ICYMI, Bluesky , a new social media platform created by Twitter’s co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey, has climbed to 22 million users in just a few weeks.
Though this is dwarfed by X’s colossal 611 million user base, such unprecedented growth in such a short amount of time should not be understated.
Even I’ve made the move to Bluesky (find me here). And I was never quite tempted by Threads.
Something about this feels more positive, more auspicious. I think more people want to see it succeed, and that might become a self fulfilling prophecy.
With the ‘PR Twitter’ clan all seeming to relocate to Bluesky, I thought it was time for me to weigh in on why if you don’t currently know. You should get to know.
4 Reasons PRs Should Be On Bluesky
It’s Like PR Twitter, Reborn
Remember that time when X – or Twitter – was super collaborative, helpful and a hub of constant insight and knowledge? With the occasional side dish of drama? God I miss it.
Luckily, Bluesky and its users seem to be filling that space. And fast.
So many PRs I know and respect are over there now, posting all their nuggets of wisdom and sharing good results like the good ol’ days. With so much untapped knowledge and such a collaborative community, the platform just feels like a really good place to be as a PR right now.
Here’s a great pearl from John Burn-Murdoch on the app’s usage and what it tells you about how it can be used in a professional setting too.
If you are thinking of joining, I’d really recommend checking out Rich Leigh‘s starter packs, for all the best PR-y people to follow:
Part 1 – https://bsky.app/starter-pack-short/ApcbKjA
Part 2 – https://bsky.app/starter-pack/richleighpr.bsky.social/3lbevl2qgqb2f
#Journos!
The main reason I’m still on X (asides from the fact Justin Bieber follows me, helloooo claim to fame) is that #JournoRequest is such a valuable tool.
However, I’m now seeing, anecdotally, that around 80% of requests posted on X, are also posted on Bluesky. So while for now I’m still checking on both, I feel confident that given time, one could replace the other.
Plus, for now at least, a smaller user base means less competition when pitching for reactive opportunities.
Much like PRs, a lot of journalists seem to have moved over to Bluesky for their professional channels, meaning there’s more opportunity to connect and engage with them, plus, see the content they’re putting without having to fish through tonnes of bots and ads.
Dot Star Media have curated a decent #JournoRequest feed that you can add to your homepage. But do check the hashtag too. Just in case!
Better User Experience
I have to give an honourable mention to the fact that Bluesky have brought back link previews. One of the worst thing Musk purged when he started taking Twitter apart brick by brick.
Not only this, but the general experience as a user is just so much nicer. You’re not getting peppered with ads, avoiding irrelevant content or tackling bots. For now at least, Bluesky is just a generally nice place to be.
This MUST Be The Place
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I’m really liking Bluesky at the moment because it just feels so positive. Nobody’s got an agenda and generally, constructive content just ebbs and flows.
Plus, everyone’s new to this and learning.
Nobody’s going to be on the back foot because we’re all total newbies. I’m not changing the world with my content yet, and I had a hell of a lot more followers on X, but I’m still really keen to learn and grow on this platform.
It feels like an equal playing field, and an inspiring place to be.
My Advice On Bluesky
As I said, I’m definitely no authority here. I’m totally still finding my feet. But, if you’re in PR, for what it’s worth, I’d definitely recommend:
- Protecting your client handles
- Protecting your own handle, and trying the platform out
- Keep reading – there’s so many authoritative voices out there discussing Bluesky, both on and off the app
- Test things out for yourself, that’s how we learn after all
Are you on Bluesky? Please connect with me if you are (@jessicapardoepr.bsky.social)! And of course if Justin Bieber is reading this, you can follow me over there too if you’d like 😉
Thank you as always for reading and for supporting me, and always happy to continue the conversation on my socials. Read my other blogs here whilst you wait for the next one.
Jessica Pardoe | PR, Marketing and Communications Blogger | See All Posts By Jessica Pardoe 