post-to-twitter Skill

name: post-to-twitter description: Manage Twitter/X presence with tweets and threads. Create concise, engaging content optimized for Twitter's format. Support single tweets (280 chars) and multi-tweet threads. Track engagement and build thought leadership. Use when user mentions "post to twitter", "tweet", "create thread", "share on x", "twitter post". user-invocable: true allowed-tools: [Read, Write, Edit, Bash, Glob, Grep] context: fork

Purpose

Automate Twitter/X content creation for professional thought leadership and engagement. This skill generates platform-optimized tweets and threads that maintain brand voice, follow Twitter best practices, and require human approval before publishing.

When to Use This Skill

This skill activates when:

• User asks to "post to Twitter" or "tweet this"
• Creating thread content for deeper insights
• Sharing quick updates or industry commentary
• Building thought leadership on Twitter
• Engaging with tech/business Twitter community
• User mentions "twitter", "tweet", "x post", "thread"

Workflow Overview

Business_Goals.md → Content Type Selection → Tweet vs Thread
        ↓                    ↓                      ↓
Twitter Guidelines → Drafting → Optimization (280 char)
        ↓                    ↓                      ↓
Hashtag Strategy → Final Tweet(s) → Approval Request
        ↓                    ↓                      ↓
Human Approval → Twitter Publishing → Engagement Tracking

Twitter Platform Characteristics

Key Differences from Other Platforms

• Character Limit: 280 characters (brevity is critical)
• Optimal Length: 71-100 characters (highest engagement)
• Hashtags: 1-2 maximum (unlike Instagram's 5-10)
• Threading: Multi-tweet threads for longer content
• Speed: Real-time, fast-paced, conversational
• Audience: Tech-savvy, professional, fast scrollers

Content Performance Insights

• Tweets: Short, punchy tweets (< 100 chars) perform best
• Threads: Deep-dive content gets more engagement than links
• Visual Tweets: Images/GIFs increase engagement 35%
• Questions: Direct questions get 3x more replies
• Timing: Weekday mornings and early afternoons peak

Step-by-Step Process

Phase 1: Content Discovery & Format Selection

Objective: Identify content and determine if single tweet or thread.

1. Read Business_Goals.md

   bashCopy

   # Location: Vault/Business_Goals.md
   # Look for: Twitter strategy, content themes, target audience
   

   • Identify current business priorities
   • Check Twitter-specific goals (follower growth, engagement targets)
   • Note voice/tone preferences

2. Scan Recent Completed Tasks

   bashCopy

   # Location: Vault/Done/
   # Pattern: Quick wins, insights, interesting learnings
   

   • Look for tweetable moments (quick insights)
   • Find thread-worthy topics (complex ideas)
   • Identify controversial or hot takes

3. Check Explicit Content Requests

   bashCopy

   # Location: Vault/Needs_Action/
   # Pattern: Twitter post requests
   

   • Extract specific topic or angle
   • Note if user requested tweet or thread
   • Identify any linked resources

4. Format Decision Logic

   Use twitter-guidelines.md:

   Choose Single Tweet when:

   • Content is simple, one clear idea
   • Quick insight, tip, or observation
   • Sharing a link with commentary
   • Engaging with trending topic
   • Maximum 280 characters sufficient

   Choose Thread when:

   • Complex idea requiring multiple points
   • Step-by-step tutorial or guide
   • Storytelling with narrative arc
   • In-depth analysis or commentary
   • Content exceeds 280 characters meaningfully

Output: Format selected (tweet or thread), content theme identified

Phase 2: Content Generation (Twitter-Optimized)

Objective: Create engaging, concise content within Twitter constraints.

