Social Media Decoded

By Michelle ThamesBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Marketing Courses

Social Media Decoded episodes

August 06, 2025Why I’m Pivoting My Business in Real Time (And What I’m Building Now)
In this real and raw episode, Michelle Thames shares her behind-the-scenes journey of pivoting her marketing agency while actively building a personal brand media company in real time.
She dives into why she walked away from the traditional done-for-you agency model, how she's evolving her business to align with her values, and what this shift means for women entrepreneurs, creatives, and founders who are craving visibility with more freedom and purpose.
Whether you're a multi-passionate entrepreneur, a coach, or a content creator thinking about rebranding, shifting directions, or expanding your personal brand, this episode is for you.
Topics Covered:
Why I’m pivoting out of agency life
Building a lean, impactful media company
What I’m keeping vs letting go
How I’m integrating coaching, community, retreats, and strategy
Building a personal brand media company for visibility & legacy
What this means for YOU (and how we can work together)
Let’s Connect & Get Your Freebie!
Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames
Threads: @michellelthames
LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames
YouTube: Michelle L Thames
Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Ready to increase your Visibility? Join the FREE 7-Day Visibility Challenge HERE
Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!
Want my proven story strategy that’s helping women earn $200/day from their audience? DM “STORY” to me on Instagram (@michellelthames) and I’ll send you my favorite visibility and sales framework—free for listeners!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
7 min
August 05, 2025How to Pack Out Your Next Event: Real Strategies, Speaker Secrets & My No-Fluff Playbook for 2025
Ever wondered what it really takes to sell out a women’s business event? In this no-fluff episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames takes you behind the curtain of Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025—sharing her proven strategies for curating the right room, building buzz, and delivering massive value that converts.
You’ll discover why most events leave you with just a selfie (and no ROI)—and how Michelle flips the script with a playbook that prioritizes execution, community, and results.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The #1 reason most women’s conferences miss the mark (and how to do it differently)

The 4-step event framework that fills any retreat, summit, or mastermind—even if you’re starting from scratch

How to choose (and pitch) speakers who drive value, action, and next-level transformation

Insider strategies for audience research, sponsor outreach, and building a buzzworthy promo calendar

What actually happens at Elevate & Empower LIVE—from VIP dinners to networking Bingo Nights and hands-on workshops

Tangible takeaways you can steal for your next launch or event—whether you have 5 seats or 50
Meet the 2025 Speaker Lineup:
Jordan Gill (Systems Saved Me): The queen of clarity and systems for service providers and coaches

Taylor Smith (Power Table Live): Community-building strategist and “Community is the New Currency” movement leader

Candace Junée (Epic Fab Girl): Marketing expert and offer-crafting powerhouse for ambitious women entrepreneurs
PLUS:
Michelle’s real talk on why she hosts events (and how they’ve changed her life and business), behind-the-scenes moments, and how you can get in the room—or steal her blueprint for your own.
Ready for more? Download Michelle’s free Event Promo Pack for scripts, outreach templates, and her full event checklist.
Join the email list to get first dibs on tickets, bonuses, and resources to take your brand to the next level.
Resources Mentioned:
Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025 Tickets

Event Promo Pack Download – HERE

Connect on Instagram: @michellelthames
Let’s Connect & Get Your Freebie!
Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames

Threads: @michellelthames

LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames

YouTube: Michelle L Thames

Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Ready to increase your Visibility? Join the FREE 7-Day Visibility Challenge HERE
Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!
Want my proven story strategy that’s helping women earn $200/day from their audience? DM “STORY” to me on Instagram (@michellelthames) and I’ll send you my favorite visibility and sales framework—free for listeners!
how to fill an event, women’s business event, entrepreneurship conference, speaker pitching, event promo strategies, visibility, marketing, Elevate & Empower LIVE, Michelle Thames, women in business, business networking, event launch tips

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
12 min
August 04, 2025From Expo Stage to Instagram: How I Landed & Leveraged An Expo Talk
Michelle Thames breaks down the exact email pitch and follow-up cadence that secured her speaking slot at the Black Women’s Expo—and then hands you her “Stage-to-Story” workflow for turning one talk into five high-performing Instagram posts. Perfect for creators, coaches, and service pros who want to book stages and squeeze weeks of content (and revenue) from a single appearance.
Key Points Covered
Opportunity Radar: How Michelle spotted and responded to the BWE call for speakers in under 15 minutes.

