Social Media Decoded with Michelle Thames

Episode: The 5-Step Visibility Checklist for Entrepreneurs
Date: September 8, 2025

Episode Overview

In this actionable solo episode, marketing expert Michelle Thames breaks down her essential five-step visibility checklist for entrepreneurs who want to get seen by the right audience, build authority online, and stop wasting time on ineffective content. Through clear guidance, memorable anecdotes, and personal experiences, Michelle empowers listeners to focus their energies, clarify their message, and cultivate real community—online and off.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Messaging Visibility: Clarity Comes First

[01:06]

• Core Idea: Your message must be instantly clear to your ideal client.
• Key Questions to Ask:
  • “Can someone look at my profile and instantly know what problem I solve and for who?”
• Insight: Without clarity, your content will not convert. Go back to basics if your message isn’t immediately obvious.

Notable Quote:

“If your message isn't clear, your content will not convert. I mean, it's 100 with that.”
– Michelle Thames [01:18]

2. Platform Focus: Stop Trying To Be Everywhere

[02:04]

• Advice: Choose 2–3 main platforms max. Authority is built through focus, not chaos.
• Michelle’s Example: She focuses on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, her podcast, and is rebuilding YouTube. She posts on Facebook, but doesn’t spread herself thin.

Notable Quote:

“Authority isn't built in chaos, it's built with focus.”
– Michelle Thames [02:29]

3. Content Pillars: Quality and Relevance Over Quantity

[02:46]

• Key Types of Content:
  • Authority (teaching frameworks)
  • Relatable "edutainment"
  • Behind-the-scenes and stories
  • Social proof and testimonials
• Strategy: Rotate these pillars. Avoid overly stiff, step-by-step content—be real and relatable.
• Call to Action: Always include CTAs about your freebies and offers; without them, there’s a hole in your plan.

Notable Quote:

“People want to see relatable, they don't want to see stiff. One, two, three, step. That type of content is done, okay?”
– Michelle Thames [03:10]

4. Community & Networking: Build Real Connections

[03:56]

• Philosophy: Visibility transcends posting—it's about “being in the room.”
• Events: Michelle highlights her Coffee and Connections and Elevated Empower events as examples of building in-person community.
• Call to Action: Attend real-world networking events via Eventbrite or similar platforms.

Notable Quote:

“Visibility isn't just about posting, it's being in the room.”
– Michelle Thames [04:13]

5. Nurture System: Move Beyond the Post

[05:04]

• Critical System: Have a process that takes someone from follower to freebie/email to offer.
• Personal Example: Michelle uses her “7 Day Authority Shift” private podcast series as an entry point.
• Warning: Visibility without a nurture strategy is just “noise.”

Notable Quote:

“You need a system that takes people from follower, freebie, email, nurture to your offer. Without that, your visibility isn't sustainable.”
– Michelle Thames [05:12]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Not Spreading Yourself Too Thin:
  “Focus in on a few key areas where you know absolutely that your ideal client is.”
  [02:40]

• Building Authentic Community:
  “I am the connector, that is one of my superpowers… It is a gift and I cherish this gift.”
  [04:09]

• On Sustainable Visibility:
  “Visibility without strategy is just noise. But with this five-step checklist… you know exactly what to focus on.”
  [05:32]

• Final Advice:
  “You don’t need to post every day. You need to post with intention, authority, and a system behind you.”
  [05:45]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:59 — [Intro/Main Topic Starts]
• 01:06 — Step 1: Messaging Visibility
• 02:04 — Step 2: Platform Focus
• 02:46 — Step 3: Content Pillars
• 03:56 — Step 4: Community & Networking
• 05:04 — Step 5: Nurture System
• 05:32–06:05 — Wrap-up, Recap & Upcoming Events

Further Calls to Action

• Download: Free “7 Day Authority Shift” private podcast [Link in show notes]
• Events:
  • Elevate and Connect Online (Sept 16, 12:00PM CST)
  • Coffee and Connections in Orland Park, IL (Sept 14)

Episode Tone & Closing

Michelle’s delivery is inspiring, practical, and no-nonsense. She encourages listeners to “keep showing up with authority, not just activity” [06:05], urging entrepreneurs to prioritize strategic action over mindless content generation.

This episode is a concise, motivating guide to mastering entrepreneurial visibility—perfect for business owners ready to stop guessing and start growing with clarity and community.