Social Media Decoded

Michelle Thames

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. Tune in for expert insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you get visible, attract clients, and build a profitable brand. 🎙️✨

  1. 4 HR AGO

    Email Marketing Isn’t Dead — It’s the Only Thing That Pays Me When Social Media Is Quiet

    If social media ever feels unpredictable, this episode is your reminder that real business stability doesn’t come from algorithms — it comes from ownership. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why email marketing continues to generate revenue even when Instagram engagement dips or content doesn’t “hit.” After 15+ years online as a blogger, influencer, agency owner, and marketing strategist, Michelle shares how email systems create calm, predictable income — without panic posting or chasing trends. This is not theory. This is lived experience. If you’re building a personal brand, coaching business, agency, or online offer and want sustainable growth, this episode will show you why email marketing is still the most powerful asset in your digital ecosystem. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why email marketing is more stable than social media The difference between rented attention and owned audience How automated email sequences nurture leads without daily effort Why systems reduce burnout and decision fatigue How to turn visibility into consistent revenue The foundational email strategy every entrepreneur should implement How to stop panicking when algorithms shift Why Email Marketing Still Works in 2026 Social media builds momentum. Email builds infrastructure. Michelle explains how: Owning your email list protects your business from platform changes Automated nurture sequences build trust while you focus on growth Webinar funnels and onboarding emails create scalable systems Weekly consistency beats daily chaos If you’ve ever wondered whether email marketing is still worth it — this episode answers that clearly. Mentioned in This Episode Michelle references her live session: “What’s In My Kit: The Backend Systems That Turn Visibility Into Revenue.” In this workshop, she walks through: The exact email automations she uses How podcast listeners move into her ecosystem Her nurture sequence structure How to build backend systems without overcomplicating your business Sign up here: https://partners.kit.com/mt-workshop Key Takeaway Visibility without systems is noise. If you want sustainable growth, higher-ticket clients, speaking opportunities, partnerships, or consistent sales, your email list is not optional — it’s foundational. Connect With Michelle Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host of Social Media Decoded, and founder of Thames Media Solutions. She helps multi-passionate women entrepreneurs build visibility ecosystems that convert attention into revenue. If you’re curious about the exact email platform Michelle uses to power her automations and nurture sequences, it’s linked in the show notes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min
  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    From Online Authority to In-Person Impact: How to Host Profitable Workshops (Even If You’re Nervous)

    If you’ve built your business online but feel called to host in-person workshops or live events… this episode is for you. In today’s episode of Social Media Decoded, I’m sharing a live strategy session with Mariah, founder of Mariah Magazine and an SEO educator who has taught online for 10 years and is now ready to step back into in-person events—but feels nervous about where to start. We turned her 30-minute visibility strategy session into a live podcast episode so you can hear exactly how I help entrepreneurs move from stuck to strategic. If you’ve ever wondered how to host a workshop, plan an in-person event, price tickets, fill seats, or transition from online authority to real-life community building, this episode is your blueprint. In This Episode We Cover: How to transition from online business to in-person workshops Why your first event doesn’t need 100 people How to pre-sell an event before booking a venue Event marketing strategies that actually work Using platforms like Eventbrite to drive local visibility How to structure a one-day conference or half-day workshop How to price early bird and VIP tickets Creating community and connection at live events Why paid events build authority faster than free ones Simple ways to make your event share-worthy (without overcomplicating decor) We also discuss: Building visibility through proximity Leveraging organic platforms like Threads to test demand Using ads strategically for local events How to host intentional networking experiences Event monetization vs. brand positioning strategy Key Takeaways You’re not nervous — you’re evolving. Authority online is powerful. Authority in proximity is embodied. If you’ve been teaching, coaching, or serving online for years, hosting in-person workshops can deepen your brand, increase trust, and create powerful networking opportunities. You don’t need more content. You need clearer positioning and a strategy that matches your next level. ‍ About Mariah Mariah is an SEO consultant and educator helping entrepreneurs get found on Google and AI through practical, actionable search engine optimization strategies. She runs an SEO membership, teaches on YouTube, and consults with businesses and marketing teams looking to build long-term visibility through search. Connect with Mariah: Instagram: @mariahmagazineco Threads: @mariahmagazineco Ready to Build Your Visibility Strategy? If you want clarity like this: Join the Elevate & Empower Collective Or book a Visibility Strategy Session Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  3. 5 DAYS AGO

    Why Everyone Sounds the Same Online Right Now

    In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why trend fatigue, borrowed language, and algorithm-driven messaging are causing originality to disappear across social media platforms. She explains how losing your voice quietly weakens authority, why conviction matters more than virality, and how to reclaim clarity in your brand messaging. This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, creators, consultants, and professionals who want long-term visibility without blending into the noise. What We Cover in This Episode Why trend fatigue is reshaping online content How borrowed language weakens brand authority The psychological pressure to perform online Why consistency without identity creates noise The difference between performing and leading How to recognize when you’ve diluted your message Why clarity and conviction outperform trends The long-term strategy behind authentic visibility Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs building a personal brand Creators feeling disconnected from their content Consultants and strategists refining their positioning Professionals looking to strengthen authority online Anyone tired of sounding like everyone else Key Takeaway Visibility is not about copying what works. It’s about anchoring your message in identity and conviction. The brands that last are not the loudest — they are the clearest. Check out the Collective: https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min
  4. 9 FEB

