Rocky Mountain Marketing- Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs

Here’s a question I’ve been asking clients—and myself: What if posting less actually gets you more traction?

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m peeling back the curtain on how my team at Next Step Social scaled back on content volume, leaned into intentional engagement, and won two international creative awards in the process. This is the exact strategy that’s helping our clients spark real conversations, build trust, and turn community into conversions—all without posting every single day.

If you’re tired of the content treadmill, or if your current strategy feels like more noise than impact, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why high-volume posting is not the key to engagement
• The “Four Post Strategy” that changed everything for us
• How intentional content creates deeper connections
• What winning two Hermes Creative Awards means for content strategy
• Why it’s time to shift from chaos to connection in your marketing

Timestamps:

00:03 – Can posting less actually grow your business?

01:00 – Why you don’t need to be on all five platforms

02:20 – What is the Four Post Strategy?

03:45 – The results: more DMs, comments, and conversions

04:25 – How Next Step Social won 2 gold Hermes Creative Awards

06:00 – The real reason this strategy works

06:45 – Invitation to work with Next Step Social

Ready to simplify your content while growing your business?

Let’s talk strategy → yournextstep.agency

DM me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. Let’s connect!

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

#IntentionalMarketing #ContentStrategy #SocialMediaGrowth #MarketingWithPurpose #KatieBrinkley #RockyMountainMarketing #FourPostStrategy #SocialMediaSimplified #Podcast #HermesAward #EngagementStrategy

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 You’ve been told networking is key to business growth—but if you're still relying on business cards and “just checking in” emails, you're doing it wrong.

In this episode, I sit down with Devin Sizemore, business strategist and creator of the Connection Expansion System, to break down:

• Why your current network isn’t sending you leads
• How to flip the script and actually enjoy networking
• A five-step meeting framework that turns strangers into superfans
• And the one mindset shift that will multiply your referrals (without selling)

Whether you're new to networking or a seasoned relationship-builder, this episode will help you transform your connections into consistent, qualified opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Most referral advice is customer-focused and outdated. Connection-focused networking wins in 2025.
• Asking for “ideal clients” adds friction. Instead, ask to be connected to strategic partners.
• Follow-up is everything—use Devin’s template to instantly stand out and add value.
• Networking meetings aren't for selling. They're for listening, learning, and leveraging.
• Real ROI in networking comes from consistency and controlling the flow of the conversation.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why traditional networking isn’t working

02:00 – Meet Devin Sizemore & his connection-first mission

05:25 – The problem with referral marketing as you know it

08:00 – The wrong way (and right way) to follow up

12:00 – How to run a powerful 1:1 connection meeting

17:27 – Devin’s 4 go-to questions at every networking event

23:00 – How to know if your events are actually working

26:00 – Devin’s challenge: One message. One connection. One opportunity.

Like what you heard today? Share this episode with someone who's networking like it’s still 2015. And don’t forget to subscribe for more real-talk marketing conversations that drive real results. For Devin’s book + resources, head to ConnectionExpansion.com.

Visit Devin Sizemore online:

Website:https://devinsizemore.com/

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

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

#ReferralMarketing #NetworkingTips #ConnectionStrategy #MarketingMindset #KatieBrinkley #RockyMountainMarketing #BusinessGrowth

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What happens if your podcast guest asks you to delete an episode after it airs? Or worse—if you get hit with a copyright notice for using a 5-second audio clip?

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, Katie sits down with renowned media and entertainment attorney Gordon Firemark—aka The Podcast Lawyer—to unpack the essential legal steps every podcaster needs to take to protect their content and business. Gordon breaks down everything from guest release forms to LLC setup, and even dives into how AI is changing the legal game for creators.

They recorded this conversation back in April 2025 at Podcast Movement Evolutions, but trust us—every insight is still just as relevant today.

