If you’ve been ignoring Threads because you think it’s “just another social media platform”, you’re not alone.
When it launched, plenty of people signed up, posted a few times, then forgot all about it.
Fast forward to today, and it’s become one of my favourite platforms to recommend to clients.
Why?
Because it actually feels social.
Instead of battling algorithms, paying for visibility, or trying to go viral, Threads is built around conversations. People reply. They chat. They share opinions. They get to know the person behind the business.
If you’re a small business owner, that’s exactly what you want.
So, if you’re wondering where to start, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Threads?
Threads is Meta’s text-based social media platform, linked directly to Instagram.
Think of it as a place where conversations come first.
You can post short updates, photos, videos, links, polls and carousels, but unlike Instagram, you don’t need perfectly designed graphics or professionally edited videos.
Sometimes a simple thought performs better than anything you’ve spent an hour creating.
Why should businesses use Threads?
Because people buy from people.
Threads allows you to show personality without feeling like you’re constantly selling.
It helps people get to know your business, your values and the person behind the logo.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Higher organic reach than many established platforms
- Great engagement through genuine conversations
- No pressure to create polished content every day
- Easy to grow if you already have an Instagram audience
- Excellent for building trust and authority
Setting up your profile
The good news?
Most of the work is already done.
Because Threads is linked to Instagram, your:
- profile photo
- bio
- username
- verification status
can all carry over automatically.
Before you start posting, check that your bio clearly explains:
✔ What you do
✔ Who you help
✔ Where people can contact you
✔ Your website
What should you post?
This is where most people get stuck.
The biggest mistake I see is treating Threads like LinkedIn or X.
Don’t.
Threads rewards conversation.
Instead, try posting things like:
Share an opinion
“I think businesses spend far too much time chasing followers instead of building relationships.”
People love joining discussions.
Behind the scenes
Show what you’re working on.
Talk about your day.
Share your workspace.
Celebrate small wins.
People love seeing the human side of business.
Quick tips
These perform brilliantly.
For example:
“Three things every small business should do this week:
• Reply to comments
• Update your Google Business Profile
• Check your website loads properly”
Simple.
Helpful.
Easy to read.
Ask questions
One of the easiest ways to increase engagement.
Try things like:
“What social media platform has brought you the most customers?”
or
“What’s one business task you wish someone else would do for you?”
Tell stories
People remember stories far more than facts.
Instead of saying:
“I build websites.”
Tell people about the client whose enquiries doubled after launching a new website.
Stories stick.
How often should you post?
Consistency beats quantity.
Aim for:
- 1-3 posts per day if possible
- Reply to comments
- Join conversations on other people’s posts
- Spend 10-20 minutes engaging
Threads isn’t just about publishing.
It’s about participating.
Do hashtags matter?
Not really.
Unlike Instagram, hashtags aren’t a huge part of Threads.
Focus on writing naturally.
The algorithm is clever enough to understand what your content is about.
Use keywords instead of stuffing hashtags everywhere.
Should you use images?
Absolutely.
Although text performs well, adding the occasional:
- photo
- infographic
- behind the scenes image
- short video
- carousel
helps keep your feed interesting.
Just don’t feel like every post needs a graphic.
Don’t just broadcast
This is probably my biggest tip.
Threads isn’t a noticeboard.
It’s a conversation.
If you only post links to your latest blog or constantly advertise your services, people will quickly scroll past.
Instead:
Reply.
Comment.
Ask questions.
Support other businesses.
The more social you are, the better your results are likely to be.
Content ideas you’ll never run out of
Keep a note of these for those “I don’t know what to post” days:
- A myth about your industry
- A common mistake people make
- Something you’ve learned this week
- A customer success story
- Your favourite business tool
- An unpopular opinion
- A lesson from a difficult client
- Before and after results
- Frequently asked questions
- Behind the scenes moments
- Productivity tips
- A day in your business
- Your biggest win this month
- A business confession
- Your morning routine
- A mistake you made and what it taught you
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Selling in every post
❌ Copying and pasting content from other platforms without adapting it
❌ Posting and disappearing
❌ Chasing followers instead of conversations
❌ Overthinking every post
Remember, people aren’t expecting perfection.
They’re looking for authenticity.
Can Threads actually bring in customers?
Yes – but not overnight.
Threads works best when people begin to recognise your name, trust your advice and enjoy hearing from you.
Someone might not enquire after reading your first post.
Or your tenth.
But after consistently showing up, sharing useful content and joining conversations, you’ll often become the first person they think of when they need the service you offer.
That’s the real power of Threads.
Final thoughts
Social media changes all the time, but one thing stays the same: people want to connect with real people.
That’s exactly where Threads shines.
If you’re tired of shouting into the void on other platforms, give Threads a proper go. Forget trying to be perfect. Start conversations, share your expertise, show a bit of personality and be consistent.
And if you’d rather spend your time running your business than wondering what to post every day, that’s where I come in.
At The Virtual Elf, I help businesses create social media content that sounds like them, builds trust and keeps their audience coming back for more. Whether it’s Threads, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn, I’d love to help you make social media feel a little less overwhelming.