Social Media Decoded

Michelle Thames
  • 5.0 (184)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. 2d ago

    Why I Stopped Trying to Build an Audience | The Power of Community Over Followers

    What if the goal isn't to build a bigger audience—but to build meaningful relationships? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares the mindset shift that completely changed how she approaches social media, networking, and business growth. After years of chasing followers and viral moments, she realized the real opportunities weren't coming from her follower count—they were coming from the rooms she was creating. From visiting local hidden gems and hosting Coffee & Connections to intimate networking dinners, retreats, and her upcoming Connected & Paid event, Michelle explains why authentic community is becoming the most valuable marketing strategy in today's digital world. If you're an entrepreneur, content creator, coach, or small business owner wondering how to grow your business beyond social media, this episode will inspire you to focus on relationships that lead to collaborations, referrals, sponsorships, and lasting impact. In this episode, you'll learn: Why building community is more valuable than chasing followers How networking events create real business opportunities The difference between building an audience and building relationships Why local visibility can transform your business How to create experiences that turn followers into clients and collaborators Why community builders are the new influencers The marketing strategy that algorithms can't replace Key Takeaway: Followers don't become your sponsors. Followers don't become your collaborators. People do. If this episode inspired you, send Michelle a DM with the word ROOM and share the kind of community you're building. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who believes relationships are the future of business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 6d ago

    The Hidden Cost of Visibility: Why Your Business Needs Systems Before More Followers

    Everyone tells you to get more visible. Post more content. Start the podcast. Book the speaking engagement. Land the collaborations. But what happens after the visibility? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, I'm joined by Annie Mossbacher, Chief Growth Officer at Dubsado, for an honest conversation about what happens when your business starts growing faster than your systems can support. If you've ever felt overwhelmed after signing new clients, struggled to keep up with emails and proposals, or wondered why success suddenly feels exhausting, this episode is for you. We talk about founder burnout, client experience, sustainable growth, and why systems aren't boring—they're freedom. In this episode you'll learn: Why visibility exposes broken business systems The hidden reason founders burn out after growth How to create a client experience people never forget The first system every service provider should implement Why doing everything yourself is costing you money How to stop overdelivering at the expense of your health What sustainable growth actually looks like Why authenticity is becoming your greatest marketing advantage Memorable Quotes "Visibility without systems will burn you out." "Growth isn't about doing more. It's about becoming ruthless with your priorities." "The business you prayed for shouldn't become the business that breaks you." Connect with Annie Instagram: @anniemossbacher Learn more about Dubsado: dubsado.com/?c=michellethames Resources Mentioned Dubsado Client Experience Business Systems Founder Burnout Service-Based Business Growth If You Enjoyed This Episode... Share it with another entrepreneur who is building a business behind the scenes. If this episode helped you rethink how you're growing your business, take 30 seconds to leave a review. Your reviews help more entrepreneurs discover the show. Want to support the podcast? Buy Me a Coffee and help us continue creating free content for entrepreneurs. Follow Michelle: Instagram: @michellelthames Thanks for listening to Social Media Decoded! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Jul 6

    My Visibility Stack: The 4 Business Tools I Use Every Week to Grow My Brand

    What tools does Michelle Thames actually use to run her business every week? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle takes you behind the scenes of her visibility stack and shares the four platforms that power her podcast, email marketing, client management, and website. From creating content to automating workflows and building stronger customer relationships, these are the tools she relies on every single day. If you're an entrepreneur looking to simplify your business, save time, and create more opportunities through visibility, this episode is for you. In This Episode Why systems are just as important as visibility How Michelle uses Riverside to turn one recording into weeks of content Why KIT is the foundation of her email marketing strategy How Dubsado automates client onboarding and saves hours every week Why ShinePages is changing the way she thinks about websites and online presence The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when choosing software How to build a visibility ecosystem instead of relying on social media alone Resources Mentioned Want my complete Visibility Stack? DM TOOLS on Instagram to receive the exact platforms Michelle uses to run her business, along with her favorite resources and affiliate links. Connect with Michelle Instagram: @michellelthames Threads: @michellelthames Website: michellethames.com Love the Show? If this episode helped you, please leave a review and share it with another entrepreneur. Your support helps more business owners discover the podcast and learn how to build a brand that creates real opportunities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Jul 2

