Rocky Mountain Marketing- Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs

If your business isn’t ranking on Google Maps, you might as well be invisible. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I am joined by local SEO expert Josh Thompson, founder of Bright Beam SEO. They dive deep into practical strategies that local business owners can implement today to rank higher in local search results.

Josh shares his powerful OCTBR SEO framework—Optimize, Content, Targeting, Backlinks, and Reviews—and explains why focusing on bottom-of-the-funnel searchers leads to real, revenue-generating results. From the future of AI in search to the simple tweaks you can make to your Google Business Profile, this episode is a masterclass for business owners who want to get found by customers ready to buy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Google Maps rankings matter more than ever
• The most common local SEO mistakes (and how to avoid them)
• The real deal on backlinks—and how to earn quality ones
• How to future-proof your business against AI-driven search
• Josh’s go-to SEO strategies for immediate visibility gains

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Google Search

00:29 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

01:06 Understanding Local SEO with Josh Thompson

02:19 The Importance of Google Maps for Small Businesses

05:49 SEO Strategies: Optimize, Content, Target, Backlinks, Reviews

09:38 Impact of AI on Local SEO

14:02 Building Effective Backlinks

19:26 Quick Wins for Improving Local SEO

22:28 Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid

26:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

Don’t miss this chance to turn Google into your best lead generator. Tune in now and walk away with a game plan for better visibility, stronger reviews, and more ideal customers.

Visit Joshua Thompson:

Website: https://brightbeamseo.com

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brightbeamseo

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Bradford Carlton, an AI automation strategist helping entrepreneurs take back their time using low-code and no-code AI agents.

Bradford explains how AI agents—think “digital employees”—can handle repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and even replace entire job functions… all for pennies on the dollar. We discuss what platforms to start with (like Zapier, Make, and n8n), what kind of tasks to automate first, and how solopreneurs can scale without burnout.

If you're ready to delegate to tech instead of hiring more staff, this episode will show you the way.

What You’ll Learn:

• What AI agents actually are and how they work
• The difference between AI tools and AI agents
• How to get started with no-code/low-code automation (no tech skills needed!)
• Why this isn’t just about productivity—but profitability
• Why the future of entrepreneurship requires AI literacy

What You’ll Learn:

00:00 Introduction to the Ultimate Team Member

00:12 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

00:47 The Burden of Repetitive Tasks

01:31 Introducing Dr. Bradford Carlton

02:15 The Future of AI in Business

03:13 Understanding AI Agents

04:48 Real-World Applications of AI

05:48 Common Myths and Fears About AI

07:29 Getting Started with AI Automation

12:06 Practical Tools for AI Automation

14:14 The Future of AI Agents and Automation

16:11 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

19:33 Conclusion and Farewell

If you're a small business owner feeling buried in busy work, it's time to let AI step in. Tune in to this episode and learn how to turn hours of admin into a few clicks—and reclaim your time for what matters most. Subscribe for more future-focused marketing episodes every week!

Visit Bradford Carlton:

Website: https://www.bradfordcarlton.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BradfordSCarlton

Free Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/automate-business-ai/about

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

#AIagents #businessautomation #entrepreneurmindset #lowcode #nocode #marketingautomation #AItools #smallbusinessgrowth #digitalproductivity #solopreneurtools #workflowautomation #Zapier #Makecom #n8n #timemanagement

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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I spoke with Hunter Jensen, founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, to explore the often-overlooked risks and opportunities in building AI strategies for business.

Hunter shares expert guidance on:

• How companies can use AI without compromising sensitive data
• Why blindly plugging your proprietary info into ChatGPT is dangerous
• What a strong AI governance policy should include
• When open-source AI models are the better fit for your goals
• How to educate your team on safe and effective AI usage

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Risks of AI Data

00:28 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

00:58 Today's Topic: Secure and ROI-Driven AI Strategy

01:19 Meet Hunter Jensen: AI and Data Science Expert

02:43 The Importance of Secure AI Tools

05:55 Steps to Implementing a Secure AI Strategy

06:37 The Role of AI Governance and Internal Tools

15:58 Custom AI Solutions for Your Business

18:58 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

24:23 Conclusion and How to Connect

They also dig into how machine learning supports predictive analytics, and the importance of fostering innovation within your company culture to fully leverage AI.

Whether you're a founder, CIO, or digital marketer, this episode delivers the tactical and strategic insights you need to build a secure, scalable, and ROI-positive AI roadmap.

Visit Hunter Jensen:

Website: https://www.barefootsolutions.com/

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

Email: [email protected]

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

#AISecurity #AIStrategy #Chatgpt

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Ever wonder why your marketing isn’t attracting the right audience—even when your product is great? In this episode, I sit down with Lisanne Murphy, creator of Lumina Growth Lab and a master of scaling businesses using psychology-driven strategies. We explore what “dream traffic” actually means, why not all leads are created equal, and how understanding your audience’s behavior can cut acquisition costs in half.

