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Should I Join Threads?
Should I Join Threads?
In late October 2022 Elon Musk finalised the Twitter takeover and appointed himself CEO. This move hasn’t been without controversy. There have been many changes, most notably the name change to X and the introduction of paid subscription services. Many organisations left X (Twitter) in search of an alternative social media platform. You can read about three alternatives here. However, the newest app on the block is Threads. Let’s take a look at whether it is worth joining Threads.
What is Threads?
In July 2023, Meta (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) launched Threads. It was built by the Instagram team and is used for sharing text updates and joining public conversations. Meta have made it easy to sign up to, and you can use your Instagram account to log in and create posts of up to 500 characters long with links, photos and videos of up to 5 minutes long. You can read more updates about Threads here.
What are the main differences between X (Twitter) and Threads
If you are thinking of joining Threads then it is important to understand how it differs to X (Twitter). Here is a comparison list:
Availability – You can access X (Twitter) from practically anywhere (web, phone, etc) as it has adapted to public demands since its launch in 2006. As Threads is fairly new, up until recently it was only available via an app on a smartphone or tablet and not in every EU country. Pocket Lint has a guide on how to use Threads on your desktop.
Character Limits – X (Twitter) post character length is 280 (although Twitter Blue is 10,000). Threads currently allows 500 characters.
Drafts – You can save a draft post in X (Twitter). This isn’t currently available in Threads but it is inevitably something they are working on. In the meantime, if you might be able a social media scheduler then you can save drafts in there.
Direct Messaging – You can send messages privately in X (Twitter). This isn’t currently available in Threads but Hollyland has quite a good work around.
Hashtags – This has been a key component of X (Twitter) and Instagram. Threads has done away with hashtags but instead uses tags. The notable difference is that you can only use one tag per post on Threads vs 30 on Instagram. You can read more in this Evening Standard article.
Accounts – X (Twitter) is a stand-alone account. Threads and Instagram are closely tied and you can’t currently have a Threads account without an Instagram account. Threads relies on a lot of Instagram’s features including its messaging inbox.
Usernames – You can change your name on X (Twitter) as many times as you like and you won’t need to verify your identity. As Threads and Instagram are linked, they share the same username. You can then only change your name twice within a 14-day period.
Search Function – X (Twitter) has a more advanced search function than Threads. However, as things evolve Threads search functions will have more features. In September 2023, The Verge reported that Threads allowed to search through posts more widely.
Trending Topics – One of the main differences currently is that X (Twitter) has a trending topics section where you can click on various hashtags and see what the hottest gossip is. Threads will be rolling out their own version of this shortly, according to 9to5Mac.
Should I Join Threads?
Now that you’ve read how Threads compares to rival X (Twitter), do you think you will be joining?
Lifehacker gives lots of reasons NOT to join Threads. However, if you have an Instagram account then there’s no harm signing up. As you’ve seen, the platform is evolving and adding new functionalities all the time. Early adopters of Instagram and TikTok have gained an edge over other brands who joined those platforms later on. Therefore, it might be just the thing to give your brand on social media.
Red Desk Virtual supports small businesses with their social media, from set up to monthly management. Email mel@reddesk.co.uk for more information.
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Do You Need a CV if You Run Your Own Business?
Do You Need a CV if You Run Your Own Business?
For the past 10 – 12 years I’ve been running my own business and as a result I’ve not updated my CV. However, a recent enquirer requested a CV in order to check my suitability for a role. It got me thinking, do you really need a CV if you run your own business? What alternatives can you use to demonstrate your skill set?
Business Website
Whenever we learn something new at Red Desk, we write an article about it and put it on our website blog. We share our knowledge with the business community and it demonstrates the type of tasks we can take on for our clients. We also update our website to reflect current clients and areas in which we’d like to grow. Please take a look at our services page for examples of our specialities including Business Support, Online Marketing and Web Content. Our testimonials page provides current and past reviews.
LinkedIn is the biggest professional networking tool on the internet. Those who use it can find a job, an internship, staff for their organisation, build connections with those in their industry or forge new professional relationships. Red Desk have a business page on LinkedIn and we post to this on weekdays and then we use our personal accounts to share this with our followers.
Don’t forget your personal profile on LinkedIn too. You are more likely to use this to network, and updating this regularly can help. Many jobs are posted on LinkedIn and recruiters visit profiles of those who have certain keywords and skills listed on their profiles. If you are wanting to attract certain clients to your business then think about what skills or tasks you might take on for them, ie excellent communication skills, time management, multi-tasking, detail-orientated, self-starter etc. This article gives some good tips on how to list your work as a freelancer.
CV
As and when you have time it is important to update your CV too. The reason being that not everyone will be satisfied with being shown your business website or LinkedIn profile. You will also find it useful to refer to if you need to fill in any job application forms. As a freelancer or business owner, not every job will be offered to you after an email chat and video call, some will insist on the more formal route of a CV or job application form. Indeed have some good tips on how to format your CV as a freelancer.
In short, yes you should have a CV if you run your own business but it is equally important to keep your website and LinkedIn accounts updated too. If you require assistance in any of these tasks then Red Desk can help. Just email mel@reddesk.co.uk
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