Social Media Decoded

Wondering why you’re posting Reels, Stories, and carousels but still hearing crickets? In this powerful episode, Michelle Thames uncovers the real reasons you’re not getting seen on Instagram, even if you think you’re doing everything “right.” She reveals what’s missing from most IG strategies, why trending audio and posting daily won’t fix visibility problems, and how to finally create content that gets in front of the right people.

You’ll learn:
✅ The most common Instagram mistakes that keep you stuck in invisibility
✅ Why focusing only on engagement or follower count actually backfires

Want to know how to audit your online presence to stand out online and attract your dream clients in 2025? In this actionable episode, Michelle Thames, marketing strategist and visibility expert, shares a step-by-step guide to performing a full brand audit so your Instagram, website, and digital footprint start working for you, not against you.

You’ll discover: ✅ What an effective online presence audit looks like in 2025
✅ A 5-step audit checklist to fix your social media profiles, website, and search visibility
✅ How to align your messaging and visuals so clients know exactly what you do
✅ Why having...

Ever wish you could ask a marketing strategist your burning questions about getting visible, building authority, and selling online? In this Q&A Sunday episode of the Booked & Visible series, Michelle Thames answers the most common—and powerful—questions from women entrepreneurs and coaches about standing out, growing a community, and making sales with confidence in 2025.

From overcoming overwhelm to growing your email list, selling daily without being salesy, and conquering imposter syndrome, Michelle shares actionable advice and the real-world strategies she uses with her clients. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, this e...

Ready to create content that positions you as the go-to authority, attracts dream clients, and brings in daily sales—even if you’re not a millionaire (yet)? In this powerful episode of the Booked & Visible series, Michelle Thames breaks down her signature 5-step content system for women entrepreneurs and coaches who want to build a magnetic brand and grow their income with ease.

Michelle shares the real strategies, frameworks, and examples that help her—and her clients—stand out online, nurture community, and make consistent sales. No more random posting or guessing what works: this episode is your roa...

Tired of sleazy sales tactics and bro marketing that just don’t feel right? In this episode of the Booked & Visible series, Michelle Thames reveals the five authentic sales strategies that are working for women entrepreneurs and coaches in 2025.
Learn how to sell with confidence, build genuine connections, and attract clients who want what you offer no pressure, no gimmicks, just results.

Michelle shares her real-life receipts, client wins, and the simple mindset shifts that help you stop dreading sales and start converting with ease. If you’re ready to ditch outdated hustle culture and start sell...

Tired of posting, emailing, and showing up on Instagram—only to feel like nobody’s buying? In this episode of the Booked & Visible series, Michelle Thames shares her step-by-step 2025 playbook for building an email list and Instagram community full of loyal buyers—not just passive followers.

Michelle walks you through the proven strategies she and her clients use to grow an engaged audience, nurture genuine relationships, and turn community members into paying customers. Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to uplevel your audience, this episode will show you exactly how to create a list and communit...

In this high-impact episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames sits down with powerhouse sales coach Jillian Murphy to uncover the truth about making sales online—without a fancy funnel or website. With over 25 years in sales and more than $100M in closed deals, Jillian shares how she transitioned from a corporate career to building a 7-figure business by mastering direct messaging.

Learn how to confidently sell in the DMs, build genuine connections, and convert without sounding sleazy. Jillian also drops her signature strategies for overcoming sales fears, standing out online, and staying consistent—even with a smal...

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or invisible online, even though you’re working hard to grow your brand? In this special episode of the Booked & Visible series, Michelle Thames spotlights client Aleida Clincy, a sole prosperity coach and founder of The Best You Network, who went from losing momentum to booking out her business with Michelle’s proven visibility system.

Listen in as Aleta shares her real journey of rebuilding her confidence, creating a strategy, and starting to see fast results (including a flood of new engagements and clients) after working with Michelle. This isn’t just inspir...

Thinking about launching a podcast, but not sure where to start—or if it’ll even move the needle for your business? In today’s “Booked & Visible” series episode, Michelle Thames pulls back the curtain on how her podcast became the engine for her brand, community, and client roster. If you want a step-by-step, no-fluff guide to using podcasting as your #1 visibility tool in 2025, this is your playbook.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why podcasting is the most underrated personal branding tool for women entrepreneurs in 2025

The 3 keys to launching a podcast that actuall...

