In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, X (formerly known as Twitter) emerges as a transformative platform, offering new possibilities for businesses to connect, engage, and thrive. With its rebranding and revamped features, X presents a fresh opportunity for businesses to establish a strong online presence, reach a diverse audience, and even monetize their efforts. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of X, from setting up a business account to effectively monetising your presence on the platform.

Understanding X: A Platform Redefined

X's transformation signifies more than just a rebranding; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses approach social media. Unlike its predecessor, X allows for diverse content formats, transcending the limitations of 280 characters. Whether it's sharing engaging videos, stunning images, or thought-provoking long-form posts, X empowers businesses to communicate their messages with depth and creativity. X is mooted by owner Elon Musk as evolving into a mega platform similar to China's WeChat, where all parts of your life and business can be managed from a single app.

Setting Up Your Business Account on X

Getting started on X is a straightforward process. Begin by creating a compelling profile that includes your brand's logo, a concise bio that communicates your mission, and a link to your website. This sets the foundation for your business's identity on the platform. Next, start building your network by following relevant accounts in your industry, engaging with their content, and connecting with potential customers and partners.

Content Strategy: Engage, Inform, Inspire

Creating an effective content strategy is paramount for businesses on X. The platform thrives on authenticity and valuable engagement. Craft content that resonates with your target audience – whether it's educational articles, captivating visuals, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business. Utilise hashtags to expand your reach and join relevant conversations. Leveraging multimedia content can help you establish a strong presence and foster deeper connections with your audience.

Monetising Your X Presence

X offers several avenues for businesses to monetise their efforts, turning engagement into revenue. One effective approach is through influencer collaborations. Partnering with relevant influencers can help you tap into their established audience base and promote your products or services authentically. Native advertising is another strategy, where you seamlessly integrate your offerings into X's feed, providing value to users while subtly showcasing your brand. Here are the five key ways to make money from X currently:

1. Join the X Ads Revenue Sharing Program
2. Launch Creator Subscriptions
3. Become an affiliate marketer
4. Sell products and services
5. Divert followers to your other social media

Creator Subscriptions Unpacked

This feature lets you provide exclusive tweets and other content to paying subscribers. Like the Ads Revenue Sharing Program, it has eligibility requirements:

• You must be 18 years or older.
• Moreover, you should have at least 500 followers.
• Your account should be active in the past 30 days.

Meet these criteria, and the app will let you register via the Subscriptions section. It’s under the Monetisation tab of the main menu. Once X approves your application, you can charge $2.99, $4.99, or $9.99 monthly to provide the following types of exclusive content:

• Exclusive tweets only your subscribers can see.
• Subscriber badges let your members show they are your members.
• Subscriber Tab helps you monitor content and members, but it is only available on iOS.
• Subscription links allow you to invite more subscribers conveniently.
• Subscriber-only Spaces are live conversations for paying followers only.

Promoted Content and Advertising

X provides businesses with the opportunity to promote their content to a wider audience through Promoted posts, Trends, and Accounts. Promoted posts ensure your posts reach users who aren't following you, while Promoted Trends boost the visibility of your hashtags and trending topics. Promoted Accounts, on the other hand, help you gain followers from a targeted audience, enhancing your brand's exposure.

Analytics: Monitoring Your Success

As with any social media strategy, monitoring your performance on X is crucial, especially if you are wanting to participate in the monetisation programs which rely on building impressions through user interactions. Utilize X's analytics tools to track engagement metrics, including likes, shares, and comments. These insights provide a deep understanding of what content resonates with your audience, enabling you to refine your strategy and optimise your efforts for better results.

Community Building: Creating Lasting Connections

X's communities feature is a goldmine for businesses aiming to build strong connections with their audience. Join and actively participate in relevant communities to establish your expertise and gain insights into your target market's preferences. Engaging in meaningful conversations and offering value within these communities can position your brand as an authority in your niche.

Staying Authentic and Ethical

As you navigate the landscape of X, remember that authenticity and ethical conduct are key to building trust and credibility. Avoid spammy tactics or over-promotion, and prioritise providing value to your audience. Genuine interactions and transparent communication go a long way in fostering a positive reputation for your brand.

Thriving on X's Transformative Landscape

X's transformation from Twitter is a move towards a form of social media engagement for businesses based on capture within an app that does everything. Through effective content strategies, community building, and strategic advertising, businesses can harness the power of the platform to reach wider audiences, engage with authenticity, and drive revenue. Time will tell as to whether the platform in its new incarnation can achieve the aspirations of its founder, and become the app for everything everywhere. It does however have monetisation in forefront of mind, which means if your business and brand align with X, the pathways for revenue making directly from the app as well as sales and consumer awareness/community building are expansive. So, take the plunge, explore X, and pave the way for your brands growth on this brave new version of an old blue bird.