Podcast Summary: “How I’d Build an Audience From Scratch on Threads in 2025”

Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Host: Michelle Thames
Date: October 1, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Michelle Thames dives into the underutilized potential of Threads, Meta’s text-based platform, and outlines a clear, actionable blueprint for entrepreneurs and creators who want to build an engaged audience from scratch on Threads in 2025. She emphasizes the unique “Wild West” stage of the platform, the opportunities it offers for visibility and connection, and how to position yourself as an early adopter before the masses catch on.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Threads? The Underestimated Opportunity

• Threads is still relatively untapped compared to mature platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
• Early adopters benefit from:
  • Low competition: Greater likelihood your posts will actually be seen.
  • High opportunity: Meta is heavily promoting Threads, even integrating it with Instagram for added visibility.
• Quote:
  • “Threads is still the Wild West. That means two things. The first, low competition. Your posts actually get seen. Number two, high opportunity.” (Michelle Thames, 01:38)

2. Building an Audience from Scratch: Step-by-Step Blueprint

a. Optimize Your Profile with Intention

• Don’t just copy and paste your Instagram bio.
• Your profile should answer:
  1. Who you are
  2. Who you help
  3. Why to follow you specifically on Threads
• Practical Example:
  • Instead of “Marketing Coach, podcaster, speaker,” try “I help multi-passionate entrepreneurs build visibility and get booked daily. Marketing and visibility tips you won’t find on my Instagram.”
• Quote:
  • “You just gave people a reason to follow you here.” (Michelle Thames, 03:16)

b. Create Conversational Content

• Threads is about real, unpolished conversation rather than curated, polished visuals.
• Focus on:
  • Hot takes
  • Quick stories
  • Behind-the-scenes insights
  • Open-ended questions
• Memorable Moment:
  • Michelle’s event post (“Would any women entrepreneurs in Chicago or willing to travel…”), which resulted in direct ticket sales through conversation, not a formal funnel.
• Quote:
  • “People are scrolling for connection, not perfection. If you bring realness and start actual conversations, you’ll build an audience fast.” (Michelle Thames, 04:18)

c. Stay Consistent with ChatGPT

• Michelle uses ChatGPT as her brainstorming partner for content ideas.
• Example prompt: “Give me 10 polarizing hot takes about Instagram marketing entrepreneurs secretly agree but don’t want to say out loud.”
• Listeners can DM “THREADS” on Instagram to get Michelle’s free prompt guide.
• Quote:
  • “Here’s the secret sauce—I don’t just wake up with endless ideas every day... I use ChatGPT as my assistant to help me brainstorm.” (Michelle Thames, 04:50)

d. Leverage Collaboration and Engagement

• The fastest way to grow is not by going viral, but by collaborating and engaging thoughtfully:
  • Reply meaningfully to others’ posts
  • Initiate conversations with potential collaborators
  • Focus on adding value
• Direct connection is much more accessible on Threads than on crowded platforms.
• Quote:
  • “I’ve personally landed podcast swaps, collabs, and even speaking invitations just by showing up consistently and adding value in conversations.” (Michelle Thames, 05:53)

e. Sell Without Selling

• Offers and promotions are best woven naturally into conversations.
• Example: “Working on my marketing calendar makeover clients today. Anyone else doing visibility work this morning?” — selling by inviting naturally.
• Quote:
  • “You just casually position your offer without feeling salesy.” (Michelle Thames, 06:23)

3. Mindset Shift: Don’t Wait, Start Now

• Early action on Threads gives you leverage before it becomes crowded.
• Action Step: Post something today and tag Michelle so she can support you.

4. Free Resources

• DM “THREADS” on Instagram (michellellthames) to receive the free Threads ChatGPT prompt guide.
• Access Michelle's free seven-day Visibility audio series (link in show notes).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Do you want to be the person joining once everybody’s already dominating? Or do you want to be the person who staked your flag early when nobody was paying attention?” (Michelle Thames, 02:21)
• “People are scrolling for connection, not perfection.” (Michelle Thames, 04:18)
• “The magic of Threads is that you don’t have to hard pitch. Instead you weave in your offers and events as part of the conversation.” (Michelle Thames, 06:06)
• “Your voice deserves to be heard and Threads might just be the fastest way to get seen right now.” (Michelle Thames, 07:02)

Key Timestamps

• [00:30] – Introduction, Threads as a unique opportunity
• [01:38] – Why Threads is a “Wild West” gold mine
• [03:15] – How to optimize your profile for Threads success
• [04:18] – The importance of conversation-driven content
• [04:50] – Using ChatGPT for endless content ideas
• [05:53] – Growth through collaboration and adding value
• [06:06] – Selling naturally via conversation on Threads
• [07:02] – The core message: Visibility on Threads is within reach

Tone & Final Thoughts

Michelle's delivery is energetic, encouraging, and practical throughout. She stresses clarity, proactiveness, and authenticity. The episode’s central ethos: Be visible by being real and getting in early on Threads.

*For tools, real-world examples, and step-by-step implementation, check the show notes for Michelle’s resource links.