Are you tired of posting every day but still not getting clients? In this powerful kickoff to the “Booked & Visible” podcast series, Michelle Thames unpacks why most “visibility tips” actually keep women entrepreneurs stuck—and reveals the strategies that finally get you seen and paid in 2025.

Michelle gets honest about her journey from invisible side hustler to sought-after personal brand and coach. If you’re ready to leave “bro marketing” behind and attract real results, this is your new playbook.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why generic “visibility hacks” don’t work for women (especially wo...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames chats with content marketing strategist Carlissa LeBlanc, the founder of CD Creative Co. Agency and host of The Side-HustlHER Podcast. Carlissa shares her powerful framework for creating high-converting content on a tight schedule—perfect for women juggling a 9–5, motherhood, and building a business.

You’ll learn:

Carlissa’s proven strategy for batch-creating a month of content in one day

How to simplify your marketing without sacrificing results

The systems she uses to stay visible—even when life gets busy

Why market...

If AI feels overwhelming, confusing, or just not you—this episode is exactly what you need.

In this week’s episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle sits down with Kinsey, the founder of Authentic AI®, to break down how entrepreneurs—especially women—can use AI tools to grow their business without losing their authenticity. Kinsey shares her “human-first” approach to AI, how to train ChatGPT to sound like you, and why more women need to embrace these tools for content creation, automation, and time freedom.

Whether you’re new to AI or looking to level up your current...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames is joined by Cassidy, aka The Copywriting Mama, a messaging strategist and copywriter who helps mompreneurs and bold business owners find their authentic voice—and use it to build profitable brands.

Cassidy shares her powerful approach to brand voice, the difference between messaging strategy and copywriting, and why every business needs a clear messaging foundation before writing a single word.

Whether you’re struggling to stand out in a saturated market or feeling stuck with your content, this episode will show you how to write with...

Are you stuck in a 9-5, dreaming of building a profitable online business—but not sure where to start? In this powerful episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Shruti, the founder of Thriving Mondays and a Certified Online Business Manager, to share how she left her corporate job with zero experience and built a 5-figure freelancing business from her bedroom in India.

With over 100 clients and a Top-Rated Plus badge on Upwork, Shruti spills the secrets to growing a successful freelance business without relying on social media followers, a YouTube channel, or go...

What if your next sold-out offer didn’t require a funnel, ads, or a 37-email sequence?

In this episode, I’m sharing the real, behind-the-scenes strategy I used to fill my one-month Marketing Sprint—without a single launch webinar or complicated tech. Real conversations, clear messaging, and intentional connection through voice notes and content that spoke directly to my people.

This episode is for entrepreneurs who are tired of overcomplicating their business and ready to simplify, connect, and get paid without burning out.

You’ll walk away with:
✔️ A breakdown of how I sold out m...

What if the thing slowing down your marketing success… is you?

If you’ve ever felt stuck spinning your wheels—trying to post consistently, show up on all the platforms, and still hearing crickets—this episode is for you.
You don’t need to start from scratch or build a complicated funnel.
You need clarity, simplicity, and a strategy that fits your life and your season.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the 10-minute marketing audit I’ve used with my private clients to help them clean up their message, tighten their content...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Johnathan Grzybowski, co-founder of Penji, a creative-as-a-service platform that helps businesses access top-tier design talent through a simple subscription model.

Johnathan shares how he bootstrapped Penji from the ground up—with no investors and no safety net—scaling it into an Inc. 5000 company that has served thousands of clients worldwide.

If you're a startup founder, creative entrepreneur, or small business owner looking for bootstrapping tips, branding advice, or scalable business models, this conversation is packed with value.

What You’ll Learn...

Feeling like you’re showing up online but not seeing results?

You’re not alone—and the issue isn’t just “post more.” In this episode, I’m breaking down the 3 types of content you need to attract visibility and aligned clients consistently.

If you’re tired of throwing content at the wall and hoping it sticks, this episode is your blueprint. I’m walking you through the content system I teach inside my $17 audio course, Visible & Booked™, and sharing how to build a visibility rhythm that works—even if you’re not posting every day.

