Instagram Isn’t Dead—But These Strategies Are

Summary

Social Media Decoded: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Instagram Isn’t Dead—But These Strategies Are
Host: Michelle Thames
Release Date: April 28, 2025

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Introduction

In the latest episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames delves into the evolving landscape of Instagram marketing. Contrary to the popular belief that Instagram's effectiveness is waning, Michelle asserts that the platform remains a potent tool for business growth—“Instagram still works 100%. But you've got to work it the right way” (09:30). This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands seeking to refine their Instagram strategies to achieve greater visibility and profitability in 2025.

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Outdated Instagram Strategies

Michelle begins by addressing several Instagram tactics that have lost their efficacy over time. She emphasizes the importance of abandoning these methods to enhance authentic engagement and algorithm favorability.

1. Engagement Pods

   Definition: Groups where members agree to like, comment, and share each other's content to artificially boost engagement.

   Issue: Instagram's algorithm has become adept at detecting inauthentic interactions, leading to the deprioritization of content from engagement pods.

   Michelle’s Insight:
   “Instagram's algorithm figured that out years ago and now it sees it as inauthentic engagement and deprioritizes your content if you do this. So I am begging you here on this podcast today, please do not use engagement pods.” (00:58)

2. Hashtag Overload

   Definition: Utilizing the maximum number of hashtags (e.g., 30) in hopes of increasing post visibility.

   Issue: The strategy of using numerous, often irrelevant hashtags is outdated. Instagram now prioritizes relevance and context over sheer quantity.

   Michelle’s Advice:
   “So instead focus on a few highly relevant, niche specific hashtags and pair them with strong captions that tell the algorithm who you are and who you help. So please do not use 30 hashtags, maybe five that are super super relevant.” (01:05)

3. Overly Curated Perfect Grids

   Definition: Maintaining a meticulously organized and aesthetically flawless Instagram grid.

   Issue: Audiences now crave authenticity and realness over perfection. Excessive curation can make brands appear disconnected and less relatable.

   Michelle’s Recommendation:
   “Today people want to see you, they want the realness, they want to trust you. So instead use behind the scenes content. Use face to camera reels... No one cares about your grid being perfect.” (01:20)

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Effective Instagram Strategies in 2025

Transitioning from outdated practices, Michelle outlines three powerful strategies that remain effective for organic growth and client attraction on Instagram.

1. Personal Branding and Storytelling

   Focus: Building a relatable and trustworthy brand through authentic storytelling.

   Application:

   • Share your personal journey and the steps that led you to success.
   • Highlight client stories and transformations to showcase real results.
   • Offer lessons from your weekly experiences or behind-the-scenes glimpses.

   Quote:
   “People follow people, they do not follow perfectly branded businesses.” (02:15)

2. Short-Form Video with Purpose (Reels)

   Focus: Leveraging Instagram Reels not just for trends, but as a strategic tool to educate and engage.

   Application:

   • Create Talking Head Reels that teach specific concepts or share bold opinions.
   • Use Reels to debunk misconceptions within your niche.
   • Batch create 3 to 5 Reels weekly to maintain consistency and relevance.

   Michelle’s Tip:
   “Batch 3 to 5 reels a week using the prompts from my $17 visible and booked Audio course.” (04:10)

3. Clear Call to Action (CTA) in Every Post

   Focus: Ensuring that each piece of content serves a purpose by guiding the audience towards a specific action.

   Application:

   • Direct followers to participate in challenges, explore offers, or send direct messages.
   • Examples include inviting them to join a free challenge or access valuable resources.

   Example:
   “Want to stop feeling invisible online? Start with my free seven day Visibility Audio Challenge. The link is in my bio.” (06:45)

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Final Takeaways

Michelle wraps up the episode by reiterating the core message: Instagram remains a vibrant platform for business growth, provided that users adopt authentic, value-driven strategies. Key takeaways include:

• Ditch Ineffective Tactics: Abandon engagement pods, reduce hashtag usage to relevant terms, and move away from overly polished grids.

