Discover
Social Media Decoded
Social Media Decoded
Author: Michelle Thames
Subscribed: 74Played: 4,291Subscribe
Share
© 2024 Social Media Decoded
Description
Social Media Decoded is your go-to podcast for marketing, visibility, and monetization strategies to grow your business online. Hosted by marketing expert Michelle Thames, this show breaks down social media, content marketing, and business growth into actionable steps for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands. Tune in for expert insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you get visible, attract clients, and build a profitable brand. 🎙️✨
636Â Episodes
Reverse
If you’ve built your business online but feel called to host in-person workshops or live events… this episode is for you.
In today’s episode of Social Media Decoded, I’m sharing a live strategy session with Mariah, founder of Mariah Magazine and an SEO educator who has taught online for 10 years and is now ready to step back into in-person events—but feels nervous about where to start.
We turned her 30-minute visibility strategy session into a live podcast episode so you can hear exactly how I help entrepreneurs move from stuck to strategic.
If you’ve ever wondered how to host a workshop, plan an in-person event, price tickets, fill seats, or transition from online authority to real-life community building, this episode is your blueprint.
In This Episode We Cover:
How to transition from online business to in-person workshops
Why your first event doesn’t need 100 people
How to pre-sell an event before booking a venue
Event marketing strategies that actually work
Using platforms like Eventbrite to drive local visibility
How to structure a one-day conference or half-day workshop
How to price early bird and VIP tickets
Creating community and connection at live events
Why paid events build authority faster than free ones
Simple ways to make your event share-worthy (without overcomplicating decor)
We also discuss:
Building visibility through proximity
Leveraging organic platforms like Threads to test demand
Using ads strategically for local events
How to host intentional networking experiences
Event monetization vs. brand positioning strategy
Key Takeaways
You’re not nervous — you’re evolving.
Authority online is powerful.Authority in proximity is embodied.
If you’ve been teaching, coaching, or serving online for years, hosting in-person workshops can deepen your brand, increase trust, and create powerful networking opportunities.
You don’t need more content.You need clearer positioning and a strategy that matches your next level.
‍ About Mariah
Mariah is an SEO consultant and educator helping entrepreneurs get found on Google and AI through practical, actionable search engine optimization strategies.
She runs an SEO membership, teaches on YouTube, and consults with businesses and marketing teams looking to build long-term visibility through search.
Connect with Mariah:Instagram: @mariahmagazinecoThreads: @mariahmagazineco
Ready to Build Your Visibility Strategy?
If you want clarity like this:
Join the Elevate & Empower CollectiveOr book a Visibility Strategy Session Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why trend fatigue, borrowed language, and algorithm-driven messaging are causing originality to disappear across social media platforms. She explains how losing your voice quietly weakens authority, why conviction matters more than virality, and how to reclaim clarity in your brand messaging.
This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, creators, consultants, and professionals who want long-term visibility without blending into the noise.
What We Cover in This Episode
Why trend fatigue is reshaping online content
How borrowed language weakens brand authority
The psychological pressure to perform online
Why consistency without identity creates noise
The difference between performing and leading
How to recognize when you’ve diluted your message
Why clarity and conviction outperform trends
The long-term strategy behind authentic visibility
Who This Episode Is For
Entrepreneurs building a personal brand
Creators feeling disconnected from their content
Consultants and strategists refining their positioning
Professionals looking to strengthen authority online
Anyone tired of sounding like everyone else
Key Takeaway
Visibility is not about copying what works. It’s about anchoring your message in identity and conviction. The brands that last are not the loudest — they are the clearest.
Check out the Collective: https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Visibility alone no longer builds authority. In this episode, Michelle Thames explains why showing up without identity clarity creates noise instead of trust, and how real authority starts internally before it ever shows up online.
Topics Covered
Why posting more doesn’t equal impact
The difference between performance and leadership
Content without conviction vs content with authority
Why clarity attracts better opportunities
How identity shapes visibility
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Marketing used to be the answer. Post consistently, follow trends, stay visible.But in today’s landscape, marketing alone is no longer what builds trust, authority, or sustainable growth.
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why the brands, creators, and business owners winning right now are moving beyond tactics and into leadership, clarity, and community.
