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

If managing your social media feels harder than it should be—you’re not alone. In this Quickcast, I’m sharing why I made the switch from Loomly to Metricool, the real benefits I’ve seen, and what you should consider when choosing a social media management tool. If you’re tired of juggling messages, tracking metrics manually, or wasting time with clunky workflows, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• The 3 biggest reasons I switched to Metricool
• What makes Metricool’s analytics more actionable than Loomly’s
• Why the Unified Inbox is a game changer for time-saving
• How I automate recurring posts without lifting a finger
• What features you really need based on your business stage
• A side-by-side comparison of Loomly vs. Metricool

Timestamps:

(00:48) The moment I realized Loomly wasn’t enough

(01:39) What I was looking for in a new tool

(02:20) Why Metricool met the moment

(03:00) Analytics that give you strategic clarity

(04:00) The Unified Inbox that saves hours

(05:00) Automation for evergreen content

(06:00) Pricing, white labeling, and client-ready reports

(07:25) Should YOU make the switch?

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

Click here to start your free trial 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

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

Need help choosing the right platform or setting up your strategy? DM me @katiebrinkley or visit Next Step Social and Podcasting.

#SocialMediaTools #Metricool #Loomly #MarketingWorkflow #SocialMediaStrategy #QuickCast #KatieBrinkley #RockyMountainMarketing #Podcast #MarketingPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you remember about your favorite brand? Chances are, it's a color, a logo, a look—that’s visual marketing at work. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Jim McLeod, designer-turned-marketer and author of The Visual Marketer. We dive into the power of branding visuals, how to use them effectively even if you’re not a designer, and what AI means for the future of brand identity.

Key Takeaways:

• How design impacts brand trust and sales
• The difference between visual branding and brand strategy
• Why consistency is the most powerful brand asset
• How small businesses can compete visually with the big brands
• Ethical considerations in AI-generated visuals
• Tools that marketers can use (without going to design school)

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Visual Marketing

01:12 Meet Jim McLeod: Designer Turned Marketer

02:11 The Journey from Design to Marketing

05:00 The Science of Visuals in Branding

07:04 Practical Tips for Creating Memorable Visuals

11:56 AI's Impact on Design and Marketing

14:58 Tools and Techniques for Non-Designers

17:26 Ethical Considerations in AI and Design

18:11 Future of Design in the Age of AI

21:57 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Grab Jim McLeod’s new book The Visual Marketer at visualmarketer.co and start creating design-led content that actually connects. Follow Jim on LinkedIn for more branding tips, or reach out to build a visual identity that sets you apart.

Sign Up with Metricool today!

https://metricool.com/katie

Visit Jim MacLeod's social media pages:

Website: https://book.jimmacleod.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-macleod-72509a6/

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

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

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

#VisualMarketing #BrandStrategy #AIInDesign #RockyMountainMarketing #JimMcLeod #KatieBrinkley #BrandIdentity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tired of posting every day and still seeing crickets? I get it. In this QuickCast episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m giving you five actionable, proven strategies to grow your social media—even if you’re starting from scratch. These aren’t hacks for vanity metrics. These are growth moves that build visibility, connection, and actual engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Why 5–7 second short videos are your best growth tool
• How shouting out creators can increase your reach (for free)
• The bio tweak that makes followers stick around
• Why being “for everyone” actually hurts your brand
• How to collaborate your way to more visibility

Timestamps:

(00:00) Why your posts aren’t landing

(01:00) Tip #1: Ultra-short form video that drives replays

(03:00) Tip #2: Shout out top creators for organic reach

(04:00) Tip #3: Use a clear value statement in your bio

(05:00) Tip #4: Don’t be for everyone—find your lane

(07:00) Tip #5: Partner up to grow smarter, not harder

Want a content strategy that doesn’t rely on burning yourself out?

Book a 1:1 strategy intensive with me at Next Step Social and Podcasting and walk away with a plan you can actually stick to—and see results from.

Whether you’re a creator, coach, or business owner, I’ll help you turn your social presence into a system that drives real growth.