For Single Tweets

1. Select Tweet Template

   Refer to twitter-guidelines.md:

   • Insight/Tip: Share valuable knowledge in < 100 chars
   • Hot Take: Controversial but defensible opinion
   • Question: Spark conversation with direct question
   • Announcement: Brief update or news
   • Quote + Commentary: Share quote with your take

2. Draft Tweet Content

   Optimal Structure (71-100 characters):

   Copy

   [Hook or statement]
   
   [Optional: Link or CTA]
   [Optional: 1-2 hashtags]
   

   Extended Structure (100-280 characters):

   Copy

   [Hook or opening statement]
   
   [Elaboration or context]
   
   [Call-to-action or link]
   [Optional: 1-2 hashtags]
   

   Twitter Voice Guidelines:

   • Direct and conversational
   • No fluff or filler words
   • Active voice preferred
   • Sentence fragments acceptable
   • Personality over polish

3. Character Count Optimization

   Priority:

   1. Core message: 50-100 chars
   2. Link (if needed): 23 chars (auto-shortened)
   3. Hashtags (1-2): 10-20 chars
   4. Total Target: 71-100 chars (sweet spot)

   If over 280 chars: Convert to thread (Phase 2B)

For Tweet Threads

1. Select Thread Template

   Refer to thread-templates.md:

   • Tutorial/How-To: Step-by-step guide (3-7 tweets)
   • Storytelling: Narrative with beginning, middle, end (4-10 tweets)
   • Listicle: Numbered list of insights (5-10 tweets)
   • Deep Dive: In-depth analysis (5-12 tweets)
   • Hot Take + Justification: Opinion + supporting points (3-5 tweets)

2. Draft Thread Structure

   Tweet 1 (Hook Thread):

   Copy

   [Attention-grabbing hook]
   
   [Brief preview of what's coming]
   
   [Optional: "A thread 🧵" or "Let me explain 👇"]
   

   Tweets 2-N (Content Tweets):

   Copy

   [Point/step with clear value]
   
   [Brief elaboration if needed]
   
   [Natural transition to next tweet]
   

   Final Tweet (CTA/Conclusion):

   Copy

   [Summary or key takeaway]
   
   [Call-to-action: Follow, Retweet, Comment]
   
   [Optional: Link to related resource]
   

3. Thread Best Practices

   • Length: 3-10 tweets optimal (over 15 loses readers)
   • Numbering: Use "1/" "2/" etc. for clarity
   • Flow: Each tweet must make sense standalone
   • Pacing: Vary tweet length (some short, some longer)
   • Hook Strong: First tweet determines if thread gets read

4. Hashtag Strategy

   Use hashtag-strategy.md:

   Twitter-Specific Rules:

   • Maximum: 1-2 hashtags per tweet
   • Placement: End of tweet only
   • Selection: Broad, trending, or branded only
   • Thread Placement: Only on first or last tweet, not all

   Examples:

   • #AI #ProductivityTips
   • #Startups #EntrepreneursLife
   • #TechTwitter #BuildInPublic

   Note: Twitter hashtags are less critical than Instagram. Focus on content quality over hashtag quantity.

Output: Tweet or thread drafted, character counts verified

Phase 3: Quality Review & Validation

Objective: Ensure content meets Twitter and brand standards.

1. Twitter-Specific Checklist

   Single Tweet:

   • Character count: 71-280 (optimal: 71-100)
   • Clear message without jargon
   • No typos or errors
   • Links shortened (if applicable)
   • Hashtags: 0-2 maximum
   • Engaging (question, insight, or call-to-action)

   Thread:

   • First tweet hooks attention
   • 3-10 tweets total (not too long)
   • Each tweet standalone makes sense
   • Numbered clearly (1/7, 2/7, etc.)
   • Natural flow between tweets
   • Strong conclusion with CTA
   • Hashtags only on first/last tweet

2. Brand Compliance Check

   Reference Vault/Company_Handbook.md:

   • Aligns with brand voice
   • No prohibited topics
   • Professional but conversational
   • No offensive language
   • Respectful of others

3. Engagement Optimization

   Reference engagement-tactics.md:

   • Includes question or conversation starter (if applicable)
   • Personality or opinion evident
   • Value-driven (insight, tip, story)
   • Optimal posting time considered
   • No excessive self-promotion

Output: Validated tweet/thread ready for approval

Phase 4: Approval Request Creation

Objective: Create formal approval request for human review.

