Podcast
Social Media Decoded
Hosted by Michelle Thames · EN
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. 🎙️✨
253episodes
Episodes
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Why I Stopped Trying to Build an Audience | The Power of Community Over Followers
4d ago00:07:30Summary readyWhat if the goal isn't to build a bigger audience—but to build meaningful relationships? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares the mindset shift that completely changed how she approaches social media, networking, and business growth. After years of chasing followers and viral moments, she realized the real opportunities weren't coming from her follower count—they were coming from the rooms she was creating. From visiting local hidden gems and hosting Coffee & Connections to intimate networking dinners, retreats, and her upcoming Connected & Paid event, Michelle explains why authentic community is becoming the most valuable marketing strategy in today's digital world. If you're an entrepreneur, content creator, coach, or small business owner wondering how to grow your business beyond social media, this episode will inspire you to focus on relationships that lead to collaborations, referrals, sponsorships, and lasting impact. In this episode, you'll learn: Why building community is more valuable than chasing followers How networking events create real business opportunities The difference between building an audience and building relationships Why local visibility can transform your business How to create experiences that turn followers into clients and collaborators Why community builders are the new influencers The marketing strategy that algorithms can't replace Key Takeaway: Followers don't become your sponsors. Followers don't become your collaborators. People do. If this episode inspired you, send Michelle a DM with the word ROOM and share the kind of community you're building. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who believes relationships are the future of business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryThe Hidden Cost of Visibility: Why Your Business Needs Systems Before More Followers
1w ago00:35:16Summary readyEveryone tells you to get more visible. Post more content. Start the podcast. Book the speaking engagement. Land the collaborations. But what happens after the visibility? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, I'm joined by Annie Mossbacher, Chief Growth Officer at Dubsado, for an honest conversation about what happens when your business starts growing faster than your systems can support. If you've ever felt overwhelmed after signing new clients, struggled to keep up with emails and proposals, or wondered why success suddenly feels exhausting, this episode is for you. We talk about founder burnout, client experience, sustainable growth, and why systems aren't boring—they're freedom. In this episode you'll learn: Why visibility exposes broken business systems The hidden reason founders burn out after growth How to create a client experience people never forget The first system every service provider should implement Why doing everything yourself is costing you money How to stop overdelivering at the expense of your health What sustainable growth actually looks like Why authenticity is becoming your greatest marketing advantage Memorable Quotes "Visibility without systems will burn you out." "Growth isn't about doing more. It's about becoming ruthless with your priorities." "The business you prayed for shouldn't become the business that breaks you." Connect with Annie Instagram: @anniemossbacher Learn more about Dubsado: dubsado.com/?c=michellethames Resources Mentioned Dubsado Client Experience Business Systems Founder Burnout Service-Based Business Growth If You Enjoyed This Episode... Share it with another entrepreneur who is building a business behind the scenes. If this episode helped you rethink how you're growing your business, take 30 seconds to leave a review. Your reviews help more entrepreneurs discover the show. Want to support the podcast? Buy Me a Coffee and help us continue creating free content for entrepreneurs. Follow Michelle: Instagram: @michellelthames Thanks for listening to Social Media Decoded! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryMy Visibility Stack: The 4 Business Tools I Use Every Week to Grow My Brand
2w ago00:10:08Summary readyWhat tools does Michelle Thames actually use to run her business every week? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle takes you behind the scenes of her visibility stack and shares the four platforms that power her podcast, email marketing, client management, and website. From creating content to automating workflows and building stronger customer relationships, these are the tools she relies on every single day. If you're an entrepreneur looking to simplify your business, save time, and create more opportunities through visibility, this episode is for you. In This Episode Why systems are just as important as visibility How Michelle uses Riverside to turn one recording into weeks of content Why KIT is the foundation of her email marketing strategy How Dubsado automates client onboarding and saves hours every week Why ShinePages is changing the way she thinks about websites and online presence The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when choosing software How to build a visibility ecosystem instead of relying on social media alone Resources Mentioned Want my complete Visibility Stack? DM TOOLS on Instagram to receive the exact platforms Michelle uses to run her business, along with her favorite resources and affiliate links. Connect with Michelle Instagram: @michellelthames Threads: @michellelthames Website: michellethames.com Love the Show? If this episode helped you, please leave a review and share it with another entrepreneur. Your support helps more business owners discover the podcast and learn how to build a brand that creates real opportunities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhy Opportunities Keep Finding Me (And How You Can Make Them Find You Too)
