[FAQ]

Hey forum! I’ve been trying my hand at Twitter threads to share more detailed info, but I feel like I’m not quite getting the engagement I’m hoping for. Sometimes I put a lot of effort into a thread, and it just doesn’t seem to land. What are your best strategies for structuring a Twitter thread so it really grabs attention and keeps people reading all the way through? I’m keen to learn about effective hooks, how to break down complex ideas, and generally just make them more compelling. Any advice would be mint!

[Jeff Bullas]

That’s an excellent point! Twitter threads are a cracker way to share more in-depth thoughts and keep people hooked beyond the usual character limits. But getting them right is a fine art.

A good Twitter thread is essentially a story told in snippets, and how you use various content formats can make it truly sing.

Text (The Core Narrative): Each tweet in your thread needs to be concise but contribute to the overall message. Think of each tweet as a mini-chapter.

Hook ’em in: The very first tweet is crucial. It needs a compelling headline or a question that immediately grabs attention and signals there’s more to come. Something that sparks curiosity or promises significant value. You might even use an emoji like 🧵 to indicate it’s a thread.

Break it down: Don’t dump too much information into one tweet. Break complex ideas into digestible chunks, perhaps one main point per tweet. Use clear, direct language and avoid jargon where possible.

Flow and pace: Ensure a logical progression from one tweet to the next. Each tweet should lead the reader to want to see what’s next. You can end tweets with a cliffhanger or a transition phrase to maintain momentum.

Recap (Optional but effective): For longer threads, a final tweet that summarises the key takeaways or lessons learned can be incredibly valuable for retention.

Images & Video (Visual Engagement): Don’t rely solely on text. Visuals break up the scroll and make your thread more engaging and memorable.

Illustrate points: Use images, infographics, screenshots, or short video clips to explain concepts, provide examples, or add humour.

Attention-grabbing visuals: The right visual can significantly increase the chances of someone stopping to read your thread. Make sure your visuals are high-quality and relevant.

GIFs for personality: A well-placed GIF can add personality and lighten the tone, especially in more informal threads.

Audio (Implied Value): While a thread is primarily visual and text-based, the idea of audio can still play a role. If your thread is summarising a longer piece of content, like a podcast or a Spaces discussion you’ve had, you can link to that audio at the end. It’s about providing value in various forms.

The goal is to keep people reading, and more importantly, to get them to engage and share.

Clear Value Proposition: Right from the first tweet, the reader should know what they’ll gain by reading your thread. Is it a lesson? A story? A list of tips? Be upfront about the value.

Call to Action (CTA): What do you want people to do after they finish reading? Do you want them to retweet, comment, follow you, or click a link to your website or newsletter? Always include a clear CTA at the end of your thread. Make it easy for them to take the next step.

Interactive Elements: Encourage discussion within the thread. Ask questions throughout the thread to prompt replies. You can also use polls if they fit the narrative. Responding to comments and questions quickly keeps the conversation alive.

Avoid Overwhelm: While threads let you bypass character limits, don’t make them excessively long. Too many tweets in a thread can deter readers. Aim for quality over quantity.

No “Clickbait” Without Substance: A strong hook is good, but don’t promise something you don’t deliver. If your first tweet is purely clickbait and the thread doesn’t provide the promised value, you’ll lose credibility and trust. Ensure the content lives up to the initial intrigue.

Cheers,

Jeff

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