Why brands should embrace Instagram Threads - and what to use it for!
Staying ahead of the curve is crucial for brands looking to maximise their reach and engage with their target audience effectively.
With Instagram's recent launch of Threads, a new app aimed at rivalling Twitter, brands have yet another opportunity to expand their social media presence.
Instagram Threads is a messaging app developed by Instagram that focuses on facilitating private and immediate communication with close friends and smaller groups. While it is primarily designed for personal use, brands can leverage the app in several ways to enhance their social media strategies and connect with their audience.
So why should Brands look to join Instagram Threads?
👉 Expertise
Instagram, as part of the conglomerate that owns Facebook and WhatsApp, has established itself as a leading player in the social media landscape. Their deep understanding of user behaviour and preferences gives them a significant advantage when introducing new platforms. By signing up for Threads, brands align themselves with the expertise and resources of Instagram, enabling them to tap into a vast user base and leverage Instagram's existing tools and features.
👉 Be early to the party!
Timing is everything when it comes to emerging social media platforms. Twitter, once a dominant player, has experienced a decline in active users. In contrast, new platforms with immense potential, like TikTok, have risen to prominence. Brands that were quick to recognise TikTok's value gained a competitive edge and accelerated their growth. By getting on board with Threads early on, brands can secure their presence and explore the platform's possibilities, allowing them to adapt their strategies and connect with their audience in innovative ways.
👉 The importance of SEO
In an era where search engine optimisation (SEO) and social media go hand in hand, the launch of a text-based platform like Threads presents an opportunity for brands to enhance their digital presence. Integrating keywords and relevant content within the platform can improve visibility in search results while fostering engagement within the Threads community. Brands that recognise the importance of SEO and social synergy can gain a competitive advantage by harnessing the power of Threads as a text-focused social platform.
👉 Test and adapt
Signing up for Threads allows brands to test the waters and gain firsthand experience of the platform's unique features and functionalities. By understanding how Threads fits within their brand and target audience, brands can tailor their content and communication strategies accordingly. This early adoption offers valuable insights and positions brands as industry pioneers, enabling them to stay ahead of competitors and cultivate an active and loyal community.
And how should brands be using Instagram Threads?
✅ For direct communication - Brands can use Instagram Threads to establish direct and more intimate communication channels with their loyal customers or brand advocates. By creating a dedicated Close Friends list within the app, brands can share exclusive updates, sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, or limited-time promotions to create a sense of exclusivity and strengthen relationships with their most engaged audience.
✅ For influencer and ambassador collaborations - Brands can collaborate with influencers or brand ambassadors by adding them to their Close Friends list on Threads. This creates a private channel for sharing confidential information, early access to new products or campaigns, or exclusive content that can be utilised for influencer marketing or ambassador programs.
✅ For real-time updates - Brands can utilise Threads to provide real-time updates during events, product launches, or live experiences. This can include sharing live photos, videos, or status updates to keep their audience engaged and informed. Threads' quick and seamless sharing features make it ideal for delivering timely content and fostering a sense of immediacy.
✅ For customer support and feedback - Brands can leverage Threads as a dedicated channel for customer support and feedback. By adding customers with specific concerns or inquiries to their Close Friends list, brands can provide personalised assistance and address their needs promptly. This approach can lead to higher customer satisfaction and stronger brand loyalty.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it's imperative for brands to embrace new platforms and technologies to remain relevant and engage their audience effectively.
Threads offers an exciting opportunity for brands to explore a text-based social platform and secure their digital domain early on - so we say, get on it!