2w ago00:10:04Summary readyWhat if your next client, speaking engagement, sponsorship, or brand partnership isn’t waiting for another cold pitch—but for you to become more visible? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames takes you behind the scenes of how her recent local business videos, community events, speaking opportunities, and brand partnerships are creating momentum in her business. She shares why visibility is about so much more than followers and explains how showing up consistently can open doors you never expected. If you’ve been posting consistently but feel like the opportunities just aren’t coming, this episode will change the way you think about your content—and your business. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why visibility creates opportunities long before someone reaches out How Michelle’s viral local business videos led to new conversations and partnerships The mindset shift that’s helping her attract speaking engagements and sponsorship opportunities Why every piece of content should be treated as a business asset How to position yourself so clients, brands, and event organizers think of you first The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when creating content How Michelle evaluates businesses and spots marketing opportunities everywhere she goes Key Takeaways Opportunities are created long before they’re received. Visibility is an investment—not an expense. Every piece of content is either building trust or being forgotten. The right people can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist. Ready to Become More Visible? Michelle is now offering her $199 Visibility Intensive, a one-on-one strategy session designed to help you identify what’s holding your brand back and create a visibility plan that leads to real opportunities. DM Michelle the word “VISIBLE” on Instagram Connect with Michelle Thames Instagram: @michellelthames Threads: @michellelthames Website: michellethames.com Listen to more episodes of Social Media Decoded for weekly strategies on visibility, personal branding, content marketing, and building a business that attracts opportunities. Love the Show? If this episode inspired you, please leave a review and share it with another entrepreneur. Your support helps more business owners discover the podcast and learn how to build a brand that stands out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryCommunity Is the New Competitive Advantage: Why Relationships Matter More Than Followers
2w ago00:10:22Summary readyIs community the new competitive advantage? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares why she’s shifting her focus from simply creating content to intentionally building community. After hosting her intimate Summer in the South Suburbs dinner, responding to hundreds of social media comments, and watching her local business videos spark real-world conversations, she realized something powerful: People aren’t starving for more content—they’re starving for connection. Michelle shares why authentic relationships are becoming more valuable than algorithms, why networking is evolving into community building, and how creating meaningful spaces can transform your business and your life. If you’ve been feeling like you’re building your business alone, this episode is your reminder that the right room, the right conversation, and the right relationships can change everything. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why community is becoming the biggest competitive advantage in business How Michelle’s viral local content is creating real-world connections Why responding to every comment still matters The difference between building an audience and building a community How relationships lead to referrals, collaborations, and new opportunities Why entrepreneurs are craving genuine connection now more than ever The vision behind the Connected & Paid Collective and Michelle’s upcoming November event Key Takeaways Visibility gets people to notice you. Community gives them a reason to stay. Relationships create opportunities that algorithms never can. Business doesn’t have to be built alone. Resources & Links Join the Connected & Paid Collective Send Michelle a DM with the word COMMUNITY on Instagram to learn more. Support the Podcast Love the show? Support future episodes through Buy Me a Coffee. Send Michelle a DM with the word COFFEE for the link, or check the links below. Book Michelle for your next event, workshop, or conference: https://michellethames.com/contact ️ Listen to more episodes: https://bleav.com/shows/social-media-decoded/ Join Michelle’s email community: https://michellethames.kit.com/7daychallenge Connect with Michelle Thames Instagram: @michellelthames Threads: @michellelthames LinkedIn: Michelle Thames Website: https://michellethames.com If You Enjoyed This Episode… Please leave a review and share this episode with a friend or fellow entrepreneur. Your support helps more people discover the show and allows us to continue creating free content that helps entrepreneurs become more visible, build meaningful relationships, and grow thriving businesses. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhy Most People Are Using AI Wrong (And What I’m Doing Instead)
