Social Media Decoded

Episode: My 2026 Visibility Rules (That I’m Not Breaking)

Host: Michelle Thames
Date: December 29, 2025

Episode Overview

In this powerful solo episode, host and visibility strategist Michelle Thames shares her personal “Visibility Rules” for 2026—rules she is committed to upholding and encourages her listeners to adapt as well. Michelle emphasizes a shift away from outdated strategies and hustling for algorithm approval and focuses on intentional visibility, simplicity, aligned opportunities, and community-driven growth. She dives deep into what she’s leaving behind and what she’s doubling down on for a year marked by clarity, proximity, and sustainable impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Outdated Approach to Visibility

• Michelle sets the tone by declaring that 2026 requires a new playbook for visibility: “The way we did visibility in 2023, 2024, even 2025, it's not going to work in 2026. This is the year of clarity, proximity, community, simplicity. And these rules, they're not just for me. They're for you, too.” (00:58)
• The rules prioritize clarity over confusion, real connection over chasing trends, and peace over burnout.

2. What Michelle Is No Longer Doing in 2026

Rule 1: No More Performing for the Algorithm

• “If it doesn't align, if it doesn't build community, if it doesn't strengthen my brand, I am not doing it.” (01:19)
• Visibility now means being “intentionally seen by the right people,” not scrambling for attention.

Rule 2: No More Overcomplicating Content

• Michelle commits to using only channels where her audience really lives: “I’m not on five apps trying to be everything. I’m using what works—my podcast, Instagram, LinkedIn, threads, email, real community experiences, period.” (01:37)

Rule 3: No More Misaligned Opportunities

• “In 2026, I'm only taking opportunities that elevate my authority, my community, my revenue, my impact, my peace. Say it with me. Aligned or declined?” (01:54)

Rule 4: No More Silent Suffering

• Emphasizes seeking help early and investing in support: “My success skyrocketed when I stopped trying to be the strongest person in the room and instead became the most resourceful.” (02:11)

3. Michelle's 2026 Visibility Playbook: What She’s Doubling Down On

Rule 5: Doubling Down on Podcasting

• Podcasting is now her main authority-building channel: “Not for virality, for authority. Podcast listeners convert faster than any platform because they trust your voice…” (03:00)
• “The podcast is the front door to my entire visibility ecosystem.” (03:06)

Rule 6: Doubling Down on Community

• “This is the year of she connects, retreats, workshops, networking in person and online community experiences. Because community converts, community retains, community refers.” (03:19)
• She has created The Collective, a space for women seeking proximity and real support.

Rule 7: Doubling Down on Simple Funnels

• Says no to tech overwhelm: “No 12 step tech circuits, no complicated launch machines. My 2026 visibility funnel is simple. Podcast, email, offer, community, retain, elevate, done.” (03:49)

Rule 8: Doubling Down on Storytelling

• “Your story will convert faster than any strategy. People follow people, people buy from real humans. People trust transformation, not templates.” (04:02)

Rule 9: Doubling Down on Speaking

• Intentionally leveraging public speaking: “I'm showing up with a different level of authority because every room I speak in creates a ripple effect… If 2026 is the year of the multi-passion entrepreneur, then speaking is the megaphone.” (04:17)

Rule 10: Doubling Down on Peace, Boundaries, Support, and Ease

• A firm commitment to sustainable business: “I refuse to build a business that drains me. 2026 is about sustainable visibility, not burnout visibility.” (04:30)

4. The Power of Simplicity

• “Simplicity is the most overlooked strategy in business… Simplicity gives you consistency, clarity, capacity, confidence, conversion. When you simplify you show up better, you serve deeper, you sell easier. The noise fades, your message gets louder.” (04:45)
• The decision matrix for 2026: “If it doesn't move the mission forward, it's a no.” (05:13)

5. Michelle’s Resource and Offer to Listeners

• Released her book “From Fire to Featured,” which outlines her full visibility roadmap, bundled with tools and a 1:1 call.

• To access: “DM me the word book or grab the link in the show notes.” (02:33)

• Invitation to join “The Collective” for ongoing community, strategy, and accountability:
  “You need to be inside the collective before January. There’s nothing like it online. You get monthly strategy sessions with me… a real community doing this work with you. Proximity, which is the real cheat code. This is your room.” (05:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the shift in visibility:
  “Visibility does not equal performing. Visibility equals being intentionally seen by the right people.” (01:26)
• On alignment:
  “Aligned or declined?” (01:57)
• On support:
  “My success skyrocketed when I stopped trying to be the strongest person in the room and instead became the most resourceful.” (02:11)
• On podcasting:
  “Podcast listeners convert faster than any platform because they trust your voice, they hear your thought leadership, they feel connected.” (03:02)
• On storytelling:
  “People trust transformation, not templates.” (04:07)
• On simplicity:
  “When you simplify you show up better, you serve deeper, you sell easier. The noise fades, your message gets louder.” (04:46)
• On boundaries and peace:
  “I refuse to build a business that drains me. 2026 is about sustainable visibility, not burnout visibility.” (04:31)

Episode Structure & Timestamps

• [00:55] Michelle opens the episode, frames the 2026 shift, and previews the new rules.
• [01:19] Rules Michelle is not breaking—what she’s leaving behind.
• [03:00] What she’s doubling down on—community, podcasting, storytelling, speaking, and peace.
• [04:45] The importance and strategy of ruthless simplicity.
• [05:21] Offer to join The Collective and her actionable call to listeners.
• [End] Expresses gratitude, encourages reviews and subscriptions.

Takeaway

This episode is a clarion call to step into 2026 with a new level of clarity and focus. Michelle dismantles the tired notions of visibility rooted in performance and complexity. Instead, she models—and invites her listeners to embody—an approach anchored in intentionality, simplicity, aligned action, and authentic relationships. For entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone looking to grow their digital presence without burning out, Michelle’s 2026 “Visibility Rules” are equal parts inspiration and action plan.