• Embrace Authenticity: Focus on storytelling, real-life content, and transparent branding to build trust with your audience.

• Strategic Content Creation: Utilize purposeful Reels and ensure every post includes a clear CTA to drive engagement and conversions.

Closing Thoughts:
“Instagram is not dead, friend, but your strategy just might be.” (09:00) Michelle encourages listeners to reevaluate and adapt their Instagram approaches to align with the platform's current dynamics.

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Conclusion

This episode of Social Media Decoded serves as a crucial wake-up call for anyone relying on outdated Instagram strategies. Michelle Thames provides actionable insights and practical strategies to help businesses navigate the ever-changing social media terrain effectively. By focusing on authenticity, purposeful content creation, and strategic engagement, entrepreneurs and brands can harness Instagram's full potential in 2025.

For those seeking further guidance, Michelle offers resources such as her $17 Visible and Booked Audio Course and a free 7-day Visibility Audio Challenge, designed to help listeners implement the discussed strategies seamlessly.

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Notable Quotes:

• “Instagram’s algorithm figured that out years ago and now it sees it as inauthentic engagement and deprioritizes your content if you do this.” — Michelle Thames (00:58)

• “People follow people, they do not follow perfectly branded businesses.” — Michelle Thames (02:15)

• “Instagram is not dead, friend, but your strategy just might be.” — Michelle Thames (09:00)

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Resources Mentioned:

• $17 Visible and Booked Audio Course: Detailed strategies for enhancing Instagram visibility.
• Free 7-Day Visibility Audio Challenge: A step-by-step program to boost online presence.

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Stay tuned to Social Media Decoded for more expert insights and actionable strategies to elevate your social media game and grow your business online.

Transcript

[Unknown Host]

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[Michelle Thames]

The DM groups where people agree to connect, comment and like each other's content. Yeah, Instagram's algorithm figured that out years ago and now it sees it as inauthentic engagement and deprioritizes your content if you do this. So I am begging you here on this podcast today, please do not use engagement pods. People can see that that it's fake and that they definitely know what's going on. So that is dead, my friend. Hey.

[Unknown Host]

Hey.

[Michelle Thames]