Topics Covered:

• Why podcast guest release forms are a must
• The truth about using copyrighted music, viral clips & TikTok sounds
• When you should consider forming an LLC
• Why AI is creating new legal gray areas in podcasting
• Gordon’s best free tools to help podcasters stay legally safe

Don’t miss Gordon’s free resources:

PodcastRelease.com – Guest release template

PodcastPrenup.com – Checklist for co-host agreements

Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just getting started, this episode could save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.

Visit Gordon Firemark online:

Website: https://firemark.com/

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#PodcastLaw #ContentCreatorTips #LLCForPodcasters #CopyrightForCreators #PodcastingTips #MediaLaw #GordonFiremark #KatieBrinkley #RockyMountainMarketing

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What happens when two Katies get together at Podcast Movement Evolutions? A conversation packed with practical, portable, and powerful content creation tips.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sat down with Katie Fawkes, Director of Marketing at Ecamm, live from Podcast Movement Evolutions in Chicago. Despite being on the road, we used Ecamm to record this episode—showcasing just how flexible and professional content creation can be when the right tools are in place.

Even though the event happened back in April 2025, the lessons are still gold.

• How creators are recording studio-level content anywhere, anytime
• Why simplicity and versatility make Ecamm the go-to platform for entrepreneurs
• The power of scenes, overlays, and profiles to create branded experiences
• Why Zoom no longer cuts it for modern podcasters
• How Ecamm plays well with AI tools to scale your content post-production

Whether you’re a podcasting pro or just getting started, this episode will show you how to make content creation way more fun—and a whole lot easier.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Katie Fawkes + why this chat matters

02:10 – Recording on the go with Ecamm (even in a booth!)

06:20 – Why creators need more than Zoom

10:45 – How scenes, overlays, and profiles level-up your production

14:15 – Making content creation fun again

18:40 – How AI tools pair with Ecamm to scale your reach

23:00 – Getting started without being a tech expert

26:35 – Lessons from the Podcast Movement crowd

30:10 – Final thoughts + how to try Ecamm

Visit Katie Fawkes online:

Website:https://www.ecamm.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecammnetwork

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#EcammLive #ContentCreationTips #PodcastTools #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #KatieFawkes #VideoMarketing #PodcastMovementEvolutions #DigitalMarketingTools #Podcast

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Tired of feeling gross every time you try to “sell” your services? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to sell that way anymore.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Aleasha Bahr, sales expert, author of The Black Sheep Sales Method, and someone who has completely transformed my approach to selling. We caught up live at Social Media Week Lima to talk about a different way to close more clients—without scripts, pressure, or pretending to be someone you're not.

• Why traditional sales scripts are outdated and ineffective
• How to identify and attract the right clients (not just any clients)
• The secret to improving your close rate by doing less, not more
• Why being a better listener is the ultimate sales superpower
• How Aleasha’s “Black Sheep Sales Method” helps entrepreneurs sell with integrity

If sales has ever felt icky, awkward, or off-brand for you, this episode is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.

Timestamps:

00:00 – The truth about why most sales training feels gross

01:40 – How Aleasha’s approach changed my business

04:20 – What “fit-based selling” really looks like

07:45 – Why curiosity and listening close more deals

11:05 – The power of disqualifying the wrong leads

15:50 – Why your sales framework should match your business goals

19:30 – What to say when someone gives you a weird sales objection

24:00 – Can AI ever replace human sales conversations?

30:00 – Why your voice still matters—even in the age of automation

Grab Aleasha’s book: Black Sheep Sales: How to Win More Sales Without Acting Like a Douchebag - https://blacksheepsalesbook.com/

Visit Aleasha Bahr online:

Website: https://aleashabahr.com/

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#BlackSheepSales #AleashaBahr #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #AuthenticSales #ServiceBasedBusiness #SalesWithoutSleaze #SocialSelling #EntrepreneurLife #Podcast #Sales

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Sign Up with Metricool today!

https://metricool.com/katie

Are you only tracking sales but missing the bigger story your website is trying to tell you?

