For some, hashtags are just social media symbols, but in small business marketing, they are essential tools that can help you appeal to more customers.
Wondering how to do so?
Check how the small business hashtags you need to be using to increase your visibility and drive business growth. Plus, get inspired with our list of small business hashtags that you can use in your social media plan.
Why should you use hashtags?
1. Increasing visibility
Using relevant hashtags on social media platforms improves the visibility of your social media posts. Including trending hashtags or industry-popular hashtags ensures your content reaches a wider audience and attracts more potential customers.
Small businesses can benefit greatly from using both Instagram hashtags and TikTok hashtags to increase their reach. Active hashtags related to your niche help your posts appear in searches, making it easier for users to discover your business.
2. Building brand recognition on social media platforms
Hashtags act as a powerful tool for building brand recognition. Using branded hashtags unique to your business helps create a recognizable identity both on social platforms and in your brick-and-mortar store.
This strategy makes it easier for customers to find content related to your brand and helps you increase loyalty and engagement. Small business owners can use niche-specific hashtags to highlight their unique selling points, reinforce their brand message, and, establish a strong market presence.
3. Standing out from the crowd
In a crowded marketplace, using the right hashtags helps your content stand out. Avoiding irrelevant or spammy hashtags and focusing on somewhat active hashtags ensures your posts reach the right audience.
Small or local businesses can use specific hashtags related to their industry or location, distinguishing themselves from competitors. This targeted approach highlights unique offerings, giving small businesses a competitive edge and a chance to build relationships for years to come.
4. Connecting with target audiences
Hashtags enable small business owners to connect with their target audience. Using small business hashtags related to your products or services helps reach users interested in specific topics.
Understanding and using the best hashtags for your industry creates content that resonates with your target market – and can help you bring new customers on board.
Where to use hashtags?
If you think that hashtags are reserved only for your Instagram post, think again! Hashtags can be used across various platforms and activities to improve your marketing efforts.
Here are some places where you can use some most popular hashtags:
- Instagram posts
- Twitter tweets
- Facebook posts
- TikTok videos
- LinkedIn updates
- Pinterest pins
- Blog articles
- YouTube video descriptions
- Industry events
- Community meetups
- Networking sessions
- Email marketing campaigns
- Business cards
- Flyers and brochures
- Product packaging
- Storefront signage
- Video content descriptions
- Customer feedback forms
- Online forums and groups
- Event banners and displays
- Digital ads and promotions
Using hashtags strategically in these areas can help you grow your visibility, engagement, and ultimately, your business.
How do you choose the best hashtags?
Selecting the best hashtags for your social media posts involves considering several key elements. Here’s a simple 6-step pattern to follow:
#1 Post subject
Identify the main subject of your content and use relevant hashtags to describe it. For example, if you’re posting a photo of a new dress in your online shop, use hashtags like #FloralDress, #SummerDress, #VintageDress. These hashtags can help you start reaching users looking for such things.
#2 Post/business location
Location-based hashtags help attract local customers interested in specific places. If your business is located in Manhattan, use hashtags like #NewYork, #Tribeca, #5thAvenue. These hashtags can connect you with local customers and improve your online visibility in a specific geographic area.
#3 Post time
Time-specific hashtags add further context to your posts. For instance, if you’re posting on a weekend, use hashtags like #SaturdayShopping. These hashtags appeal to users looking for weekend activities (such as shopping plans) and can increase the likelihood of your post being seen and engaged with.
#4 Brand
Create unique brand hashtags to build your brand recognition. Use hashtags like #YourShopOnline and #YourShopOnlineFashion to represent your business. These branded hashtags make it easier for followers to find your content and related tags – especially if you add it to every single piece of content you publish.
#5 Industry
Include generic industry hashtags to reach a broader audience interested in your niche. Use hashtags like #Fashion and #Trendy to connect with users interested in fashion trends.
#6 Trends
Jumping on current trends on social media can also help improve your visibility, as it makes your posts more relevant and timely.
For fashion, trendy hashtags might include #OOTD (Outfit of the Day), #FashionInspo, and #StyleOfTheDay. Using trending hashtags that align with your content can attract more views – sometimes, on the spot.
Best hashtags for small business owners
General small business hashtags
General small business hashtags help you connect with the broader community of small business owners and supporters, increasing your visibility and engagement. It also presents some opportunities for collaboration.
For example, if you're a small business owner, you can use these hashtags below to find other small business owners who might want to cross-sell your products or become your partners in marketing activities:
- #SmallBusiness
- #SmallBiz
- #ShopSmall
- #SupportSmallBusiness
- #Entrepreneur
- #Startup
- #SmallBusinessOwner
- #SmallBusinessSupport
- #SmallBizOwner
- #SmallBusinessLife
- #BusinessOwner
- #BusinessOpportunity
- #SmallBusinessLove
- #BizOwners
- #Entrepreneurship
Location-based hashtags
Location-based hashtags are important for attracting local customers and building a community presence. These tags highlight your business's geographic area and can boost your business growth in that specific place. Remember to always connect these hashtags below with the name of your district or town!.