✨ You’ll learn...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares her signature content system for growing on Instagram without being glued to your phone. She walks you through how to batch, plan, and repurpose content so you can stay visible and consistent—even with a busy schedule. Learn how to use ChatGPT, automation, and intentional content themes to grow smarter (not harder) and avoid burnout.

What You’ll Learn:

In this powerhouse episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with viral sensation and powerhouse momager Kia J. Brooks—the brilliant strategist behind daughter Flau’jae Johnson’s explosive growth in both sports and entertainment.

Kia pulls back the curtain on how she generated 42 million views on Facebook in just one month, turned that attention into real revenue, and built a thriving personal and professional brand while managing motherhood, business, and fame.

Whether you're a content creator, manager, or entrepreneur looking to turn your platform into profit, this episode delivers real strategy, no flu...

In this honest and empowering episode, Michelle Thames challenges the idea that multi-passionate entrepreneurs need to "niche down" to succeed. Instead, she explains why clarity—not restriction—is the key to building a powerful brand that converts. Learn how to streamline your message, structure your content, and market your multiple passions without overwhelming your audience.

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Dr. Shadé Y. Adu, award-winning digital brand strategist, international speaker, and bestselling author, to uncover the secrets behind building a magnetic personal brand and launching profitable online courses.

Dr. Shadé shares her inspiring journey of starting her business over a decade ago in Kazakhstan, how she scaled it into a global brand, and the exact framework she uses to help women entrepreneurs grow their income, influence, and impact.

If you're looking for expert insights on digital branding, online course creation, or how to...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the three visibility shifts she would make if she were starting her business from scratch in 2025. After 15+ years in marketing and building a multiple six-figure personal brand, Michelle shares the key things she’d do differently to build momentum faster, attract aligned clients, and grow with intention. This episode is packed with strategy, personal examples, and actionable tips for entrepreneurs who are ready to get visible and paid.

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames sets the record straight—Instagram isn’t dead, but many of the strategies people are still using? Definitely are. From outdated engagement pods to overused hashtags, Michelle breaks down what’s no longer working in 2024 and what you need to do instead to grow organically and turn followers into clients. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want to use Instagram strategically, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares how she built a six-figure brand without ever going viral. If you're tired of chasing trends, obsessed with views, and wondering why your content isn’t converting—this episode gives you the truth. Michelle unpacks why virality isn’t a real business strategy and shares the three sustainable marketing strategies she used to grow her personal brand, consistently attract clients, and scale with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames reveals her step-by-step method for batching a week’s worth of content in under 90 minutes. If you’re overwhelmed by content creation or constantly feel behind, Michelle shares the exact system she uses—including how she leverages ChatGPT—to save time, reduce stress, and stay visible across platforms. This episode is packed with practical tips, time-saving hacks, and content planning advice for busy entrepreneurs who want to market smarter, not harder.

What You’ll Learn:

In this powerful episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Tania Haladner, Chief Marketing Officer of the Chicago Sky (WNBA), to talk all things women’s sports marketing, fan engagement, and brand building.

Tania shares what it takes to lead the marketing efforts for one of the WNBA’s top franchises and why now is the time for brands to invest in women’s sports. From storytelling strategies to community growth and digital innovation, Tania breaks down how the Chicago Sky is building a loyal fanbase both online and off.

If you're...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames reveals her exact $17 strategy for getting consistent visibility online—without burning out or going viral. If you're tired of posting aimlessly, struggling to grow your audience, or unsure how to show up strategically, this episode breaks it all down. Michelle shares the behind-the-scenes of her plug-and-play visibility system, the core framework inside her audio course Visible & Booked, and how entrepreneurs can finally stop guessing and start attracting the right clients.

What You’ll Learn:

In this powerful episode, Michelle Thames unpacks why simply posting content isn’t enough to grow a profitable business online. She explains what personal branding really is, how it builds trust, and why it’s the key to standing out in a crowded online space. Whether you’re tired of chasing trends or unsure how to position yourself as the go-to expert, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make your brand magnetic.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ The difference between posting and personal branding
✔️ 3 key components of a strong personal brand
✔️ Real tips for creati...