Exact Pitch Email Template: Subject line, credibility bullets, and closing sentence that got the yes.

Follow-Up Timeline: 48-hour bump, 96-hour LinkedIn nudge, and the “asset ask” that guarantees video + photos.

Stage-to-Story Workflow: Five IG content pieces—hero photo, reel, carousel, Stories highlight, quote graphic—and the 7-day posting schedule.

Monetization Play: Convert your talk into a newsletter hook, podcast episode, and $37 mini-offer.

Action plan listeners can copy this week to pitch their own stages.
Action Steps
Create a Google Alert: “[Your industry] + call for speakers + 2025.”

Customize Michelle’s pitch email (see PDF).

Schedule two follow-up reminders in your calendar.

Secure recording and photo pass before event day.

Use the Stage-to-Story checklist to plan five posts from one talk.
Resources Mentioned
Power Hour – Visibility Power Session Pitch Audit

FREE Stage-to-Story Checklist - DM ME on IG @michellelthames and ask for this (say you listened this episode 😉)
secure speaking engagements, speaker pitch email template, repurpose speaking content, Instagram content from live event, stage to social workflow, Black Women’s Expo speaker, Michelle Thames visibility tips, how to get speaking gigs 2025, create content from keynote, social media strategy for speakers

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
14 min
August 03, 2025August Jump-Start: 4-Week Action Plan to Elevate Your Brand
This episode hands you a clear, week-by-week roadmap for August, showing exactly how to fix your funnel, optimize one platform, activate community, and upsell with smart surveys—so you can boost visibility and revenue without overwhelm.
Key Points Covered
Why one focus per week beats multitasking for brand growth

Week-1 “Bio & Link” funnel audit to capture more leads instantly

Week-2 SEO tune-up for Instagram, LinkedIn, or your podcast trailer

Week-3 micro-challenge framework to spark community engagement

Week-4 upsell-and-survey strategy that drives sales and market research in one move

Two 90-minute implementation blocks to lock in momentum
Action Steps
Rewrite your IG bio and replace multiple links with one clear freebie.

Add keyword-rich alt text to ten existing posts or publish a 60-second podcast trailer.

Run a five-day challenge inside your group or Stories to activate members.

Offer a bite-size product and survey buyers on next-step desires.
Resources Mentioned
Visibility Insider newsletter for the printable F.O.C.U.S. worksheet- DM Me on IG @MichelleLThames

Free 7-Day Visibility Challenge for daily accountability
Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames

Threads: @michellelthames

LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames

YouTube: Michelle L Thames

Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Ready to increase your Visibility? Join the FREE 7-Day Visibility Challenge HERE
Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!
Want my proven story strategy that’s helping women earn $200/day from their audience? DM “STORY” to me on Instagram (@michellelthames) and I’ll send you my favorite visibility and sales framework—free for listeners!
Share This Episode
Post a screenshot to your Stories with the week you’re tackling first and tag @socialmediadecodedpod and @michellelthames. Your plan could be highlighted in an upcoming recap.
August marketing plan, monthly brand action plan, weekly content strategy, Instagram funnel audit, social media community challenge, upsell survey method, Michelle Thames visibility tips, 4-week business growth roadmap, social media action plan 2025, small business August strategy

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
8 min
August 02, 2025Instagram SEO Update 2025: Your Guide to Google-Indexed IG Posts (and 3 Ways to Win Fast)
Instagram has quietly rolled out a change that lets Google index your public posts, opening the door to evergreen search traffic. In this episode Michelle Thames explains what “indexing” means, why it matters for creators and brands, and three quick optimizations you can apply this weekend to start showing up in Google results.
Key Points Covered
What changed in 2025: Instagram’s new crawlable post wrapper

How alt text, captions, and on-page engagement now fuel Google ranking

Difference between hashtag reach and true search indexing

Three fast wins: keyword-first captions, strategic alt text, and carousel keyword stacking

Power tip: cross-linking your post in Threads for instant backlink juice
Action Steps
Front-load keywords in the first 120 characters of future captions.

