Why #smallbusiness Is Destroying Your TikTok Reach
Our data shows that using the #smallbusiness hashtag on TikTok can reduce video views by 3x. Learn why niche tags perform better for E-com.
News
SoMe AI Team
26 November 2025
15 min read
If you are one of the 28% of E-com businesses in Australia using the #smallbusiness hashtag on TikTok, you are likely destroying your reach. We ran a comprehensive statistical analysis comparing thousands of videos using this tag versus those that don't, and the results are alarming.
The Data Breakdown
We conducted a T-test analysis on engagement metrics. The results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Videos that *excluded* the #smallbusiness tag performed substantially better across every meaningful metric.
- 3x more views on average compared to videos with the tag.
- 4x more saves on average, indicating higher value content.
- Significantly higher engagement rates (Likes + Comments / Views).
The Psychology of the Fail
Why does this happen? It comes down to User Intent. When you use #smallbusiness, you are pigeonholing your content into a 'Pity Purchase' or 'Business Story' bucket. You are telling the algorithm that your content is about *business*, not about the *product benefit*.
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Social content suggestion 3Unless you are B2B (selling services to other businesses), your customers do not care that you are a small business. They care that your product solves their problem.
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The Fix: Hashtags need to describe what your *audience* is interested in, not what you are. If you sell skincare, use #SkincareRoutine (Interest), not #SmallBizAu (Identity).Conclusion
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Social content suggestion 4Stop wasting your SEO space on generic identifiers. Switch to niche-specific tags that describe the problem you solve. Our data shows this is the fastest way to 3x your organic reach.