- #LocalBusiness
- #ShopLocal
- #SupportLocal
- #LocalBiz
- #LocalShop
- #LocalEconomy
- #NeighborhoodBusiness
- #CommunityBusiness
- #LocalStore
- #LocalMarket
- #LocalSupport
- #CityBusiness
- #LocalFavorites
- #TownBusiness
- #CityMarket
Industry-specific hashtags
Industry-specific hashtags can help you target people interested in particular types of products or services or show "behind the scenes" of local businesses.
- #RetailBusiness
- #FashionBusiness
- #FoodBusiness
- #TechStartup
- #HandmadeBusiness
- #ServiceBusiness
- #CreativeBusiness
- #OnlineBusiness
- #HealthBusiness
- #FitnessBusiness
- #BeautyBusiness
- #ArtBusiness
- #EducationBusiness
- #ConsultingBusiness
- #RealEstateBusiness
Popular and trending hashtags
Trending and popular hashtags increase your chances of being discovered by more customers during popular searches.
Certain small business hashtags gather quite a following, so you should try jumping on that bandwagon!
- #TrendingNow
- #WhatsHot
- #InstaBiz
- #BizTrends
- #StartupLife
- #NewBusiness
- #InnovativeBusiness
- #BusinessGrowth
- #BusinessDevelopment
- #BusinessGoals
- #HotTopic
- #Viral
- #TrendingBusiness
- #Buzz
- #OnTheRise
Marketing and social media hashtags
Marketing and social media hashtags focus on promoting your marketing efforts and engaging with your niche audience across various social platforms.
- #Marketing
- #DigitalMarketing
- #SocialMediaMarketing
- #ContentMarketing
- #MarketingStrategy
- #MarketingTips
- #MarketingIdeas
- #Branding
- #SEO
- #EmailMarketing
- #SocialMedia
- #InfluencerMarketing
- #MarketingCampaign
- #MarketingExpert
- #BusinessMarketing
Product and service hashtags
Product and service hashtags showcase what you offer and can attract customers interested in specific items, helpful insights, or high-quality services.
- #NewArrivals
- #BestSellers
- #Exclusive
- #LimitedEdition
- #CustomerFavorites
- #ServiceWithASmile
- #TopQuality
- #Handcrafted
- #CustomMade
- #EcoFriendly
- #ProductLaunch
- #QualityService
- #UniqueProducts
- #HandmadeGoods
- #CustomerSatisfaction
Event and promotion hashtags
Event and promotion hashtags help you advertise special events, sales, and promotions to attract more attendees and increase sales.
- #Sale
- #SpecialOffer
- #Discount
- #Promo
- #FlashSale
- #Event
- #Workshop
- #Webinar
- #GrandOpening
- #CustomerAppreciation
- #EventMarketing
- #ShopSale
- #ExclusiveEvent
- #LimitedTimeOffer
- #HolidaySale
Inspirational and motivational relevant hashtags
Inspirational and motivational hashtags resonate with your audience on a personal level – as they encourage engagement and share positive messages about your business.
- #Success
- #Motivation
- #Inspiration
- #Hustle
- #DreamBig
- #Goals
- #Ambition
- #EntrepreneurLife
- #Mindset
- #BeYourOwnBoss
- #BusinessSuccess
- #EntrepreneurGoals
- #PositiveVibes
- #HardWorkPaysOff
- #StayFocused
Conclusion
Small business hashtags can make or break your online presence! As a small business owner, using Instagram hashtags effectively can help you attract new customers. Leveraging small business hashtags helps improve visibility and drive growth in your social media marketing efforts. So, what are you waiting for? #Go and #Jump on business hashtags today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, hashtags work effectively for small businesses by increasing visibility and engagement on social media platforms. Using relevant and trending hashtags helps small businesses reach a wider audience and attract potential customers interested in their products or services.
Use a mix of popular, niche, and branded small business hashtags. Avoid too many hashtags to maintain quality. Include unique hashtags related to your business, industry, and location. For more ideas, search for X hashtags your competitors or industry leaders use.
The hashtag for Small Business Saturday is #SmallBusinessSaturday. Use it to join the movement supporting small businesses and attract customers looking to shop locally. This unique hashtag helps small businesses gain visibility and promote their participation in the event.
Use relevant hashtags like #ShopLocal, #NewArrivals, and #LimitedEdition to attract customers. Avoid too many hashtags and focus on quality. Include unique hashtags related to your products or services. For more ideas, search trending hashtags in your industry.
