Podcast Summary: Social Media Decoded – Episode: "How to Grow on Instagram Without Being Online 24/7"

Host: Michelle Thames
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Podcast Description: 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.

Introduction: Rethinking Instagram Growth

In this episode, Michelle Thames challenges the conventional wisdom that growing on Instagram requires constant online presence. She shares her personal journey of overcoming the pressure to post incessantly and introduces a sustainable approach to Instagram growth that doesn't necessitate being glued to your phone 24/7.

Michelle Thames [01:00]: "You do not have to be glued to your phone to grow your brand. You just need a content system that works for you."

Common Misconceptions About Instagram Growth

Michelle begins by debunking the myth that frequent posting and constant engagement are the keys to Instagram success. She acknowledges the burnout many entrepreneurs face due to these pressures and emphasizes that quality and strategy trump quantity.

Michelle Thames [02:15]: "Growth does not equal constant posting. You probably heard you need to post every day. You need to always be in stories. That sounds like burnout, friend, not business growth."

Michelle's Four-Part Instagram Growth System

Michelle introduces her proprietary four-part system designed to streamline Instagram growth without overwhelming users.

1. Planning with Purpose

Before creating any content, Michelle stresses the importance of clear planning. She advocates for defining what you're promoting, identifying the problem you're solving, and determining the desired action from your audience.

Michelle Thames [03:10]: "What are you promoting, what problem are you solving, and what do you want your audience to do next? That is literally the first thing I think about before I post anything."

2. Batching Content Weekly or Biweekly

To maximize efficiency, Michelle recommends batching content creation. By dedicating a set amount of time each week or biweekly, entrepreneurs can produce multiple pieces of content in one session, reducing daily workload and maintaining consistency.

Michelle Thames [03:45]: "I spend 90 minutes once a week batching three reels, two carousels, story prompts, and email content, period."

She also highlights her use of AI tools, specifically ChatGPT, to assist in outlining, scripting, and brainstorming content ideas.

Michelle Thames [04:00]: "I use my good friend Chat to help me outline, script, and brainstorm all my hooks. When I say I use it every single week, it has been a lifesaver."

3. Automating What You Can

Automation tools are pivotal in Michelle's strategy. She recommends platforms like Later, Metricool, and Meta Business Suite for scheduling posts and managing content seamlessly. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of using storytelling tools and optimizing bio links with clear calls-to-action.

Michelle Thames [05:05]: "Use tools like Later, Metricool, or Meta Business Suite to automate your posts, so you can manage everything from one place."

4. Repurposing Content Like a Pro

Maximizing the value of each content piece is essential. Michelle advises repurposing content across multiple formats and platforms to extend reach and engagement without additional effort.

Michelle Thames [05:30]: "That reel you just posted? Clip it into a story. Turn that email into a caption. Make that podcast a carousel. Your content should work multiple jobs for you."

Tracking the Right Metrics

Michelle shifts focus to the importance of monitoring meaningful engagement metrics rather than superficial likes. She outlines key indicators that reflect genuine buyer behavior.

• Profile Visits
• Website Clicks
• Story Link Taps
• Saves and Shares

Michelle Thames [06:20]: "What matters is who is visiting your profile, who's clicking on your website, and who is engaging with your stories. These are the indicators of buyer behavior, not just likes."

She cautions against obsessing over likes, explaining that deeper engagement metrics provide more actionable insights for business growth.

Michelle Thames [06:45]: "If you're worried about the likes, that's not what matters. It's the strategic moves like tracking who watches your stories and engages consistently."

Leveraging AI for Strategic Growth

Emphasizing efficiency, Michelle advocates for the integration of AI tools in content strategy. She shares her enthusiasm for ChatGPT, highlighting its role in enhancing productivity and creativity.

Michelle Thames [04:20]: "I am a ChatGPT AI fanatic. If you know how to prompt your ChatGPT, it can help you tremendously."

Conclusion and Resources

Michelle wraps up the episode by offering resources for listeners to implement her strategies. She promotes her $17 "Visible and Booked" audio course, which provides a blueprint for building a visible and profitable brand without constant online presence. Additionally, she invites listeners to join her free seven-day Visibility Audio Challenge for those new to social media marketing.

Michelle Thames [07:00]: "If you want a system that gives you plug-and-play visibility strategies without the burnout, grab my $17 ‘Visible and Booked’ audio course or start with my free seven-day Visibility Audio Challenge."

Final Thoughts

Michelle Thames delivers a compelling argument for a balanced and strategic approach to Instagram growth. By focusing on planning, batching, automation, and repurposing, entrepreneurs can achieve significant visibility and engagement without the stress of constant online activity. Her actionable tips and emphasis on meaningful metrics provide a roadmap for sustainable business growth on social media.

Additional Resources:

• Visible and Booked Audio Course: Available for $17 [Link in Show Notes]
• Seven-Day Visibility Audio Challenge: Free signup [Link in Show Notes]
• Follow Michelle Thames on Instagram: @michellethame

Connect with Michelle:

For personalized advice and further discussions, Michelle encourages listeners to reach out via Instagram DMs.

Michelle Thames [07:30]: "I love to chat with you all in the DMs. I can send you the link there too."

This episode of Social Media Decoded equips entrepreneurs with the tools and mindset needed to navigate Instagram effectively without succumbing to burnout. Michelle Thames’ insights offer a refreshing take on social media management, prioritizing strategy and sustainability over sheer volume.