You’ll learn why audiences are tuning out traditional marketing, what decision-makers are actually paying attention to, and how evolving beyond “just marketing” changes your visibility, positioning, and long-term revenue.
This episode is for entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and executives who feel like they’ve outgrown surface-level strategies and want to build something that lasts.
Topics Covered in This Episode
Why marketing tactics alone are no longer converting
The shift from performance content to leadership content
Why clarity and positioning outperform trends
How audiences make buying decisions today
The role of community and proximity in modern business growth
Why trust beats reach in 2026 and beyond
How to evolve your brand without starting over
Who This Episode Is For
Entrepreneurs tired of chasing algorithms
Creators looking for longevity, not virality
Professionals building authority beyond social media
Business owners who feel stuck despite “doing everything right”
Leaders ready to shift from tactics to impact
Follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on visibility, leadership, and modern marketing strategy.
If this episode made you rethink how you’re showing up, you’re exactly where you need to be. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down how the pressure to perform online is weakening messages, draining creativity, and eroding authority. She explains the difference between performing for attention and leading with conviction, and why content has shifted from expression to output for so many entrepreneurs and creators.
This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who feels visible but disconnected from their voice and ready to reclaim clarity, confidence, and leadership in their messaging.
Topics Covered
How visibility turned into performance
The difference between performing and leading online
Why chasing engagement dilutes your message
Content as output versus content as expression
How performance erodes authority and trust
Why leadership content feels calmer and more grounded
How to reclaim your voice and message
Building visibility rooted in conviction, not pressure
Key Takeaways
Performance-driven content leads to burnout and confusion
Leadership content is anchored in clarity and conviction
Authority comes from consistency of perspective, not volume
Slowing down sharpens your message
The right audience connects through resonance, not performance
Who This Episode Is For
Entrepreneurs feeling drained by content creation
Creators who feel disconnected from their message
Professionals building thought leadership
Business owners tired of chasing trends
Anyone ready to shift from performance to leadership
If you want support building visibility rooted in clarity and leadership, explore joining the Collective for ongoing proximity, strategy, and community.
Follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on visibility, marketing, and message clarity.
About the Host
Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host, speaker, and community builder with over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and professionals build sustainable visibility and authority without burnout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this feature episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames introduces her philosophy shift around visibility, marketing, and sustainable growth. She explains why doing less, not more, is the new power move and how entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives can stay visible without burning out.
This episode reframes daily content, consistency, and promotion and shows why clarity, curation, and strategic visibility matter more than hustle.
Topics Covered
Why hustle-based visibility leads to burnout
The difference between daily content and daily promotion
Why clarity beats consistency in modern marketing
How CEOs and leaders curate visibility instead of chasing it
What strategic visibility actually looks like in 2026
How to build trust without being constantly online
Creating content with intention instead of pressure
Key Takeaways
Visibility does not require constant performance
Posting more does not equal promoting better
Clarity allows content to work harder for you
Curated visibility builds authority and ease
Sustainable marketing starts with strategy, not volume
Who This Episode Is For
Entrepreneurs who feel exhausted by content demands
Professionals building thought leadership
Creatives who want visibility without burnout
Business owners shifting from hustle to strategy
Leaders who want long-term authority and impact
Call to Action
If this episode helped you rethink visibility, follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on marketing, clarity, and community-led growth.
If you’d like to support the podcast, you can use Buy Me a Coffee to help keep these conversations going.
About the Host
Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host, speaker, and community builder with over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, visibility strategy, and brand growth. She helps entrepreneurs and professionals build sustainable visibility ecosystems that convert without burnout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What if one DM… one cease-and-desist… or one copyright flag could shut down everything you’ve built online?
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle sits down with Kailey Jacomet, founder of Brand Law Boutique, to break down the real legal risks creators, influencers, and online business owners face—often without even realizing it.
If you post, sell, collaborate, or build community online, this episode is a must-listen.
