Threads by Meta has quickly gained traction since its launch, amassing over 100 million users within the first five days, as announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. As a small business owner, it's understandable to hesitate before investing time and energy into yet another program or app. However, given the potential of Meta's new social media offering, Threads is worth exploring more closely.
If you're already active on Instagram, integrating Threads into your social media mix becomes a seamless process. Simply install the Threads app and log in using your Instagram credentials. You can choose to carry over your existing settings if desired. Threads positions itself as the text-focused counterpart to Instagram, offering up to 500 characters per post and supporting videos of up to five minutes in length.
It's important to note that currently, creating a Threads account doesn't have a straightforward undo option. Since it's linked to your Instagram account, deleting both accounts would be necessary. However, you can temporarily deactivate your Threads account for a limited time. Meta is actively working on addressing this issue.
For influencers, establishing a Threads account is a no-brainer as social media is the core of their business. Likewise, if social media is instrumental in acquiring new clients and maintaining relationships, embracing Threads may be a logical step. Evaluate the importance of your social media presence and the time investment it already requires. If you have a social media manager, discuss how Threads can fit into your overall social media strategy and their perspective on it.
Managing multiple social media accounts can be time-consuming. While tools like Hootsuite or SocialPilot can assist, consider the overall time commitment involved. Develop a plan: Who will be responsible for posting content? Do they have the capacity? What type of posts do you want to share? Set clear goals regarding your desired content and the number of followers you aim to attract.
While opinions may vary, having an account with outdated or sporadic posts can be worse than not having an account at all. If you struggle to maintain your current social media feeds, now might be an opportune moment for a comprehensive overhaul. Assess what works and what doesn't, and define your objectives for these platforms. Check out our guide on successful social media campaigns for further insights.
Given recent controversies surrounding Twitter, many individuals are in search of viable alternatives. If you're one of them, evaluate Threads based on its usability, security, and user base. Threads holds an advantage over other Twitter competitors as it is owned by Meta, a media giant with substantial resources. However, if concerns about the expansion of a media giant worry you, take this into consideration.
Each company is unique, with varying brand identities and positions in the market. Consider whether being an early adopter of Threads aligns with your business's image. Being among the first to join may provide a head start in building a following. However, as highlighted in a BBC article, the benefits of being an early adopter can be overrated. With everyone jumping on board, the initial chaos can be overwhelming. There are merits to waiting, observing what works well on Threads, and learning from others' experiences.
Deciding whether to open a Threads account is not a matter of right or wrong. The primary concern is the potential diversion from your core business activities. If you're grappling with cash flow issues or struggling to attract qualified employees, prioritise addressing those challenges. Nevertheless, if you believe that Threads can bring value to your business, it may be worth diving in and experimenting.