Write descriptive alt text for at least ten existing posts.

Post a fresh carousel with slide-by-slide keyword variants and a clear CTA.
Check out the new Visible & Booked merch and share how you’re wearing it!
Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames

Threads: @michellelthames

LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames

YouTube: Michelle L Thames

Podcast: Social Media Decoded

Book a Power Hour Strategy Session HERE

Free 7 Day Authority Shift: Private Audio Experience

Story Strategy Guide (Free Download): HERE

Shop the Visible & Booked Merch Collection: HERE

Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellelthames
Share This Episode!
Screenshot this episode and tag @michellelthames with your biggest takeaway.
Share your thoughts on Spotify comments or on Threads—Michelle loves featuring listener wins and tips!
Instagram SEO update 2025, Google indexing Instagram posts, how to write alt text on IG, Instagram captions for SEO, Instagram carousel SEO strategy, social media search traffic, evergreen Instagram reach, Michelle Thames podcast, IG algorithm changes 2025, optimize Instagram for Google search

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
7 min
August 01, 2025Stop Hiding the Checkout — The #1 Instagram Mistake Costing You Cash
Posting awesome content but still not seeing sales? In this Fast-Fix Friday episode, Michelle Thames reveals the silent Instagram mistake that keeps creators, coaches, and small-business owners from converting likes into revenue: no clear offer line. Learn why visibility ≠ conversion, the mindset switch you need, and a one-sentence CTA formula that turns scrollers into buyers—without feeling “salesy.”
Key Topics Covered
The hidden “cash register” problem: Why valuable posts alone don’t prompt purchases

Mindset flip: Treat every post like a mini storefront, not just a value bomb

Offer-Line Formula: 1 sentence, action-oriented, friction-free (plus swipe examples)

Real-life micro case study—900-follower account → 3 retainer clients in 14 days

Quick caption edit demo you can implement in 5 minutes

How offer lines boost reach and revenue (algorithm loves conversions!)
Action Steps
Edit your latest post: Add one clear offer line (link-in-bio, DM keyword, or Power-Hour booking).

Pin a Story highlight called Work With Me or Start Here.

Share your updated post in Stories and tag @socialmediadecodedpod for feedback.
Links & Resources
Book a Power Strategy Session HERE

Follow the show on IG: @socialmediadecodedpod

Check out the new Visible & Booked merch and share how you’re wearing it!

Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames

Threads: @michellelthames

LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames

YouTube: Michelle L Thames

Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Ready to increase your Visibility? Join the FREE 7-Day Visibility Challenge HERE
Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!
Want my proven story strategy that’s helping women earn $200/day from their audience? DM “STORY” to me on Instagram (@michellelthames) and I’ll send you my favorite visibility and sales framework—free for listeners!
Share the Episode
Screenshot this episode, add your new offer line in text, and tag @socialmediadecodedpod and @MichelleLThames so Michelle can repost your win! Drop thoughts or questions in the Spotify Q&A feature—your comment may be featured next week.
Instagram sales tips 2025, convert followers to customers, Instagram CTA examples, how to sell on Instagram captions, Instagram conversion strategy, Michelle Thames podcast, IG offer line formula, monetize Instagram content, social media checkout mistake, Instagram marketing for small business

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
5 min
July 31, 2025How to Build a Real Online Community (Even with a Small Following)
Do you feel like your follower count is “too small” to launch a real community? Think again. In this episode, Michelle Thames reveals her proven C.A.R.E. Framework™ for building a thriving online community from scratch—even if you have fewer than 200 followers.
You’ll learn how to clarify your community’s purpose, attract your first five “founding members,” and create simple rituals that keep people engaged and excited to participate. Plus, Michelle shares a real case study of how one client launched a powerful micro-community and turned it into a profitable offer in just 60 days.
If you’ve been waiting to start until you “hit 10K,” this episode will change your mind and get you moving—today.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why communities outperform “audiences” in 2025The four pillars of Michelle’s C.A.R.E. Framework™

