The Art of Threading in Twitter
I love writing Threads on Twitter. But I get it, not everyone enjoys using Twitter. No worries! Now you won’t miss a thread cause they’re all right here. Enjoy!
I’ve spent the last month in a whole new world on twitter, where everyone is using threads on a weekly, sometimes even daily basis.
I find this method of communication to an audience both engaging & informative.
Here are 7 things I’ve learned about crafting the perfect thread:
1. Start with a hook.
I have to admit, just because I see someone has a tweet thread, doesn’t always mean I’m going to click the blue “show this thread” link. Even if it’s someone I know and admire.
2. No click bait!
A tweet thread can be treated like a YouTube video. If your thumbnail is click-baity then you lose audience trust & once that happens you’ll never get them back.
Make sure your thread follows through on your promise! Or else!
You’ve been warned!
3. Give credit wherever & whenever it’s due!
We already know there's no such thing as an original idea & most of the time what we learned was from someone else.
Also, mentioning them is a great way to expand your audience & letting that person know you acknowledge their work.
4. Lists are key to just about 8 out of every 10 threads I’ve read.
If you can turn what you’re about to say into a list, do it!
Worry less about the number of points you have to share on your list.
Three is better than not tweeting at all.
5. Count the length of each tweet and be as brief as possible.
Edit. Edit. Edit.
Twitter is not the place to be flowery with your prose.
The average reader needs to understand your point and want to read every tweet in your thread.
6. If you’ve got a long thread, be sure to let your audience know in that first tweet.
I’ve grown accustomed to just doing a quick swipe with my thumb to make sure I’m not getting myself into a LONG read.
Especially, if I’m not warned. It’s a turn-off for me.