How Threads Transformed My Social Media Experience as a Small Business Owner

It all started with a simple post on Threads. I joined out of curiosity, not expecting too much. But within minutes, the notifications on my phone were blowing up. Thoughtful replies turned into full-blown conversations, and suddenly, I was gaining followers faster than on any other platform. Just 24 hours in, I had gained 60 followers. The engagement felt natural, the discussions were lively, and most importantly, people were genuinely supportive and welcoming. It was unlike anything I had experienced on any other social media platform.

What is Threads?

Threads is a text-first social media platform designed for real-time conversations and community building. Launched by Meta, it seamlessly integrates with Instagram, allowing users to bring their followers over effortlessly. Unlike other social platforms that rely heavily on visual content, Threads prioritises discussion. This makes it a powerful tool for brands and entrepreneurs who want to establish their voice and connect directly with their audience.

Since its launch, Threads has amassed over 100 million users, demonstrating its appeal to a wide range of content creators, influencers, and businesses. Its simple interface and focus on text-based discussions have drawn comparisons to Twitter, but they couldn’t be more different! Threads sets itself apart with a far friendlier, more engaging community that prides itself on actively supporting small businesses.

Why Your Small Business Should Take Notice

It’s an uphill battle for small businesses trying to gain traction on traditional social platforms, where algorithms prioritise paid content and large accounts. However, Threads offers a refreshing alternative where organic engagement is encouraged.

Here’s how Threads can be beneficial to your small business:

• Rapid Follower Growth – Unlike other platforms where growth can be slow, building a following on Threads can happen far quicker. Not only can you transfer your existing audience over from Instagram, but simply participating in discussions can gain you hundreds of followers in a matter of weeks.

• Supportive Community – The culture on Threads is like no other. Users are keen to engage with and support small businesses, giving your visibility an instant boost.

• Conversational Marketing – Traditional social media often focuses on curated, polished content. This approach is not as successful on Threads. I’ve seen professional-looking posts receive zero interaction. Instead, your small business can connect with your audience on a personal level through authentic conversations, so be prepared to get personal!

• Less Algorithm Pressure – Unlike Instagram and Facebook, where reach can be unpredictable due to ever-changing algorithms, Threads makes it easier for your business to be seen. Engaging consistently through replies and discussions increases visibility naturally, without the need for excessive ad spend. Threads users often speak of the 80-20 rule, which urges you to engage 80% of the time and post 20%.

How to Succeed on Threads as a Small Business

I have been studying Threads and have identified the best ways to make the most of it. Here are my key strategies:

1. Be Active and Engage Through Comments

The days I did not engage or post, surprise, surprise, nothing happened. But when I spent just one hour in the evening actively responding to posts, I gained 20 followers. I contributed meaningfully, offering marketing advice when users asked for it and celebrating users' wins with them. The more I participated in conversations, the more visibility I gained.

2. Show Your Brand Personality Through Posts

When it comes to posting, many users get it wrong. From my experience, corporate-heavy posts with professional head shots don’t receive the engagement you might expect. Threads clearly rewards authenticity.

I began sharing personal things about myself, including my experiences and opinions. These were received really well. I was asked questions, congratulated, and followed! However, the view count on my posts was still far lower than the view count of my comments. This may be why everyone is so willing to converse on Threads, it’s where the real engagement happens.

3. Provide Value

I experimented with different types of posts. In one of my posts I talked about how welcomed I felt in the Threads community. That post received 660 views, 56 likes and 31 comments. In another post, I provided digital marketing tips to small businesses. I talked about the marketing industry, and provided a list of ways a business can really stand out. To my surprise, this amounted to 49 views, 2 likes and no comments.

This was a recurring theme across my posts and so it’s clear what kind of content thrives on Threads. Tips and insights are rarely engaged with unless users post and ask for it. On other platforms, tips and advice posts are a great way for you to gain credibility. But unfortunately, on Threads, it often falls on deaf ears.

Threads users respond best to what I call ‘human content’, posts that spark emotions and encourage real conversations. So when looking to provide value, it's important to appeal to users' emotions, show support and congratulate wins. Be a friend, aka 'Thriend'.

Why You Should Get Involved In Threads Now

While Threads is still technically in its early stages, its rapid adoption and engagement levels indicate that it’s here to stay. Unlike other social platforms, where breaking through the noise can be difficult, Threads offers an accessible, community-driven space where businesses can thrive without relying solely on paid marketing. However, it’s important to play by the platform’s rules, use Threads as it is intended, or you will completely miss the mark.

For small businesses, I believe now is the time to establish a presence on Threads while the platform is still growing. By positioning yourself early, engaging authentically, and providing valuable content, you can build a loyal following and leverage Threads to scale your brand in 2025.

As soon as you join, don’t forget to follow @lovemarketing_org I promise to provide insights, but only when you ask for them!