Getting Started on Bluesky: Are you ready for a new platform?

If you’re like me and you’re missing the old Twitter magic, you might be considering getting started on Bluesky. Maybe you’ve tried Threads and you want to try an alternative NOT owned by Meta. Before joining any new platform, like Bluesky, Threads, Mastodon, or RedBook, you should ask yourself two questions:

1. Do you have time to add another platform to your roster, and to learn how to use it? Or, can it legitimately replace a platform you’re considering leaving, like Twitter?
2. Is your audience there or likely to be there in the near future?

Why Bluesky?

Bluesky offers a Twitter-like experience: short posts, quick interactions, and a network of conversations. Yet, it’s different enough to warrant exploration—especially if you’ve got room (and time) for a new community. Unlike Twitter, Bluesky is decentralized. That means you have more control, less chaos, and fewer corporate algorithms pulling the strings.

Key Differences Between Bluesky and Twitter:

1. Decentralization: Bluesky is built on an open protocol. A centralized platform is like one big toy box that only one person (Meta/Twitter) controls—they decide what toys go in, who gets to play, and how. A decentralized platform is like everyone bringing their own toy box to the playground, but everyone still gets to play together.
2. Feeds & Algorithms: Users can follow curated “Feeds” by others or create their own, much like Twitter Lists, but with more community-driven options.
3. Moderation: You have more nuanced control over your experience with powerful blocking and muting features.

Key Differences Between Bluesky and Threads:

1. Centralization: Bluesky is decentralized, giving users more control and less reliance on a single company. Threads, owned by Meta, is centralized, similar to Instagram and Facebook.
2. Community & Conversations: Bluesky fosters deep community interaction and genuine conversations, reminiscent of Twitter’s early days. Threads focuses more on visual content and integrates closely with Instagram.
3. Algorithm Transparency: Bluesky offers flexibility with user-curated feeds and an open approach. Threads relies heavily on Meta’s algorithms, leaving less room for customization.

Tips For Getting Started on Bluesky

1. Lists vs. Starter Packs
   • Lists let you group and follow specific accounts privately, similar to Twitter Lists.
   • Starter Packs are public collections anyone can follow, great for quickly finding your niche crowd.
2. Blocking & Muting
   Customize your experience. Block removes interactions entirely, mute hides content without unfollowing, and thread gating lets you control who can reply to your posts—keeping conversations focused.
3. Moderation Lists
   You can block entire lists of accounts curated by others, helping you easily filter out unwanted content or problematic accounts. Plus, it continues to block new additions to the list automatically as they are added.
4. Find & Follow Curated Feeds
   Explore popular community-curated feeds to discover new voices or trends easily.
5. Posting Links & Link Cards
   Bluesky auto-generates sleek “link cards” for posts containing URLs. Just drop the link, and it formats nicely for you.
6. Hashtags
   Hashtags work similarly to Twitter, helping categorize your content, making it more discoverable.
7. Add Alt Text
   Always add alt text to images for accessibility. Go to settings to enable reminders for adding alt text—making inclusivity effortless.

How to Be Successful on Bluesky

1. Have Conversations, Don’t Just Broadcast
   When you’re getting started on Bluesky, or any new platform, really, focus on genuine interactions rather than broadcasting marketing messages. Engage with others’ content authentically.
2. Seek Out and Engage
   Spend more time finding interesting people, following them, and contributing to their conversations. Don’t wait passively for them to discover you.
3. Be Community-Centric
   Participate in discussions, share insights, and provide value first. Bluesky rewards users who build connections through meaningful dialogue.
4. Accounts to Follow
   • Official Bluesky Account: @bluesky
   • ME! Anita Kirkbride: @anitakirkbride.bsky.social
   • Look for your city, provincial & federal government representatives, local media and your favourite accounts from Twitter.

Ready to Dive In to Bluesky?

If you’re feeling the pull, give it a shot. The vibe is fresh, friendly, and filled with opportunity. Now is a great time for getting started on Bluesky and geting to know the culture of the platform so when you’re ready to market on there, you’ll really be ready!

FAQ’s About Bluesky for the Infinitely Curious

Do I need an invite to join Bluesky?

Not anymore! Bluesky is now open to everyone—no invite codes needed. Just download the app or visit bsky.app, create your account, and you’re in.

Can I use my business name or should I post as myself?

Either works, but Bluesky tends to reward real voices over brand broadcasts. Many small biz owners post as themselves and weave in their business content naturally. If you do use a brand handle, keep it conversational and human.

Is Bluesky good for finding new customers?

Right now, it’s more about building community and relationships than direct selling. If your strategy includes visibility, networking, and brand voice development, Bluesky is a solid sandbox to play in. Just don’t expect immediate ROI.

What should I post on Bluesky?

Think “behind the scenes,” casual updates, questions, thoughts, and replies. It’s less curated than Instagram and less performative than TikTok. Start conversations. Respond to others. Share links, memes, or ideas that show your personality.

Can I schedule posts on Bluesky?

Not yet—there’s no built-in scheduling feature, and most third-party schedulers don’t support Bluesky at this point. You’ll need to post manually, which reinforces that “in-the-moment” vibe the platform thrives on.