    Why Opportunities Keep Finding Me (And How You Can Make Them Find You Too)

    What if your next client, speaking engagement, sponsorship, or brand partnership isn’t waiting for another cold pitch—but for you to become more visible? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames takes you behind the scenes of how her recent local business videos, community events, speaking opportunities, and brand partnerships are creating momentum in her business. She shares why visibility is about so much more than followers and explains how showing up consistently can open doors you never expected. If you’ve been posting consistently but feel like the opportunities just aren’t coming, this episode will change the way you think about your content—and your business. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why visibility creates opportunities long before someone reaches out How Michelle’s viral local business videos led to new conversations and partnerships The mindset shift that’s helping her attract speaking engagements and sponsorship opportunities Why every piece of content should be treated as a business asset How to position yourself so clients, brands, and event organizers think of you first The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when creating content How Michelle evaluates businesses and spots marketing opportunities everywhere she goes Key Takeaways Opportunities are created long before they’re received. Visibility is an investment—not an expense. Every piece of content is either building trust or being forgotten. The right people can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist. Ready to Become More Visible? Michelle is now offering her $199 Visibility Intensive, a one-on-one strategy session designed to help you identify what’s holding your brand back and create a visibility plan that leads to real opportunities. DM Michelle the word “VISIBLE” on Instagram  Connect with Michelle Thames Instagram: @michellelthames Threads: @michellelthames Website: michellethames.com Listen to more episodes of Social Media Decoded for weekly strategies on visibility, personal branding, content marketing, and building a business that attracts opportunities. Love the Show? If this episode inspired you, please leave a review and share it with another entrepreneur. Your support helps more business owners discover the podcast and learn how to build a brand that stands out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Jul 1

    Community Is the New Competitive Advantage: Why Relationships Matter More Than Followers

    Is community the new competitive advantage? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares why she’s shifting her focus from simply creating content to intentionally building community. After hosting her intimate Summer in the South Suburbs dinner, responding to hundreds of social media comments, and watching her local business videos spark real-world conversations, she realized something powerful: People aren’t starving for more content—they’re starving for connection. Michelle shares why authentic relationships are becoming more valuable than algorithms, why networking is evolving into community building, and how creating meaningful spaces can transform your business and your life. If you’ve been feeling like you’re building your business alone, this episode is your reminder that the right room, the right conversation, and the right relationships can change everything. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why community is becoming the biggest competitive advantage in business How Michelle’s viral local content is creating real-world connections Why responding to every comment still matters The difference between building an audience and building a community How relationships lead to referrals, collaborations, and new opportunities Why entrepreneurs are craving genuine connection now more than ever The vision behind the Connected & Paid Collective and Michelle’s upcoming November event Key Takeaways Visibility gets people to notice you. Community gives them a reason to stay. Relationships create opportunities that algorithms never can. Business doesn’t have to be built alone. Resources & Links Join the Connected & Paid Collective Send Michelle a DM with the word COMMUNITY on Instagram to learn more. Support the Podcast Love the show? Support future episodes through Buy Me a Coffee. Send Michelle a DM with the word COFFEE for the link, or check the links below. Book Michelle for your next event, workshop, or conference: https://michellethames.com/contact ️ Listen to more episodes: https://bleav.com/shows/social-media-decoded/ Join Michelle’s email community: https://michellethames.kit.com/7daychallenge Connect with Michelle Thames Instagram: @michellelthames Threads: @michellelthames LinkedIn: Michelle Thames Website: https://michellethames.com If You Enjoyed This Episode… Please leave a review and share this episode with a friend or fellow entrepreneur. Your support helps more people discover the show and allows us to continue creating free content that helps entrepreneurs become more visible, build meaningful relationships, and grow thriving businesses. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Jun 24

    Why Most People Are Using AI Wrong (And What I’m Doing Instead)