In this powerful live coaching episode of the Social Media Decoded Podcast, host Michelle Thames sits down with Martita, a member of the Elevate & Empower coaching community and an educator-turned-EFT practitioner who is on a mission to help fellow educators heal through Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at a real-time marketing and business strategy coaching session. You'll hear Martita’s journey from passion to purpose, the challenges she’s facing while building her personal brand online, and the actionable next steps to grow her visibility and impact.

What You'll Learn in T...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares three actionable visibility goals every entrepreneur should set in April to grow their brand with intention. Whether you're trying to get more eyes on your content, position yourself as an expert, or finally turn visibility into actual income—this episode breaks it down step-by-step. These aren't fluffy tips—they're practical strategies that will help you show up with clarity, consistency, and confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames is setting the record straight about what it really takes to grow on social media. Spoiler alert: it’s not about going viral, posting every single day, or chasing trends. Michelle debunks common myths that keep entrepreneurs stuck and reveals the strategies that actually move the needle—so you can grow your brand with confidence and intention.

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames discusses the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make: trying to build their business completely alone. From burnout to confusion to missed opportunities, going solo is one of the fastest ways to stay stuck. Michelle shares personal stories, powerful stats, and real strategies to help you find the right community, build your support system, and grow your business with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why entrepreneurship can feel isolating—and how to change that ✔️ How community and connection speed up business growth ✔️ What to look for in a supportive bu...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares how a casual coffee chat led to a $1,000 opportunity—and how you can start turning simple conversations into real business growth. If you’ve ever felt like networking is a waste of time or you’re not sure how to build genuine relationships online, this episode will give you the mindset shift and actionable strategies you need. Discover how to stop chasing followers and start building powerful connections that open doors.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames chats with Taylor Smith, 4X founder, community builder, and host of The Power Table Podcast. Known as “The Queen of Community,” Taylor shares how she went from digital product strategist to hosting a 125-person conference—all through the power of connection, trust, and community.

If you’ve been struggling to build a loyal audience, convert followers into buyers, or create a space where people truly feel like they belong—this episode is for you.

🔥 What You'll Learn:

Your job title is NOT your identity, and it definitely doesn’t determine your success. In this episode, Michelle Thames is breaking down the real factors that impact your business growth and why spending time worrying about your title is holding you back. Whether you’re calling yourself a CEO, Founder, or Marketing Guru—it doesn’t mean a thing if you’re not delivering results. Get ready for some tough love, real strategies, and a mindset shift that will help you focus on what actually moves the needle in your business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode...

Are you sleeping on Pinterest? Most entrepreneurs focus on Instagram and TikTok but completely ignore one of the biggest untapped platforms for traffic, leads, and sales. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, I sit down with Pinterest expert & educator Meagan Williamson, who is recognized by Pinterest itself, to break down exactly how to use Pinterest to grow your business—even if you have zero followers!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why Pinterest is NOT social media (and why that’s a good thing!)
✅ The #1 mistake business owners make on Pinterest (and how to fix...

Starting a business in 2025? Things have changed, and what worked years ago doesn’t necessarily work now. In this episode, marketing expert Michelle Thames breaks down the exact steps she would take if she were starting from zero today—no audience, no connections, no brand presence.

You’ll learn:
✔️ The biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make (and how to avoid them)
✔️ How to pick the right platform for your business growth
✔️ Why followers don’t equal sales—and what to focus on instead
✔️ How to monetize your expertise from day one without a big audience
✔️ The impor...

Struggling to grow your visibility and attract the right audience online? You’re probably focusing on the wrong strategies. In this episode, marketing expert Michelle Thames reveals the ONE small—but powerful—shift that can transform your online visibility and boost engagement instantly. Spoiler alert: It’s not about posting more or going viral! Tune in to learn how strategic consistency, intentional content, and having real-time coaching support (like Michelle’s Voxer coaching) can unlock the growth your business needs right now.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Marketing is constantly evolving, and what worked a decade ago may no longer be effective in today’s digital landscape. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and business coach Michelle Thames explores the transformation of marketing over the years, highlighting past trends, current strategies, and future predictions for 2025 and beyond. She dives into the rise of digital marketing, the power of social media, AI-driven personalization, and why adaptability is the key to long-term success.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or marketer, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve by unde...