The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 3 - 38

WHAT'S NEW
Threads: To Join or Not to Join?
Instagram Integration
Threads' standout feature is its integration
with Instagram. If your business already has
an active Instagram account, incorporating
Threads can be relatively straightforward.
The Threads app can be linked with your
Instagram credentials, allowing you to carry
over settings, followers and preferences. It's
important to note, however, that creating a
Threads account isn't currently reversible
without affecting your Instagram account.
Threads' connection to Instagram means
deleting both accounts to backtrack. Although
Threads does offer temporary deactivation,
Meta is reportedly addressing this issue.
Pros and Cons
If you already use social media for a
T
he latest social media entrant causing waves is Meta's
Threads. Launched in early July, Threads is a smartphoneexclusive
microblogging app that Meta has positioned as
Twitter's competitor.
The app's rapid growth is hard to ignore. Within its first five days, over
100 million users downloaded the app to check out this new social media
platform. The question on many businesses' minds is whether to jump on
the Threads bandwagon. So let's take a closer look.
What is Threads?
Essentially, Threads is a streamlined version of Twitter. It's an app that
allows users to create threads of comments in posts, complete with images
and videos. However, Threads lacks Twitter's hashtag feature, advertising,
direct messaging and edit functionality. It also uses an algorithm-driven
feed similar to Instagram, which means that posts don't appear in
chronological order, but in the order Threads thinks you'll be interested in.
Main Features
* Posts up to 500 characters long
* Video posts up to five minutes long, as well as links and
photos
* Accessibility features like screen-reader support and alt text
* Access to Instagram's existing user safety controls like
unfollowing, blocking, restricting and reporting profiles
* A feed with posts from followed accounts and
recommended content
lot of your marketing needs, adopting
Threads might be an obvious choice. While
people are still figuring out this new tool,
it could be another potential channel for
client engagement, managing existing relationships and attracting new.
Consider the significance of your social media presence, the time it
consumes, and how Threads can complement your existing efforts.
Running social media accounts can be time intensive. Before jumping
in, assess the time required for content management. If your marketing
team uses scheduling and planning software such as Hootsuite or Loomly,
it's also important to note that Threads currently isn't available on those
platforms. So all posts currently need to be made at the time of post, from
a phone. There's no desktop version of Threads, but Meta has mentioned
they're looking into making things simpler for scheduling.
Timing is Everything
While some businesses have already embraced Threads, others are
in a wait-and-watch mode. For businesses in the cautious category,
assigning a team member to set up a personal Threads account for
research purposes can be valuable. Given Threads' novelty, tracking
peers and competitors' actions on this platform can provide insights
into its potential impact. Early adoption might grant a lead in building a
following, but the current initial chaos could be a drawback. Timing your
entry and learning from others' experiences might prove advantageous.
The decision to embrace Threads is nuanced. There's no definitive
answer. It could be the perfect platform for succinct thoughts or opinions
if you've been seeking a Twitter alternative. However, as Threads evolves,
later adoption could be equally fruitful. Evaluate your business's unique
circumstances, potential value addition and willingness to experiment
before diving into this new platform.
38
The Ontario Broker
The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 3

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 3