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

#SocialMediaTips #QuickCast #GrowOnSocial #InstagramGrowth #KatieBrinkley #RockyMountainMarketing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like content creation is a hamster wheel you can’t escape? You’re posting daily, showing up everywhere, and still not seeing real results. My guest today, Jessica Stansberry, has built a business that works for her—24/7. In this episode, we talk about how she uses YouTube to create evergreen content that generates leads and sales on autopilot, how to overcome your fear of showing up on video, and why the right title and thumbnail might matter more than your content.

Key Takeaways:

• Why YouTube beats short-form platforms for longevity
• How to overcome fear and insecurities on camera
• The real “rules” for video length, titles, and thumbnails
• Jessica’s SEO strategy for being found months (or years) later
• Tips for building a freedom-first business model with content

Timestamps:

• [00:05] The problem with the content hustle
• [01:09] Meet Jessica Stansberry: Content machine + freedom advocate
• [04:21] Why YouTube > Reels & TikTok for ROI
• 
  
• [05:51] How to get started—even if you’re scared
• 
  
• [08:50] Ideal YouTube video length explained
• [10:39] Making your content entertaining (even if you're "boring")
• [13:22] Insecurities on camera—and why they don't matter
• [19:55] What’s inside Jessica’s Post to Profit program
• [21:23] How she does keyword research (TubeBuddy + Keywords Everywhere)
• [24:40] Getting found in Suggested vs. Search
• [26:27] Title + Thumbnail strategy that drives real clicks

Ready to start making content that actually converts? Grab Jessica’s Post to Profit program and learn how to create digital products and videos that earn while you sleep.

Sign Up with Metricool today!

https://metricool.com/katie

Try Keywords Everywhere:

https://keywordseverywhere.com/

Visit Jessia Stansberry's social media pages:

Website: https://heyjessica.com/

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

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

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

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

#EvergreenContent #YouTubeMarketing #ContentStrategy #JessicaStansberry #PassiveIncome #RockyMountainMarketing #PostToProfit #ContentCreationTips #VideoMarketing #DigitalCourses #ContentAutomation #KatieBrinkley #YoutubeStrategy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If it feels like you’re still hustling on Instagram without getting traction—you might be playing by the wrong rules. In this week's Rocky Mountain Marketing Quick Cast, I break down Instagram’s official top three priorities for 2025—and what they actually mean for creators and small businesses like YOU.

In just a few minutes, you’ll learn:

• Why original content matters more than ever
• How Instagram is finally leveling the playing field for smaller creators
• Why jumping on trends fast (and with clarity) is your new superpower
• The real truth about hashtags in 2025

Instagram is shifting. If you shift with it, you’re going to win.

It’s time to stop playing by yesterday’s rules.

Instagram is shifting—and if you move with it, you’ll build real momentum, not just noise.

Ready to simplify your content strategy and actually grow?

Listen to this Quickcast now and discover how to show up smarter, faster, and more authentically in 2025.

Need a plan tailored to YOUR business? Book a strategy call at nextstepsocial.agency and let's create a content roadmap that gets you seen and heard.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why most creators are stuck in 2020

00:14 – Instagram’s 2025 top priorities overview

01:00 – Instagram’s new focus on original content

02:15 – Why reposting and aggregator accounts will lose reach

03:00 – How smaller creators are finally getting discovered

04:00 – How faster trend detection changes your posting strategy

05:00 – The real deal about hashtags in 2025

06:45 – Quick recap + how to shift your content now

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

#InstagramMarketing #CreatorTips #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #SocialMediaTrends #OriginalContent #SmallCreatorGrowth #InstagramUpdates #QuickCast #DigitalMarketingTips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If networking feels awkward, transactional, or straight-up exhausting—you’re not alone. But this week on Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m chatting with Melissa Snow, business relationship strategist and founder of Powerful Women Rising, to show you a better way.

Inside this episode, we unpack:

• Why traditional networking feels so fake—and how to fix it
• How real relationships grow your business faster than any ad
• What new entrepreneurs need to know before stepping into the room
• The secret to follow-up that doesn’t feel slimy
• How to use networking to build your community (not just your client list)

If you’re ready to ditch the awkwardness and start building genuine connections that fuel your business, this episode is for you.

