Let’s be honest—nobody’s impressed by another boring AI-generated post. But it’s not AI’s fault—it’s the prompt.

In this episode, I’m sharing the exact formula I use to turn boring, robotic AI output into sassy, strategic, audience-focused content that actually sounds like me and performs like a pro.

Whether you’re using ChatGPT, Claude, or anything else—this episode will help you stop blending in and start standing out.

Key Takeaways:

• The most common prompt mistakes creators and marketers make
• The 3 types of prompts that are working right now
• Why AI is your new marketing intern—and how to manage it
• How to implement Katie's 4C Prompt Formula: Clarity, Context, Constraints, Call to Action
• Why “AI Content” should just become “great content” in 2026 and beyond

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Generic Content

00:13 The Power of AI in Marketing

00:27 Welcome to Marketing Trends with Katie Brinkley

00:46 Rethinking AI Usage in 2025

01:31 The Importance of Effective AI Prompting

02:25 Using AI as Your Marketing Intern

02:54 Three Effective AI Prompting Techniques

04:56 Common AI Prompting Mistakes

05:23 The Four C Prompt Formula

07:43 The Future of AI in Content Creation

08:31 Conclusion: Elevate Your Content with AI

Want to stop settling for boring content that sounds like everyone else? Use the 4C Formula to level up your prompts, sharpen your voice, and let AI work with you, not just for you.

For real-world tested prompts and frameworks to plug into your business, head to https://yournextstep.agency/

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.

You’ve heard it a dozen times—“thumbnails don’t matter for Shorts, they autoplay anyway!”

But if you want real growth on YouTube, that mindset is costing you views, clicks, and subscribers.

In today’s episode, I break down the truth behind YouTube Shorts thumbnails—where they still show up, how they drive engagement, and exactly how to design them for mobile-first success.

Key Takeaways:

• Why thumbnails are still critical for search, channels, and suggested videos
• The psychological principle that makes thumbnails work
• The essential ingredients of a high-converting thumbnail
• The biggest mistakes creators make with YouTube Shorts thumbnails
• How to AB test your way to better CTR and stronger performance

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Do Thumbnails Matter for Shorts?

00:25 The Importance of Thumbnails in YouTube Shorts

01:19 Creating Effective Thumbnails

02:57 Design Essentials for Thumbnails

04:42 Testing and Optimizing Thumbnails

06:27 Common Thumbnail Mistakes to Avoid

06:57 Conclusion: Boost Your Channel with Better Thumbnails

If you're serious about growing your brand on YouTube, your thumbnail can’t be an afterthought—it’s your handshake, your mini billboard, and your best shot at stopping the scroll.

Need a thumbnail workflow that saves time and boosts views? Let's map it out together at Next Step Social & Podcasting.

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.

I’ll say it — this might be the biggest shift in how we use the internet since Google launched.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what ChatGPT Atlas really is, how it’s different from traditional browsers, and why it could completely change the way you work, research, and create online.

Atlas isn’t just a browser — it’s a workspace powered by AI. It learns your patterns, helps you multitask smarter, and lets you run your entire workflow from one place. No more switching tabs. No more losing focus. Just clarity, efficiency, and creativity — all in one window.

We’ll talk about what this means for small business owners and marketers, why this launch matters, and how it might be the beginning of a brand-new era for content creation and productivity.

If you’ve ever wished your browser could think with you instead of slow you down, this episode is your sign to pay attention.

Key Takeaways:

• What makes ChatGPT Atlas different from Chrome, Safari, and Edge
• How “Agent Mode” could automate your everyday business tasks
• Why context-aware browsing changes everything for marketers
• How to start experimenting with AI-driven workflows today

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Tab Overload Dilemma

00:29 Meet Atlas: The AI-Powered Browser

01:40 Deep Dive: Features of ChatGPT Atlas

04:33 Privacy and Control: How Atlas Handles Your Data

05:40 Agent Mode: Your Virtual Assistant

06:31 The Competitive Landscape of AI Browsers

07:38 Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Browsing

Check out ChatGPT Atlas and let me know how you think it can help your business. I’d love to hear what workflows or ideas you’d love to streamline with AI-powered browsing.

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.