In the past few years, there has been a platform that has flown relatively under the radar for social media marketers and other online gurus. This platform is called Instagram Threads, a release from parent company Meta that uses short-form content to convey snippets of ideas, jokes, and other commentary.

With a character limit and restrictions on the type of media you can upload, many disregard Threads as a non-essential platform for expanding a social media strategy. In this article, we'll prove that Threads is a great opportunity to reach viewers and potential customers with an ever-growing user base.

Whether you are in marketing, SEO, content creation, or a small business, Threads has a place in your social media marketing strategy. When paired with IFTTT, our free automation service, the possibilities become endless for streamlining your marketing efforts. Read on to see why an IFTTT and Threads connection is trusted by millions to handle business behind the scenes.

What is Instagram Threads?

Instagram Threads is a standalone app, launched by Instagram in July 2023 with a burst of initial users and later a significant decline. However, the app has picked up considerable steam in the past year, amassing over 190 million monthly users. 

In November alone, Threads reported an increase of over 35 million users. Instagram has been hard at work updating the app with novel features, such as AI summarizers, advanced search filters, and polls.

The primary purpose of Threads is to provide a dedicated space for sharing photos, videos, messages, and Stories in a more intimate way, instead of the main Instagram app where many feel as if they are presenting themselves to the whole world. Threads primarily focus on text posts, but they integrate well with Instagram's visual content. Users can post up to 500 characters per thread, though this may evolve over time.

You log in with your Instagram account, and your Threads profile is connected to your Instagram profile. You can follow the same people you do on Instagram and share posts between the two platforms seamlessly.

There are many similarities between Threads and Instagram's user interface, but Threads eliminates some features such as mass hashtags to retain a more clear and personal feed for the user.

By the way, you can connect Instagram to Threads with IFTTT. Click the Applet below to automate your social media accounts.

The evolution of social media and the rise of Threads

Social media has transformed drastically over the last decade. Initially, it focused on broad interaction and open sharing. However, people's preferences are shifting towards more casual interactions.

Different social media apps have implemented new features or sub-platforms in response to these changes. This trend has spurred the development of apps like Instagram Threads. The rise of Threads corresponds to a desire for authenticity.

People want meaningful connections with others, especially in a digital landscape. Threads provide a platform for genuine interactions, whether it be a shower thought or a funny image you have saved on your phone. These changes also highlight the need for marketers to adapt their strategies.

Utilizing Threads offers a chance to engage with audiences more personally. There are many excellent examples of this in practice, such as RyanAir's famous TikTok campaign, where weird and nonsensical videos gained traction among younger audiences. Social media users are now more aware than ever of a too-corporate feel to interactions, and Threads is a platform meant for breaking these boundaries.

Benefits of Threads and your marketing strategy

Integrating Threads into your marketing approach can lead to numerous benefits. First, Threads help establish a more direct connection with your audience. This connection fosters strong customer relationships and builds trust.

Using Threads can elevate customer engagement. Unlike traditional posts, Threads encourage ongoing conversations and candid opinions. Such interactions lead to increased brand loyalty and a sense of community.

Additionally, Threads can better your marketing efforts by providing real-time feedback. This feedback offers valuable insights into customer preferences and needs. Brands can use this information to refine their products and services. And trust us, users won't be afraid to tell you how they really feel about your product or service. You can then tailor your marketing efforts towards this genuine feedback and highlight areas of improvement.

Here are some key benefits of using threads:

Increased engagement: Threads encourage more interactions with your audience.

Stronger relationships: Direct conversations build trust and loyalty.

Valuable insights: Real-time feedback helps improve products and services.

Enhanced community building: Fosters a sense of belonging among customers.

How to set up Instagram Threads for your business

Getting started on Threads is simple and straightforward, especially if you already have an Instagram account. If you don't have an account, we recommend you create one and get familiar with Instagram before moving to Threads.

To begin, download the Threads app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then log in using your existing Instagram credentials. Once you're in, your profile will automatically be linked to your Instagram account, and your followers can easily find you on the platform.

From there, you can personalize your Threads profile by adding a bio or profile picture, though it can also sync directly with your Instagram profile details. After setup, you can begin posting short text updates (with the pen and paper icon), photos, videos, or links, and engage in threaded conversations with your followers.

Customize your profile settings to suit your brand. Ensure your status and themes align with your brand identity. Also, it's a good idea to make it visually consistent with your main Instagram account.

Your feed will show posts from people you follow, and you can also discover new accounts through suggestions, though the focus is on real-time conversations. You can set privacy controls to decide who can see your posts or reply, ensuring a customizable experience. Additional profile editing and settings can be accessed by clicking the character icon on the bottom right.

Finally, start creating Threads with your chosen audience. Focus on building a network of close customers and clients. Use these interactions to gather feedback and enhance customer relationships. This initial setup will lay the groundwork for a successful threads marketing strategy.

Crafting content for Threads: tips and best practices

Creating content for threads requires a strategic approach. It's essential to understand your target audience's preferences. Cater the content to meet their expectations and interests.

Focus on making the content concise and engaging. Users prefer snappy and informative messages. Brevity ensures that your audience stays engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Visuals play a crucial role in Threads. Integrate images, emojis, and even short videos. These elements can make your messages more personable. Storytelling is another way to humanize your brand; by sharing relatable stories that resonate with users, you can forge deeper emotional connections.

Here are some tips to optimize your Threads content:

Be authentic: Authenticity builds trust with your audience.

Personalize: Tailor messages to suit individual preferences.

Encourage engagement: Pose questions or invite feedback to boost interaction.

Consistent tone: Maintain a consistent brand voice throughout your threads.

Provide value: Ensure each message offers clear value, whether educational, entertaining, or promotional.

Using IFTTT for Threads automation

We are beyond excited to announce that IFTTT connects Threads with 1000 services for free. You can create Applets to automatically post your Threads to other platforms like LinkedIn or automatically post your Instagram photos to Threads.

The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create "Applets" or sets of instructions that trigger when certain conditions are met. This can be turning on the lights automatically when you enter your house, for example. Our powerful system can be expanded to complex automations, such as forwarding emails automatically or linking tasks within different systems.

You can browse our ever-growing library of user-made Applets or try our easy-to-use Applet builder to make your own. Either way, we are sure you'll find something to help improve your day-to-day life.

Check out our pre-made automations for Threads by clicking any of the buttons below.

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided some insight into how you can use an effective Threads marketing campaign to gain an upper leg on the competition. With a growing user base and fun, casual content type, this platform is an underrated way to start gaining customers and followers fast.

If you want the quickest path to growth, we suggest trying IFTTT's automations, which are built to be accessible by all, no matter your programming experience. Whether it be forwarding emails to followers, automatically sharing posts from another social media, or updating your Slack channel with sales updates, IFTTT is the most trusted marketing automation solution avaliable. So, why wait, try IFTTT for free today!