A 4-step launch blueprint to activate your first members

Real-world case study: how one small group turned into $4,400 in revenue

The biggest mistakes that kill engagement (and how to avoid them)

Michelle’s 48-hour action challenge to jumpstart your own group
Action Steps:
Write your community’s promise statement (the transformation members will get)

Invite your “Founding Five” personally via DM or email.

Launch one simple weekly ritual to build momentum.

Tag @socialmediadecodedpod with your progress for a chance to be featured!
Links & Resources:
Book a Community Power Hour with Michelle

Download the FREE Community Kick-Start Checklist HERE

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @socialmediadecodedpod
Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames

Threads: @michellelthames

LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames

YouTube: Michelle L Thames

Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Ready to increase your Visibility? Join the FREE 7-Day Visibility Challenge HERE
Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!
Want my proven story strategy that’s helping women earn $200/day from their audience? DM “STORY” to me on Instagram (@michellelthames) and I’ll send you my favorite visibility and sales framework—free for listeners!
Share This Episode:
Screenshot this episode, share it in your IG Stories, and tag @socialmediadecodedpod and @michellelthames with your biggest takeaway. You can also drop a comment on Spotify—we might feature your question or win in the next episode!
build online community 2025, start online community small following, Michelle Thames community strategy, community engagement ideas, how to launch a micro-community, social media community building tips, C.A.R.E. Framework Michelle Thames

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9 min
July 30, 2025From Stuck to Seen: How Robin Claimed Her Expertise & Built Her Authority Online
Are you struggling to show up confidently online and clearly communicate your brand message?
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames sits down with her client Robin, founder of Necessary Nutrition, to talk about how she went from feeling stuck and unseen to confidently owning her voice, message, and mission — all inside Michelle’s Elevate & Empower Community.
Robin shares what wasn’t working in her marketing, the mindset shifts she experienced, and the exact strategies they implemented to help her brand get more aligned, visible, and impactful. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to show up online, or wondered what it's like to get expert support in a community format.
🎧 You’ll Learn:
What was keeping Robin from showing up consistently online

The breakthrough moment that helped her clarify her message

How Michelle’s Elevate & Empower Community helped her unlock confidence and strategy

Tips for building visibility as a purpose-driven brand

Advice for women who feel invisible in their niche
Whether you’re a coach, creator, or multi-passionate entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to stop playing small and get visible with purpose.
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
Connect with Robin: @nessynutri

Learn more about Michelle’s 30-Day Visibility Container: DM “READY” to @michellelthames

Work with Michelle: https://www.michellethames.com
Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames

Threads: @michellelthames

LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames

YouTube: Michelle L Thames

Podcast: Social Media Decoded

Book a Power Hour Strategy Session HERE

Free 7 Day Authority Shift: Private Audio Experience

Story Strategy Guide (Free Download): HERE

Shop the Visible & Booked Merch Collection: HERE

Learn more about the elevate & empower community here

Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellelthames
Share This Episode!
Screenshot this episode and tag @michellelthames with your biggest takeaway.
Share your thoughts on Spotify comments or on Threads—Michelle loves featuring listener wins and tips!
✨ Loved this episode?
Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a friend who needs the encouragement to finally get visible!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
24 min
July 29, 2025How to Grow a Podcast Audience from Scratch: The 2025 Playbook
Want to build a loyal podcast audience in 2025—starting from zero? In this episode, Michelle Thames breaks down her proven podcast growth playbook, covering exactly how to get your first 1,000 downloads, the biggest mistakes most podcasters make, and easy visibility hacks that work for anyone, no matter your experience or following. If you want to get found, get shared, and turn your show into a thriving community, this episode is for you.
Key Topics Covered:
The reality of podcasting in 2025 (and why “just posting” isn’t enough)

The one-sentence promise every podcast needs

How to create bingeable, searchable episodes listeners can’t resist

Why consistent publishing matters (and how to batch like a pro)

The power of shareable episodes, shoutouts, and community-building

How to tap into other people’s audiences to accelerate growth

Repurposing your podcast for Reels, Shorts, and LinkedIn

Visibility hacks for all ages and backgrounds—no fame required!

