{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"Why Isn’t Your Social Media Strategy Converting?","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/682f3407fc865cdd04908c36/1770328387513-91a91359-c7d3-4cd1-8693-368eeab08840.jpeg?height=200","description":"

In this episode of Marketing Trends Now, Katie Brinkley dives into Sprout Social’s 2026 Social Media Content Strategy Report and uncovers why most marketing strategies aren’t working. She breaks down the growing disconnect between what brands post and what audiences actually want, offering data-backed insights on platform selection, AI content use, and engagement practices.


Top 5 Takeaways:

  1. More isn’t better. 87% of marketers want to expand platform presence, but audiences are focused on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
  2. Audiences want connection—not more content. Responding to comments and creating original content matters more than trendy posts.
  3. AI is misused. Brands are overusing AI for production, while the real power lies in using it for content intelligence and audience insights.
  4. Engagement over presence. Being everywhere doesn't work if your audience isn’t there. Focus where your audience actually spends time.
  5. Your strategy should start with listening. Audit your platforms and use AI to uncover what your audience really wants to see from you.


Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction to Social Media Challenges

00:30 Understanding the Social Media Landscape

01:14 Key Findings from the 2026 Social Media Report

02:54 The Importance of Engagement and Connection

03:47 AI in Social Media Marketing

04:37 Next Step Social's VIP Day

05:25 Using AI for Content Intelligence

06:49 Actionable Marketing Strategies for 2026

07:34 Final Thoughts and Recommendations


Tired of posting into the void? Start aligning your content with your audience’s needs. Visit nextstepsocial.com to see how we help brands create content that connects—and converts.


Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

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

","author_name":"Katie Brinkley"}