3w ago00:07:50Summary readyEveryone is talking about AI. But most creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners are making one major mistake: they’re asking AI for personalized business advice without giving it access to the information it actually needs. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down one of the most exciting announcements from the KIT Craft + Commerce conference: MCP (Model Context Protocol) and what it means for creators, marketers, and business owners. Don’t worry—this isn’t a technical episode. Michelle explains MCP in plain English and shares how connecting tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini directly to your email marketing platform could completely change the way you make business decisions. Instead of generic AI answers, imagine getting insights based on your actual audience, subscribers, and business data. From identifying your most engaged subscribers to creating smarter email campaigns and automations, this episode explores how AI is becoming more useful, more personalized, and more actionable for creators. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can help you grow your audience, email list, and business without feeling overwhelmed by technology, this episode is for you. In This Episode • What MCP is and why creators should care • Why most people are using AI incorrectly • How AI becomes more powerful when connected to your business data • The difference between generic AI advice and personalized insights • Why email marketing still matters in the age of AI • How creators can use AI to better understand their audience • Why your email list is one of the most valuable assets you own • The future of AI-powered marketing for entrepreneurs and creators Key Takeaways Followers are borrowed. Subscribers are owned. Better data leads to better decisions. AI isn’t replacing great marketers—it’s helping them make smarter decisions faster. The future belongs to creators who own their audience. Connect With Michelle Instagram: @MichelleLThames If this episode was helpful, send Michelle a DM with the word KIT and let her know your biggest takeaway. Affiliate Link For KIT: https://partners.kit.com/9agthn08tlmq-mcp Resources Mentioned • Kit Email Marketing Platform • ChatGPT • Claude • Gemini • KIT Craft + Commerce Conference Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhy Community Builders Will Win the Next Decade
4w ago00:10:35Summary readyWhat if the most valuable skill of the next decade isn’t content creation, AI, or automation? What if it’s community building? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames explores why community builders are uniquely positioned to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital connection. While technology continues to evolve, one thing remains true: people still crave belonging, trust, relationships, and meaningful human connection. Michelle shares what she’s learning through building Coffee & Connections, community walks, curated dinner experiences, The Collective, and her upcoming Connected & Paid event. She explains why the future belongs to those who know how to bring people together and why relationship capital may become one of the most valuable assets you can build. If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, leader, or business owner looking to build something that lasts, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why AI and automation are increasing the value of human connection • The growing loneliness epidemic and what it means for business • The difference between building an audience and building a community • Why relationship capital matters more than ever • Lessons from Coffee & Connections, The Walk, and The Dinner Series • How community creates opportunities that content alone cannot • Why community leaders are becoming the most influential people in business Key Quote: “Community leaders are the new influencers.” Connect with Michelle: Instagram: @MichelleLThames DM the word COMMUNITY to continue the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhat Going to the KIT Conference Actually Taught Me About Visibility
Jun 1600:08:56Summary readyI almost didn’t go to the KIT Craft + Commerce conference. Before the trip, I was overwhelmed, anxious, questioning everything, and honestly wondering if I should stay home and work instead. But what happened after I got in the room reminded me of something I deeply believe: Visibility is bigger than social media. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, I’m sharing the real lessons I learned at the KIT Conference in Boise—from meeting creators in real life, hearing powerful talks from leaders like James Clear and Jay Papasan, giving James Clear my book (!), and realizing that the biggest opportunities often happen outside of social media and inside real conversations. Because here’s the truth: At a certain level, opportunities don’t come from algorithms. They come from relationships. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why I almost skipped the conference Anxiety, overwhelm, and showing up anyway What happened when I gave James Clear my book My biggest takeaway from Jay Papasan’s talk Why relationships matter more than follower count The power of getting in the right rooms Why proximity is one of the most underrated visibility strategies How real conversations lead to partnerships, referrals, and opportunities Key takeaway from this episode: “The biggest shift wasn’t what I learned on stage. It was what happened in the conversations.” If you’ve been feeling stuck in business, overwhelmed with content creation, or wondering why visibility isn’t translating into opportunities—this episode is for you. Because sometimes your next level isn’t another strategy. Sometimes it’s the room. Connect with Michelle: DM the word ROOM on Instagram @MichelleLThames Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryThe Real Story Behind My Pivot in Business Right Now
