What Is Threads And 5 Ways For Business Owners To Use It

What is Threads?

At 7th Peak Marketing, based in Charlotte, NC, we’re always on the lookout for the latest tools that can help businesses engage their audience in innovative ways. Threads, the new app from Instagram, is one of those tools. It’s designed specifically for real-time, text-based conversations, offering a unique space for brands to connect with their followers.

While Instagram has long been the go-to platform for sharing visual content, Threads is all about quick, spontaneous updates and conversations. Think of it as a hybrid between group chat and social media, where you can interact more intimately with your audience. And while the focus is on text, you can still share photos and videos to keep your content dynamic and engaging.

For businesses, this opens up a world of possibilities, especially if you’re looking to create a more personal, real-time connection with your community.

How is Threads Different from Twitter?

You might be wondering, "How does Threads differ from Twitter?" While both platforms focus on real-time conversations, Threads offers distinct advantages, especially for businesses trying to maintain a close connection with their audience.

1. Instagram Integration
   Threads is deeply integrated with Instagram, allowing seamless interaction with your existing Instagram followers. You don’t need to start building a brand-new audience like you would on Twitter. This is especially beneficial for Charlotte-based businesses with an established Instagram presence who want to extend their engagement to a more conversation-driven platform.

2. Focus on Close Connections
   While Twitter is designed for global conversations and viral moments, Threads is much more personal. Originally created for communication with your “close friends” list on Instagram, Threads fosters a more intimate, community-driven environment. For businesses, this means deeper engagement with your most dedicated customers, creating a space where they feel valued.

3. No Hashtags or Trending Topics
   Unlike Twitter, which is all about joining in on global conversations through hashtags and trending topics, Threads is more focused on private, meaningful dialogue. Without the pressure to chase trends, business owners can focus on building authentic connections and catering directly to their community.

4. Controlled Interactions
   On Twitter, public replies can sometimes lead to noisy or off-topic conversations. In Threads, interactions are more controlled, keeping conversations tight-knit and relevant. This is especially useful for businesses that want to keep discussions focused and meaningful without the distraction of external voices.

5. Simplified User Experience
   Threads offers a minimalist, Instagram-like interface that feels less formal than Twitter. The platform's clean and simple design allows businesses to share updates quickly, making it ideal for businesses looking to share real-time updates without the effort of a full post.

5 Ways Charlotte Business Owners Can Use Threads

At our Charlotte-based social media agency, we see Threads as a powerful tool for local business owners looking to enhance their digital presence. Here are 5 ways you can leverage Threads to benefit your brand:

1. Exclusive Content for Loyal Followers

Business owners in Charlotte can use Threads to share exclusive behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks of upcoming products, or even insider deals with their most loyal followers. Because Threads is more intimate, it allows businesses to make their audience feel like true insiders.

For example, a local Charlotte boutique might give Threads followers a sneak peek of their new fall collection before it hits the store, or a local brewery could share early access tickets to an event.

2. Real-Time Customer Engagement

One of Threads’ strengths is real-time communication. You can use it to host live Q&A sessions, share updates on-the-go, or provide customer support instantly. The conversational style of Threads encourages quick, easy interactions that feel authentic and personal.

If you’re a restaurant owner in Uptown Charlotte, for instance, you could use Threads to give live updates on a pop-up event, sharing menu specials and answering customer questions in real time. Or, if you’re a fitness coach, you could engage directly with clients to provide motivation and tips throughout the week.

3. Create a Close-Knit Community

Threads is perfect for fostering a close-knit community around your business. Since it’s designed to cater to smaller, more engaged groups, it allows you to connect with your most loyal customers in a meaningful way. This is ideal for businesses that want to create a sense of belonging for their audience.

For instance, if you run a Charlotte-based coffee shop, you can create a space for your most engaged customers where they can give feedback, share ideas, or even vote on the next coffee flavor you should offer. By creating this small, engaged community, you can turn your audience into brand advocates who feel like they’re part of your growth.

4. Instant Feedback from Customers

Threads allows business owners to quickly gather feedback from their audience. Whether it’s gauging interest in a new product, getting opinions on a new service, or just understanding what your customers love about your brand, Threads’ quick, conversational nature makes it easy.

Imagine running a Charlotte-based retail store and using Threads to ask your followers if they prefer specific designs or colors for your next collection. You’ll get immediate, candid responses that can inform your business decisions.

5. Quick Announcements and Updates

With Threads, you can share fast, real-time updates without having to create polished content. This makes it perfect for businesses that need to share information quickly and directly. Whether it’s announcing a last-minute sale, updating your followers on new store hours, or letting them know about upcoming events, Threads is a quick, informal way to keep your audience in the loop.

For example, a Charlotte-based event planner could use Threads to announce changes in event details, or a local salon could update their followers about last-minute appointment openings.

Takeaways

Threads offers a fresh approach for businesses looking to build more personal, authentic connections with their audience. Its integration with Instagram makes it easy for business owners to leverage their existing social media following, while the platform’s focus on real-time, intimate conversations fosters stronger customer relationships.

Whether you're using Threads for exclusive updates, gathering feedback, or real-time engagement, the app provides an opportunity to create a close-knit community around your brand. It’s especially beneficial for businesses that want to move away from the noise of larger platforms and engage in more meaningful, targeted conversations.

By understanding how Threads differs from other platforms like Twitter, Charlotte business owners can decide if it’s the right fit for their specific goals. Ultimately, Threads offers another tool to build deeper connections with your audience, enhancing your overall social media strategy.