1. Integrate with handle-approval Skill

   This skill MUST use the handle-approval skill for approval requests.

   Reference: ../../handle-approval/reference/approval-thresholds.md

2. Create Approval File

   markdownCopy

   ---
   type: approval_request
   action: social_media_post
   platform: twitter
   content_type: [tweet|thread]
   created: [timestamp ISO 8601]
   expires: [72 hours from creation]
   priority: normal
   status: pending
   ---
   
   ## Action Summary
   Publish Twitter [tweet/thread]: [One-line description]
   
   ## Twitter Content
   
   ### [Single Tweet] OR [Thread]
   
   **Tweet 1:**
   [Tweet content]
   Character count: [X/280]
   
   [If thread, continue:]
   **Tweet 2:**
   [Tweet content]
   Character count: [X/280]
   
   **Tweet 3:**
   [Tweet content]
   Character count: [X/280]
   
   [... additional tweets ...]
   
   **Tweet N (Final):**
   [Tweet content]
   Character count: [X/280]
   
   ---
   
   ## Metadata
   - **Platform:** Twitter/X
   - **Type:** [Single Tweet / Thread]
   - **Thread Length:** [If thread: X tweets]
   - **Total Character Count:** [Sum of all tweets]
   - **Hashtags:** [List hashtags used]
   - **Mentions:** [Any @mentions]
   - **Links:** [Any URLs included]
   
   ## Context & Rationale
   - **Content Source:** [Insight / Project / Industry commentary]
   - **Business Goal:** [Thought leadership / Engagement / Brand awareness]
   - **Target Audience:** [Tech community / Entrepreneurs / Industry peers]
   - **Inspiration:** [What prompted this tweet/thread]
   
   ## Posting Schedule
   - **Optimal Times:** Weekdays 8-10 AM, 12-1 PM, 5-6 PM
   - **Suggested Time:** [Specific time if scheduled]
   
   ## Risks & Considerations
   - Risk: Low (standard business content)
   - Compliance: Follows Twitter guidelines and brand voice
   - Controversy: [None / Low / Intentional hot take - explain]
   
   ## To Approve
   Move this file to `/Approved` folder.
   
   ## To Reject
   Move this file to `/Rejected` folder and add reason at bottom.
   
   ---
   ## Human Edits (Optional)
   [Space for human to edit tweet content before approval]
   

3. File Naming Convention

   Copy

   APPROVAL_TWITTER_[TWEET|THREAD]_[description]_[YYYY-MM-DD].md
   
   Examples:
   - APPROVAL_TWITTER_TWEET_AIProductivityTip_2026-01-11.md
   - APPROVAL_TWITTER_THREAD_AutomationTutorial_2026-01-11.md
   - APPROVAL_TWITTER_TWEET_WeeklyInsight_2026-01-11.md
   

4. Save to Pending Approval Folder

   bashCopy

   # Location: Vault/Pending_Approval/
   

Output: Approval request file created in /Pending_Approval

Phase 5: Dashboard Logging

Objective: Maintain audit trail and activity log.

Update Vault/Dashboard.md:

## Recent Activity

- [YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS] **Twitter [Tweet/Thread] Created**
  - Type: [Single Tweet / Thread (X tweets)]
  - Topic: [Brief description]
  - Character Count: [Total characters]
  - Status: Pending Approval
  - Approval File: APPROVAL_TWITTER_[...]_[date].md
  - Action: Human review required in /Pending_Approval

Output: Dashboard updated with pending post status

Phase 6: Post-Approval Execution

Note: Executes ONLY after human moves approval file to /Approved folder.