You’ll learn:

• Why demographic targeting isn't enough
• How to shift your messaging in response to market dynamics
• The psychology behind scroll-stopping content
• Strategic slowing down for better business clarity

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction to Psychological Marketing

01:04 Meet Lizanne Murphy: Scaling Businesses with Psychology

02:07 Understanding Dream Traffic

09:12 Psychological Triggers for Immediate Action

17:06 The Importance of Slowing Down for Business Success

22:50 Conclusion and Ways to Connect

If you’re a business owner, coach, or entrepreneur looking to grow smarter—not harder—this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now to discover how to turn dream traffic into loyal clients.

Visit Lisanne Murphy:

Website: https://themarketingmatrixpodcast.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisanne-murphy

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Mike Montague, creator of the Avenue 9 AI Tools list and a leading voice in ethical, human-first marketing with AI. We dive into the tools, mindset shifts, and ethical considerations every business owner needs to navigate the evolving AI landscape. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just testing the waters with ChatGPT, this episode will help you better understand how to use AI—and more importantly, why your voice still matters.

From improving productivity to saving hours of admin work, we talk through Mike’s favorite tools (including which ones are worth paying for), how to maintain authenticity when automating, and the three “C’s” every business owner should remember in the age of AI: Creativity, Curation, and Coaching.

What You’ll Learn:

• Mike’s top 9 AI tools for content, systems, and time management
• How to use AI without sounding robotic or generic
• Why human-first marketing is the future of business growth
• How to create a voice model in ChatGPT
• Where most small business owners go wrong with automation

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Transforming Your AI Experience

01:06 Meet the Expert: Mike from Avenue Nine

02:19 Philosophy of Human-First AI Marketing

05:09 AI Tools for Small Business Owners

10:35 Zoom AI Companion: Perfect Attendance Award

14:26 Notebook LM: Most Organized and Best Banter

17:04 Podcasting and Presentation Tools

22:19 Grammarly and Whisper: Enhancing Your Writing

25:09 Sales Connector: LinkedIn Networking

27:06 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

If you're ready to work with AI (instead of competing against it), this episode is your roadmap. Subscribe to Rocky Mountain Marketing for fresh, human-centered strategies that actually move the needle—and don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow creator or coach who’s ready to scale smarter.

Visit Mike Montague:

Website: https://avenue9.com/mike-montague/

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

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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Starting a podcast is easy—but building one that shortens your sales cycle, drives high-ticket leads, and supports your business? That’s a different game.

In this episode, Katie sits down with Megan Dougherty of One Stone Creative to unpack the business strategy behind podcasting. They dive into podcast value math, why most shows fail to convert, and how to create episodes that become evergreen sales tools.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to design a podcast that fits your business goals
• Why 12-15 focused episodes might be more powerful than 100 inconsistent ones
• The real KPIs that drive ROI (hint: it’s not downloads)
• When (and how) to turn your podcast into a strategic referral engine

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Podcasting Strategy Overview

01:08 Guest Introduction: Megan Doherty

02:06 Common Misconceptions About Podcasting

03:47 Designing a Podcast for Business Outcomes

05:10 Shortening the Sales Cycle with Podcasts

08:05 Entertainment vs. Business Podcasts

09:56 Measuring Podcast Success

13:54 Business Podcast Blueprints and State of Business Podcasting Report

21:07 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Want to create a podcast that does more than entertain? Visit podcastingforbusiness.com for Megan’s full blueprint. DM Katie on LinkedIn if you want help bringing your podcast strategy to life.

Visit Megan Dougherty online:

Website: http://podcastingforbusiness.com/

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

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-podcast-spotlight/id1801282981

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, host Katie Brinkley speaks with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies and a seasoned attorney who helps startups and growing businesses navigate the tricky legal terrain of entrepreneurship. They dive into the most common legal mistakes founders make, such as skipping trademark registration, not having the right agreements in place, and relying too heavily on AI-generated contracts.

Jeff explains why legal protection isn't just for "later" and how foundational documents like founder agreements and offer letters can save entrepreneurs time, money, and stress down the road. From trademark myths to fractional legal teams, this episode is packed with actionable insights for small business owners ready to scale smart and safe.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why skipping trademark registration could cost you big later
• The difference between branding assets and trademark-worthy materials
• When and why to use founder agreements or offer letters
• Why AI-generated legal documents can hurt more than help
• How to plan your legal strategy based on where your business is headed

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

03:15 – Why trademarks matter more than you think

08:40 – Avoiding partnership disasters

14:00 – The AI trap: what not to DIY legally

20:00 – How to structure legal support as you grow

28:15 – What questions to ask during your first legal consult

34:00 – Closing thoughts and next steps

Ready to stop guessing and start protecting your business the right way?

Hit play on this episode and walk away with actionable legal strategies that every founder, coach, or creator must know. Don’t wait until it’s too late—your brand deserves to be protected from the start.

Subscribe to Rocky Mountain Marketing for more expert-backed tips on growing your business with confidence.

And if you found this episode valuable, share it with another entrepreneur who needs to hear this today.

