Social Media Decoded
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. 🎙️✨
From Confused to Confident: How Neita Revamped Her Instagram Strategy in 60 Minutes
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames pulls back the curtain on a powerful client transformation. Meet Neita Wilson, founder of Celebrating You Ministries, who booked a 1:1 Instagram Intensive with Michelle.
In just 60 minutes, Neita went from posting without strategy to showing up with clarity, confidence, and a content plan that reflects her mission. Michelle and Neita discuss the process of revamping her bio, building a seven-day content strategy, and why visibility is about more than posting — it’s about creating intentional, aligned content that leads to real results.
If you’ve been s...
3 AI-Powered Visibility Shifts You Need in 2025
In 2025, AI is no longer optional — it’s essential. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames shares three practical AI-powered shifts you can make to repurpose content, personalize at scale, and prep like a pro.
Michelle also shares how she’s using AI to prepare for her upcoming talk at the Her AI Era Summit, and why leveraging this tool now is the fastest way to grow visibility and authority online.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to repurpose one piece of content across multiple platform...Networking Works: Why I Host Events
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames shares why networking — online and offline — is one of the fastest ways to build authority in 2025.
Michelle explains how hosting events has positioned her as a connector and leader, and gives practical tips you can use to make networking work for you — from follow-up strategies to documenting the room.
If you’ve been wondering how to combine social media with real-life authority building, this episode will inspire you to show up differently.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why events are a powerful...How to Repurpose Content Across IG, LinkedIn, and YouTube (with AI)
Struggling to keep up with Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames shares how she uses AI to repurpose one piece of content across multiple platforms — saving time while building authority online.
Plus, Michelle announces her upcoming speaking engagement at the Her AI Era Summit, where she’ll dive even deeper into practical AI strategies for women entrepreneurs.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why creating fresh content for every platform is burning you out How to repurpose one piece of content into IG, LinkedIn, and YouTub...The Fastest Way to Build Authority Online in 2025
In 2025, the online space is noisier than ever — but authority cuts through the noise. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames shares the fastest way to build authority online this year.
Learn the five-part formula Michelle uses to attract clients, land speaking opportunities, and grow her community without posting all day. If you’ve been struggling to stand out online, this episode is packed with gems that will help you shift from chasing visibility to owning authority.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The #1 shift entrepreneurs need to make in 2025 The 5...The Future of Instagram Marketing: A Preview of the Manychat IRL Summit
Next week, I’m headed to Los Angeles because Manychat is flying me out to podcast live at the Instagram Summit 2025, and I’m bringing you along for the journey!Â
In this episode, I’m sharing:
✨ Why events like this matter so much for creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners.✨ The future of Instagram marketing (my predictions on AI, DMs, and conversational commerce).
✨ How you can attend the summit yourself — virtually or in person — with an exclusive discount.
This is a full-circle moment for me, and I can’t wait to bring you behind the scen...
The 5-Step Visibility Checklist for Entrepreneurs
Is your visibility strategy missing key steps? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames shares her proven 5-step visibility checklist that helps entrepreneurs get seen by the right people, attract clients, and build authority online.
You’ll learn the five core pillars of visibility — from messaging and content to community and nurture systems — so you can stop guessing and start showing up with intention.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The #1 question to ask to clarify your messaging Why platform focus matters more than being everywhere The 4 types of content you shou...What I’m Focused on This Week in Business and Life
In this weekly recap episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames reflects on her experience at the Go Getter Conference, her biggest visibility lesson, and what she’s focusing on for the week ahead.
Michelle shares personal updates from her 90-Day Glow Up challenge, shouts out this week’s podcast episodes, and gives you practical encouragement for showing up with consistency and strategy in your business.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why the Go Getter Conference was a visibility game-changer Michelle’s biggest lesson on showing up strategically A behind-the-scenes look at balan...Live From the Go Getter Conference: My Biggest Visibility Insights
Michelle Thames records live from the Go Getter Conference, where she’s both attending and speaking. She shares her biggest takeaways about visibility, authority, and the power of being in the room with other entrepreneurs.
Learn why events accelerate authority, how speaking positions you differently, and the top three lessons Michelle is taking away from Go Getter. If you’ve ever wondered why in-person rooms are just as important as online strategy, this episode will inspire you to start showing up where it matters.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why “being in the room...Behind the Scenes: Building My Community While Juggling Family
How do you grow a thriving business community while being a mom, a wife, and a CEO? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames takes you behind the scenes of building her Elevate & Empower community and events — while juggling family life.