1. Detect Approved Post

   bashCopy

   # Monitor: Vault/Approved/
   # Pattern: APPROVAL_TWITTER_*.md
   

2. Execute Twitter Publishing

   bashCopy

   python scripts/twitter_api_helper.py --approval-file "Vault/Approved/APPROVAL_TWITTER_xxx.md"
   

   The script will:

   • Extract tweet/thread content
   • Authenticate with Twitter API v2
   • Publish tweet(s) in sequence (for threads)
   • Return tweet URL(s) and status

3. Handle Execution Results

   If Success:

   • Move approval file from /Approved to /Done
   • Update Dashboard with success log and tweet URL(s)
   • Initialize engagement tracking file

   If Failure:

   • Keep file in /Approved
   • Log error to Dashboard with details
   • Create troubleshooting task in /Needs_Action

4. Engagement Tracking Setup

   Create tracking file:

   markdownCopy

   # /Vault/Social_Media/Twitter/Analytics/TWEET_[date]_[topic].md
   
   ---
   platform: twitter
   type: [tweet|thread]
   tweet_url: [Primary tweet URL]
   published: [timestamp]
   ---
   
   ## Initial Metrics (24h)
   - Impressions: [TBD]
   - Engagements: [TBD]
   - Retweets: [TBD]
   - Likes: [TBD]
   - Replies: [TBD]
   - Profile Clicks: [TBD]
   
   ## Week Performance (7d)
   [To be updated after 7 days]
   

5. Final Dashboard Update

   markdownCopy

   - [YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS] **Twitter [Tweet/Thread] Published** ✓
     - Type: [Single Tweet / Thread (X tweets)]
     - Topic: [Brief description]
     - Tweet URL: [URL]
     - Status: Complete
     - Tracking: /Social_Media/Twitter/Analytics/TWEET_[date]_[topic].md
   

Output: Tweet/thread published and engagement tracking initiated

Integration with Other Skills

Required Dependencies

1. handle-approval Skill (Gold Branch 1)
   • MUST be used for all approval request creation
   • Enforces security thresholds
   • Manages expiration policies

Optional Integrations

2. create-plan Skill (Silver Tier)

   • Use for thread planning and structuring
   • Break down complex topics into thread format

3. process-tasks Skill (Bronze Tier)

   • Process explicit Twitter post requests from /Needs_Action

Security & Safety Protocols

Never Auto-Approve

• ALL Twitter posts REQUIRE human approval (zero exceptions)
• Twitter is public, permanent, and highly visible
• Brand reputation risk is HIGH
• Threads especially need review (longer content = more risk)
• Approval expiration: 72 hours (3 days)

Content Validation Required

Before creating approval request:

• No confidential business information
• No client names without permission
• No controversial content unless intentional (and approved strategy)
• No negative comments about competitors
• Professional and respectful language
• No excessive self-promotion (80/20 rule: 80% value, 20% promo)
• Twitter community guidelines compliant

Rate Limiting

From Business_Goals.md (adjust as needed):

• Single Tweets: 3-5 per week maximum
• Threads: 1-2 per week maximum (more effort to read)
• Minimum Spacing: 4-6 hours between tweets
• Optimal Frequency: Daily or every other day

Error Handling

Common Issues

1. Character Count Exceeds 280

   • Action: Either shorten or convert to thread
   • Template: Use thread template
   • Ask: User preference on shortening vs threading

2. Business_Goals.md Missing Twitter Strategy

   • Action: Alert user to define Twitter goals
   • Fallback: Use general tech/business audience assumptions
   • Default: Conservative posting frequency (2-3x/week)

3. Twitter API Authentication Failure

   • Action: Log error with details
   • Alert: Create task in /Needs_Action for token refresh
   • Guidance: Link to Twitter Developer Console

4. Thread Too Long (> 15 tweets)

   • Action: Suggest shortening or splitting into multiple threads
   • Reason: Long threads lose readers
   • Optimal: 5-7 tweets per thread

