Twitter (X) may Get KO’d by Instagram Threads
If you haven’t heard, yet another social media app has launched in an effort to replace Twitter. Only this time, social media giant Meta has thrown its hat into the ring. Instagram’s Threads app hit the scene officially on Jul 5, 2023 and saw 30 million downloads in its first 24 hours. With Instagram’s established reputation, Threads could become a realistic replacement for Twitter, especially as users continue to see a barrage of changes to Twitter’s platform—including the latest rebrand to “X”.
This article will break down how Threads works, why it stands a chance at knocking Twitter (X) off its pedestal, and how you can use this new platform in your dental social media marketing strategy.
Threads Makes Signing Up Easy
Aside from being attached to a name people recognize (meaning Instagram), another reason for Threads’ overnight success is how easy it is to get started. If you have an existing Instagram account, all you need to do is log in! Users can get set up in minutes:
1. Get the App
Download the Threads app from Google Play or the App Store. Threads is free to download and use.
2. Log In
Log in with Instagram. If you don’t have an Instagram account, you’ll need to create one in order to join Threads. This may change later on, but for now—yes, Threads is only for Instagram users. Check out our Instagram and TikTok eBook for ideas on how to use these popular social media platforms.
3. Create Your Profile
You can either populate your profile automatically with your information from Instagram, or choose a new name, photo, bio, and link to include. You’ll also choose whether you want your profile to be private or public.
4. Follow people!
This is where Threads really shines—new users have the option to follow all of the people they already follow on Instagram with just one touch of a button. No need to waste time searching for people’s handles or following friends one by one. This makes Threads a game changer for Influencer marketing on social media because they essentially enter the app with a built-in following.
Whether or not you’re already familiar with Instagram marketing for dentists, signing up for Threads should be a walk in the park. Connect your practice’s Instagram profile to a new Threads account, and find new ways to reach your target audience.
Threads Functions a lot Like Twitter (X)—But Better
Many Twitter (X) users have been looking for an alternative since the ownership change in October 2022. Since then, owner Elon Musk has been announcing change after change, leaving users with confusing updates like daily post viewing limits and no verification system.
Instagram Threads looks and functions just like Twitter, with a few differences to keep in mind:
Higher (free) Character Limit
Threads has a 500-character limit vs. Twitter (X’s) 280 (although users who pay for Twitter Blue can write up to 10,000 characters in a tweet), and users can post up to 10 photos in one post vs. 4 on Twitter.
The length of video clips is also higher on Threads at 5 minutes vs. 2 minutes and 20 seconds on Twitter.
Threads Has Better Vibes
A big aspect of social media for dentists is positivity, and Threads seems to have a lot to go around. Compared to Twitter—which is known for being divisive and combative (and even nihilistic at times)—Threads is brimming with community cheer.
Uses Instagram’s Advanced Algorithm
Another pro of being attached to Instagram is that Threads uses the same advanced technology in its algorithm. After a day or two on Threads, the app will begin suggesting relevant accounts and posts you might be interested in.
No Ads! (Yet)
This is likely to change, but for now, users are able to enjoy an ad-free experience on Threads. If you’re interested in reaching your audience through a paid ad campaign, find out more about how to advertise on Instagram.
Twitter (X’s) Strong Points
Although Threads does seem to be a promising app so far, it’s still lacking a few of Twitter’s strong points. For example, Threads users are not able to message each other, use hashtags, or explore trending topics. Threads has no “explore” feature, or option for viewing a chronological timeline of only people you follow.
Twitter has a lot of other features, including polls, tagging your location, scheduling tweets for later, and an expansive GIF library. With decades of user history on its side, Twitter is still a valuable tool for marketing—for now.
How to Use Threads In Your Marketing Strategy
As a dental marketing company, it’s our job to figure out how to boost your online presence—whether that’s on Facebook, Google Maps, or now, Threads. Using Threads is one of many marketing ideas for orthodontic practices and other dental professionals that can help you stand out from the competition.
Even though the app is new, there are some clear ways to get started using Threads for your practice today:
Create a Profile
First thing first: create a Threads profile using your practice’s current Instagram account. Use an inviting image of yourself, or your practice’s logo as your profile picture, and include a short bio. You can also include a link on your profile page to your practice’s website.
Start Posting
The only way to build an audience is to post often. If you’re familiar with Instagram marketing for dentists, a lot of the same guidelines apply here as well: Be friendly, but professional. Interact with other accounts in your community, and respond to comments. If you need help getting started, check out these dental social media post ideas:
1. Introduce Your Team
Start a new post with a photo of yourself and a short introduction. You can then add to this thread of posts (see why it’s called Threads?) with a photo and bio of each team member. Mix things up with a surprising fun fact about everyone, or include a silly detail like everyone’s favorite flavor of toothpaste.
2. Share Patient Photos
Sharing happy patients is always a great way to show off your practice on social media. Post your favorite award-winning smiles, up-close before-and-after shots, and other fun photos. Just be sure your patients fill out a social media consent form before sharing any images so that you stay HIPAA-compliant.
3. Start a Conversation
Because of the app’s simplicity, a lot of people are using Threads as a place for discourse, nostalgia, friendly debate, and just fun conversations. Try engaging with your audience by bringing up current events, weighing in on a hot topic (like drinking coffee before or after brushing your teeth), or asking people what they would like to see from their dentist.
Start Using Threads With My Social Practice
The best way to try out Threads for your practice is to just start posting and interacting. If you don’t have the bandwidth to add one more social media platform to your list, My Social Practice can put in the work for you. We specialize in reputation management for dentists and can guarantee growth for your practice. Find out more and request a demo today.
About the Author: Adrian Lefler is a dental marketing expert at My Social Practice located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Interested in learning more about the benefits of Endodontic marketing, please schedule a complimentary consultation.
