It’s time we rethink social media. Katie Brinkley, a social media strategist and author of The Social Shift: The Road Back to Community, joined
and me recently to talk about how social platforms can be used more effectively. Katie’s approach challenges the “more is more” mindset that seems to have overtaken our feeds. Instead, she advocates for something many creators are craving: connection over clicks.Key Takeaways from Katie’s Philosophy on Social Media and Community
1. Less Scrolling, More Connecting:
Even as the owner of a social media agency, Katie doesn’t believe we need to be online 24/7 to grow our influence. Her philosophy is about using social media intentionally. “I didn’t create my business to spend all day on social media because that sounds terrible,” she told us. Katie’s approach is to choose one or two platforms, go all in on those, and create content that resonates with a clear target audience—an idea that feels refreshingly liberating.
2. Starting with Community from Day One:
Traditionally, creators would focus on building an audience first, adding a community structure later. Recently, though, I’ve been recommending that podcasters, authors, and livestreamers establish a community from the very beginning—a concept Katie fully embraces. By creating a dedicated space for followers to connect, creators can build deeper relationships with their audience right from the start. Katie emphasizes that “relying solely on social media to get your message across” is a missed opportunity; she believes that nurturing a community from day one allows for richer engagement and long-term connection.
3. Choose Quality Over Quantity:
Instead of chasing the virality dragon, Katie advocates for showing up for your people—whether that’s a handful of loyal followers or a broader audience. Her “four-post strategy” is designed to deepen connections rather than scatter content across platforms hoping something sticks. “How successful is your business if you’re on social media all day every day?” Katie asks. Her message is clear: aim to make an impact with intention, not just reach.
4. Engage Offline Whenever Possible:
Despite her digital presence, Katie still champions the importance of offline connections. Meeting in real life, even if it starts with a digital connection, can be transformative. Whether it’s at events like Podfest or just bumping into someone from your online community, these moments bring a sense of real-world validation. “Seeing someone in person and connecting in a meaningful way—that’s where the magic happens,” she shares.
Why Katie Wrote The Social Shift
Katie’s book is as much a rallying cry as it is a guide. She believes we’ve become too reliant on social media to validate our success. The book is her effort to help creators and business owners take a step back, think strategically about their online presence, and focus on community-driven success rather than the endless treadmill of daily posting.
Takeaway:
Social media is a tool—not the destination. Use it wisely, build something real, and, when you can, step away and live your life. Katie’s message is both powerful and freeing for those who feel chained to their screens.
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Resources
➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources
Links from this episode:
📚 Katie’s book: The Social Shift: The Road Back to Community: https://amzn.to/3NScuZ1
➡️ Katie Brinkley on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
➡️ Katie’s website: https://www.katiebrinkley.com
Ross’ Links:
➡️ Ross Brand on Substack:
📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod
📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 4 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v4
➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com
➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com
➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact
Dale L. Roberts
🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts
🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale
📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa
📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI
📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt
📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo
Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose Community Over Clicks | Katie Brinkley