This week on Rocky Mountain Marketing, we dive into the real power behind your website analytics with digital strategist and author Philippa Gamse. With 25+ years of experience and 500+ clients, Philippa knows exactly how to decode your data and turn it into profit-driving insights.

We explore:

• The biggest mistakes business owners make with website data
• How to discover untapped revenue opportunities through segmentation
• What bounce rate is actually telling you (and what it’s not)
• How your About Page might secretly be the trust-builder you're overlooking
• Why vanity metrics are misleading—and what you should measure instead

Timestamp:

00:00 – Why sales numbers alone won’t grow your business

02:15 – Philippa’s background and success helping 500+ clients

06:45 – Real-life case study: how analytics saved a casino’s bus route

11:02 – The power of segmentation (and why bounce rate can lie)

17:34 – What your About Page says about trust

21:10 – Why business owners ignore the “middle” of the customer journey

27:40 – Three analytics every business owner should actually care about

34:20 – How AI is impacting website strategy

39:00 – Future-proofing your site in the age of AI and short attention spans

44:15 – Why Website Wealth is a must-read for business leaders

If you're ready to turn your website into a conversion machine instead of a guessing game, this episode is a must-listen!

Whether you’re getting traffic with no conversions, or you’re not sure what’s working at all, this episode gives you the tools to stop guessing and start growing.

Hit play now and unlock the hidden insights already living inside your site.

Want to go deeper? Grab Philippa’s book Website Wealth— https://a.co/d/eC5IBG3

Let’s make your website work harder and smarter—starting today.

Visit Philippa Gamse's online:

Website: https://websitesthatwin.com/

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#WebsiteAnalytics #SmallBusinessGrowth #DigitalMarketingStrategy #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #WebsiteOptimization #PhilippaGamse #EntrepreneurTips

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Sign Up with Metricool today!

https://metricool.com/katie

What if everything you thought you knew about SEO was already outdated? Between AI-generated search, algorithm chaos, and rising content noise—staying visible online isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing it smarter.

In this episode, I sit down with Cameron Okamoto from Boostability—a global SEO powerhouse supporting 30,000+ businesses—to unpack:

• The real impact AI is having on SEO today (and where it’s heading)
• Why backlinks are back—and why content alone won’t cut it anymore
• How to audit your own SEO strategy (even if you're not techy)
• Red flags to spot in SEO service providers
• How small businesses should prioritize between traditional SEO and AI optimization

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why SEO is changing faster than most realize

01:30 – How Boostability helps over 30,000 businesses grow

03:15 – The biggest SEO myths Cameron sees every day

05:00 – Why backlink diversity now beats content volume

07:10 – Where AI is (and isn’t) worth your marketing dollars

10:45 – Red flags in SEO providers

13:00 – Should you invest in SEO or AI optimization?

17:30 – How Boostability uses AI internally (and what tools to try)

21:00 – Evergreen SEO strategies that still matter in 2025

Plus, Cameron’s offering a generous resource to help you assess your own site performance—check the show notes!

Visit Cameron Okamoto's social media pages:

Website: https://www.boostability.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-okamoto-970521214/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boostability/

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#SEOtips #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #Boostability #MarketingPodcast #SmallBusinessMarketing #AIandSEO #ContentMarketing #DigitalVisibility #BacklinkStrategy

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After five years, nearly 400 episodes, and so many unforgettable interviews, I’ve got a BIG update for you. In this episode, I’m sharing a major evolution in the Rocky Mountain Marketing brand—and introducing you to my brand new podcast: Marketing Trends Now.

If you’ve been loving the short, tactical Thursday QuickCasts, get ready—those episodes are getting their own dedicated show! In this heartfelt solo episode, I talk about why this change is happening, how it will serve you better, and what to expect from both podcasts moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

• The journey from COVID-era interviews to a powerhouse marketing show
• Why I’m launching a second podcast (and why now)
• What will stay the same and what’s changing
• What you can expect from "Marketing Trends Now"
• How to stay connected and never miss an episode

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Reflecting on 5 years of Rocky Mountain Marketing
• [01:00] How the podcast started during COVID
• [02:30] Evolving from local interviews to national experts
• [03:00] What inspired the QuickCast episodes
• [04:00] The announcement: Introducing Marketing Trends Now
• [05:00] What’s changing—and what’s staying the same
• [06:00] How to subscribe, stay updated, and support the launch

Be the first to know when Marketing Trends Now drops 📚 And if you haven’t yet, grab your 

Loved the Quickcasts? You’re going to love what’s coming next.

