How to Use Instagram Threads as a Photographer

When Instagram Threads debuted, my first thought was, “I do not want another social media platform to be on.” We, photographers, have enough on our plates, and content marketing can be exhausting! Do I really need to use Instagram Threads as a photographer?

If you’re not on Threads yourself, I bet you had similar thoughts.

Well, what if I told you that Threads isn’t so hard…and that it can actually benefit your photography biz? Let’s discuss why you should try Threads as a photographer to your advantage.

What is Threads?

Threads is a new social media platform by Instagram (owned by Meta) that was released in early July. Think of it as Twitter, but better. It’s for “sharing text updates and joining public conversations,” according to the Instagram blog. 

You might be thinking, “I’m a photographer! Why should I care about a text-based social platform? How can I get booked or grow my business that way?”

Fair questions! And to that, I say it’s like other social media platforms that involve text (which is, like, all of them). It’s more about finding your audience and making connections through content, not just displaying your photography work.

I actually love that Threads is text-based because you can really get your message across. You can speak to your ideal client very clearly, using their language. (Which means you have to know who your ideal clients are first!)

Why should I be on Threads for photography? 

 THREADS IS PROBABLY HERE TO STAY.

Anyone else remember Clubhouse? Do you use BeReal or Lemon8? These are social media platforms that were released in the past three years but aren’t really getting talked about today.

Unlike other social media platforms we’ve seen come and go, Threads is owned by Meta. And if there’s one thing we all can agree on about Meta, it’s that they run the social media game. I predict that Threads will be around for a while.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO USE IT “CORRECTLY.”

I encourage you to jump on the bandwagon early because, for whatever reason, social media algorithms tend to like early adopters of new platforms more. You get VIP treatment for joining early. 

And the good news is, you don’t have to use Threads perfectly because it’s a new platform — we’re all just getting a feel for it and having fun with it!

YOU’RE NOT STARTING FROM SCRATCH

One of the most frustrating parts about starting a new social media account is exactly that: starting. Starting from zero, to be more specific. You have to put in the work to build your following.

Not with Threads! Since you’re joining with your existing Instagram account, your followers have the option to follow you immediately. When I joined, I got 200 followers instantly, which felt great.

Non-business owners are taking a bit longer to migrate to and use Threads, but they are joining. It hit 100 million users in less than a week! So, why not establish your presence on Threads before everyone makes their way over?

How do I use Threads as a photographer?

Now, how do you use Threads as a photographer to your advantage? Disclaimer: I’m not a social media expert nor a certified coach on Threads. These are just my thoughts on tips on how you can use Threads right now as a photographer.

POST CONSISTENTLY.

Consistency is key in all of your marketing efforts. It’s part of a sustainable marketing strategy — and it’s no different on Threads! I’m posting at least once a day, if not twice. Work a few minutes into your schedule to brainstorm a post or two for Threads.

BE ON-BRAND.

What’s your brand personality? Your voice, your tone? How does your brand feel? (Your answers should fall in line with who your ideal client is.) 

Every Thread you post should be on brand and similar to your other content. That makes it easy for clients to recognize and remember you. Consistency matters for posting frequently but also your brand messaging and style!

USE PHOTOS.

Threads is all about text, but you’re still a photographer. Show off your best work and add a photo to every Thread you post.

HAVE PATIENCE.

Threads is new, and it will likely change a lot in the months to come. So be patient. Be patient with the platform, but more importantly, be patient with yourself. We’re all learning as we go. It’ll take time for you to discover what works best for your photography brand.

You may not see immediate results, but I think your willingness to try a new platform and put some work into it will pay off later.

Go ahead, give Threads a try.

I hope this gave you the little push you might have needed to give Threads a try! Be consistent, talk to your ideal audience, share on-brand content and photos, and have patience. Give yourself space to figure out how to use Threads for your business. I think you’re gonna love it.

And hey, let’s follow each other on Threads! You can find me at @itstracylynn. Let me know how your Threads experience is going!

Follow the Threads profiles mentioned in the video!

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teasebyhannahlouise: I can’t find it at the moment.
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