Is X (Formerly Twitter) Still an Acceptable Hangout for Founders?

X (formerly known as Twitter) has long been a hub for entrepreneurs, startups, and tech enthusiasts to share ideas, network, and stay updated on industry trends.

But is that still the case?

Since Elon Musk's takeover, many users feel let down by the social platforms direction. The changes, including policy shifts and increased focus on monetisation, have sparked concerns about privacy, security, and user experience.

Frequent algorithm adjustments and the rise in negative interactions have further alienated some users, leading them to question the platform's suitability for meaningful professional and personal engagement.

Some brands have outright dropped the platform entirely.

With its rebranding and shifts in platform dynamics, many are questioning whether X remains a suitable space for founders seeking to connect with like-minded individuals and discuss the intricacies of building a startup.

There is still a bustling community, however, especially from those that consider themselves founders or indie hackers. So with that said, let's look at the pros and cons of using X.

The Pros of Using X

1. Broad Reach and Visibility: X still boasts a massive user base, providing founders with the opportunity to reach a diverse and global audience. This can be invaluable for networking, gaining feedback, and increasing brand awareness.
2. Real-Time Updates: The platform’s real-time nature allows founders to stay updated on the latest industry news, trends, and events. This immediacy can help in making informed decisions and staying ahead of the curve.
3. Hashtags and Trends: Leveraging hashtags and trending topics can help founders tap into relevant conversations and discover new connections. Participating in trending discussions can increase visibility and engagement.
4. Direct Communication: Founders can interact directly with potential investors, partners, and customers. This direct line of communication can lead to valuable relationships and opportunities.

So clearly there are still reasons to use X, and your mileage may vary, but it's worth at least creating a free account to leverage its broad reach and visibility, stay updated with real-time industry news and trends through hashtags and trending topics, and facilitate direct communication with potential investors, partners, and customers.

The Cons of Using X

1. Noise and Distractions: With the sheer volume of content, it can be challenging to cut through the noise. Important discussions can get lost amidst the constant flow of tweets, making it difficult to maintain meaningful conversations.
2. Toxicity and Trolls: The anonymity provided by social media can sometimes lead to negative interactions. Founders may encounter trolls or toxic comments, which can be discouraging and distracting.
3. Algorithm Changes: Frequent changes to the platform’s algorithm can affect the visibility of tweets. Founders may find it challenging to keep up with these changes and ensure their content reaches the right audience.
4. Reputation and Trust Issues: The rebranding and changes in platform policies have led to concerns about privacy, security, and overall trust. Some users may be wary of sharing sensitive information or engaging deeply on the platform.

Alternatives to Consider

While X offers unique advantages, founders might also explore other platforms to complement their social media strategy:

1. LinkedIn: A professional network tailored for business connections. It offers a more formal environment for discussions, networking, and sharing industry insights.
2. Slack Communities: Many startups and tech communities have dedicated Slack channels where founders can engage in focused, topic-specific discussions.
3. Reddit: Subreddits like r/startups and r/entrepreneur provide spaces for in-depth discussions, advice, and sharing experiences with a supportive community.
4. Clubhouse: An audio-based platform where founders can join rooms to discuss topics, share stories, and network in a more conversational setting.

Conclusion

While X still offers founders a powerful platform to network, gain visibility, and stay informed, Musk's unconventional leadership and controversial views can be a deterrent for some. Those who find themselves at odds with the owner's social stances or political leanings may opt to explore alternative platforms that better align with their values.

For those that are happy to engage on the platform, a community still exists.

By leveraging its strengths and complementing it with other platforms, founders can create a well-rounded strategy for engaging with the startup community. The key is to remain adaptable, stay informed about platform changes, and actively seek out valuable connections and conversations.