Have you heard of Meta’s latest Twitter competitor, Threads? Threads is a new application developed by the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The interface bears a resemblance to Twitter (now X), featuring a feed predominantly composed of text-based posts. Though users also have the option to share photos and videos, allowing individuals to engage in real-time discussions.

You might be thinking to yourself, if I already have a Twitter account why would I need another app? Although the two apps have a lot of similarities, your Threads account can be tied directly to your Instagram. That means you don't have to worry about building your following from scratch because your followers from Instagram will be imported over.

Threads users have the ability to customize their algorithm to prioritize posts related to specific subjects as they engage with the app over time. Thus, the birth of Bookthreads.

Bookthreads is a subset within the Threads app where authors and readers alike can chat about new releases, relatable bookish memes, writing tips and much more.

But how can Threads help you as an author? The answer is simple, by building your author brand. Here are three ways that you can utilize Threads:

1. Build your community
2. Facilitate exploration
3. Offer and accept guidance

Build Your Community

Threads is a great platform for authors to support other authors. Creating a community of writers offers a valuable chance to bond with fellow authors facing similar challenges. Through Threads, authors can engage in discussions, share experiences, and receive support throughout their publishing journey. While simultaneously promoting their book and platform to readers who have yet to discover you.

Facilitate Exploration

Threads presents an excellent opportunity to boost the discovery of your author brand or book. By maintaining a regular posting schedule and incorporating relevant tags like "Bookthreads" your posts can gain more viewership.

Of course it is valuable to post about your book, however the posts that are going to rake in the most likes are going to be about you. Threads is the perfect opportunity to express who you are as an author if you are a little more camera shy. Posting yourself on Instagram and TikTok can be daunting, but with threads just like with your book, your words are going to do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Offer and Accept Guidance

Threads is a great way to receive and give feedback. You can pose questions to your fellow authors about their publishing experiences or helpful writing tips. None of us are perfect so it’s always a great idea to reach out to authors and writers that are going through similar experiences.

On the flip side of things, you can also offer your advice to novice authors. You may be ahead of the curve in your publishing process. Use this as an opportunity to spread your wisdom and help authors that are just starting out and have the same questions as you in the beginning.

If adding on another social media platform is a little too much for your plate right now, then start small. Download Threads and play around with the platform; get used to the app first and jump from there. Repurpose content you have used on Twitter and Instagram, then once you have found your footing start posting original content more consistently until you find your rhythm.

Written by Greenleaf's Business Development Intern, Avery Smith