Michelle shares the real challenges, the systems that keep her organized, and the mindset shifts that help her lead with authority (even on the busiest days). If you’ve ever wondered how to balance entrepreneurship and family life without burning out, this episode will inspire and equip you with practical steps.
What...
Why Posting Every Day Isn’t Getting You Paid
Are you posting every single day on Instagram, Threads, or TikTok… but not seeing clients or sales? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames breaks down why daily posting doesn’t equal profits — and what to do instead. Learn the authority-building shifts that help you attract high-ticket clients, grow your visibility, and stop the burnout of posting without results.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the content hamster wheel, this episode will help you shift from “post more” to “get paid more.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why posting ev...Why Your Words Aren’t Converting (And What to Do Instead) w/ Lucy of My Write Hand Woman
In this Social Media Decoded episode, copywriter and messaging strategist Lucy (My Write Hand Woman) breaks down why your content isn’t converting—and exactly how to fix it. We dig into foundational messaging, brand voice, and differentiation, plus Lucy’s “Exact Factor” approach to make your offers unmistakably clear so more viewers become buyers across your website, emails, and social posts.
What You’ll Learn
The top reasons your sales copy isn’t converting (and fast fixes) How to uncover your Exact Factor so you stop sounding like everyone else The difference between clarity vs. creativity in...The Creator-First Future: Monetization, Messaging & Modern Marketing with Clair Sidman of Collective Voice
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames chats with Clair Sidman, VP of Marketing at Collective Voice, about what it really means to be a creator-first brand in 2025. Clair unpacks why trust is outperforming virality, how creators can stop chasing trends and start building true impact, and how platforms like Collective Voice are empowering historically overlooked voices to turn influence into ownership.
Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or marketing leader, this episode offers practical strategies for staying relevant, visible, and authentic in a crowded digital space.
What You’ll Learn in This...
From Customers to Community: The Experiential Marketing Playbook w/ Amber “The Activator” Owens
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 busi...Why You’re Still a “Hidden Gem”—And How to Finally Get PAID for Your Expertise w/ Jodi-Kay Edwards
In this Social Media Decoded episode, brand strategist and storytelling expert Jodi-Kay Edwards shares her proven blueprint for going from invisible to in-demand—without chasing hustle culture. We break down alignment over hustle, clarifying your message, building confidence to show up consistently, and turning visibility into real revenue with a simple, sustainable personal-brand strategy.
What You’ll Learn
The “alignment over hustle” method to grow without burning out How to clarify your message, niche positioning, and brand promise A step-by-step plan to go from hidden gem to paid + booked Authority content that attracts ideal clients (and what to...Show Up, Sell & Scale: The Specificity + Simplicity Playbook w/ Steph Rubio
In this Social Media Decoded episode, strategist and “operations unicorn” Steph Rubio shares how to combine mindset + operations to stop undercharging, clarify your offer suite, and show up online with confidence. We dig into specificity and simplicity—the two levers that make your messaging convert—plus the systems that keep your business running like a well-oiled machine while you sell. Steph gets real about imposter syndrome, visibility fears, and the gritty choices that built her resilience and results.
What You’ll Learn
Specificity > wide nets: how clear positioning attracts the right buyers fast Simplify to scale: streamline...The “Niche Down” Lie: How Being Multi-Passionate Becomes Your Superpower w/ Ebony N. Stroder
In this Social Media Decoded episode, beauty industry leader, author, and business coach Ebony N. Stroder breaks down how to build a profitable, values-aligned brand without niching down. She shares real frameworks for juggling multiple passions, marketing different offers without confusing your audience, and creating systems that keep you visible (and paid) across diversified income streams.
What You’ll Learn
The multi-passionate blueprint: how to structure multiple offers under one clear brand Smart messaging: talk to one audience while selling more than one thing Systems that save time: content batching, quarterly planning, and light-lift launches Confidence + vi...Your Story Deserves the Spotlight: Visibility + Legacy-Building with Lyndsey Akers
In this episode, Michelle Thames chats with visibility strategist and PR expert Lyndsey Akers, Founder & CEO of Akers&Co, about how high-achieving women can leverage their stories to grow powerful personal brands, land media coverage, and build legacy-driven businesses—without burnout or performative fluff.
