The Theory Behind Threads
Are you on Threads? Are you feeling Overwhelmed by the choices of social media apps available to use and want to know what’s best for your business? Let's cut the bs and talk all about it!
Unraveling Threads…
Threads is an app created by Meta. Some say it's similar to X, the app formerly known as Twitter, but we think it's BETTER. Not only because it isn’t owned by Elon (bonus!), but we love it for its integrations within Instagram. And with over 2 billion Instagram users globally - that’s a big deal! By being connected to one of the strongest, most influential social media platforms in America, it offers Threads users a new avenue to be brought into the feed on Instagram, helping to 👏🏼 STOP 👏🏼 THAT 👏🏼 SCROLL. 👏🏼
What can you post?
That's right, Threads is designed to integrate seamlessly with Instagram, making it a powerful tool for businesses looking to engage with their audience. The app gives you the ability to post and share text, images, and videos, as well as interact with other users' posts through replies, reposts, and likes.
With Threads, you can:
Create a closer community by sharing exclusive content with your top followers.
Stay on brand with customizable themes and colors that match your business identity.
Send direct messages quickly to respond to customer inquiries or to share special offers.
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But what really sets Threads apart is its focus on privacy and intimate sharing. You can choose exactly who sees your content, which is perfect for creating special offers for your most loyal customers. Plus, the Auto Status feature updates your status based on your location, movement, and phone battery level – keeping your closest connections informed without lifting a finger.
Here are a few tips on how to use Threads for your business:
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Launch new products with sneak peeks or behind-the-scenes looks exclusively on Threads.
Offer discounts to your Threads circle to encourage loyalty and repeat business.
Gather feedback with polls and questions in a more personal space than your public Instagram feed.
Remember, while Threads is an excellent tool for building deeper relationships with your customers, it's also important to maintain a balance. Don't forget to keep your main Instagram account active with broader content that appeals to all your followers.
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Now, stop scrolling and get back to business.
If Engagement is QUEEN, consistency and quality are the evil stepsisters
We know you've heard the buzz about engagement being the queen of the social media castle. But let's talk about her two most important advisors: consistency and quality.
These two might seem like the evil stepsisters of the social media world (time-consuming, unclear, and hard to please), but trust us, they're the key to making your social media presence shine.
Now, we know what you're thinking. "One person's trash is another person's treasure, right?" Well, the same goes for social media. What works for one brand or influencer might be a total flop for another. That's because social media is a world of gray areas (more on that later).
Recent studies show that brands that consistently post high-quality content experience a 70% higher engagement rate over time than those that don't.
First things first: let's talk about consistency.
According to a study by HubSpot, brands that post on social media at least once per day see a 43% increase in engagement compared to those that post less frequently. But here's the catch—you need to find a posting schedule that works for you and your audience. Whether it's once a day or a few times a week, the key is to stick to a consistent rhythm that keeps your followers coming back for more.
Now, let's dive into quality.
A whopping 90% of consumers say that authenticity is important when deciding which brands to support. That means your content needs to be on-brand, visually appealing, and genuinely engaging. No more white background product shots or poorly lit Reels! Invest in high-quality visuals that showcase your unique personality and value proposition. Key word: invest. Making good quality content takes time, high quality tools, and an eye for lighting/color.
With all that said, we know creating top-notch content on a regular basis can feel like a daunting task. In fact, 60% of marketers cite creating engaging content as their biggest challenge. And the imposter syndrome around creation can be paralyzing too! We've all heard the well-meaning but misguided advice from friends and family when starting out on social media: "It's probably so easy to just post a photo or video and write a caption."
If only it were that simple! If you are feeling the imposter syndrome creep in, you are not alone - we know it’s not that simple and slapping up content without a strategy is a surefire way to get crickets instead of engagement.
Before you can even think about engagement, you need to focus on creating amazing content. And that means being consistent (posting as often as your mental health and growth goals allow) and delivering high-quality posts (clear, well-thought-out, properly sized, on-brand, and featuring your gorgeous face, product or offering). When you nail these elements, you're in business.
Let's talk about a couple of examples.
Imagine visiting a small business's page only to find dark, grainy product shots. Not a great look, right? Or how about an influencer's feed that's nothing but sponsored posts? It's hard to trust someone who seems to love everything equally.