Your business is worth protecting—start now.

Visit Jeff Holman online:

Website: https://www.intellectualstrategies.com/

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

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Sara Nay—CEO at Duct Tape Marketing—to dive into a smarter, more sustainable way to grow your business with strategy-first content.

We’re talking about what most business owners get wrong when it comes to content, how the Marketing Hourglass can change the way you view your sales journey, and how AI and automation can elevate—not replace—your marketing.

Whether you're a solopreneur, service provider, or marketer stuck in the "post more!" cycle, this episode will show you how to simplify your efforts and focus on what actually moves the needle.

What You’ll Learn:

• The 7 stages of the Marketing Hourglass
• Why your existing clients are your greatest marketing asset
• How AI can help create smarter content (and where not to use it)
• How to use buyer behavior data to drive your next campaign

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Meet Sara Nay

02:10 – What is the Marketing Hourglass?

06:45 – Common mistakes in content strategy

10:30 – How to use AI for smarter marketing

13:50 – Automating the customer journey

18:15 – Turning customers into referral machines

22:00 – Final advice for simplifying your strategy

Tune in now and stop creating content that goes nowhere!

Visit Sara Nay online:

Website: https://ducttapemarketing.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ducttapemarketingvideo

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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If you’ve been pouring money into Facebook ads with zero return or relying on Google only to end up buried on page three, it’s time for a shift. In this episode, I sit down with digital marketing veteran Marilyn Jenkins, founder of MJ Media Group, who’s been helping local businesses scale since before most people had email.

She breaks down exactly how local businesses are getting 14X ROI using streaming TV ads, how to target zip codes like a sniper, and why Google Business Profile is your make-or-break moment.

If you want your business in front of your ideal customer while they’re binge-watching Roku or Tubi, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Streaming TV ads are non-skippable and more cost-effective than you think
• You can target specific zip codes, languages, and behaviors
• Your Google Business Profile must be optimized before launching ads
• Local businesses—from real estate agents to home services—are seeing massive ROI
• Strategy without execution is just noise. Pick one thing from this episode and take action.

Timestamps:

00:03 – Why your digital ads aren’t converting

02:00 – Meet Marilyn Jenkins: Digital OG with 14X ROI results

04:08 – Why brand visibility is more important than ever

06:44 – Streaming ads are the new TV gold rush

08:40 – How to get started (even with a small budget)

10:05 – Targeting by zip code, language, and behavior

13:00 – The streaming networks you need to know

14:22 – Cost comparison: Streaming TV vs Facebook vs Google

20:53 – Biggest mistake small businesses make with TV ads

22:41 – Why your Google Business Profile is non-negotiable

24:12 – Final thoughts and how to get started

Here’s a challenge for you - audit your digital presence—starting with your Google Business Profile.

Follow Rocky Mountain Marketing and share this episode with someone still running ads without a plan.

Visit Marilyn Jenkins online:

Website: https://marilynjenkins.online/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawmarketingzone/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lawmarketingzone

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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Raise your hand if you've ever said, “I'll figure it out later.” Spoiler: later often turns into never—and as entrepreneurs, that’s a recipe for burnout. On today’s episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by business operations strategist Jessica Millhiser, founder of J Mills Consulting. With nearly two decades of experience in operations, leadership, and coaching, she’s on a mission to help entrepreneurs shift from reactive to strategic using her five foundational pillars: business identity, client experience, business organization, team growth, and strategic planning.

Whether you’re stuck in the weeds of your to-do list, unclear on your version of success, or overwhelmed trying to scale your team—this episode will help you design the business you actually want.

Grab a pen, because this one’s full of actionable wisdom that will get you out of your head and moving forward in real-time.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “business identity” is deeper than a mission statement—and how to embody it
• Jessica’s 5 Pillars for sustainable growth (and what most entrepreneurs skip)
• How defining your version of success leads to confident decision-making
• The truth about effective delegation and building the right team
• Strategic planning tips that help you stay focused (and stop chasing shiny objects)

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Katie’s 3 a.m. idea problem (sound familiar?)
• 01:45 – Meet Jessica Millhiser of J Mills Consulting
• 04:13 – What is your business identity, really?
• 10:39 – The 5 foundational pillars of sustainable growth
• 14:47 – Growing your team? Here’s what most founders miss
• 21:06 – Designing the business you want
• 24:53 – Actionable steps to take this week

This week’s challenge: Take 20 minutes to get one idea out of your head and onto paper—whether it’s a to-do list, a client journey map, or your version of success. Clarity comes from action.

If this episode brought you clarity, insight, or even just a deep exhale—please hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur.

Visit Jessica Millhiser online:

Website: https://www.jmillsconsulting.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmills_consulting/

Email: [email protected]

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

#RockyMountainMarketing #SmallBusinessStrategy #EntrepreneurshipTips #BusinessOperations #TeamGrowth #StrategicPlanning #BusinessSuccess #Podcast #BusinessOperations #ScaleYourBusiness #KatieBrinkley

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