Sign Up with Metricool today!

https://metricool.com/katie

Join Melissa’s community of Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pwrnetworking

Visit Melissa Snow's social media pages:

Website: https://powerfulwomenrising.com/

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

Powerful Women Rising Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7C2xyZwjtnW6pLhl3rZIQs?si=7056135146b547df

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

#NetworkingTips #EntrepreneurMindset #RockyMountainMarketing #QuickCast #KatieBrinkley #BusinessRelationships #PowerfulWomenRising #CommunityOverCompetition #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Rocky Mountain Marketing Quickcast wraps up our account recovery series with one of the most overlooked (but critical) platforms: LinkedIn. You may not post there often—but your future clients, collaborators, podcast hosts, and even the media absolutely check it. And if your LinkedIn gets hacked, the damage isn’t just annoying—it’s reputation-ruining.

In under 10 minutes, I walk you through:

• What to do if your LinkedIn is hacked or compromised
• How LinkedIn’s recovery partner (Persona) actually works
• What ID you’ll need to submit—and why it’s legit
• A full post-hack checklist to secure your professional presence

Don’t wait until your reputation is at risk. This is your proactive LinkedIn playbook.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Why LinkedIn matters more than you think

00:30 – The dangers of low LinkedIn activity

01:10 – Yes, even 2FA accounts get hacked

01:45 – Step-by-step: How to start recovery with LinkedIn

02:30 – What is Persona and why it’s safe

03:15 – ID verification: What you’ll need

04:00 – How fast LinkedIn responds after ID submission

04:30 – Create a rock-solid new password

05:00 – The ultimate post-hack LinkedIn checklist

06:15 – Why one hacked post could cost you clients

07:00 – Final mindset shift to stay ahead of threats

08:00 – Closing tips & how to protect your reputation

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

#LinkedInTips #AccountRecovery #RockyMountainMarketing #QuickCast #KatieBrinkley #CyberSecurityTips #LinkedInMarketing #ReputationMatters #SocialMediaHacks #DigitalSafety

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If LinkedIn ads have ever felt expensive and intimidating to you, you're not alone. But what if you could actually turn your ad spend into high-quality leads and serious ROI? This week on Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m sitting down with LinkedIn Ads pro AJ Wilcox—the founder of B2Linked and host of the LinkedIn Ads Show podcast.

Inside this value-packed episode, AJ shares:

• Why LinkedIn ads cost more—and why it’s worth it
• Who should actually be running LinkedIn ads (and who shouldn’t)
• How to build a powerful three-stage LinkedIn funnel
• Common LinkedIn ad mistakes (and how to fix them)
• How $5K a month can scale your B2B marketing—if you do it right

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why LinkedIn ads seem expensive

01:00 – Meet AJ Wilcox, founder of B2Linked

02:30 – When LinkedIn ads make sense (and when they don’t)

04:30 – How LinkedIn targeting blows other platforms away

06:00 – How scarcity drives LinkedIn’s ad prices

08:00 – What kind of video content works best right now

10:30 – LinkedIn’s new video feed: what advertisers should know

12:00 – Building a 3-stage LinkedIn funnel

15:30 – What to expect for costs per click and per lead

18:00 – Why your sales process needs to nurture, not rush

20:00 – How to structure your budget across the funnel

22:30 – DIY mistakes and LinkedIn ad traps to avoid

29:00 – AJ’s dream ad campaign and final advice

This is your roadmap for turning those high-dollar LinkedIn clicks into high-value clients.

Sign Up with Metricool today!

https://metricool.com/katie

Join AJ’s community of LinkedIn Ads fanatics:

https://fanatics.b2linked.com/

Visit AJ Wilcox's social media pages:

Website: https://b2linked.com/

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

LinkedIn Ads Show Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z88iXkXHKEZ5um04mtpAq?si=7a7d8d248c8e47a8

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

#LinkedInAds #B2BMarketing #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #QuickCast #DigitalMarketing #PaidAds #MarketingStrategy #LinkedInForBusiness #LeadGeneration #AJWilcox

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