    Everyone is talking about AI. But most creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners are making one major mistake: they’re asking AI for personalized business advice without giving it access to the information it actually needs. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down one of the most exciting announcements from the KIT Craft + Commerce conference: MCP (Model Context Protocol) and what it means for creators, marketers, and business owners. Don’t worry—this isn’t a technical episode. Michelle explains MCP in plain English and shares how connecting tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini directly to your email marketing platform could completely change the way you make business decisions. Instead of generic AI answers, imagine getting insights based on your actual audience, subscribers, and business data. From identifying your most engaged subscribers to creating smarter email campaigns and automations, this episode explores how AI is becoming more useful, more personalized, and more actionable for creators. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can help you grow your audience, email list, and business without feeling overwhelmed by technology, this episode is for you. In This Episode • What MCP is and why creators should care • Why most people are using AI incorrectly • How AI becomes more powerful when connected to your business data • The difference between generic AI advice and personalized insights • Why email marketing still matters in the age of AI • How creators can use AI to better understand their audience • Why your email list is one of the most valuable assets you own • The future of AI-powered marketing for entrepreneurs and creators Key Takeaways Followers are borrowed. Subscribers are owned. Better data leads to better decisions. AI isn’t replacing great marketers—it’s helping them make smarter decisions faster. The future belongs to creators who own their audience. Connect With Michelle Instagram: @MichelleLThames If this episode was helpful, send Michelle a DM with the word KIT and let her know your biggest takeaway. Affiliate Link For KIT: https://partners.kit.com/9agthn08tlmq-mcp Resources Mentioned • Kit Email Marketing Platform • ChatGPT • Claude • Gemini • KIT Craft + Commerce Conference Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Jun 22

    Why Community Builders Will Win the Next Decade

    What if the most valuable skill of the next decade isn’t content creation, AI, or automation? What if it’s community building? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames explores why community builders are uniquely positioned to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital connection. While technology continues to evolve, one thing remains true: people still crave belonging, trust, relationships, and meaningful human connection. Michelle shares what she’s learning through building Coffee & Connections, community walks, curated dinner experiences, The Collective, and her upcoming Connected & Paid event. She explains why the future belongs to those who know how to bring people together and why relationship capital may become one of the most valuable assets you can build. If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, leader, or business owner looking to build something that lasts, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why AI and automation are increasing the value of human connection • The growing loneliness epidemic and what it means for business • The difference between building an audience and building a community • Why relationship capital matters more than ever • Lessons from Coffee & Connections, The Walk, and The Dinner Series • How community creates opportunities that content alone cannot • Why community leaders are becoming the most influential people in business Key Quote: “Community leaders are the new influencers.” Connect with Michelle: Instagram: @MichelleLThames DM the word COMMUNITY to continue the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Jun 16

    What Going to the KIT Conference Actually Taught Me About Visibility

    I almost didn’t go to the KIT Craft + Commerce conference. Before the trip, I was overwhelmed, anxious, questioning everything, and honestly wondering if I should stay home and work instead. But what happened after I got in the room reminded me of something I deeply believe: Visibility is bigger than social media. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, I’m sharing the real lessons I learned at the KIT Conference in Boise—from meeting creators in real life, hearing powerful talks from leaders like James Clear and Jay Papasan, giving James Clear my book (!), and realizing that the biggest opportunities often happen outside of social media and inside real conversations. Because here’s the truth: At a certain level, opportunities don’t come from algorithms. They come from relationships. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why I almost skipped the conference Anxiety, overwhelm, and showing up anyway What happened when I gave James Clear my book My biggest takeaway from Jay Papasan’s talk Why relationships matter more than follower count The power of getting in the right rooms Why proximity is one of the most underrated visibility strategies How real conversations lead to partnerships, referrals, and opportunities Key takeaway from this episode: “The biggest shift wasn’t what I learned on stage. It was what happened in the conversations.” If you’ve been feeling stuck in business, overwhelmed with content creation, or wondering why visibility isn’t translating into opportunities—this episode is for you. Because sometimes your next level isn’t another strategy. Sometimes it’s the room. Connect with Michelle: DM the word ROOM on Instagram @MichelleLThames Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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5
out of 5
184 Ratings

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. 🎙️✨

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Thames
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    600
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Social Media Decoded
  • Show Website
    Social Media Decoded

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