Inside this episode, we cover:
Why one Instagram report or DM from a lawyer can shut down your business overnight
The #1 trademark mistake entrepreneurs make before launching a brand
The real difference between and (and why it matters more than you think)
A 60-second name search checklist to avoid expensive rebrands
How creators unknowingly cross copyright lines with reels, audios, and reposts
Why “fair use” doesn’t always protect you on platforms like Instagram or TikTok
What brands can legally do with your name, image, and content if your contract is weak
The non-negotiable clauses every influencer and creator should look for (or demand)
The one legal template every online business should invest in first
You’ll learn:
How to protect your brand before it scales
How to avoid being bullied by bigger companies
How to collaborate confidently without signing your rights away
How to stay visible, profitable, and legally protected
Resources mentioned:
Contract templates + website policies
Trademark education + legal planning tools
Exclusive listener discount (code in episode description)
If this episode saved you from a future legal headache (or a five-figure mistake), screenshot it, share it, and tag @michellelthames + @kaileyjacomet with your biggest takeaway.
Post proudly. Sell smart. Protect your brand at all costs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the rise of ragebait content and asks the real question most marketers avoid: does it actually build brands, or just inflate engagement? Drawing from years of experience in marketing, visibility, and personal brand strategy, Michelle explains why ragebait works, when it hurts your credibility, and who should avoid it altogether.
This episode helps entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners understand how to stand out without sacrificing trust, authority, or long-term growth.
Topics Covered
What ragebait content actually is
Why ragebait performs well on social media platforms
The psychology behind outrage and engagement
When ragebait damages brand trust and credibility
The difference between thought leadership and clickbait
Who ragebait works for and who it hurts
How to build visibility without relying on controversy
Why clarity and positioning matter more than attention
Key Takeaways
Ragebait drives engagement, but not always conversion
Attention without trust does not lead to clients
Decision-makers buy clarity, not chaos
Thought leadership challenges ideas without eroding credibility
Strategic visibility outperforms short-term virality
Who This Episode Is For
Entrepreneurs building personal brands
Creators who want authority, not just engagement
Business owners tired of chasing algorithms
Coaches, consultants, and service providers
Brands focused on long-term growth and trust
If you want support building visibility that attracts aligned clients instead of just attention, join the Collective for ongoing strategy, feedback, and proximity. https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective
Follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on marketing, visibility, and brand growth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the real difference between a social media manager and a social media strategist — and why confusing the two can cost businesses time, money, and momentum. Michelle explains how strategy and execution serve different purposes, the most common hiring mistakes business owners make, and how choosing the right support at the right time can dramatically change results.
This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, founders, and brands deciding how to invest in their marketing and visibility in 2026.
Topics Covered
The difference between social media management and social media strategy
Posting content vs planning a visibility ecosystem
Why execution without strategy leads to wasted effort
How strategy saves money long-term
Common hiring mistakes business owners make
When to hire a strategist vs when to hire a manager
How clarity impacts content, growth, and conversion
Why roles, timing, and expectations matter
Key Takeaways
A social media manager executes content, a strategist designs the plan
Posting consistently does not equal strategic growth
Strategy provides direction, focus, and measurable outcomes
Hiring the wrong role at the wrong time creates frustration
Clear strategy makes execution more effective and efficient
Who This Episode Is For
Business owners hiring marketing support
Entrepreneurs confused about social media roles
Brands struggling with inconsistent results
Founders preparing to scale visibility in 2026
Creators transitioning from DIY to professional support
If you need clarity before hiring or scaling your marketing, explore working with Michelle’s agency for strategic support. www.thamesmediasolutions.com
For ongoing proximity, feedback, and visibility guidance, join the Collective. https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective
About the Host
Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host, and community builder with over 15 years of experience helping brands and entrepreneurs build visibility systems that convert. She specializes in strategy-first marketing, community-led growth, and sustainable brand ecosystems. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the marketing trends that will actually matter in 2026 and the ones she’s intentionally ignoring. Drawing from 15+ years of experience in marketing, community building, and visibility strategy, Michelle explains why fundamentals still outperform hype and how brands can build longevity instead of chasing short-term momentum.
This episode is for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want sustainable visibility, stronger relationships, and marketing strategies that work across every season of business.
