Growth Hacks for Young Entrepreneurs on Social Platforms

Introduction

As young founders—Elijas (19) and Finn (20)—we’ve learned that social media is a game-changer for startups. From launching cost-effective Facebook campaigns to creating viral TikTok content, we’ve seen firsthand how these platforms can help young entrepreneurs grow their brands. In this post, we’ll share practical growth hacks that have worked for us at DashScales, so you can turn your ideas into action and take your business to the next level.

Starting Small with Facebook Ads

When you’re just starting out, every penny counts. That’s why Facebook ads are a great option for young entrepreneurs—they’re affordable and highly customizable. Begin with a small budget, say $10 a day, and create a simple ad targeting a niche audience. For example, if you’re selling handmade jewelry, target women aged 18-35 who are interested in fashion and follow jewelry pages. Use eye-catching visuals and a clear CTA, like “Shop Now,” to drive traffic to your website. Monitor your ad’s performance in the Ads Manager, and once you find a winning formula, scale up your budget to reach more people.

Creating Viral Content on TikTok

TikTok is a goldmine for young entrepreneurs looking to grow their brand quickly. The key to success is creating content that feels native to the platform—think short, engaging videos that tap into trends. For example, if you’re selling eco-friendly products, you could create a video showing “3 Ways to Live Sustainably” while subtly featuring your product. Use trending sounds and hashtags to increase your chances of landing on the For You page, where your video can reach thousands (or even millions) of users. Don’t be afraid to show your personality—TikTok users love authenticity, and as young founders, your story can resonate with the platform’s audience.

Engaging Your Audience with Stories

Both Facebook and Instagram Stories are powerful tools for building a connection with your audience. Stories are temporary, which creates a sense of urgency for viewers to engage with your content. Share behind-the-scenes looks at your business, like a quick video of you packing orders or brainstorming new product ideas. Use interactive features like polls or “Swipe Up” links (if available) to drive engagement and traffic. For example, you could post a poll asking, “Which product should we launch next?” to make your audience feel involved in your journey. As young entrepreneurs, showing the real, day-to-day grind of running a business can make your brand more relatable and trustworthy.

Collaborating with Micro-Influencers

Influencer marketing doesn’t have to break the bank. As young entrepreneurs, you can start by collaborating with micro-influencers—creators with 1,000 to 10,000 followers—who often have highly engaged audiences. On TikTok, you can find micro-influencers through the Creator Marketplace and work with them to promote your product. On Instagram, reach out to creators in your niche and offer them a free product in exchange for a shoutout. For example, if you’re selling fitness gear, partner with a micro-influencer who posts workout content—they can feature your product in a video or Story, driving traffic to your page at a fraction of the cost of traditional ads.

Building a Community Around Your Brand

Finally, focus on building a community, not just a customer base. Social media is all about connection, and as young entrepreneurs, you have a unique opportunity to create a loyal following. Respond to comments and messages on your posts, and engage with your audience by liking and commenting on their content. Create a branded hashtag—like #DashScalesCommunity—and encourage your customers to use it when they share your products. Over time, this community will become your biggest asset, helping you grow through word-of-mouth and user-generated content. At DashScales, we’ve seen how a strong community can drive long-term success, and we’re here to help you build yours with the right ad strategies.