In this Social Media Decoded episode, experiential strategist Amber “The Activator” Owens (BrandFelt Activation) shares how to turn casual followers into raving superfans using brand activations, live events, and community-driven digital marketing. We unpack low-cost event ideas, how to promote IRL experiences with social media, and the metrics that prove ROI—so small businesses can create buzz, deepen loyalty, and drive sales without massive budgets.

What You’ll Learn

• The difference between audience, customers, and community—and how to move people through each stage


• Low-budget brand activation ideas (pop-ups, demos, collabs, UGC stations) that work for small businesses


• A promo timeline for events: content to post 30/14/7/1 days out to fill the room


• How to use social media + events together (reels prompts, UGC capture, micro-influencer seeding)


• Measuring success beyond likes: attendance, repeat purchase, referrals, retention, LTV


• Post-event follow-up that converts one-time attendees into loyal community members

Guest Resources

Website: brandfeltactivation.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ambertheactivator
Instagram: @ambertheactivator

Ideal For

Entrepreneurs, local brands, and creators who want to build community, boost retention, and increase revenue by pairing social media with smart, scrappy experiential marketing.

Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:

• Instagram: @michellelthames


• Threads: @michellelthames


• LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames


• YouTube: Michelle L Thames


• Podcast: Social Media Decoded

experiential marketing, brand activations, event marketing for small business, turn customers into community, community building strategy, low cost brand activations, social media event promotion, user generated content at events, micro influencer partnerships, pop up events, customer retention and loyalty, measure event roi, hybrid marketing strategy, local marketing ideas, community led growth,