Real examples from Michelle’s own clients and listeners

Simple steps to avoid “podfade” and build momentum
Action Steps:
Define your show’s promise and who it’s for

Brainstorm 3 “pillar episodes” and give them SEO-friendly titles

Repurpose each episode into 2–3 social posts this week

Pitch yourself to another podcast (or ask a friend for a swap)

Screenshot this episode, share on IG or Threads, and tag @socialmediadecodedpod
Links & Resources:
Book your Power Hour (Podcast Strategy) HERE

Podcast Launch Kit
Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames

Threads: @michellelthames

LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames

YouTube: Michelle L Thames

Podcast: Social Media Decoded

Book a Power Hour Strategy Session HERE

Free 7 Day Authority Shift: Private Audio Experience

Story Strategy Guide (Free Download): HERE

Shop the Visible & Booked Merch Collection: HERE

Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellelthames
Share This Episode!
Screenshot this episode and tag @michellelthames with your biggest takeaway.
Share your thoughts on Spotify comments or on Threads—Michelle loves featuring listener wins and tips!

Share This Episode!
Screenshot this episode and tag @michellelthames with your biggest takeaway.
Share your thoughts on Spotify comments or on Threads—Michelle loves featuring listener wins and tips! Instagram: @michellelthames
Podcast growth 2025, how to start a podcast, grow your podcast audience, Michelle Thames, Social Media Decoded podcast, podcast strategy for beginners, podcast marketing, how to get podcast listeners, audio content tips

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10 min
July 28, 2025How to Fix Your IG Engagement in 2025: Real Strategies Anyone Can Use
Instagram engagement in 2025 has shifted—so what’s actually working now? Michelle Thames breaks down why likes and comments are down, how the IG algorithm has changed, and the exact 5-day action plan that’s helping everyday people, creators, and business owners revive their reach and community. Plus, Michelle announces the launch of her new Visible & Booked merch collection—perfect for anyone ready to be seen and celebrated online!
Key Topics Covered:
Why IG engagement is down for so many in 2025

The algorithm’s new focus on saves, shares, and authenticity

How anyone can get discovered with IG SEO (captions, alt text, keywords)

The 3 most common engagement mistakes (and real listener examples)

Michelle’s “5-Day IG Engagement Fix” that works for any niche

How to connect, build community, and make your content truly shareable

The power of showing up—on Stories, Reels, and in your DMs

How to get involved with the show: comment on Spotify, join the conversation on Threads, or DM Michelle on IG
Action Steps:
Try the 5-Day IG Engagement Fix (poll, carousel, go Live, shoutout, ask for saves/shares)

Reply to Michelle’s Q&A on Spotify or tag @michellelthames on Threads and IG with your results

Check out the new Visible & Booked merch and share how you’re wearing it!
Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames

Threads: @michellelthames

LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames

YouTube: Michelle L Thames

Podcast: Social Media Decoded

Book a Power Hour Strategy Session HERE

Free 7 Day Authority Shift: Private Audio Experience

Story Strategy Guide (Free Download): HERE

Shop the Visible & Booked Merch Collection: HERE

Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellelthames
Share This Episode!
Screenshot this episode and tag @michellelthames with your biggest takeaway.
Share your thoughts on Spotify comments or on Threads—Michelle loves featuring listener wins and tips!
Instagram engagement tips 2025, IG algorithm 2025, Instagram SEO, how to get more engagement on Instagram, Michelle Thames, social media podcast, IG content strategy, Instagram tips for beginners, visibility online, podcast for creators

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10 min

About Social Media Decoded

From the publisher's feed

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…