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With the rise of social media, there’s always a new player trying to get our attention. Threads is a new platform gaining people’s attention with its familiar yet unique style. Threads was released by Facebook’s parent company Meta to compete directly with the popular microblogging platform, Twitter. For small business owners and content creators, early adoption is essential. Therefore, this article explores how to dominate Threads and make your mark on the platform. I’ll review everything you need to know to use Threads well and interact with its active community. From creating engaging posts people want to read to building a loyal following, I’ll give you valuable tips and strategies to help you make the most of your Threads presence.
Getting Started on Thread
There are two ways to paths to launching a Threads profile at the moment;
- A path for those who already use Instagram
- A path for those who don’t use Instagram or wish to start afresh
How to set up Threads via Instagram
If you have an updated Instagram app, visit your profile and click on the hamburger in the top right corner. Immediately after the “Setting and privacy” option, you should see a “Threads” option. When you click on this, you are directed to the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone) to download the App. Once downloaded, you can just sign in with your Instagram account. Your Instagram username stays the same, and you can update your page for Threads. Click “Import from Instagram” to copy your information, including your profile picture, from your Instagram account. Then you can choose whether to make your account public or private. With a Private profile, only people you have accepted as followers can see your posts and interact with them. Your choice of Threads doesn’t change your profile on Instagram.
Once you’ve decided, you’ll see a list of Instagram accounts you already follow. You can follow all of them on Threads or choose which ones to follow. If you choose accounts that need to join Threads, they will automatically be followed when they do. Before you get to the app, the last screen details how Threads works. There’s a Join Threads button at the bottom of the page. You agree to the terms and privacy policies by clicking this.
How to set up Threads afresh
Download Threads from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. When you search “Threads” in the Apple App Store, many apps appear, from sewing apps to conversation apps. None of these apps is the new Meta app for tweeting. If you want to find the app quickly, type “Threads, an Instagram app” and select the app with a logo shaped like “@” from the list of suggested searches. This takes you right to the app you want to download. If you’re in the EU, you won’t be able to find the app at all. It’s not available in EU countries right now because of concerns about data safety.
Once downloaded, you can set up your profile – add a display picture, website link, and bio. Then you can choose whether to make your account public or private. With a Private profile, only people you have accepted as followers can see your posts and interact with them. Before you get to the app, the last screen details how Threads works. There is a Join Threads button at the bottom of the page. By clicking this, you agree to the terms and privacy policies and start your Threads experience.
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Crafting Engaging Thread Posts
Now that you’ve set up your Threads account and learned how the platform works, it’s time to learn how to write posts that people will want to read. To stand out in the busy Threads feed, you must make content that grabs people’s attention, starts talks, and connects with your audience.
Understand the character limit and make the most of your message
Like Twitter, Threads has a character limit that forces you to summarize your thoughts. Since each post can only be 500 characters long, every word counts. Posts can include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long. You can easily add a Threads post to your Instagram story or share your post as a link on any other site you want.
Ensure your message is clear, strong, and impactful. Focus on one idea or topic and ensure your point gets across well. Consider using Nigerian slang, words, or cultural references to make your writing feel more natural and connect with the local audience. Use the “@” sign and their username to mention people in your posts.
Add media to make posts look better
Use the fact that Threads supports pictures, videos, and GIFs to make your posts look better. Share interesting pictures that go with your message. It could be a beautiful view, a delicious local dish, or an exciting cultural event. Engage your audience by making fun or helpful videos that convey your message well. Make short videos that show off your skills, and bring attention to an issue.
How to Gain Followers on Threads
Followers are essential to a Threads profile because they will engage with your content, spread your message, and help you become famous. In this early stages of Threads, here are some strategies you can explore to get more followers on Threads;
Follow and engage influential people
Find influential users, thought leaders, and personalities whose content fits your interests or niche. Follow them to see what they post and interact with what they write. Like, repost, or comment on their posts in a way that helps others. This will make the influencer and their fans more likely to notice you, which could lead to more followers for your Threads account.
Get involved with popular topics on Threads
Keep using Threads and watch what’s popular in Nigeria. These trends show what people are discussing and can give you good ways to get involved. Join the conversations about these trends by leaving thoughtful comments or giving your point of view. If you participate in popular threads, more people will see you and want to follow you.
Joining talks and adding value to them
Look for threads and conversations about things you’re interested in or know much about. Give useful information, ask good questions, and have important conversations with other users. Be kind and polite when you talk to people. Contribute to the conversation by giving your unique point of view, helpful information, or helpful feedback. This helps build your reputation and brings in people wanting to hear what you say.
Share your Threads account on other platforms
Share your profile on other social media platforms (like Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp) to get people to follow your Threads account. Cross-promote your Threads posts by sharing snippets or photos on these sites and asking people to follow you on Threads for more interesting content. Engage with the people who already follow you on other platforms. Tell them about Threads and encourage them to join you there.
Remember, Threads is very new, so no one is an expert on how things will play out. The above tips would work for any new social media platform. Most influencers used the third tip, “sharing your Threads account,” to gain an audience quickly on Threads. Most people just dragged their Instagram followers to Threads with them. As new features are added, creative people devise new formulas to get more engagement on the platform. Therefore, it is advisable to look for trends you can curate to make an impact on the platform.
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Thread Carefully 😉
To conclude this article, I’ll advise you to be patient. You should not believe anyone who claims to have mastered Threads. Follow what’s going on and change with the platform. By staying ahead of the game, you’ll keep your place and find new ways to grow on the platform. Also, don’t abandon other social platforms you have been using personally or to promote your business. The whole Threads thing might be a fad, and when the novelty wears off, you don’t want to feel like you wasted time. Regardless, I’ll revisit this article and update it with new ideas I find while exploring Threads myself.
On a positive note, go out there and rule Threads! Unlock its potential, and promote your business.
