--- name: bluesky-post-crafter description: | Craft Bluesky posts optimized for the decentralized, user-controlled platform. Use when creating posts, replies, quote posts, or threads for Bluesky. Includes character limits, hashtag strategy for custom feed discovery, engagement tactics, and content patterns that work on this conversation-first platform. --- # Bluesky Post Crafter Skill ## Platform Fundamentals Bluesky is fundamentally different from Twitter/X: | Aspect | Bluesky | Twitter/X | |--------|---------|-----------| | Algorithm | User-controlled, multiple feeds | Platform-controlled | | Character limit | 300 | 280 (more for Premium) | | Discovery | Hashtags + custom feeds | Algorithmic "For You" | | Links | No penalty | Historically penalized | | Ads | None | Extensive | | Verification | Link your domain (free) | Paid subscription | **Key insight**: There's no algorithm to "beat." Growth comes from conversations and community. ## Post Specifications ### Character Limits - **Post**: 300 characters - **Hashtags**: Up to 100 characters each - **Alt text**: 1,000 characters ### Media Support - Images: Up to 4 per post - Videos: Up to 60 seconds - GIFs: Supported - External links: No reach penalty ### Formatting - No native thread feature (yet) — deliver message in single post - Hashtags are clickable and searchable - Alt text is expected (community values accessibility) ## Hashtag Strategy Bluesky doesn't have a trending page — hashtags are your discovery mechanism. ### Optimal Usage - **2-3 hashtags per post** for best results - Niche hashtags > broad hashtags - Hashtags drive custom feed inclusion ### Placement Options ``` Beginning: Immediately categorizes content End: Maintains readability (most common) ``` ### Effective Hashtags **Community hashtags:** ``` #BlueskyCommunity #BlueskyArt #BlueskyTech #BlueskyWriting ``` **For tacosdedatos:** ``` #DataScience #DataViz #Python #Programación #DatosAbiertos #BlueskyEspañol #LatAm ``` ### Hashtag Performance - Trending-aligned hashtags can increase visibility by **40%** - Timely participation in trending topics: **15-25% engagement boost** - Niche tags lead to deeper community engagement ## Content Types That Work ### 1. Introductions "Hi, I'm new to Bluesky" posts perform exceptionally well. The community is welcoming. ``` Template: ¡Hola! Soy [nombre], escribo sobre [temas]. Me pueden encontrar en: → Newsletter: [link] → [Otros] Emocionado/a de estar aquí. ¿Quién más escribe sobre [tema]? #BlueskyEspañol #DataScience ``` ### 2. Value-First Posts ``` Template: [Insight or tip — direct, no preamble] [Supporting detail or context] [Optional: Question to spark discussion] #RelevantHashtag ``` ### 3. Behind-the-Scenes Humanizes your brand, builds trust. ``` Template: Así se ve mi [proceso/día/setup]: [Image or description] [Brief context] ¿Cómo es el suyo? ``` ### 4. Questions & Discussion Starters Open-ended questions drive engagement. ``` Template: Pregunta para la comunidad: [Specific, thoughtful question about your niche] Me interesa escuchar diferentes perspectivas. ``` ### 5. Quote Posts More visible than replies. Use to: - Add your take to someone's post - Restart conversations from older posts - Share others' content with commentary ### 6. External Links No algorithm penalty — share freely. ``` Template: [Context about what you're sharing] [Link] [Why it matters or what you learned] ``` ## Replies as Distribution Unlike algorithmic platforms, **replies get surfaced in Discover feed**. ### Reply Strategy - Replies to others = visibility for you - Thoughtful replies attract profile visits - Early replies (within 15 min) on popular posts = more exposure ### What Makes a Good Reply **Do:** - Add new insight or perspective - Ask follow-up questions - Share relevant experience **Don't:** - "Great post!" (no value) - One-word responses - Self-promotional without relevance ## Threading on Bluesky No native thread feature, but you can: 1. **Self-reply** to create thread 2. **Bump old threads** — replying to your own old post brings it to top of followers' feeds ### Thread Structure ``` Post 1: [Hook + main point] ↓ (reply to self) Post 2: [Supporting detail] ↓ Post 3: [Conclusion + CTA] ``` ## Posting Frequency & Timing ### Frequency - **Optimal**: 1-2 posts/day - **Minimum**: A few times/week - **Key**: Engagement > volume ### Best Times (2025) | Day | Best Windows | |-----|--------------| | Monday | 8-10 AM, 6-8 PM | | Wed-Thu | 9 AM - noon, 3-5 PM | | Weekend | Lower activity | *Times in audience's local timezone* ### Important Difference Posts don't disappear in seconds like Twitter. Conversations can stretch for days. Less urgency, more depth. ## Spanish-Language Patterns ### LATAM Community on Bluesky - 28+ Spanish Language starter packs - 28+ Latin America starter packs - Brazil in top 5 countries (4.06% of traffic) - Growing Hispanic community ### Spanish Post Template ``` [Afirmación directa o pregunta] [Contexto breve — máximo 2-3 oraciones] [CTA: pregunta o invitación a compartir] #BlueskyEspañol #DataScience #LatAm ``` ### Finding Spanish Community - Search #BlueskyEspañol, #LatAm - Find Spanish-language starter packs - Engage with other Spanish-speaking creators ## Newsletter Promotion Bluesky is link-friendly. Use it. ### Promotion Template ``` Nuevo en el newsletter de tacosdedatos: [Key insight or hook from the issue] → [What readers will learn] → [Why it matters] Link: [URL] #DataScience #Newsletter ``` ### Cross-Platform Strategy Embed Bluesky posts in your Substack newsletter to: - Create curiosity - Drive followers to Bluesky - Show social proof ## Output Format When crafting Bluesky posts: ```markdown ## Bluesky Post: [Topic] ### Content [Full post text — max 300 chars] ### Specs - **Characters**: [X]/300 - **Hashtags**: [2-3 tags] - **Media**: [Image/video needed?] - **Alt text**: [If media] ### Engagement Hook - **Question**: [If applicable] - **Reply bait**: [What might people respond with?] ### Related - **Custom feeds**: [Feeds this could appear in] - **Reply targets**: [Posts to engage with on this topic] ``` ## Pre-Publish Checklist ```markdown - [ ] Under 300 characters - [ ] 2-3 relevant hashtags - [ ] Clear value or hook - [ ] Alt text for any images - [ ] Would I engage with this? - [ ] Does it invite conversation? ``` ## References For platform research, source links, and growth tactics, see [references/REFERENCES.md](references/REFERENCES.md).