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.

52% of social media professionals say they only use free AI tools. And 62% don’t plan to upgrade anytime soon. So… is that smart strategy—or missed opportunity?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the real difference between free and paid AI tools, what’s worth the investment, and how to make sure your tech stack is actually helping you grow.

Whether you’re bootstrapping or scaling, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• What the 2025 AI & Social Media report says about free tool usage
• Why agencies are investing—but solopreneurs aren’t (yet)
• When free tools are enough—and when they’re slowing you down
• The paid upgrades that are actually worth it (and when to make the switch)
• A mindset shift: Think of AI as a junior hire, not a subscription

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Surprising Stats on AI Tool Usage

00:21 The Big Question: Are Free AI Tools Enough?

00:34 Welcome to Marketing Trends with Katie Brinkley

01:03 Free AI Tools: What They Offer and Their Limitations

02:40 Paid AI Tools: Who's Investing and Why

05:13 When to Stick with Free and When to Invest

06:59 Conclusion: Making Smart AI Investments

If you’re constantly hitting usage limits, reworking AI content, or missing insights—you’re already paying. Just not with money. It’s time to audit your AI stack. Want help building a content system that scales with smart tech? Head to 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/share/g/1CYmpkwvEj/

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

We just got another glimpse of the future of content—and it’s not coming from a camera crew. It’s coming from a prompt.

In this episode, I’m diving into the launch of Sora 2, the AI video generator that’s creating full-blown studio-quality video from a simple script. I’ll break down what it means for business owners, where it fits in your content strategy, and what you should (and shouldn’t) be using it for.

If you’ve been dreaming of video content without the cost, editing, or scheduling headaches—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• What Sora 2 is and why it matters for marketers
• Why OpenAI is targeting creatives, not corporations
• Where AI video fits into a smart content system
• The ethical and brand risks of jumping in too fast
• A realistic way to test and implement AI video tools in 2025

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sora Two: Revolutionizing Video Creation

00:42 What is Sora Two?

03:20 Real-World Applications and Benefits

04:38 Practical Tips for Using Sora Two

06:53 Current Status and Future Predictions

07:40 Conclusion and Takeaways

AI video isn’t just for the big brands anymore. If you’re building a personal brand, an agency, or an audience—Sora 2 could be your new secret weapon.

But only if you know how to use it strategically.

Want help mapping AI into your content workflow? Let’s build it 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/share/g/1CYmpkwvEj/

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

AI promises speed. But does faster content equal better content? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest content strategy debates of 2025—quantity vs. quality in the age of AI.

Using data from Metricool’s 2025 Social Media report, I’m sharing the reality behind AI content creation: what works, what’s risky, and how to actually strike a balance between speed and substance. Whether you’re drowning in content or stuck in perfectionism, this is the episode your workflow needs.

Key Takeaways:

• 79% say AI helps them create more content—but is it quality?
• Why speed alone isn’t a strategy that converts
• How to track whether AI content is actually working for you
• Why “editing for voice” is the difference between forgettable and magnetic
• The 3-step framework to balance fast content with real results

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Promise and Question of AI Speed

00:44 The AI Content Revolution: Speed vs. Quality

01:40 The Benefits of Speed in AI Content Creation

02:59 The Quality Dilemma: Is AI Content Good Enough?

05:02 Striking the Balance: Practical Tips for Using AI

06:20 Conclusion: Embrace AI with Your Unique Voice

07:50 Challenge and Call to Action

Here’s the deal: speed without strategy is just noise. If you’re using AI to save time but not seeing engagement, this episode will help you course-correct.

Need help building a smart, high-converting content workflow using AI the right way?

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/share/g/1CYmpkwvEj/

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

Are you part of the 96% already using AI to market smarter?

If you're still on the fence about using AI in your marketing workflow, this episode is your wake-up call. A brand-new industry report shows that 96% of social media professionals are already using AI—every single day.

In this episode of Marketing Trends Now, I’m diving into what that means for small business owners like us. You’ll hear real-world examples, practical takeaways, and the three easiest ways to start using AI today—without losing your authenticity.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why AI is no longer optional for business owners
• The top 3 use cases every marketer is tapping into daily
• What “adaptation” means and why it matters across platforms
• How creators and solopreneurs are using AI to scale
• My 3-step challenge to start using AI with purpose this week

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The AI Revolution in Social Media

00:51 The 96% Club: AI Adoption in Social Media

01:27 Practical AI Applications for Your Business

06:08 Real-Life Examples of AI in Action

07:27 Top Three AI Strategies to Implement Now

08:45 Conclusion: Embrace AI to Stay Competitive

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/socialprofitlab

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

You're showing up on social, cranking out Reels, trying to beat the LinkedIn algorithm—but your content still feels like it’s not getting traction. The problem? You're ignoring the highest-leverage content channel in 2025: podcasting.

In this solo episode, I break down:

• Why podcasting is still a blue ocean (and how Neil Patel proved it)
• How to multiply your reach with video podcasting
• Why podcasting drives real trust and deeper engagement than social media ever could
• And how to create a full-blown content engine from just one episode

Whether you're podcast-curious or ready to go all in, this is your permission slip to press record.

Key Takeaways:

• Only 4.5M podcasts exist compared to 1B blogs—most podcasters quit before episode 10
• Podcast listeners are affluent, loyal, and highly engaged—perfect for B2B, coaches, and product-based brands
• Video podcasting multiplies discoverability through YouTube + SEO
• Podcast episodes can be repurposed into 10+ content touchpoints
• You don’t need a studio—just your voice, a message, and consistency

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction: The Future of Content Marketing

00:44 The Untapped Potential of Podcasting

01:31 Why Podcasting is a Blue Ocean for Growth

02:15 The Power of Podcast Audience

03:17 The Impact of Video Podcasting

04:08 Podcasting as a Branding Engine

05:15 Consistency and Simplicity: Keys to Podcast Success

05:19 Maximizing Content from Your Podcast

06:00 Getting Started with Podcasting

07:16 Conclusion: Embrace Podcasting Now

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/socialprofitlab

#PodcastMarketing #ContentStrategy #AuthorityMarketing #EntrepreneurTips

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