Jun 500:09:57Summary readyHave you ever felt like what used to work in your business just… doesn’t anymore? In this honest and behind-the-scenes episode, Michelle Thames opens up about the real pivot happening in her business right now — from shifting strategies and simplifying offers to leaning deeper into local visibility, community building, and creating a business that actually feels aligned. If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, coach, or service provider who feels like you’re in a weird business season, this episode is your reminder that pivoting does not mean failing. Michelle shares the truth about evolving as a business owner, why she’s no longer forcing old strategies, what she’s learning about memberships and community, and how recent viral moments unexpectedly led her into a new season of local visibility and deeper impact. This is a real conversation about business growth, changing seasons, entrepreneurship, and having the courage to let go of what no longer fits. Because sometimes your next level doesn’t look like doing more. Sometimes it looks like simplifying. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode: Pivoting doesn’t mean failing. Seasons change — and so do you. If you’ve been questioning your next move, feeling disconnected from your business, or trying to figure out what’s next without burning yourself out, this episode will remind you that growth often looks like evolution. In This Episode, We Cover: The real reason Michelle is pivoting in business Why forcing old strategies can lead to burnout The truth about business seasons and entrepreneurship Lessons learned from community building and memberships Why local visibility is becoming a major focus How to know when it’s time to pivot in business Why simplifying your business may be the smartest move What alignment actually looks like as an entrepreneur How to stop feeling guilty for changing direction Mentioned in This Episode: Visibility strategies for entrepreneurs Community building & memberships Local visibility and business growth Entrepreneurship mindset shifts Connect with Michelle: If this episode resonated with you, send Michelle a DM with the word PIVOT on Instagram @michellelthames and share what season of business you’re currently navigating. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhat Going Viral Actually Taught Me About Visibility
Jun 100:11:00Summary readyEverybody wants to go viral… but what if virality isn’t actually the thing that grows your business? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames is sharing the real truth about what going viral has actually taught her about visibility, business growth, and building a brand that lasts. After going viral multiple times across Instagram, Reels, and Threads, Michelle is pulling back the curtain on what people think virality is versus what actually creates long-term success online. If you’ve ever thought: “Maybe I just need one viral post…” or felt discouraged because your content isn’t taking off… this episode is your reminder that visibility is bigger than views. Michelle breaks down why viral content does not automatically equal clients, the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make after gaining attention online, and why building a visibility ecosystem matters more than chasing trends. She also shares surprising lessons from her recent local visibility strategy, how community and relationships are creating real opportunities, and why consistency still wins in 2026. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode: “Virality gets attention. Systems build businesses.” If you’re a coach, service provider, creator, entrepreneur, or business owner trying to get visible online, attract more clients, and stop relying on random content to grow your business — this conversation is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: What people get wrong about going viral Michelle’s experience going viral multiple times Why viral content does not automatically grow your business The truth about followers, views, and conversions How local visibility is changing the game for entrepreneurs Why relationships matter more than the algorithm How to create a visibility ecosystem that actually converts The power of consistency in business growth What to focus on if your content isn’t taking off yet Mentioned in This Episode: Visibility Reset Community building for entrepreneurs Personal branding & visibility strategies Local marketing & local visibility lessons Connect with Michelle: If this episode resonated with you, send Michelle a DM with the word VISIBLE on Instagram and share what part hit home for you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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