Stripe (0:00)

Stripe helps many of the world's most influential companies grow their revenue and build a more profitable business. Whether it's Hertz making checkout a smooth ride for their customers, OpenAI answering unprecedented demand, or PGA chipping away at back office inefficiency, Stripe's financial infrastructure platform helps companies achieve ambitious goals. No matter what success looks like for your business, Stripe helps ensure the complexity of financial systems doesn't get in your way. Learn more@swepe.com this episode is brought to.

Progressive Insurance (0:31)

You by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy. Just drop in some details about yourself and see if you're eligible to save money when you bundle your home and auto policies. The process only takes minutes and it could mean hundreds more in your pocket. Visit progressive.com after this episode to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

Michelle Thames (1:00)

It's unpredictable. You cannot manufacture virality. Viral content often draws in random views and not people who are actually aligned with your offer. It can really burn you out chasing trends every day trying to one up your latest posts. It's just not sustainable.

Michelle Thames (1:21)

Hey hey. Welcome to the Social Media Decoded Podcast, the Go to podcast for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to grow their brand, increase visibility and make more money without the overwhelm. I'm your host Michelle Thames, marketing strategist, business coach and the person who's here to give you the real no fluff strategies to help you succeed online. Each week I bring you expert insights, actionable tips and real talk about what's actually working in social media and digital marketing. Whether you're just starting or scaling the six figures, you're in the right place. So grab your coffee or Matcha if you're like me and let's dive into today's episode.

Michelle Thames (2:02)

Let's get straight into it. Going viral is not a business strategy. Can it give you a quick boost in views or followers? Sure. But does it bring long term consistent income and brand authority? It does not build that. Absolutely not. I've built a six figure personal brand without ever going viral. No overnight success, no lucky break. Just smart, intentional, repeatable strategies that actually work. And in today's episode, friend, I am breaking it all down. Because if you've been sitting around waiting for one video to change your life, it is time for a wake up call. Let's build something real, sustainable and profitable. Okay, let's get into it. Get your pens and notepads ready because. Oh and really? In this episode, gems are about to be dropped. Now let's get into the first part. The problem with with Virality Culture Real talk Virality is a dopamine hit, not a business plan. Here's why relying on going viral can hurt your business. It's unpredictable. You cannot manufacture virality. Viral content often draws in random views and not people who are actually aligned with your offer. It can really burn you out. Chasing trends every day, trying to one up your latest posts. It's just not sustainable. According To HubSpot, only one in a thousand posts actually go viral. But businesses that consistently create value driven content outperform their competitors in audience trust and sales. So if you are trying to build legacy, freedom and impact, you need to shift your focus away from virality into strategy. So what I did instead and what you can do too friend. Here are three core strategies that I use and that I help my clients use to build six figure and beyond brands without a single viral post. Let me repeat. I'm not the person to help you go viral. That's not who I am. If you've been listening to this podcast, if you follow me on social media, make sure you follow me on Instagram. Ichelle lthames I am very strategic and talk about sustainability because listen, focusing on building authority and not popularity. I created content that positioned me as the expert, not the entertainer. I teach, I guide, I give real solutions that build trust. Trust that leads to sales. Here's an action tip for you. Start creating more educational, story based and opinion driven content. It doesn't need a trending sound. It needs to hit the right audience. The second thing is I got consistent AF right. I didn't show up only when I felt like it. I treated my brand like a business. I still do this now. I plan, I batch, I show up even when my views are low. And guess what? The compound effect is real. Here's what I want you to do. Pick a posting schedule that you can stick to and make it non negotiable. Post with purpose, not pressure. The third thing is I leverage community over clout. I built relationships. I showed up on other people's podcasts in other people's spaces. I went live, I joined groups, I collaborate with others and I host events. I still do this today. Here's the action I want you to take. Every week, connect with three new people. Comment DM them to invite you to a free conversation. People connect with people, not content.