Topics Covered
Why most marketing trends don’t last
The difference between momentum and longevity
Community-led marketing and why it’s the future
Thought leadership vs performance-based content
Why owned audiences matter more than algorithms
Trends Michelle is intentionally ignoring in 2026
Why virality does not equal business growth
How clarity, consistency, and trust still win
Building a visibility ecosystem instead of chasing platforms
Key Takeaways
Trends are loud, but foundations compound quietly
Community creates trust, referrals, and long-term growth
Decision-makers buy clarity, not aesthetics
Owned audiences protect your business from platform shifts
Mastery on one platform beats being everywhere
Fundamentals never go out of style
Who This Episode Is For
Entrepreneurs planning for 2026 growth
Creators tired of chasing trends and burning out
Business owners focused on long-term visibility
Brands ready to build community, not just content
Leaders who want marketing strategies that last
If you want support building a sustainable visibility strategy and community-led ecosystem, join the Collective for ongoing proximity, strategy, and feedback.
Make sure to follow Social Media Decoded so you don’t miss future episodes on visibility, marketing, and brand growth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What if slowing down isn’t a setback — but a signal?
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and community builder Michelle Thames shares a real-time reflection after hosting her Elevate & Align retreat, where she unexpectedly lost her voice and was forced to pause, reschedule brand deals, and listen to what her body was communicating.
This short but powerful episode explores the connection between visibility, leadership, alignment, and sustainability, especially for entrepreneurs who feel pressure to constantly show up online.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, burned out, or disconnected from your visibility, this conversation will help you reframe momentum and lead with clarity instead of hustle.
Topics Covered in This Episode
What it means when your body forces you to slow down
How alignment shows up physically, not just mentally
The relationship between sustainable visibility and leadership
Why constant output doesn’t equal long-term success
How slowing down can create clearer direction and momentum
Who Should Listen
Entrepreneurs navigating burnout or exhaustion
Creators struggling with consistency and visibility
Business owners leading teams, brands, or communities
Anyone feeling pressure to “do more” to stay relevant
Key Insight
Sustainable visibility isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about listening sooner.Slowing down can be the most strategic leadership move you make.
About the Podcast
Social Media Decoded breaks down what actually works in social media, branding, visibility, and community-led growth — without burnout culture or empty marketing trends.
Hosted by marketing strategist Michelle Thames, the show covers leadership, digital marketing strategy, visibility, content, and building brands that last.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs permission to slow down and lead differently.
Check out the collective: https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If you feel like Instagram isn’t working anymore, this episode will change how you think about visibility.
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why the Instagram algorithm isn’t the real problem — and how unclear strategy, weak positioning, and misaligned content are what actually block reach, engagement, and conversions.
Michelle explains what Instagram truly rewards, why chasing trends leads to burnout, and how clarity consistently outperforms creativity. This episode is for entrepreneurs and creators who want sustainable visibility, not viral luck.
If you are tired of guessing, posting more without results, or blaming the algorithm, this conversation will help you see Instagram through a strategic lens and move forward with confidence.
Want honest feedback on what’s blocking your Instagram visibility?DM AUDIT on Instagram to request an Instagram audit.
For ongoing strategy, proximity, and visibility support, explore Michelle’s community, the Collective.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this special LIVE edition of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Julia Hartz, CEO and co-founder of Eventbrite, for a powerful conversation on the future of events, visibility, and real-world connection.
As live experiences make a major comeback, Julia shares why events are no longer a “nice-to-have,” but a core visibility and community-building strategy for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands.
Together, Michelle and Julia explore:
How events have evolved as a visibility and growth tool
Why real connection is becoming more valuable than algorithms
The rise of niche, intimate, and under-the-radar experiences
Common mistakes event hosts make — and how to fix them
What great leaders and community builders do differently
Julia also gives a sneak peek into Eventbrite’s 2026 trend report, “Social Study: Reset to Real,” highlighting how the most social generation is redefining connection through:
Off-Script Energy — embracing spontaneity and unpredictability
Soft Socializing — connection without pressure
Layers, Not Labels — blending niches, cultures, and interests for richer experiences
If you’re building community, hosting events, or looking for new ways to grow your visibility in 2026, this episode is a must-listen.
This episode was recorded live and is available in audio and video format on all podcast platforms.
