I signed up for my Threadsy account fully expecting to be unimpressed. As a busy Virtual Assistant who manages multiple emails and social media accounts, I already use the top-rated tools out there. However, I found that Threadsy has some elements that are really interesting.
Like all email applications, Threadsy does pull in emails and folders from multiple accounts. It shows them in one stream, much like Google’s Gmail. However, there is the option to view one email account stream at a time. Once an email is open, one can easily get back to the email stream by simply scrolling down, rather than using a back key or extra click somewhere. This simple feature removes a step, which is always an A+ in my opinion.
My first gold star goes to Threadsy’s email signature feature. After incorporating Twitter and Facebook accounts into Threadsy, one can easily add Facebook and Twitter icons under their email signature that click through to their profiles. It is a very clean and professional extra that is completely enjoyable.
When adding recipients to an email, Threadsy pulls in the email contact’s “profile” with a picture (if available), adding them in a list down the left side of the email. It is an unnecessary, but fun, feature that sets it apart.
The email stream on Threadsy includes Facebook and Twitter steams as well, but it feels a bit redundant since there is a box to the right for viewing social media streams only. However, the feature allows archiving of social media posts which is very exciting.
Social Media
As promised, multiple Twitter and Facebook social media profiles can be added into Threadsy and viewed in a social media box to the right of the email stream. Threadsy wisely allows a drop-down feature to be used for viewing one profile at a time.
When posting to social media profiles through Threadsy, typical options apply, such as posting to several accounts at once and a url shortener (bit.ly). The coolest thing about Threadsy’s shortener is that it works automatically with no extra step of clicking “shrink.” Another saved step makes me happy.
My second gold star goes to Threadsy’s option to manage your Twitter retweets. No more auto-posted retweets with Threadsy. Feel free to comment, revise and add friends if needed. Thumbs up, Threadsy, for not cutting us short on that feature like the real Twitter did.
Threadsy has added a bio feature for learning more about fans and followers in your social media stream. When a fan or follower’s pic is clicked, a box pops up with a wealth of information including latest posts by the person. The best part about this is that it works for Facebook too, which is something I haven’t seen before. On a side note, this feature “works” with email profiles as well, but don’t expect to see much bio info pop up. Email security settings are too high for much info to get through.
My third gold star goes to a groovy feature that allows for one to go past the standard “I like this” thumbs-up feature that Facebook provides. Threadsy has taken this to the next level by allowing for either an “I *heart* this” or “I dislike this.” Trying to remain as positive as possible on social media, I would never use the dislike feature, but the *heart* feature is really fun.
Customer Service
I will give my fourth and final gold star to Threadsy for customer service. Not only was it easy to find contact information to their customer service department, but I received a reply within a couple of hours. Then, just to test the service a bit more, I replied back to the first response and received my second reply almost instantly. Way to go, Threadsy!
Drawbacks
As much as I love Threadsy, I must point out some glaringly obvious omissions.
1) Facebook Business Pages are not accessible.
2) Changes made while working in Facebook and Twitter don’t sync with Threadsy.
3) No scheduling Facebook and Twitter post for future dates and times.
4) No option to upload a picture to your Facebook and Twitter post.
As a Virtual Assistant who manages several of my own and client’ social media accounts, these four absent features were a deal breaker for me. However, I think Threadsy is a well-tuned and fun tool for the average social media user. Also, while Threadsy’s email features are fun, I prefer to keep my email and social media separate. Otherwise, I would be forced into a multi-tasking frenzy on a daily basis. Keep up the great work Threadsy, the masses need you.
RESOURCE: Threadsy is currently in beta and it is free.
About the Author: Julia Lilly is the owner of 360 Admin. She is a professional Virtual Assistant who assists small to mid-sized businesses with their social media presence by providing start- up consultation or daily account management. Visit her on the web at www.360admin.com.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.
