Navigating the Twitter to X Rebrand (Still) and How to Talk About X and Master Your Hashtags

Navigating the rebrand from Twitter to X has definitely been a head-scratcher for many, including myself. If you're feeling confused about how to refer to this platform, you’re not alone. Even months after the rebrand announcement, users still grapple with whether to call it "Twitter," "X," or some combination of both. Honestly, I think we're in a bit of a social limbo where dropping “Twitter” altogether doesn’t quite feel natural yet.

So, how do we refer to it, especially when communicating across platforms like LinkedIn, where our audience is often a bit more formal?

I wanted to explore the potential approach to Twitter/X name shifts and offer a guide on refining your hashtag strategy to keep up with the evolving social media landscape.

Why This Matters: Adapting to the Rebrand

In February 2024, CNN highlighted how Twitter's rebrand to X was a massive transformation aimed at repositioning the platform as part of Elon Musk’s vision to create an "everything app" akin to China's WeChat. While the shift may have grand ambitions, the rollout has been slow, and user adoption is inconsistent.

Fast Forward to Today, How Do We Refer to It?

The safest approach—for now—is to use both names when you mention the platform. Clarity is key, especially when communicating across more formal platforms like LinkedIn, where your audience might not be as deeply embedded in tech news.

Here’s how I suggest framing it:

• Casual conversations: “Catch us live on X (formerly Twitter).”
• Professional settings: “We just posted a new update on X (previously known as Twitter).”

This keeps everyone in the loop and bridges the gap until "X" becomes fully established.

Hashtag Strategy: Merging LinkedIn and X

Hashtags are still critical for discovery, even during this transition. But how do you ensure clarity across platforms? The trick is using bridging hashtags—tags that resonate on LinkedIn and X without causing confusion.

Here's how I will approach it:

• #XSpaces & #TwitterSpaces: Until X is fully adopted, using both hashtags is a good idea if you're sharing live audio conversations. This way, users searching for either won’t miss your content.
• Platform-Neutral Hashtags: Using hashtags like #SocialMediaStrategy or #TechUpdates can bridge the gap between platforms without causing confusion.
• Cross-Platform Engagement Hashtags: Use #LiveFromX or #XSpacesRecap to cross-promote your X-based content on LinkedIn and ensure that both audiences are in sync.

Why Hashtags Still Matter

Hashtags remain a powerful tool for expanding your reach, even on LinkedIn, where they might seem secondary compared to platforms like X. Today's algorithms still reward the strategic use of hashtags, making them essential for those posting about dynamic discussions across platforms.

For example:

• #XSpacesRecap: Use this on LinkedIn to recap the highlights of discussions held on X.
• #LiveFromX: This works great when promoting live events on X to your LinkedIn followers.

And Lastly...

This rebrand may be an evolving process, but you can maintain clarity and engagement across platforms with the right strategies. While The Mindset Genesis is my personal space for 1:1 deep coaching, my day-to-day focus is AI, business, and tech development strategies. Join me and Curt Robbins for our live X Spaces on Thursdays at 10 am PST.

Follow me here,?X?(formerly Twitter ??), to add the reminder or catch up on our discussions on?Spotify.

Let’s stay connected and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible.