Rocky Mountain Marketing

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pressure, or pretending to be someone you're not.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why traditional sales scripts are outdated and ineffectiveHow to identify and attract the right clients (not just any clients)The secret to improving your close rate by doing less, not moreWhy being a better listener is the ultimate sales superpowerHow Aleasha’s “Black Sheep Sales Method” helps entrepreneurs sell with integrityIf 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 gross01:40 – How Aleasha’s approach changed my business04:20 – What “fit-based selling” really looks like07:45 – Why curiosity and listening close more deals11:05 – The power of disqualifying the wrong leads15:50 – Why your sales framework should match your business goals19:30 – What to say when someone gives you a weird sales objection24:00 – Can AI ever replace human sales conversations?30:00 – Why your voice still matters—even in the age of automationGrab 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/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab#BlackSheepSales #AleashaBahr #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #AuthenticSales #ServiceBasedBusiness #SalesWithoutSleaze #SocialSelling #EntrepreneurLife #Podcast #Sales

Sign Up with Metricool today!https://metricool.com/katieAre 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 dataHow to discover untapped revenue opportunities through segmentationWhat bounce rate is actually telling you (and what it’s not)How your About Page might secretly be the trust-builder you're overlookingWhy vanity metrics are misleading—and what you should measure insteadTimestamp:00:00 – Why sales numbers alone won’t grow your business02:15 – Philippa’s background and success helping 500+ clients06:45 – Real-life case study: how analytics saved a casino’s bus route11:02 – The power of segmentation (and why bounce rate can lie)17:34 – What your About Page says about trust21:10 – Why business owners ignore the “middle” of the customer journey27:40 – Three analytics every business owner should actually care about34:20 – How AI is impacting website strategy39:00 – Future-proofing your site in the age of AI and short attention spans44:15 – Why Website Wealth is a must-read for business leadersIf 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/eC5IBG3Let’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/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab#WebsiteAnalytics #SmallBusinessGrowth #DigitalMarketingStrategy #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #WebsiteOptimization #PhilippaGamse #EntrepreneurTips

Sign Up with Metricool today!https://metricool.com/katieWhat 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 anymoreHow to audit your own SEO strategy (even if you're not techy)Red flags to spot in SEO service providersHow small businesses should prioritize between traditional SEO and AI optimizationTimestamps:00:00 – Why SEO is changing faster than most realize01:30 – How Boostability helps over 30,000 businesses grow03:15 – The biggest SEO myths Cameron sees every day05:00 – Why backlink diversity now beats content volume07:10 – Where AI is (and isn’t) worth your marketing dollars10:45 – Red flags in SEO providers13:00 – 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 2025Plus, 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/BoostabilityLearn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab#SEOtips #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #Boostability #MarketingPodcast #SmallBusinessMarketing #AIandSEO #ContentMarketing #DigitalVisibility #BacklinkStrategy

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 showWhy I’m launching a second podcast (and why now)What will stay the same and what’s changingWhat you can expect from "Marketing Trends Now"How to stay connected and never miss an episodeTimestamps:[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 launchBe 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/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab#MarketingTrendsNow #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #PodcastLaunch #MarketingTips #DigitalMarketing #Podcast #SocialMediaNews #MarketingPodcast

Sign Up with Metricool today!https://metricool.com/katieIn 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.Key Takeaways:Why your discoverability strategy matters more than everHow to simplify your entire content workflow with Neal’s “SES” methodHow to use AI to support your voice, not replace itWhat “owned assets” actually mean—and why email matters more than Instagram likesTime Stamps:0:00 – Why digital marketing feels overwhelming for so many3:30 – The SES framework: Search, Email, Social6:15 – Building a discoverability engine using SEO + AI10:00 – The importance of content repurposing14:45 – How to stop wasting time on low-impact social21:00 – AI tips: how to use it for ideation, strategy, and support23:30 – Where to start when you’re ready to get strategicReady 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/nealschafferYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/nealschafferLearn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab#DigitalMarketingStrategy #AIForBusiness #EntrepreneurTips #MarketingPodcast #ContentMarketing #BrandVoice #EmailMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth #MarketingMadeSimple #SocialMediaOverwhelm

