketing Trends Now, Katie Brinkley breaks down the gap between the promise of AI and the reality many business owners are experiencing. Because while AI adoption is exploding, meaningful productivity gains are lagging behind. And the reason is simple: AI is not a strategy. It’s a tool.
Katie unpacks where AI is actually useful, why so many entrepreneurs feel like it’s creating more work instead of less, and how to use it in a way that truly supports your marketing instead of cluttering it.
In this episode, Katie covers:Why AI feels more complicated than promised for many business ownersThe difference between using AI as a shortcut vs. using it strategicallyWhere AI works well: research, brainstorming, and content repurposingWhy AI struggles with voice, nuance, and relationship-buildingThe real reason so many AI-generated captions still need heavy editingWhy strategy must come before any toolHow to use AI as a multiplier, not a replacementTimestamp:[00:00:00] – Is AI Actually Saving You Time?
[00:00:45] – The Gap Between AI Hype vs Reality
[00:01:30] – Why AI Without Strategy Creates More Work
[00:02:10] – The Hidden Problem With AI Tools Today
[00:03:00] – Why AI Content Still Needs Heavy Editing
[00:03:40] – What AI Is Actually Good At (Use This Instead)
[00:04:20] – Best Use Cases: Research & Content Repurposing
[00:05:00] – The Biggest Mistake: Using AI Without a Plan
[00:05:50] – Strategy First: Why Experts Win With AI
[00:06:30] – AI as a Multiplier (Not a Replacement)
[00:07:10] – The Real Goal: Better Strategy, Not More Content
The businesses getting the most value from AI are not the ones using it to replace their thinking. They are the ones using it to speed up execution after they already know where they’re going.
If you’ve been experimenting with AI but still feel like your content is taking too long — or sounding too generic — it may not be a tool problem. It may be a strategy problem. And that’s exactly what we help with at Next Step Social. From social media strategy to podcast production to full marketing intensives, we help you build the roadmap first so tools like AI can actually make your life easier.
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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Have you ever opened your podcast dashboard, looked at your downloads, and immediately decided whether your show was a success—or a failure? You’re not alone. Most podcasters are judging their show using numbers they don’t actually understand, and it’s quietly wrecking their confidence and their strategy.
In this episode, I break down what your podcast stats are really telling you, what they’re not telling you, and how to evaluate whether your show is working as a business asset—not just a piece of content.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why a “download” does not equal a listener—and what it actually measuresHow different platforms (your host, Spotify, Apple Podcasts) each tell you a different part of the storyWhy no single dashboard gives you the full picture of your audience behaviorThe three metrics that matter most for entrepreneurs: Listener retention, Completion rate and Subscriber growthWhy you don’t need thousands of listeners for your podcast to be successfulHow to ask better questions of your analytics: Which episodes spark DMs, shares, or client inquiries?Why a small, aligned audience of ideal clients is more powerful than a big, passive audienceTimestamp:
00:00 – Why Podcasters Misinterpret Their Analytics
01:05 – What a Podcast Download Actually Means
02:20 – Why Podcast Data Comes From Multiple Platforms
03:20 – The Problem With Relying Only on Downloads
03:55 – The Metrics That Actually Matter
04:05 – Listener Retention Explained
04:25 – Completion Rate and Engagement
04:45 – Why Subscribers Are Powerful Leads
The next time you log into your stats, I want you to stop asking, “Are these numbers big enough?” and start asking, “Are the right people listening?” If you’re ready to launch or optimize a podcast that actually supports your business, that’s exactly what we do at Next Step Social. You can learn more at NextStepSocial.com.
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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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If you’re staring at your analytics thinking, “Something’s not working,” this episode is for you. Yes, engagement rates are down across all platforms. That’s real. But most entrepreneurs are trying to fix the wrong problem. They’re trying to fix engagement when they should be fixing positioning, audience alignment, and conversion pathways.
In this solo episode, I walk you through what engagement benchmarks actually mean in 2026—and how to use that data without letting it derail your entire strategy.