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 Lead 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. Is Instagram dead? No, it's not. But a lot of the strategies you might still be using totally dead. If you're feeling stuck like the algorithm hates you. It doesn't. Or you're wondering why nothing is converting, then this episode is your wake up call. Today I'm breaking down the outdated tactics that are keeping your brand invisible and what you should be doing instead to organically grow and attract clients in 2025. So go ahead and get your pens and your notepads ready because you already know the deal gyms are about to be dropped. Now let's start with first, what's not working anymore and I'm going to simply call it out. These strategies are tired, outdated and just not effective anymore. The first thing is engagement pods. Lol. Remember those the DM groups where people agree to connect, comment and like each other's content? Yeah. Instagram's algorithm figured that out years ago and now it sees it as inauthentic engagement and deprioritize your content if you do this. So I am begging you here on this podcast today, please do not use engagement pods. People can see that, that it's fake and they definitely know what's going on. So that is dead my friend. Number two hashtag overload. Now using 30 random hashtags and hoping to go viral. That ship has sailed a long time ago. Instagram favors relevance and context now. So instead focus on a few highly relevant, niche specific hashtags and pair them with strong captions that tell the algorithm who you are and who you help. So please do not use 30 hashtags, maybe five that are super super relevant. Number three is overly curated, quote unquote perfect grids. Now the perfectly polished aesthetic grid does not work work like it used to friend. Today people want to see you, they want the realness, they want to trust you. So instead use behind the scenes content. Use face to camera reels. Yes, the talking hand reels. They work. And story driven posts that show your personality and your process. No one cares about your grid being perfect. And the perfect boxes, like a quote here, a video in the middle and another quote, that ship is gone. So let's, let's stop doing that. Okay? And I'm sorry if I ruffled a little some feathers, but really that does not work like it used to. Here's what is working now. Let's get into the nitty gritty. So now that we cleared out the clutter about what doesn't work, let's shift to what's actually working in 2025 to grow and monetize on Instagram. The first thing is my absolute favorite personal branding and storytelling. Is that a surprise? It shouldn't be, right? People follow people, they do not follow perfectly branded businesses. Here's what I want you to do. Share your journey to how you got to where you are. Share client stories and results because people want to see the transformation that you've actually given people. And share lessons from your week or behind the scenes. I know I love watching behind the scenes content of some of my favorite people on social media. Here's an example. Three things I wish I knew when I started my business that's way more relatable and shareable than quote unquote Monday Motivation, right? Number two Short form video but with purpose, friend. Reels are still king. Do y'all remember when reels first came out? It was so cool. I remember during the pandemic I was like, oh my goodness, I'm about to get on reels and I'm gonna do all the things. But not every real friend needs trending audio. Use talking Head reels to teach something specific, share a bold opinion, or break down a misconception in your niche. Here's a pro tip. Batch 3 to 5 reels a week using the prompts from my $17 visible and booked Audio course. It gives you everything you need, friend. Go ahead and head down to the Show Notes and click that link to grab your $17 visible and booked audio course or DM me on Instagram and I will send you the link. Number three is always, and I mean always, have a clear call to action in every piece of content that you share. Stop posting. Just to post every single one of your posts should educate, inspire or entertain and direct people towards the next step. It could be a challenge, a offer, a dm, et cetera. Here's an example. Want to stop feeling invisible online? Start with my free seven day Visibility Audio Challenge. The link is in my bio, but no, for real. If you really want to be more visible, definitely check out my free seven day Visibility Audio Challenge. It is just like this podcast. If you love this podcast, I will send you a 10 minute prompt every single day through your email and all you have to do is listen. It's that easy. And I guarantee you you will get some amazing value from it. Now part three. Here are my final takeaways. Okay, let's run it back real quick. Now Instagram is not dead, friend, but your strategy just might be. So let's ditch the pods, the random hashtags and the perfection trap. It does not have to be perfect. Please just post the content and let's lean into value driven content storytelling and clear positioning. Now, if you want more help with a system that actually works, go ahead and grab my $17 visible and booked audio course. It walks you through how to get visible without the burnout. Because I'm not here for the burnout, friend. When I tell you I've simplified my business. Like seriously, over the last year and a half, I have simplified it. Okay. Or you can start with my free 7 day visibility audio challenge and learn how to show up consistently and strategically. Here's the thing. Instagram still works 100%. But you've got to work it the right way. You have to have a strategy. So if you need to re listen to this quick episode, go ahead and re listen. Share with a friend if you found value in today's episode and don't forget to press that subscribe button so that you never ever miss an episode. And if you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to Apple or Spotify and leave the social media decoded. Podcast a Rating or Review each rating and review helps this podcast to get seen by more people. I truly appreciate this podcast community when I say I love podcasting. This is what I love and I hope that you can hear that through this podcast, through my passion, because I just love sharing this amazing, amazing content with you all. So I hope you enjoyed today's episode. Again. Share this with a friend if you found this valuable and I can't wait to talk to you all in the next one. Peace. All right, that's a wrap on today's episode. I hope you got some valuable insights and real strategies you can apply to your business business right now. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to do two quick things. First, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me ichellel Thanes so we can keep the conversation going. Second, if you found value in this podcast, it would mean the world to me if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps this show reach more entrepreneurs just like you. Oh, and if you want to support the show and fuel my matcha obsession, you can always buy me a coffee at the link in the show. Notes. Thank you for tuning in. Until next time, keep showing up, keep growing and I'll talk to y'all in the next one.

[Unknown Host]

Peace.