Social Media Decoded

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 [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 [https://buymeacoffee.com/michellelthames] 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 [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let’s Talk Ragebait: Is It Smart Marketing or Lazy Content?

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the rise of ragebait content and asks the real question most marketers avoid: does it actually build brands, or just inflate engagement? Drawing from years of experience in marketing, visibility, and personal brand strategy, Michelle explains why ragebait works, when it hurts your credibility, and who should avoid it altogether. This episode helps entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners understand how to stand out without sacrificing trust, authority, or long-term growth. TOPICS COVERED * What ragebait content actually is * Why ragebait performs well on social media platforms * The psychology behind outrage and engagement * When ragebait damages brand trust and credibility * The difference between thought leadership and clickbait * Who ragebait works for and who it hurts * How to build visibility without relying on controversy * Why clarity and positioning matter more than attention KEY TAKEAWAYS * Ragebait drives engagement, but not always conversion * Attention without trust does not lead to clients * Decision-makers buy clarity, not chaos * Thought leadership challenges ideas without eroding credibility * Strategic visibility outperforms short-term virality WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR * Entrepreneurs building personal brands * Creators who want authority, not just engagement * Business owners tired of chasing algorithms * Coaches, consultants, and service providers * Brands focused on long-term growth and trust If you want support building visibility that attracts aligned clients instead of just attention, join the Collective for ongoing strategy, feedback, and proximity. https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective [https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective] Follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on marketing, visibility, and brand growth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Social Media Manager vs Strategist: Which One Do You Actually Need?

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the real difference between a social media manager and a social media strategist — and why confusing the two can cost businesses time, money, and momentum. Michelle explains how strategy and execution serve different purposes, the most common hiring mistakes business owners make, and how choosing the right support at the right time can dramatically change results. This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, founders, and brands deciding how to invest in their marketing and visibility in 2026. TOPICS COVERED * The difference between social media management and social media strategy * Posting content vs planning a visibility ecosystem * Why execution without strategy leads to wasted effort * How strategy saves money long-term * Common hiring mistakes business owners make * When to hire a strategist vs when to hire a manager * How clarity impacts content, growth, and conversion * Why roles, timing, and expectations matter KEY TAKEAWAYS * A social media manager executes content, a strategist designs the plan * Posting consistently does not equal strategic growth * Strategy provides direction, focus, and measurable outcomes * Hiring the wrong role at the wrong time creates frustration * Clear strategy makes execution more effective and efficient WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR * Business owners hiring marketing support * Entrepreneurs confused about social media roles * Brands struggling with inconsistent results * Founders preparing to scale visibility in 2026 * Creators transitioning from DIY to professional support If you need clarity before hiring or scaling your marketing, explore working with Michelle’s agency for strategic support. www.thamesmediasolutions.com [http://www.thamesmediasolutions.com] For ongoing proximity, feedback, and visibility guidance, join the Collective. https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective [https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective] ABOUT THE HOST Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host, and community builder with over 15 years of experience helping brands and entrepreneurs build visibility systems that convert. She specializes in strategy-first marketing, community-led growth, and sustainable brand ecosystems. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.