Whether you're pitching yourself for the first time, trying to expand your brand beyond social media, or tired of waiting for “permission” to show up boldly—this conversation will light a fire under you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to turn your personal story into a powerful brand mess...Build a Feel-Good Business: Ditch Hustle Culture, Align Your Brand, and Grow with Authentic Marketing w/ Tahnee Hipel
In this Social Media Decoded episode, entrepreneur, professor, and coffee shop owner Tahnee Hipel shares how to build a feel-good business that balances profit with purpose—without buying into hustle culture. We dig into aligning your brand with your values, telling authentic stories on social, avoiding burnout, and turning clarity + consistency into cash (even if you’re pivoting or re-igniting your spark at 40+).
What You’ll Learn
The feel-good business blueprint: alignment > hustle, and what that looks like day-to-dayHow to use social media to tell your story authentically and attract aligned clients Practical steps to balance passio...From Chaos to Clarity: How Eternity Sledge Built a Purpose-Driven Brand That Heals and Empowers
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames sits down with Eternity Sledge — multi-passionate entrepreneur, community leader, and founder of the Multifaceted Collective — to talk about how she turned chaos into clarity through her unique G.L.A.D. philosophy. Eternity shares how she built a purpose-driven brand rooted in wellness, impact, and authenticity, while juggling multiple businesses and nonprofit work. Tune in for a powerful conversation on content strategy, brand messaging, and how to market as a multi-passionate entrepreneur.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Eternity developed the G.L.A.D. method...How to Turn 15 Minutes of Content into 15 Daily Leads (Multi-platform)
Michelle Thames teaches a simple 3-step lead engine that turns short daily content into 15 qualified leads per day using a DM keyword, a saved replies stack, and a clear offer line you can write in three minutes.
What You’ll Learn
The “15→15” system: content → keyword → conversation → bookingHow to choose one offer and one keyword for the weekThe one-sentence offer line that makes people instantly “get” what you doCopy-and-paste Saved Replies Stack for deliver → clarify → inviteA 15-minute multi-platform routine (IG, LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, podcast)The five metrics that actually predict sales (not vanity likes)Action Steps
Write your offer li...Ditch the 9–5, Keep the Money: How Lindsey Wagnon Scaled Her Marketing Without Burning Out
In this Social Media Decoded episode, marketing strategist Lindsey Wagnon breaks down how women founders can ditch hustle culture, simplify their marketing, and scale sustainably—especially in the first 1–3 years of business. We cover lean-budget marketing, post-purchase automations that turn buyers into promoters, and the exact systems Lindsey uses to show up consistently without a huge team or ad spend.
What You’ll Learn
The lean, high-impact marketing moves to grow on a shoestringHow to set up post-purchase funnels that create repeat buyers & referralsA simple, sustainable content system for busy women with a 9–5What to stop doing (c...Why Your Social Media Content is Flopping (And How to Fix It!) with Kaelyn Urena
In this fun and insightful episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames chats with Kaelyn Urena, Founder & CEO of Socially Smooth, to uncover why so many entrepreneurs and brands are struggling to get engagement on social media—and how to fix it fast.
Kaelyn shares her top strategies for creating actionable content, sparking meaningful engagement, and building a loyal, thriving community. If you're tired of posting and getting nothing but crickets, this episode is your wake-up call! Learn how to create content that actually connects, works with the algorithm, and turns followers into superfans.
Wh...
PR Like a Pro: How to Make Yourself Famous (Even Without a Huge Following) with Katrina Owens
Think PR is only for big brands with big budgets? Think again. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Katrina Owens, founder of Knockout Directive and a top brand and publicity expert, to reveal how any personal brand can use public relations to skyrocket visibility and attract game-changing opportunities.
Katrina shares how one speaking gig completely transformed her career, why building a “blue ocean” personal brand is your ticket to standing out, and exactly how PR can fuel your social media growth. You’ll discover practical, beginner-friendly PR strategies you can start...
Stop Linking Out: The DM Automation Fix That Boosts Instagram Sales Fast
If you’re still telling people to “click the link in bio,” you might be losing sales. In this powerful Fast-Fix Friday episode, host Michelle Thames breaks down why DM automation is outperforming traditional links—and exactly how to use it to convert more leads and boost engagement on Instagram.
Michelle shares:
The psychology behind why “comment to buy” works A 3-step strategy to set up keyword-triggered DMs (without being techy) Real examples for coaches, product-based brands, and service providers How to hack the IG algorithm using DMsThe secret to turning your content into a 24/7 lead...
