The newest platform to take the social media world by storm is Threads. The new app from Meta was launched officially on 5th July and offers a new space for sharing text updates and joining in with public conversations. Like all social platforms, it presents brands with an opportunity to engage and interact with their customers and audience.
That being said, it won't be right for every business, so it’s important to consider if it will fit with your company’s marketing strategy. To help you make this decision, we will cover what Threads is, how businesses can use Threads, the benefits of Threads and the types of content that businesses can post on Threads.
Threads is a social media platform that allows users to post and share text, images, and videos, while also providing features such as replies, reposts, and likes to engage with other users' content. With very similar functionality, features and overall look, it is the newest kid on the block to rival Twitter and already has gained immense traction with over 30 million sign ups on just day one of its launch.
Because Threads is owned by Instagram, only those who have an Instagram account can create a Threads account, using the same handle across both. Because of this close integration, it offers a new feature where users can easily share across platforms, allowing them to share posts from Threads directly to their Instagram stories.
Like Instagram, your feed on Threads will include Threads posted by users you follow, and also include content from users you haven’t yet followed. Each post has a limit of 500 characters (much longer than Twitter's limit of 280) and can be accompanied by links, photos and videos up to 5 minutes in length. At the moment, there is no desktop version of Threads, only a downloadable app for mobile but we expect this to be rectified once further development has been made to the product.
Joining is relatively straightforward provided you already have an Instagram account. If you don’t, you will need to create an Instagram account first. Here is a step by step guide to joining Threads:
Threads offer several benefits for businesses in their social media strategy. Here are some of the key advantages of using Threads:
Threads encourages audience engagement by providing a structured and interactive format. By inviting comments, questions, or participation in discussions within the Thread, businesses can foster a sense of community and encourage their audience to actively engage with them through their Threads content. Well-crafted and engaging Threads have the potential to go viral or gain significant traction. When users find value in a Thread, they are more likely to share it with their own followers, increasing the visibility and reach of the business's content and message.
Threads enable businesses to provide in-depth information about their offerings and allows businesses to craft a narrative around their brand or products, highlighting their unique features, values, or customer success stories. Multiple posts can cover a specific aspect or feature, allowing for a more comprehensive explanation. This is particularly beneficial for complex topics or when businesses want to showcase the unique value of their products or services.
Threads offers an opportunity to repurpose existing content in a more accessible format. Businesses can take longer-form content, like blog posts, and break them down into smaller posts. This allows them to reach a wider audience and extend the lifespan of content by presenting it in a new and engaging way.
Threads offers seamless integration with Instagram, allowing you to share your Threads posts directly to your Instagram Stories. This cross-platform visibility enables you to maximise your content distribution and engage with a wider range of followers across different social media channels.
By sharing informative and valuable content through Threads, businesses can position themselves as experts in their industry. Threads provides a platform for businesses to start conversations with their target audience, educate, share insights, and demonstrate their knowledge, which can enhance their credibility and authority in the market.
The platform allows direct two-way communication with your customers. Because it's a public interaction with currently no DM feature, if you respond well and resolve customer queries effectively, it will show your business in a positive light
With the ease of conversation between brands and consumers, one of the major benefits of using Threads is for building and cultivating your brand community. Businesses can use the platform to start and join in on relevant conversations, engage with their community and build a loyal following.
Well-crafted and engaging Threads have the potential to go viral or gain significant traction. When users find value in a Thread, they are more likely to share it with their own followers, increasing the visibility and reach of the business's content and message.
Threads can be a valuable tool for businesses in their social media strategy, allowing them to engage with their audience, provide detailed information, and create a narrative around a specific topic. Since it is a very new app, there are still a lot of unknowns in regards to what types of content will resonate best with users on Threads. Deciding what type of content to share on your Threads account will differ depending on the industry, product offering and brand personality.
Before incorporating Threads into your strategy, don’t forget to consider the following:
Threads presents an exciting opportunity for businesses to thrive in the ever-changing social media landscape. With its unique features and strategic advantages, this powerful platform offers a valuable avenue to engage with audiences, promote products and services, and build brand awareness. By understanding and experimenting with the type of content, considering key factors such as target demographics and market trends, and harnessing the platform's capabilities effectively, businesses have the opportunity to unlock tremendous growth and success.
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