content-twitter

# X/Twitter Content Generation ## Before You Start 1. **Check for brand voice**: Read `brand/VOICE.md` if it exists. Adapt the brand voice for X's more informal, direct tone. If no voice file exists, default to conversational, direct, and personality-forward. 2. **Determine content format**: Decide between a single tweet and a thread based on the content. 3. **Gather inputs**: Topic, key message, target audience, any links or media to include, desired CTA. --- ## Thread vs. Single Tweet Decision Use a **single tweet** when: - The idea fits in one punch (under 280 characters) - You are sharing a link with commentary - You are making a bold claim or hot take - You are asking a question Use a **thread** when: - The topic requires explanation or multiple steps - You are telling a story - You are breaking down a complex idea - You want to maximize engagement through a multi-part narrative --- ## Hook-First Writing The first tweet (whether standalone or the start of a thread) must stop the scroll. It is the most important piece of content you write. **Rules for hooks:** - Lead with the most interesting, surprising, or valuable part of your content - Never open with context or background. Start with the payoff, then backfill. - The hook must work without the reader knowing anything about you or your topic - If your hook starts with "So," "Just," or "I think," rewrite it **Reference `hook-patterns.md` for proven hook formulas with examples.** --- ## Thread Structure Every thread follows this three-act structure: ### Act 1: Hook (Tweet 1) - Stop the scroll - Create a curiosity gap or deliver an immediate value promise - Include a signal that a thread is coming ("A thread:" or the /thread emoji or a numbered "1/") ### Act 2: Value (Tweets 2 through N-1) - Each tweet must stand alone as a valuable insight, even out of context - Number your tweets for easy reference and readability - Keep each tweet focused on one point - Use line breaks within tweets for readability - Include specifics: data, examples, names, numbers - Vary tweet length: some punchy (1-2 lines), some fuller (3-4 lines) ### Act 3: CTA (Final Tweet) - Summarize the key takeaway in one sentence - Include a clear CTA: follow for more, share the thread, try this tool, read this link - Optionally invite discussion: ask a question or request the reader's experience --- ## Character Count Awareness - Standard tweet: 280 characters max - Thread tweets: aim for 200-260 characters for readability (leave room for the brain to breathe) - Links consume 23 characters regardless of actual URL length - Images, videos, and polls do not count against the character limit - Mentions (@username) count against the limit **Do not cram every tweet to 280 characters.** Shorter tweets often perform better because they are easier to read while scrolling. --- ## Brand Voice Adaptation for X X has its own cultural tone that must blend with the brand voice: | Brand Voice Attribute | X Adaptation | |---|---| | Formal | Shift one notch toward casual. Drop "we are pleased to announce" in favor of direct statements. | | Technical | Keep technical depth but use conversational framing. "TIL that..." is fine. Jargon is fine if your audience expects it. | | Warm/Friendly | Amplify. X rewards personality. Use "I" more than "we." | | Authoritative | Show, don't claim. Share the insight, not the credential. | | Humorous | Lean into it. X rewards wit. But avoid forcing jokes -- a dry observation beats a bad punchline. | **Things that never work on X regardless of brand voice:** - Corporate press release language - "We're thrilled to announce..." - Walls of hashtags (#innovation #leadership #growth) - Tagging 10 people hoping for retweets - Engagement bait without substance ("Agree?") --- ## Templates Reference the templates in `templates/` for structural starting points: | Template | Use Case | |---|---| | `thread-howto.template` | How-to and tutorial threads | | `thread-story.template` | Narrative and storytelling threads | | `thread-teardown.template` | Analysis and breakdown threads | | `single-hook.template` | Standalone tweet patterns | --- ## Thread Polish Checklist Before delivering a thread: - [ ] Tweet 1 stops the scroll (test: would you click "Show more" if you saw this while scrolling?) - [ ] Each tweet stands alone as a complete thought - [ ] Tweets are numbered - [ ] No tweet exceeds 280 characters - [ ] Specifics present: at least 3 tweets contain data, examples, or names - [ ] Variety in tweet length (not all the same size) - [ ] Final tweet has a clear CTA - [ ] Brand voice is adapted for X's tone (not copy-pasted from formal content) - [ ] Zero hashtag walls (0-2 hashtags max per tweet, and only if genuinely relevant) - [ ] Thread length is appropriate: 5-12 tweets for most topics (not padded, not rushed) ## Single Tweet Polish Checklist - [ ] Hook is in the first line - [ ] Under 280 characters - [ ] One clear idea (not three ideas crammed together) - [ ] CTA or conversation-starter if appropriate - [ ] No engagement bait without substance