I’m launching a brand new podcast called Marketing Trends Now—your go-to for quick, no-fluff tips that actually move the needle.

Because marketing doesn’t have to be complicated—you just need someone in your corner.

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#MarketingTrendsNow #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #PodcastLaunch #MarketingTips #DigitalMarketing #Podcast #SocialMediaNews #MarketingPodcast

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Sign Up with Metricool today!

https://metricool.com/katie

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by the brilliant Neal Schaffer—fractional CMO, author of Digital Threads, and all-around marketing strategist. If digital marketing feels like a never-ending to-do list, Neal’s practical framework will help you shift from chaos to clarity.

We dive into how entrepreneurs can stop spinning their wheels and start creating marketing that actually works. From making AI your content partner (not a content vending machine) to building SEO-rich assets that work across platforms, this is the strategy-first, stress-less episode your business needs.

• Why your discoverability strategy matters more than ever
• How to simplify your entire content workflow with Neal’s “SES” method
• How to use AI to support your voice, not replace it
• What “owned assets” actually mean—and why email matters more than Instagram likes

0:00 – Why digital marketing feels overwhelming for so many

3:30 – The SES framework: Search, Email, Social

6:15 – Building a discoverability engine using SEO + AI

10:00 – The importance of content repurposing

14:45 – How to stop wasting time on low-impact social

21:00 – AI tips: how to use it for ideation, strategy, and support

23:30 – Where to start when you’re ready to get strategic

Ready to work smarter, not harder? Hit that follow button and DM me on Instagram (@iamkatiebrinkley) if this episode gave you clarity! I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Visit Neal Schaffer's social media pages:

Website: https://nealschaffer.com/

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

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

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#DigitalMarketingStrategy #AIForBusiness #EntrepreneurTips #MarketingPodcast #ContentMarketing #BrandVoice #EmailMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth #MarketingMadeSimple #SocialMediaOverwhelm

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Want to try Metricool for yourself? Use code Katie30 for a 30-day trial of their premium features.

Start your free trial now and see how it fits your business.

https://metricool.com/katie?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=20250520_katie-brinkley_rmm-jim-mcleod_en&utm_content=audio&utm_term=q2

Let’s be honest—social media can feel like a full-time job. If you’ve been posting aimlessly, or avoiding it altogether because it feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. In just a few minutes, I’m walking you through a step-by-step plan to start showing up online with purpose and clarity. This isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things.

Key Takeaways:

• Why setting a social media goal is your first (and most important) step
• How to pick the best platform(s) for your audience and sanity
• What your bio should say to keep people around
• The 3 content types that connect and convert
• How to engage without it eating up your whole day

Timestamps:

(00:00) Why social media feels so hard for business owners

(01:00) Step 1: Set a clear goal

(02:00) Step 2: Choose the right platforms (not all of them)

(03:00) Step 3: Fix your profile and bio

(04:00) Step 4: Create content with a purpose

(05:00) Step 5: Engage like a human being

Feeling stuck or just need a second set of eyes on your strategy?

Let’s build a plan that works for you. Head to Next Step Social and Podcasting and book a strategy session.

You don’t need to do it all—just the stuff that actually moves the needle.

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://www.nextstepsocialcommunications.com

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

#SocialMediaStrategy #ContentMarketing #SmallBusinessTips #KatieBrinkley #QuickCast #RockyMountainMarketing #ContentCreationTips #OnlineMarketing #SocialMediaStart #Quickcast #MarketingSimplified #Podcast 

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