Social Media Decoded

The Real Reason My Event Sold Out (And It Wasn’t Ads)


Listen Later

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames reveals the real story behind her sold-out Elevate & Empower LIVE event — and how it happened without relying on paid ads.

Michelle shares her relationship-driven soft launch framework: how she built trust and anticipation months before ticket sales, the “soft list” tactic that filled her first spots, and the personal touches that made people feel seen and valued.

You’ll hear her honest reflection on testing Eventbrite ads (and why they didn’t work) plus the behind-the-scenes systems that made her organic marketing run like a machine.

If you’re planning a launch or event, this episode will completely shift how you see visibility and sales.

Listen now to learn how to sell out your next offer through relationships, not ads.

soft launch strategy, event marketing, relationship marketing, Michelle Thames podcast, community marketing, personal branding, organic marketing strategy, visibility coach, event planning tips

Key Takeaways:

  • You can’t out-advertise a lack of trust.
  • Community creates momentum.
  • Personal invites outperform paid ads.
  • Relationships are your most profitable marketing channel.

    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.

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      Social Media DecodedBy Michelle Thames

      • 5
      • 5
      • 5
      • 5
      • 5

      5

      180 ratings


      More shows like Social Media Decoded

      View all
      The GaryVee Audio Experience by Gary Vaynerchuk

      The GaryVee Audio Experience

      16,837 Listeners

      Build Your Tribe | Grow Your Business with Social Media by Brock Johnson

      Build Your Tribe | Grow Your Business with Social Media

      2,621 Listeners

      Social Media Marketing Podcast by Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner

      Social Media Marketing Podcast

      1,448 Listeners

      The Amy Porterfield Show by Amy Porterfield

      The Amy Porterfield Show

      4,580 Listeners

      Side Hustle Pro by Nicaila Matthews Okome | Side Hustle Pro Media

      Side Hustle Pro

      1,789 Listeners

      The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business by Jenna Kutcher

      The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business

      12,117 Listeners

      Woman of Influence by Julie Solomon

      Woman of Influence

      1,440 Listeners

      She's So Lucky by She's So Lucky

      She's So Lucky

      2,706 Listeners

      Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

      Huberman Lab

      29,256 Listeners

      In Totality with Megan Ashley by Megan Ashley

      In Totality with Megan Ashley

      4,499 Listeners

      The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

      The Mel Robbins Podcast

      20,637 Listeners

      Build with Leila Hormozi by Leila Hormozi

      Build with Leila Hormozi

      942 Listeners

      Keep it Positive, Sweetie by The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts

      Keep it Positive, Sweetie

      2,279 Listeners

      Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie by Shannon McKinstrie

      Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie

      152 Listeners

      Aspire with Emma Grede by Emma Grede | Audacy

      Aspire with Emma Grede

      630 Listeners