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=q2Let’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) stepHow to pick the best platform(s) for your audience and sanityWhat your bio should say to keep people aroundThe 3 content types that connect and convertHow to engage without it eating up your whole dayTimestamps:(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 beingFeeling 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.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab#SocialMediaStrategy #ContentMarketing #SmallBusinessTips #KatieBrinkley #QuickCast #RockyMountainMarketing #ContentCreationTips #OnlineMarketing #SocialMediaStart #Quickcast #MarketingSimplified #Podcast 

Sign Up with Metricool today!https://metricool.com/katieIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AI or unsure how to actually use it in your business—this episode is for you. I sat down with Allie Bloyd, Facebook ads expert, multi-seven-figure coach, and AI pioneer, to talk about how she uses AI to build everything from high-converting funnels to entire programs—fast. We’re diving deep into how she trains AI to match her voice, why every business owner needs an AI strategy, and how she’s using automation to save time and build deeper client relationships.Key Takeaways:Why AI isn’t just for “tech people” anymoreHow Allie built her own copywriting bot (and how it helps students succeed)The secret to balancing automation with personalization in salesTips for creating custom GPTs tailored to your businessHow her AI avatar built and launched a full programWhere to start with AI—especially if you’re overwhelmedTimestamps:(00:02) Why AI doesn’t have to be scary(01:38) Meet Allie Bloyd and her journey into marketing(04:08) Why she was initially skeptical of AI(06:01) Building the “Allie Bloyd Copy Bot”(08:25) Using AI for team training and operations(11:12) How she launched a full course using an AI avatar(14:07) Using voice AI to scale outbound sales(17:28) How to train AI to sound like you(20:42) Creating your “business AI Bible”(30:52) Final thoughts: AI as your time-saving co-pilotWant to get ahead with AI like Allie? Check out her membership at onlineprofits.ai for step-by-step implementation guides, templates, and more.Visit Allie Bloyd's social media pages:Website: https://onlineprofits.ai/join-3814LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alliebloyd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliebloydmedia/?hl=enYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllieBloyd#AIMarketing #DigitalMarketing #AllieBloyd #FunnelBuilder #FacebookAds #MarketingPodcast #EntrepreneurTips #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #Podcast #MarketingPodcast

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=q2If 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 MetricoolWhat makes Metricool’s analytics more actionable than Loomly’sWhy the Unified Inbox is a game changer for time-savingHow I automate recurring posts without lifting a fingerWhat features you really need based on your business stageA side-by-side comparison of Loomly vs. MetricoolTimestamps:(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=q2Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://www.nextstepsocialcommunications.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlabNeed 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

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 MacLeod, 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:1. How design impacts brand trust and sales2. The difference between visual branding and brand strategy3. Why consistency is the most powerful brand asset4. How small businesses can compete visually with the big brands5. Ethical considerations in AI-generated visuals6. Tools that marketers can use (without going to design school)Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Visual Marketing01:12 Meet Jim MacLeod: Designer Turned Marketer02:11 The Journey from Design to Marketing05:00 The Science of Visuals in Branding07:04 Practical Tips for Creating Memorable Visuals11:56 AI's Impact on Design and Marketing14:58 Tools and Techniques for Non-Designers17:26 Ethical Considerations in AI and Design18:11 Future of Design in the Age of AI21:57 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysGrab Jim MacLeod’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?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=20250520_katie-brinkley_rmm-jim-mcleod_en&utm_content=youtube&utm_term=q2Visit Jim MacLeod's social media pages:Website: https://book.jimmacleod.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmacleod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmacleod/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimMacLeodLearn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://www.nextstepsocialcommunications.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab#VisualMarketing #BrandStrategy #AIInDesign #RockyMountainMarketing #JimMcLeod #KatieBrinkley #BrandIdentity