Threads has taken the world of social media by storm. The platform was released on July 6th, and it surged past ChatGPT as the fastest-growing app of all time. In five days, the app amassed over 100 million users and showed no sign of slowing down.
But what is this app? What benefit does it offer for your firm? Should you be using the app when you’re already juggling Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram accounts?
What is Threads?
Threads is Meta’s (owner of Facebook, Instagram and more) answer to Twitter, which has been under a lot of scrutiny in recent weeks. Dubbed the “Twitter killer,” the rival social media app is all about conversations and deeper connections with your audience.
Threads is meant to compete directly with Twitter, and the app does this very well with:
- Primarily text messages
- Scrolling feed
- Interface that looks just like Twitter (or very similar)
However, there are a few distinctions between the two platforms that we’ll be discussing in more detail shortly. First, let’s see how to begin using Threads.
How Do You Use Threads?
Threads benefits from offering a seamless sign-up process because it was built by the team at Instagram. In fact, it’s almost a companion app to Instagram because you:
- Already have your Instagram name waiting for you
- Can follow all of the people you follow on Instagram
- Must have an Instagram account to use Threads
You simply need to download the app from the official app store for your smartphone or go to the official site to get the app.
At the time of writing this, there is no option to:
- Use your browser to post to threads
- Use a PC to use threads
Threads is meant to be an open discussion that allows you to connect with people through a somewhat chaotic dashboard. In fact, there are rumors of a feed system coming to the app soon due to high demand, but things are moving too quickly to follow all of the advancements.
Content Supported by Threads
Being primarily text-based, you can use Threads to create text of up to 500 characters including spaces and links. The platform is a microblogging social network, but you can also add:
- Photo posts
- Video
However, since the social media app revolves around public discussions, you cannot direct message anyone. Instead, you can reply to the person’s thread, repost or share a thread and make your own.
You can also mute and block people if you don’t want to see the content that they post.
Threads is basic, but the interface is clean, the app is snappy and it’s not riddled with ads (not yet). Discussions are rather fun and engaging, and Meta is sure to add features in the future if demand continues to rise.
Is It Worth Using Threads?
Yes. The app is exploding in popularity, and with over 100 million users already and rising, it’s already a wild success that is built on top of Instagram in many ways. In fact, Instagram created the app and spun it off to ensure that it wouldn’t be too complicated for users.
A recent survey found that Threads is generating 8.3 times the engagement of Twitter. While these figures may not last, the platform in its current state also has a lot of benefits for firms.
Benefits of Threads for Businesses and Firms
Firms and business owners have a lot on their plates, and it’s a struggle to find time for social media. However, the benefits of being active on platforms like Threads far outweigh the time investment.
Here’s what Threads can do for your business or firm:
Attract New Clients and Build Your Brand
The most obvious benefit of using Threads – or any social platform for that matter – is that it can help you attract new clients. But it can also help you build your brand.
Social networks have massive audiences, and being active on them will give you a valuable opportunity to expand your reach.
While you must invest in content creation, posting and building your following won’t cost you a cent. In return, your brand gains greater visibility and the opportunity to attract new clients.
Connect with Clients
Attracting new clients and building your brand are major benefits of using Threads, but social media is about more than just promoting your offerings.
Posting and being active on Threads will allow you to connect with clients in new, engaging and personal ways.
You can connect with clients by:
- Answering their questions
- Providing insight on topics
- Congratulating them on their wins
- Sharing stories
Posting informative content and sparking conversations with clients can help strengthen your relationship and nurture trust. Clients will be more likely to stick with your firm or business simply because you have such a great working relationship.
Engage with Colleagues
Threads is also a great platform for engaging with colleagues. Maintaining professional contacts is important, and staying connected with colleagues can bring many rewards.
Celebrate their victories with them. Share industry knowledge, or discuss new developments and trends. Learn from your colleagues, and engage with their posts.
Threads provides a great opportunity to build stronger relationships with colleagues that could lead to referrals in the future.
Attract New Talent
Connecting with clients and colleagues is one thing, but you can also use Threads to attract new talent. How?
- Post about your business
- Show the advancements you made
- Display the work culture you’ve nurtured
As the user base grows, you can have your employees post about your company, their projects and the work culture. Over time, you’ll start to attract talent that has seen your thought-provoking posts, sees the direction of your company and wants to be a part of the team.
Threads is a lot of fun and does work great to bring deeper, insightful conversations to businesses and firms. You can add Threads into your routine posting schedule and give it a try for yourself to learn more about the “next, big” social media app.
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