Boost Your Small Business on Social Media with the 3x3 Hashtag Strategy
Hashtags are one of those things that people see but don't fully understand how to use.
To maximise your online presence and attract the right audience, it's essential to use effective hashtag strategies. One such strategy gaining popularity is the 3x3 hashtag strategy.
In this blog post, I'm going to explain what it is and share why small business owners should consider implementing this strategy. I'll also provide some practical examples to get you started.
So what is it?
The 3x3 hashtag strategy revolves around using a combination of three broad, three moderate, and three niche-specific hashtags. Broad hashtags expose your content to a larger audience, moderate hashtags target specific interest groups, and niche hashtags reach a highly engaged and relevant audience.
You can also choose to do it this way - the who, what and why.
Who - is your content targeted for?
What - do you sell or what are you offering?
Why - should they listen to you and what pain points are you addressing?
Increased Visibility and Reach:
By incorporating a mix of different hashtag categories, you can significantly enhance your visibility and reach on social media platforms.
This strategy ensures your posts are discovered by a wide range of users, including potential customers.
Example: Suppose you run a small bakery specialising in gluten-free desserts. Your post could include broad (who) hashtags like #foodlovers, #dessertlovers, and #glutenfree.
For moderate (what) hashtags, you might use #sweettooth, #bakerslife, and #healthyeating.
Finally, niche-specific (why) hashtags like #glutenfreeliving, #celiaccommunity, and #glutenfreebaking would target a more engaged audience searching for gluten-free options.
Audience Targeting and Engagement:
The 3x3 hashtag strategy helps small business owners connect with their ideal audience. By using a combination of different hashtags, you can refine your target demographic and engage with people who are genuinely interested in your products or services.
This increases the likelihood of generating meaningful interactions, such as likes, comments, and shares, which can lead to greater brand awareness and customer loyalty.
Example: Imagine you own a local pet store. Incorporating broad hashtags like #petlovers, #animalenthusiast, and #petsupply in your posts will attract a wide range of pet enthusiasts. For moderate hashtags, consider using #dogsofinstagram, #catlovers, and #petshop. Lastly, niche-specific hashtags such as #birdcage, #aquariumdecor, and #hamsterwheel would target individuals looking for specific pet-related products, leading to more focused engagement.
Stay Ahead of Trends and Competitors:
By including a mix of popular and emerging hashtags, you can tap into relevant conversations and join online communities. This not only positions your business as an authority in your field but also helps you monitor competitor activity and gain insights into customer preferences.
Example: Suppose you're a fashion boutique owner. Broad hashtags like #styleinspiration, #fashiontrends, and #ootd (outfit of the day) will keep you connected with the broader fashion community. For moderate hashtags, consider #vintagestyle, #summerfashion, and #instafashion. Lastly, niche-specific hashtags like #sustainablefashion, #localdesigners, and #ethicalclothing will help you reach an engaged audience interested in specific fashion niches.
The 3x3 hashtag approach enhances visibility, targets the right audience, and keeps businesses in tune with industry trends. By incorporating a combination of broad, moderate, and niche-specific hashtags, you can attract more followers, generate meaningful engagement, and ultimately boost your small business's online presence.
