Launched in mid-2023, the Threads app, a rival to Elon Musk’s X, has now reached more than 175 million monthly active users, according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a post shared in July 2024.
For companies aiming to connect with their audience on a more personal level, the text-based platform can be a cost-effective way to create a digital strategy on a shoestring.
“Every dollar a marketing professional or entrepreneur can save is good for business. And every social media platform available to connect people and companies is good for business, too. So, no matter your product or service, you should be taking advantage of the fact that, at least for now, Threads is free and doesn’t require in-app purchases or upgrades to use it fully. The micro-blogging platform also doesn’t yet offer paid ad options, forcing brands to get creative to get their message across. Businesses, big and small, should definitely embrace that,” says Marcio Delgado, a journalist who recently launched ‘Threads for Business – A Year Down the Road,’ after interviewing over 100 business owners and marketing professionals in Europe, Asia, and North America.
But how can companies effectively use Threads to boost sales? The answer may be simpler than you think. Here are five ways to start using Threads for business, integrating simple steps into a digital strategy you already have in place, or starting a new one from scratch with Threads as a strong player.
Visual Content Can Boost Engagement Rates
While Threads is a text-based app, don’t ever ignore the power of good visuals in your posts. Photos and videos are great ways to make a message about your product or service easy to understand and faster to consume – a valuable bonus in times when attention spans are at an all-time low. The best part: there are many free apps you can use to create and edit your visual content for Threads.
Try Different Ways to Convey Your Message
At just one year old, Threads is the perfect place to experiment with new formats, away from the now conventional Instagram and Facebook, also Meta’s products. Users and most brands are still learning how to use and consume the platform in a meaningful way, making 2024 the right time to try different ways of showcasing your products and services.
Repurpose Existing Content
Threads offer an opportunity to repurpose existing content in a more accessible format. Take longer-form content, like blog posts, and break them down into smaller posts. This allows you to reach a wider audience and extend the lifespan of content by presenting it in a new and engaging way.
Create Your Own Tribe
With the ease of conversation between brands and consumers, one of the major benefits of using Threads is building and cultivating your brand community. Businesses can use the platform to start and join relevant conversations, engage with their community, and build a loyal following.
Never Be Afraid of Being Personal
For brands, social media should be all about engaging with current, past, and potential customers, as one should never miss an opportunity to showcase your business to a wider audience – millions of monthly users are already using Threads. However, as author Marcio Delgado explains, time invested in any form of digital engagement should be purposeful and genuine.
“If you want Threads to work for you, you have to start reposting other users’ content and replying to comments. No algorithm will magically boost your posts if you upload a piece of content and ghost the platform. And as the platform evolves, make sure you take advantage of any new tools made available.”
‘Threads for Business – A Year Down the Road’ by Marcio Delgado is now available on Amazon worldwide.