Key Topics Covered
Live events as a visibility strategy
Community-driven growth
Authentic leadership and hosting
Event marketing trends for 2026
How creators can stand out offline and online
Resources Mentioned
Eventbrite 2026 Trend Report: Social Study: Reset to Real https://www.eventbrite.com/social-study-trends/
Eventbrite platform for creators & community hosts
If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow entrepreneur or event host and tag us. Let’s keep building community with intention. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames explains why webinars and live events still convert in today’s marketing landscape and why many businesses believe they no longer work. She breaks down what actually kills conversions, how trust is built in live rooms, and the mindset shift required to turn visibility into real action.
What This Episode Covers
Why webinars and live events still work when designed with intention
The biggest mistakes that prevent live experiences from converting
How live rooms build trust faster than content alone
The difference between teaching and creating connection
Why clarity and positioning matter more than audience size
How to think about live experiences as trust accelerators
What to do before and after a live event to support conversion
Who This Episode Is For
Entrepreneurs hosting webinars or live events
Coaches and consultants struggling with low conversion
Business owners who want deeper trust with their audience
Creators who feel visible but not connected
Key Takeaways
Live experiences convert when they are built for trust, not performance
Small, intentional rooms often outperform large audiences
Conversion starts before the room opens and continues after it closes
Visibility works best when paired with clarity and direction
Call to Action
If you want help creating live experiences that actually convert, explore Visibility Power Hours or join The Collective for ongoing strategy and support. Links are available in the show notes.
https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective
About the Host
Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, speaker, and community builder who helps entrepreneurs turn visibility into real opportunities through intentional strategy and relationship-led marketing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It’s been a heavy start to 2026. In this real, raw episode, Michelle Thames opens up about navigating deep personal loss while running a business and showing up online. After losing her stepfather, cousin, and a childhood friend within days, Michelle reflects on how grief collides with the pressure to stay visible on social media.
This episode explores the social media side of grief—why algorithms don’t pause when life hits, how burnout accelerates when we force content through pain, and what it really means to take a break without guilt or shame. Michelle shares both personal insight and expert perspective on sustainable visibility, rest, and long-term brand integrity.
If you’re grieving, overwhelmed, or feeling pressure to “keep going” online when your heart needs space, this conversation is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How grief shows up in a social media–driven world
Why “rest is not a failure of consistency”
The hidden cost of forcing content during emotional exhaustion
How to pause, scale back, or shift visibility without losing momentum
What presence looks like when perfection isn’t possible
Permission to grieve without performing online
Key Topics Discussed
Grief and social media
Rest and visibility as a business owner
Burnout prevention for entrepreneurs
Sustainable content creation
Mental health and online presence
Taking breaks without losing your audience
Human-centered leadership and brand longevity
This episode is for:
Entrepreneurs navigating grief or emotional burnout
Content creators feeling pressure to stay visible
Business owners who want sustainable visibility
Anyone grieving a loss while still showing up for others
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
“Grief doesn’t move at the speed of content.”
“Rest is not a failure of consistency. It’s a strategy for longevity.”
“Your audience doesn’t need perfection. They need presence.”
“You are not behind. You are not lazy. You are not failing.”
Listener Takeaway
You are allowed to pause.You are allowed to grieve.And your voice will still matter when you return.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If you’ve been posting consistently but still wondering “Why aren’t my lead magnets converting?” or “Where are my aligned clients?” — this episode is a must-listen.
In today’s conversation, Michelle Thames is joined by Lauren Najar, a business coach and lead strategist who helps women entrepreneurs turn visibility into real revenue — without burnout, constant posting, or chasing algorithms.
This episode breaks down what’s actually working in 2025 when it comes to lead generation, intentional visibility, and building a sales ecosystem rooted in relationships.
Lauren shares why most entrepreneurs already have leads (they just aren’t tracking them), why content alone isn’t enough anymore, and how simple conversations can turn into consistent clients.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why “not having leads” is usually a tracking problem, not a visibility problem
How to use Instagram intentionally as a top-of-funnel tool
Why follower count does not equal income
The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make relying on content alone
What intentional visibility really looks like in 2025
How to build a lead ecosystem that fits your business model
The truth about lead magnets — and why most PDFs don’t convert
What types of lead magnets actually work right now
The most underrated lead generation strategy: DM relationships
Key Takeaway:
You don’t need more content — you need more intentional conversations and better systems to track and nurture the leads you already have.