You’ll learn:
Why engagement rates naturally compress as platforms matureWhy a 0.5 percent engagement rate today is not the same as it was three years agoWhy getting louder is not the same as getting clearerWhy not all engagement is equal (likes vs saves vs comments vs DMs)How algorithms now prioritize watch time, retention, relevance, and repeat interactionsThree things to track that matter far more than a single engagement numberTimestamps:
00:00 Why Engagement Feels Broken
00:56 Engagement Isn’t Revenue
01:29 Platform Maturity and Rate Drops
02:08 Stop Posting More Start Positioning
03:18 Quality of Engagement Matters
03:54 Algorithm Shift to Repeat Attention
04:31 Reframe and Spot Misalignment
05:15 Three Metrics That Matter
06:00 Weekly Analytics Challenge
06:46 Final Strategy and Sendoff
Go into your analytics this week not to panic, but to spot patterns. Which content attracts the right people and leads to real conversations? And if you want a strategy that prioritizes revenue over reactions, visit NextStepSocial.com.
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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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When you hear “industry benchmarks,” it sounds official and scientific—like there’s one magical engagement rate you’re supposed to hit to win. But here’s the truth: if you treat benchmarks like goals, they will quietly wreck your strategy.
In this episode, I break down why most people use benchmarks the wrong way, how they turn into vanity metrics, and how to reframe them so they actually help you make smarter decisions in your business.
What I cover in this episode:
Why platform benchmarks are just averages, not targets for your businessThe hidden problem with chasing “ideal” engagement ratesHow benchmark-chasing leads to more posting, more burnout, and less impactWhat your real goal is (hint: it isn’t 3.7 percent engagement)Three things benchmarks actually are: direction, fuel for questions, and a reality checkA simple framework for using benchmarks alongside your own data and outcomesTimestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Social Media Benchmarks
00:33 The Misleading Nature of Benchmarks
01:03 Understanding the Context of Benchmarks
02:26 The Real Purpose of Benchmarks
05:23 Strategic Use of Benchmarks
06:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Benchmarks are tools, not truth. This week, stop asking “Are we hitting industry averages?” and start asking “Is our content actually moving the needle on revenue?” If you want help turning the numbers into a strategy that works in real life, head to NextStepSocial.com and let’s build a plan around your business, not someone else’s average.
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.
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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 completelyBecause 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.
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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.
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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 outTimestamps:
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.
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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 strategicTimestamps:
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.
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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 2026Timestamps:
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.
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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 formatTimestamps:
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.
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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 2026Timestamps:
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.
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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 postsTimestamps:
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.
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If you're relying on Facebook to drive traffic to your offers, this new update is going to change everything.
Meta has quietly rolled out a link-sharing limit that affects businesses, creators, and anyone using Facebook Pages or professional-mode profiles. But this episode isn’t just about what’s changing — it’s about how to pivot smarter.
What You’ll Learn:What the new link limit actually says (and doesn’t say)Why this change isn’t random — it’s part of a bigger shiftHow Meta is prioritizing content engagement over outbound linksWhat strategies still work for driving traffic and conversionsThe right (and wrong) way to use links on Facebook in 2026Why this is the wake-up call your content strategy neededTimestamps:
00:00 Facebook's New Link Restrictions: What You Need to Know
01:29 Understanding the Impact on Business Pages
02:28 Adapting to Facebook's Strategy Shift
03:45 Effective Content Strategies for Facebook
05:52 Meta Verified and Its Implications
07:52 Clarifying the Two Links Rule
09:05 Future-Proofing Your Facebook Marketing
10:33 Conclusion and Next Steps
If your Facebook strategy depends on dropping a link and crossing your fingers, it’s time for a change. Test one of the alternatives from this episode and let me know what gets you better results.
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.
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Still typing “write me a caption” into ChatGPT?
It’s time to level up. In this solo episode of Marketing Trends Now, I’ll teach you how to turn AI from a novelty into a core part of your marketing workflow — with a clear roadmap I call the 90-Day AI-Ready Framework.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to AI in Marketing
00:28 The Problem with Prompt-Only Marketing
02:13 Understanding the 90-Day AI Ready Framework
02:37 Phase 1: Building a Strong Foundation
03:48 Phase 2: Letting AI Influence Decisions
04:47 Phase 3: Orchestrating Your Marketing with AI
05:28 Real-Life Applications of AI in Marketing
07:00 From Prompts to Protocols: The Mindset Shift
08:20 Conclusion and Next Steps
Ready to stop reacting to trends and start building your AI strategy? Try one weekly protocol from this episode and let me know how it changes your workflow.
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.
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