Rocky Mountain Marketing- Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs

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 education
• Why TikTok only makes sense for certain audiences
• The massive disconnect between marketers and consumers
• How to use AI for intelligence — not replacement
• What 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 platform
• How to build a loyal email list without burnout
• The importance of owning your content and audience
• Creative ways to repurpose your video, podcast, and written content
• Avoiding common Substack mistakes that lead to early drop-off
• How 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Practice
• Why we’re doubling down on podcasting in 2026
• Our vision for serving purpose-driven entrepreneurs
• How storytelling can scale trust and conversions
• The 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

1. 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.
2. Retrained Algorithm, Real Impact: If your reach is fluctuating, it might not be your content—it’s the recalibrated algorithm learning new engagement priorities.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

1. Lunch and Learns aren’t new—but we’ve modernized the model to create immediate wins for business teams through actionable, in-person training.
2. The Internal Influencer Strategy helps businesses leverage their own staff as the face of content—building more trust, more reach, and more results.
3. Confidence is the biggest ROI. When teams feel empowered, they take ownership and drive brand visibility organically.
4. It’s not a pitch. These workshops are designed for value-first connection and education—not upsells.
5. Clarity beats complexity. We ditch bloated frameworks and instead provide simple, repeatable content strategies that any team member can start implementing that day.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

• 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 goals
• Push through the doubt that creeps in
• Recommit 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 marketing
• Why AI without strategy won't work in the long run
• How to get more ROI from your marketing efforts
• How your podcast can become a powerful business driver
• What 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let me guess—you didn’t start your business to spend hours copying and pasting, chasing down leads, or drowning in admin work. In this episode, I sit down with Mike Allton, Director of Partner-Led Growth at Agorapulse and founder of The AI Hat, to uncover how AI can truly give you back your most valuable resource: time.

We break down how to move beyond using AI just for content creation and explore how it can reduce “admin drag,” support revenue-driving activities, and elevate your strategic thinking. Mike shares what revenue architecture really means and how solopreneurs and sales teams can use AI to scale smarter—not louder.

If you’re ready to reclaim your schedule and protect the human side of your business, this episode is your roadmap.

What You’ll Learn:

• What “admin drag” is and why it’s killing your creativity
• How to audit your workflow and identify where AI can support you
• The difference between AI as a replacement vs. a revenue partner
• How AI can free up emotional energy and rebuild trust
• Practical examples of AI in sales and proposal processes
• What the “revenue architecture” framework actually looks like
• Why reclaiming your time is the new ROI

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The AI Time-Saving Revolution

00:34 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

01:04 The Real Opportunity with AI

01:46 Introducing Mike Alton: AI and Revenue Architecture

02:37 Understanding Admin Drag and AI Solutions

05:23 The Role of AI in Sales and Marketing

08:12 Implementing AI: Practical Steps and Benefits

18:57 Revenue Architecture: Integrating AI into Processes

25:18 The True ROI of AI: Time and Trust

33:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Ready to take back your time?

Subscribe to Rocky Mountain Marketing and never miss an episode packed with strategies to scale your business with purpose—and less stress.

Visit Mike Allton's social media pages:

Website: https://theaihat.com/connect/

Agorapulse: https://www.agorapulse.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeallton

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes some creators cut through the noise while others just… fade into the scroll?

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Jay Acunzo, international speaker, storytelling coach, and the mastermind behind the “resonance over reach” philosophy. Jay has worked with brands like Google, HubSpot, and ESPN—and today, he shares what really helps coaches, creators, and business leaders connect with their audience in a meaningful, profitable way.

We talk about how to uncover clarity in your message, why most “signature talks” miss the mark, and how you can structure your communication to inspire change—not just attention.

If you’re trying to grow your thought leadership, book speaking gigs, or create content that sticks, this conversation is a masterclass.

What you'll learn:

• Why clarity is more important than consistency
• The 4-part storytelling framework to boost resonance
• How to refine your thought leadership on LinkedIn
• The right way to test, tweak, and ship your ideas
• Why a "signature talk" is really an argument for change

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Key to Effortless Attention

00:27 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

00:58 Introducing Jay Acunzo: Master of Clarity

06:43 The Importance of Public Speaking

14:12 Crafting Memorable Stories

19:19 The Four Beats of Storytelling

19:54 Align: Understanding Your Audience

20:07 Agitate: Highlighting the Problems

21:00 Assert: Presenting Your Solution

21:32 Invite: Engaging Your Audience

22:36 The Importance of Personal Branding

23:14 Finding Your Unique Speaking Voice

24:28 The Role of Authenticity in Speaking

25:59 Developing and Refining Your Ideas

28:37 Practical Tips for Nervous Speakers

31:17 The Power of a Creative Practice

33:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tune in now, and let’s help you build a message that actually moves people.

Visit Jay Acunzo online:

Website: https://jayacunzo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-stories-happen/id1736586770

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jayacunzo

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.