Testing & Validation

Dry-Run Mode

The Twitter API helper script supports dry-run:

python scripts/twitter_api_helper.py --dry-run --approval-file "path/to/file.md"

This will:

• Parse approval file
• Validate character counts
• Show what would be posted
• NOT publish to Twitter

Success Criteria

• Tweet(s) drafted correctly
• Character counts within limits (280 per tweet)
• Hashtag strategy appropriate (1-2 max)
• Thread flow logical (if thread)
• Approval request in correct format
• Dashboard logging complete
• Content passes quality checklist

Trigger Phrases for Auto-Activation

This skill activates when user says:

• "post to twitter"
• "tweet this"
• "share on twitter"
• "create a tweet"
• "create a thread"
• "twitter thread about [topic]"
• "post on x"
• "tweet about [topic]"

Reference Files

• Twitter Guidelines - Platform best practices, tweet templates
• Thread Templates - Multi-tweet thread structures
• Hashtag Strategy - Twitter-specific hashtag usage
• Engagement Tactics - Optimization for replies and engagement

Examples

Example 1: Single Tweet (Quick Tip)

User: "Tweet about the productivity hack I discovered today"

Skill Actions:
1. Reviews recent Done/ tasks for productivity-related content
2. Selects "Insight/Tip" tweet template
3. Drafts concise tweet (85 characters):
   "Automation isn't lazy. It's choosing to solve a problem once instead of daily."
4. Adds 1 hashtag: #ProductivityTips
5. Creates APPROVAL_TWITTER_TWEET_AutomationInsight_2026-01-11.md
6. Logs to Dashboard
7. Waits for human approval
8. Posts to Twitter after approval

Example 2: Thread (Tutorial)

User: "Create a Twitter thread explaining how to set up Claude Code automation"

Skill Actions:
1. Selects "Tutorial/How-To" thread template
2. Structures 7-tweet thread:
   - Tweet 1: Hook + promise
   - Tweets 2-6: Step-by-step instructions
   - Tweet 7: Conclusion + CTA
3. Numbers tweets (1/7, 2/7, etc.)
4. Keeps each tweet 150-250 characters
5. Adds #ClaudeCode #Automation to first tweet only
6. Creates APPROVAL_TWITTER_THREAD_ClaudeCodeSetup_2026-01-11.md
7. Human reviews, makes minor edits, approves
8. Posts thread to Twitter (with 5-second delay between tweets)
9. Tracks engagement

Example 3: Hot Take (Controversial Opinion)

User: "Tweet my opinion that most SaaS tools are over-engineered"

Skill Actions:
1. Recognizes controversial/opinion content
2. Selects "Hot Take" template
3. Drafts tweet (142 characters):
   "Unpopular opinion: 90% of SaaS tools are over-engineered. Most businesses need 10% of the features they pay for.

   Simplicity > feature bloat."
4. No hashtags (hot takes work better without)
5. Creates approval request with "Risk: Medium - Intentional hot take" note
6. Human reviews, confirms stance, approves
7. Posts and monitors replies for engagement

Notes

Twitter Character Limits

• Single Tweet: 280 characters
• Username Mentions: Count toward 280
• Links: Auto-shortened to 23 characters (t.co)
• Images/GIFs: Don't count toward character limit
• Polls: Separate format, not covered in this skill yet

Thread Best Practices

• Hook within first 5 words
• Use line breaks for readability (double return)
• Vary tweet length (some short, some longer)
• Number clearly (1/7, 2/7, etc.)
• Strong CTA in final tweet
• Engage with replies quickly

Engagement Tips

• Ask questions (gets 3x more replies)
• Reply to all comments within first hour
• Retweet relevant replies
• Quote tweet for commentary
• Use Twitter Lists to monitor industry conversations

Skill Version: 1.0 Created: 2026-01-11 Branch: feat/gold-social-expansion Dependencies: handle-approval (Gold Branch 1)