    Why Marketing Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore

    Marketing used to be the answer. Post consistently, follow trends, stay visible. But in today’s landscape, marketing alone is no longer what builds trust, authority, or sustainable growth. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why the brands, creators, and business owners winning right now are moving beyond tactics and into leadership, clarity, and community. You’ll learn why audiences are tuning out traditional marketing, what decision-makers are actually paying attention to, and how evolving beyond “just marketing” changes your visibility, positioning, and long-term revenue. This episode is for entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and executives who feel like they’ve outgrown surface-level strategies and want to build something that lasts. Topics Covered in This Episode Why marketing tactics alone are no longer converting The shift from performance content to leadership content Why clarity and positioning outperform trends How audiences make buying decisions today The role of community and proximity in modern business growth Why trust beats reach in 2026 and beyond How to evolve your brand without starting over Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs tired of chasing algorithms Creators looking for longevity, not virality Professionals building authority beyond social media Business owners who feel stuck despite “doing everything right” Leaders ready to shift from tactics to impact Follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on visibility, leadership, and modern marketing strategy. If this episode made you rethink how you’re showing up, you’re exactly where you need to be. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min
  5. 4 FEB

    The Pressure to Perform Is Killing Your Message

    In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down how the pressure to perform online is weakening messages, draining creativity, and eroding authority. She explains the difference between performing for attention and leading with conviction, and why content has shifted from expression to output for so many entrepreneurs and creators. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who feels visible but disconnected from their voice and ready to reclaim clarity, confidence, and leadership in their messaging. Topics Covered How visibility turned into performance The difference between performing and leading online Why chasing engagement dilutes your message Content as output versus content as expression How performance erodes authority and trust Why leadership content feels calmer and more grounded How to reclaim your voice and message Building visibility rooted in conviction, not pressure Key Takeaways Performance-driven content leads to burnout and confusion Leadership content is anchored in clarity and conviction Authority comes from consistency of perspective, not volume Slowing down sharpens your message The right audience connects through resonance, not performance Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs feeling drained by content creation Creators who feel disconnected from their message Professionals building thought leadership Business owners tired of chasing trends Anyone ready to shift from performance to leadership If you want support building visibility rooted in clarity and leadership, explore joining the Collective for ongoing proximity, strategy, and community. Follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on visibility, marketing, and message clarity. About the Host Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host, speaker, and community builder with over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and professionals build sustainable visibility and authority without burnout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min
  6. 2 FEB

    Visibility Without Burnout: Why Doing Less Is the New Power Move

    In this feature episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames introduces her philosophy shift around visibility, marketing, and sustainable growth. She explains why doing less, not more, is the new power move and how entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives can stay visible without burning out. This episode reframes daily content, consistency, and promotion and shows why clarity, curation, and strategic visibility matter more than hustle. Topics Covered Why hustle-based visibility leads to burnout The difference between daily content and daily promotion Why clarity beats consistency in modern marketing How CEOs and leaders curate visibility instead of chasing it What strategic visibility actually looks like in 2026 How to build trust without being constantly online Creating content with intention instead of pressure Key Takeaways Visibility does not require constant performance Posting more does not equal promoting better Clarity allows content to work harder for you Curated visibility builds authority and ease Sustainable marketing starts with strategy, not volume Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs who feel exhausted by content demands Professionals building thought leadership Creatives who want visibility without burnout Business owners shifting from hustle to strategy Leaders who want long-term authority and impact Call to Action If this episode helped you rethink visibility, follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on marketing, clarity, and community-led growth. If you’d like to support the podcast, you can use Buy Me a Coffee to help keep these conversations going. About the Host Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host, speaker, and community builder with over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, visibility strategy, and brand growth. She helps entrepreneurs and professionals build sustainable visibility ecosystems that convert without burnout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min
  7. 30 JAN

    One DM Could Shut Down Your Brand: The Legal Mistakes Creators Don’t See Coming with Kailey Jacomet

    What if one DM… one cease-and-desist… or one copyright flag could shut down everything you’ve built online? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle sits down with Kailey Jacomet, founder of Brand Law Boutique, to break down the real legal risks creators, influencers, and online business owners face—often without even realizing it. If you post, sell, collaborate, or build community online, this episode is a must-listen. Inside this episode, we cover: Why one Instagram report or DM from a lawyer can shut down your business overnight The #1 trademark mistake entrepreneurs make before launching a brand The real difference between and (and why it matters more than you think) A 60-second name search checklist to avoid expensive rebrands How creators unknowingly cross copyright lines with reels, audios, and reposts Why “fair use” doesn’t always protect you on platforms like Instagram or TikTok What brands can legally do with your name, image, and content if your contract is weak The non-negotiable clauses every influencer and creator should look for (or demand) The one legal template every online business should invest in first You’ll learn: How to protect your brand before it scales How to avoid being bullied by bigger companies How to collaborate confidently without signing your rights away How to stay visible, profitable, and legally protected Resources mentioned: Contract templates + website policies Trademark education + legal planning tools Exclusive listener discount (code in episode description) If this episode saved you from a future legal headache (or a five-figure mistake), screenshot it, share it, and tag @michellelthames + @kaileyjacomet with your biggest takeaway. Post proudly. Sell smart. Protect your brand at all costs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min

About

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. Tune in for expert insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you get visible, attract clients, and build a profitable brand. 🎙️✨

You Might Also Like