Social Media Decoded – Episode Summary

Episode: The Visibility Audit: 5 Signs Your Brand Is Ready for a Big 2026 Leap
Host: Michelle Thames
Date: November 29, 2025

Overview

In this episode, marketing strategist and visibility coach Michelle Thames delivers a powerful “visibility checkup” for business owners and brands anticipating big growth in 2026. She walks listeners through a “Visibility Audit,” outlining five clear signs that signal your brand is primed for a major leap. Michelle also shares actionable steps for leveraging this growth, and offers encouragement and resources to help entrepreneurs align messaging, amplify visibility, and step into a leadership role.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Why a Visibility Audit Matters

• Brands Outgrowing Old Strategies: Michelle explains that successful brands eventually reach a point where their usual strategies and messaging feel inadequate for their larger vision.
  • “You can feel the shift coming before the results arrive. But most women ignore those signals. They think it’s a burnout or confusion when it’s really expansion.” (01:32)
• Naming the Shift: A visibility audit is about acknowledging this inner and outer growth, not mistaking it for burnout or confusion.

The Visibility Audit: 5 Signs You’re Ready for the Next Level

1. Your Content No Longer Fits Your Identity

• Feeling ‘Too Small’: If your content feels outgrown or too narrow for the ideas and impact you’re aiming to make, this is growth, not confusion.
  • “Your content feels too small for who you're becoming. You're thinking bigger than your niche.” (02:11)

2. Craving Structure and Intentional Strategy

• No More Winging It: You want to leave behind random or last-minute posts in favor of clear, strategic messaging.
  • “You’re tired of posting without a plan. No more winging it. No more random content. No more throw it up and hope for the best. You want intentional visibility, structure, strategy, direction.” (02:33)

3. Receiving Unsolicited Opportunities

• Growing Reputation: If people start recommending you or inviting you into new spaces without your direct pitching, it’s a sign your brand equity is rising.
  • “People are recommending you. Your name is circulating. You're being invited into new rooms.” (02:53)

4. Audience Evolution and Deeper Engagement

• Requests for More: When your audience is reaching out for coaching, clarity, or deeper support, they’re looking for you as a leader, not just a content creator.
  • “People are DMing you for deeper support. They want coaching. They want clarity. They want your mind, not just your content.” (03:09)

5. Intuitive Drive for More

• Feeling Pulled Toward Purpose: You sense a “nudge” toward more impact, CEO identity, and greater visibility.
  • “Your intuition is loud. Your purpose feels bigger. […] When you feel the nudge, you're ready.” (03:21)

What To Do If You Passed the Audit

• Immediate Steps:
  • Clarify your message
  • Develop a visibility plan
  • Find accountability
  • Commit to simple, consistent action
• “If you heard even one of these signs, your brand is ready for an elevation.” (03:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Every powerful brand hits a point where things feel different. Your content feels deeper. Your message starts to evolve.” – Michelle Thames (01:12)
• “This is growth, not confusion.” – Michelle Thames (02:18)
• “That's a sign you're ready to elevate.” – Michelle Thames (02:41)
• “This is a major sign that you're being called into leadership.” – Michelle Thames (03:14)
• “Simple, consistent action will bring you far.” – Michelle Thames (03:39)

Resource Offers (For Listeners’ Advancement)

• Michelle mentions special CEO Bundles featuring her book From Fire to Featured (signed copies), journals, and, optionally, a 30-minute strategy call.
• Interested listeners are encouraged to DM Michelle on Instagram (@MichelleLThames) or use the links in her bio. (03:53)

Community Engagement & Closing

• Michelle thanks her audience for supporting the show and invites them to share their biggest planned visibility shift for 2026 on Spotify. (04:33)
• She encourages ratings and reviews on Apple Podcasts to help the community grow.
• “Let’s elevate together. I will talk to you in the next one. Peace.” (04:56)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:00] – Introduction & Purpose of Today’s Episode
• [01:12] – Why You Need a Visibility Audit
• [02:11] – Sign 1: Content Feels Too Small
• [02:33] – Sign 2: Desire for Structure & Strategy
• [02:53] – Sign 3: Unsolicited Opportunities
• [03:09] – Sign 4: Audience Asking for More
• [03:21] – Sign 5: Feeling the Nudge
• [03:34] – Next Steps if You Passed the Audit
• [03:53] – CEO Bundle offers
• [04:33] – Call to Community/Listener Engagement
• [04:56] – Episode Conclusion

Tone and Style

Michelle’s delivery is energetic, supportive, and encouraging. She empowers listeners to recognize growth and boldly pursue their brands’ next level, using affirming language and actionable steps throughout.

This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, creators, and brand leaders seeking clarity and confidence as they prepare for expansion and greater visibility in 2026.