From Classroom to CEO: How Educators Can Build a Profitable Personal Brand with Deidra Fogarty
In this inspiring episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Deidra Fogarty, business coach, marketing strategist, and founder of Black Girls Teach. Deidra shares how educators can turn their classroom expertise into thriving coaching and consulting businesses. If you’re an overworked teacher ready to monetize your skills and build a personal brand that pays, this episode is packed with game-changing insights.
Whether you're a current educator or recently left the classroom, you'll learn how to package your knowledge, position yourself as a thought leader, and confidently step into entrepreneurship.
What Yo...
Why I’m Pivoting My Business in Real Time (And What I’m Building Now)
In this real and raw episode, Michelle Thames shares her behind-the-scenes journey of pivoting her marketing agency while actively building a personal brand media company in real time.
She dives into why she walked away from the traditional done-for-you agency model, how she's evolving her business to align with her values, and what this shift means for women entrepreneurs, creatives, and founders who are craving visibility with more freedom and purpose.
Whether you're a multi-passionate entrepreneur, a coach, or a content creator thinking about rebranding, shifting directions, or expanding your personal brand, this episode is...
How to Pack Out Your Next Event: Real Strategies, Speaker Secrets & My No-Fluff Playbook for 2025
Ever wondered what it really takes to sell out a women’s business event? In this no-fluff episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames takes you behind the curtain of Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025—sharing her proven strategies for curating the right room, building buzz, and delivering massive value that converts.
You’ll discover why most events leave you with just a selfie (and no ROI)—and how Michelle flips the script with a playbook that prioritizes execution, community, and results.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The #1 reason most women’s conferences miss the mark (and ho...From Expo Stage to Instagram: How I Landed & Leveraged An Expo Talk
Michelle Thames breaks down the exact email pitch and follow-up cadence that secured her speaking slot at the Black Women’s Expo—and then hands you her “Stage-to-Story” workflow for turning one talk into five high-performing Instagram posts. Perfect for creators, coaches, and service pros who want to book stages and squeeze weeks of content (and revenue) from a single appearance.
Key Points Covered
Opportunity Radar: How Michelle spotted and responded to the BWE call for speakers in under 15 minutes. Exact Pitch Email Template: Subject line, credibility bullets, and closing sentence that got the yes. Follow-Up Timeline...August Jump-Start: 4-Week Action Plan to Elevate Your Brand
This episode hands you a clear, week-by-week roadmap for August, showing exactly how to fix your funnel, optimize one platform, activate community, and upsell with smart surveys—so you can boost visibility and revenue without overwhelm.
Key Points Covered
Why one focus per week beats multitasking for brand growth Week-1 “Bio & Link” funnel audit to capture more leads instantly Week-2 SEO tune-up for Instagram, LinkedIn, or your podcast trailer Week-3 micro-challenge framework to spark community engagement Week-4 upsell-and-survey strategy that drives sales and market research in one move Two 90-minute implementation blocks to lock in momentumAct...
Instagram SEO Update 2025: Your Guide to Google-Indexed IG Posts (and 3 Ways to Win Fast)
Instagram has quietly rolled out a change that lets Google index your public posts, opening the door to evergreen search traffic. In this episode Michelle Thames explains what “indexing” means, why it matters for creators and brands, and three quick optimizations you can apply this weekend to start showing up in Google results.
Key Points Covered
What changed in 2025: Instagram’s new crawlable post wrapper How alt text, captions, and on-page engagement now fuel Google ranking Difference between hashtag reach and true search indexing Three fast wins: keyword-first captions, strategic alt text, and carousel keyword stackingPowe...
Stop Hiding the Checkout — The #1 Instagram Mistake Costing You Cash
Posting awesome content but still not seeing sales? In this Fast-Fix Friday episode, Michelle Thames reveals the silent Instagram mistake that keeps creators, coaches, and small-business owners from converting likes into revenue: no clear offer line. Learn why visibility ≠conversion, the mindset switch you need, and a one-sentence CTA formula that turns scrollers into buyers—without feeling “salesy.”
