8 Tips for Effective Threads Marketing

Introduction to Threads

Threads is a social media platform owned by Instagram that launched in July 2023. It's a conversational app, very similar to Twitter. Users can share text, photos, and videos, up to 500 characters long. Threads is a powerful marketing tool, as well as community builder, and this post dives into how and why that is.

Threads vs. Instagram

While Threads and Instagram are connected apps, they are very different. Here is the breakdown of Threads vs. Instagram.

Layout

Instagram is a photo and video sharing app, where each piece of content has a caption attached to it. You can scroll on your main feed to see a variety of content, search for something specific, or go to the reels tab for only reels. Typically, you see the photo or video first, and then look at the caption.

Threads, on the other hand, is primarily text-based. You can search for specific topics or users, and you also have a home feed where you'll see content relevant to your interests or published by users you follow.

Advertising

When you login to Instagram, it's nearly impossible to avoid advertisement. You see them in stories and throughout your feed.

As of fall 2024, Threads is an advertisement-free platform—and let's hope they keep it that way! Threads has been a refreshing platform for that reason, because users are genuinely there to connect. You also don't feel obligated to "pay to play" as a business owner.

Community Building

Building a community is possible on both Instagram and Threads, and I encourage you to try it out on each platform! There's one difference I've noticed on the platforms when it comes to community building.

On Instagram, much of the community building work happens in the DMs behind-the-scenes. You're likely chatting 1-on-1 with someone because they replied to your stories or vice versa.

The community building on Threads is very forward-facing, because there's no DM feature as of now. It's also not always 1-on-1, because you may start a thread that sparks other people to engage with each other. Personally, I've found the Threads community happy to engage and connect with each other.

Threads Marketing Tips

How can you best utilize Threads marketing for your business? Here are some tips to help you get started! If you’d like to see how I use Threads as a marketing strategist, follow along on my account here.

1. Connect your Instagram and Threads accounts.

As Threads and Instagram are under the same company, you can seamlessly connect them. You even have the option to import your Instagram account information, such as your bio and profile photo. You also can automatically follow people on Threads who you follow on Instagram.

2. Reply more than you post.

Replies are KEY for marketing on Threads. In fact, the platform itself said replies are the best way to grow. Set a goal to reply to others more than you post. If there are specific topics you're an expert on, you can search for those using the search bar and offer free value to others. Remember, no pushy selling!

3. Change up the length of your posts.

As with any new marketing strategy, experimentation is key. Publish some posts that are short and snappy. Perhaps others are an 8-post thread, walking people step-by-step through a process. Other posts may use up the entire 500 character limit. Vary the length to see what resonates most with your audience.

Example of a multi-post thread

Example of a short, single post

4. Be bold and take a stand for what you believe in.

One of the most effective (and hardest) things you can do on Threads is take a stand for something. Don't be afraid to share your hot takes or opinions on issues in your industry. I've noticed that every time I do this, it leads to meaningful conversations and attracts people who feel the same way (and maybe some trolls, but that's just business).

5. Aim to spark conversation, not sell.

I know your ultimate goal may be to sell your products or services, but that shouldn't be your direct priority on Threads. Instead, make connecting with others your goal. If you aim to spark conversations, those conversations will lead to trust, deeper relationships, and THAT will help you sell your stuff.

6. Add in personal content.

My random, personal content on Threads is usually what tends to pop off and grow my follower count. Personal content is crucial if you have a personal brand, so don't be afraid to add in your personality! I'll often share about life outside of business, random thoughts that pop into my head throughout the day, and the things that interest me.

7. Post consistently.

Just like with any platform, consistency is key for growth. Posting daily on Threads is an effective goal if you're using it for marketing. Ultimately, be active on the platform and contribute as much as you can.

8. Be yourself.

Marketing on Threads is all about being yourself. Showcase what makes you different. Stand up for what you believe in. Throw your personality in there, whether that's nerdy or silly or sarcastic. When you be yourself, you'll attract the people you're truly meant to attract.

Find Your Threads Strategy

Ready to find your unique Threads marketing strategy? This is something we can cover in a 60-minute strategy session together! My bread and butter as a marketing strategist is helping small business owners develop an all-encompassing marketing strategy that's sustainable, effective, and works for their lives. Click here to book your session!