Connect with Lauren:
Instagram: @laurennajar
Website: laurennajar.com
Free Resource: 30-Day Sales & Visibility Challenge
If you enjoyed this episode, tag @michellelthames and @socialmediadecodedpod on Instagram and let us know your biggest takeaway.
Stay visible and stay empowered. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames explains why Instagram audits are one of the fastest and most effective ways to fix visibility issues. Instead of guessing what to post or chasing content hacks, Michelle breaks down how audits create clarity, improve positioning, and lead to more meaningful engagement and conversion.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why most people struggle with Instagram visibility because they guess instead of audit
What an Instagram audit actually reveals about your brand and messaging
The first things Michelle looks for when reviewing an Instagram account
Why clarity and positioning matter more than posting frequency
How connection and consistency impact trust and conversion
Why feedback accelerates visibility faster than trends or hacks
How Instagram audits fit into long-term, sustainable visibility strategy
Key Topics Covered:
Instagram audits for business growth
Visibility strategy for entrepreneurs
Personal brand positioning on Instagram
Community and connection over metrics
Content clarity and consistency
Sustainable social media marketing
Fixing low engagement and conversion
Who This Episode Is For:
Entrepreneurs who feel visible but not effective
Creators tired of guessing what to post
Business owners struggling with low engagement or conversion
Anyone who wants clearer direction for their Instagram strategy
Mentioned in This Episode:
Why content hacks don’t fix foundational visibility issues
How audits uncover blind spots you can’t see on your own
The importance of having a clear next step for your audience
DM the word AUDIT on Instagram for a free Instagram audit, and explore Michelle’s Collective for ongoing support, strategy, and community. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Michelle Thames shares a behind-the-scenes look at the systems and tools that power her six-figure visibility ecosystem — without a big team or burnout. Learn how to think about tools strategically, reduce decision fatigue, and build sustainable visibility that actually converts.
Topics Covered:
Visibility systems for entrepreneurs
How to scale visibility without burnout
Email marketing as a visibility foundation
Long-form content and podcast leverage
Simplifying marketing tools
Community-led visibility
Sustainable content strategy
DM “TOOLS” on Instagram to see Michelle’s exact systems and join The Collective for ongoing visibility support. https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares a grounded visibility reset for entrepreneurs heading into 2026. Instead of chasing trends or posting more, this conversation focuses on clarity, community, leadership energy, and building a sustainable visibility ecosystem that actually converts.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why visibility in 2026 is less about volume and more about intention
The biggest misconceptions about visibility that are leading to burnout
How clarity outperforms consistency when it comes to being remembered
Why community and relationships matter more than reach and metrics
The importance of building a visibility ecosystem instead of relying on one platform
How leadership energy changes the way people respond to your brand
Why visibility is ultimately an identity decision, not a marketing tactic
Key Topics Covered:
Visibility strategy for 2026
Community-led marketing
Personal brand clarity
Sustainable content creation
Relationship-driven growth
Thought leadership and calm authority
Building trust and long-term visibility
Marketing alignment and burnout prevention
Who This Episode Is For:
Entrepreneurs and creators who feel visible but not connected
Business owners tired of chasing algorithms and trends
Leaders who want clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth
Anyone building a personal brand, community, or long-term platform
Mentioned In This Episode:
Visibility as a long-term strategy, not a quick win
Why platforms change but relationships compound
How to approach 2026 with intention and leadership
Call to Action:
If you’re ready for visibility that feels aligned and sustainable, explore Michelle’s Collective for ongoing support, clarity, and community — and follow the podcast for daily conversations on marketing, visibility, and leadership. https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Michelle breaks down the real impact of publishing 365 podcast episodes and how daily consistency transforms authority, visibility, and brand trust. Learn why podcasting is the most powerful platform for thought leadership and how it fuels your entire business ecosystem going into 2026.
What You’ll Learn:• What daily podcasting builds for your brand• Why thought leadership matters more than aesthetics• How podcast listeners convert faster• Why podcasting creates long-term authority• How a podcast grows your entire ecosystem• Why Michelle is doubling down on her podcast in 2026• Why community and proximity accelerate everything• The visibility strategy that actually works in 2026
Join The Collective and follow the show for daily episodes.
https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.




love these short and to the point episodes.