Key Topics Covered
The hidden “cash register” problem: Why valuable posts alone don’t prompt purchases Mindset flip: Treat every post like a mini storefront, not just a value bomb Offer-Line Formula: 1 sentence, action-oriented, friction-free (plus swipe examples) Real-life micr...How to Build a Real Online Community (Even with a Small Following)
Do you feel like your follower count is “too small” to launch a real community? Think again. In this episode, Michelle Thames reveals her proven C.A.R.E. Framework™ for building a thriving online community from scratch—even if you have fewer than 200 followers.
You’ll learn how to clarify your community’s purpose, attract your first five “founding members,” and create simple rituals that keep people engaged and excited to participate. Plus, Michelle shares a real case study of how one client launched a powerful micro-community and turned it into a profitable offer in just 60 days.
If...
From Stuck to Seen: How Robin Claimed Her Expertise & Built Her Authority Online
Are you struggling to show up confidently online and clearly communicate your brand message?
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames sits down with her client Robin, founder of Necessary Nutrition, to talk about how she went from feeling stuck and unseen to confidently owning her voice, message, and mission — all inside Michelle’s Elevate & Empower Community.
Robin shares what wasn’t working in her marketing, the mindset shifts she experienced, and the exact strategies they implemented to help her brand get more aligned, visible, and impactful. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying t...
How to Grow a Podcast Audience from Scratch: The 2025 Playbook
Want to build a loyal podcast audience in 2025—starting from zero? In this episode, Michelle Thames breaks down her proven podcast growth playbook, covering exactly how to get your first 1,000 downloads, the biggest mistakes most podcasters make, and easy visibility hacks that work for anyone, no matter your experience or following. If you want to get found, get shared, and turn your show into a thriving community, this episode is for you.
Key Topics Covered:
The reality of podcasting in 2025 (and why “just posting” isn’t enough) The one-sentence promise every podcast needs How to create bingeabl...How to Fix Your IG Engagement in 2025: Real Strategies Anyone Can Use
Instagram engagement in 2025 has shifted—so what’s actually working now? Michelle Thames breaks down why likes and comments are down, how the IG algorithm has changed, and the exact 5-day action plan that’s helping everyday people, creators, and business owners revive their reach and community. Plus, Michelle announces the launch of her new Visible & Booked merch collection—perfect for anyone ready to be seen and celebrated online!
Key Topics Covered:
Why IG engagement is down for so many in 2025 The algorithm’s new focus on saves, shares, and authenticity How anyone can get discovered with IG SE...Small Audience, Big Impact: How to Sell with Less Than 1,000 Followers (Even if You Feel Invisible)
Think you need a big audience to start making sales? Think again. In this episode, Michelle Thames shows you how to build authority, connect with your ideal clients, and grow your business—even if you have fewer than 1,000 followers. This is your permission slip to stop waiting for growth and start selling now.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why audience size doesn’t equal income The truth about micro-audiences and high-converting content How to build real trust with a small but mighty audience Michelle’s step-by-step visibility-to-sale framework that works with any following How to creat...My 500-Episode Journey: How I Built a Top Podcast & What You Can Learn
In this milestone episode, Michelle Thames pulls back the curtain on how she built one of the top-ranked podcasts in marketing with over 500 episodes. Whether you're just starting or want to stay consistent with your show, this episode gives you the mindset, systems, and strategy to build a podcast that grows your brand, attracts aligned clients, and stands the test of time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Michelle went from zero listeners to a top marketing podcast in the U.S Why consistency is the #1 secret to podcast growth (and how to stay co...Omnipresence Mastery: How to Build a Digital Ecosystem That Makes You Unforgettable
In this episode, Michelle Thames breaks down how to master omnipresence and build a digital ecosystem that keeps your brand top of mind across every platform. You'll learn how to create intentional visibility, multiply your content, and build trust at scale—so you're not just showing up, you're unforgettable.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What “omnipresence” really means (and why it’s not about being everywhere at once) How to create a streamlined digital ecosystem that saves time and multiplies your message The exact platforms to prioritize if you're a multi-passionate entrepreneur Michelle’s weekly visib...How to Create Authority Content That Gets Shared and Sells (Stand Out as an Expert)
If you’re tired of creating content that doesn’t lead to clients, this episode is your roadmap. Michelle Thames breaks down exactly how to create authority content that builds trust, gets shared, and drives sales—without needing to post every day or follow every trend.
In this powerful, strategy-packed episode, Michelle shares how she went from invisible to in-demand by using her signature content pillars to build authority and monetize her personal brand. Whether you're just getting started or want to elevate your online presence, you'll walk away with a clear plan to position yourself as the ex...