But what about those gray areas of social media? You know, the ones where you're not quite sure what to post or how to strike the right balance? Well, consider this: 71% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand that aligns with their values. So don't be afraid to take a stand on issues that matter to you and your audience. Know what you are about and who you are for, like attracts like.
Authentic storytelling is the name of the game.
Write down your vision for your ideal social media presence. It's okay to take inspiration from your favorite creators or brands. If you're not sure where to start to achieving that look and feel, that's where we come in!
Determine a realistic and consistent posting schedule. Write it down, set reminders, or do whatever it takes to stay on track. Or, you know, just hire us. We will recommend a level of content quantity that is right for engagement. 😉
No camera? Or have one that's gathering dust because you never figured out how to use it? Let us help, or simply stick to using your phone's front camera. But please make sure you have a newish phone, remember, it’s a write off! Good quality content is an investment.
Above all, don't let your mental health suffer. Obsessing over whether your content is getting enough engagement or not is part of the "living in the gray" mentality. Because social media is gray! Even a great post can flop at times - don’t get disheartened when you don’t “go viral.”
Remember, consistency and quality are crucial, but like everything in social media, they take time and effort. Take it one day at a time, do what you can, and when in doubt, you know where to find us!
How to Deal with Bots without the BS
View your social media pages like your HOME. YOUR HOUSE, YOUR RULES. Don't like a follower or comment? YOU have the power to delete, hide, and block. Or - Use it to your advantage in the engagement game.
When it comes to comments that aren't malicious or inappropriate, let's take a minute to look at it as engagement 🧐 (wait, what?!).
Hear me out. When a random brand comments on a post, "DM us to collaborate," or a random page says, "Promote this on ______," you can respond with an emoji or a "thank you for the idea." By doing so, you just got two more comments on your post, and if you recall our last blog post, engagement is a big factor in your social media strategy. You used it to your advantage that they chose your page to comment on. Just don’t actually DM them to collaborate unless you KNOW that brand. Most of the time, it’s a scam.
When it comes to troll and bot followers, I have a personal strategy: I don't care about dropping my follower count if it consists of accounts that will never engage on my page.
This is a personal decision; some people love a high follower count, which is fine if that's your goal. My personal goal and the goal for my clients is to have a genuine community made up of real people and businesses who want to share, network, and engage with one another.
So, once every few months, I'll spend a little time and removing followers. You might be wondering how to spot an inactive, bot, or troll account. I actually tap into their page—yes, again, like engagement, it's time-consuming. But quality is built with time.
Here are my criteria for removing followers:
If they are an Amazon seller or are pushing Crypto, I remove them.
If they have content that is not aligned with my personal values (or are creepy), I remove them.
If they have 0 posts, I remove them.
If a troll comments on my post with something malicious or inappropriate, I see if they follow me, and if not, I just block them. I do this because it's my house.
Remember, your social media pages are an extension of your brand and your personal space. You have the right and the power to curate your audience and protect your online environment. By strategically managing your followers and comments, you can foster a genuine, engaged community that aligns with your goals and values.
Benefits of a Clean, Engaged Community:
Maintaining a clean and engaged community on your social media pages isn't just about aesthetics or vanity metrics. It has tangible benefits for your brand, your content, and your overall social media presence. Here are some of the key advantages:
Increased trust and credibility
When your followers see that you have a genuine, active community that interacts positively with your content, they're more likely to trust your brand and perceive you as a credible authority in your niche. This trust can lead to higher conversion rates, loyal customers, and valuable word-of-mouth recommendations.
Higher engagement rates
A clean, engaged community is more likely to interact with your posts, leave meaningful comments, and share your content with their own networks. This algorithmic engagement signals to social media platforms that your content is valuable and relevant, which can lead to increased reach and visibility for your posts.
More meaningful interactions
When you cultivate a community of genuinely interested and invested followers, you open the door to more meaningful interactions and relationships. These followers are more likely to provide valuable feedback, share their experiences, and engage in constructive conversations that can help you improve your products, services, and content.
Better insights and feedback
An engaged community is a goldmine for insights and feedback. By listening to your followers and analyzing their interactions with your content, you can gain a deeper understanding of their needs, preferences, and pain points. This information can help you refine your social media strategy, develop targeted content, and make data-driven decisions for your brand.