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 business
• The hidden problem with chasing “ideal” engagement rates
• How benchmark-chasing leads to more posting, more burnout, and less impact
• What your real goal is (hint: it isn’t 3.7 percent engagement)
• Three things benchmarks actually are: direction, fuel for questions, and a reality check
• A simple framework for using benchmarks alongside your own data and outcomes

Timestamps:

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.

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:

1. What to watch for
2. What to test
3. What 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.

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:

1. More isn’t better. 87% of marketers want to expand platform presence, but audiences are focused on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
2. Audiences want connection—not more content. Responding to comments and creating original content matters more than trendy posts.
3. AI is misused. Brands are overusing AI for production, while the real power lies in using it for content intelligence and audience insights.
4. Engagement over presence. Being everywhere doesn't work if your audience isn’t there. Focus where your audience actually spends time.
5. 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.

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 discovery
• Why creators are cautious, but not leaving
• What 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.

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 Instagram’s new “interest selection” prompt actually means
• How Meta is combining AI + user signals to replace third-party data
• Why this shift will punish generic ad creative
• What message-market match really looks like in 2026
• How 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.

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 audiences
• The ripple effect this creates for business owners and thought leaders
• Why podcasting is no longer a “side project” — it’s a legitimate owned media strategy
• How 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.

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.

• YouTube is testing swipeable photo posts (up to 10 images) inside Shorts
• Why this mirrors Instagram carousels and TikTok photo posts
• What makes carousel content effective on other platforms
• The risk of using the same format without adjusting your strategy
• A 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.

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.

• Why AI is no longer optional for content creation workflows
• How social platforms are now acting like search engines — and what to do about it
• Why short-form content is shifting from entertainment to education
• The return of long-form content (and how to leverage it)
• Why algorithm-proof brands are built on communities
• How to diversify your strategy before platforms pull the rug out
• Why 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.

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.

• The 6 major Facebook changes you need to know about
• Why visual-first, mobile-friendly content is now essential
• How Facebook is turning search into discovery (finally!)
• Why comments, profiles, and marketplace are more important than ever
• How 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.

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 the new link limit actually says (and doesn’t say)
• Why this change isn’t random — it’s part of a bigger shift
• How Meta is prioritizing content engagement over outbound links
• What strategies still work for driving traffic and conversions
• The right (and wrong) way to use links on Facebook in 2026
• Why this is the wake-up call your content strategy needed

Timestamps:

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.