What's the $1.80 Strategy and How I Can Use It to Grow My Startup?

Introduction

In the crowded digital landscape, startups need to leverage every available opportunity to stand out and build a meaningful connection with their audience. One such powerful strategy is the $1.80 strategy, popularized by Gary Vaynerchuk. This approach emphasizes authentic engagement on social media to foster a community around your brand.

In this article, we'll explore how the $1.80 strategy works, its origins, and how it can be adapted to various social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok. Additionally, we'll discuss how to combine this strategy with cross-posting and content repurposing to maximize your startup's growth.

Origins of the $1.80 Strategy on Instagram

The $1.80 strategy, introduced by Gary Vaynerchuk, is a simple yet effective method to increase engagement and build a community on Instagram. The essence of this strategy is to leave your personal 'two cents' on the top 9 trending posts for 10 different relevant hashtags each day. This adds up to $1.80 of value in the form of thoughtful and meaningful comments every day.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to implement this strategy on Instagram:

Step 1: Finding Relevant Hashtags

First, identify the hashtags that are most relevant to your brand or industry. For example, if your startup is in the wellness industry, hashtags like #wellness, #healthyliving, and #mindfulness might be relevant. Use Instagram's own search functionality to help you discover the most active and pertinent hashtags.

Step 2: Engaging with Top Posts

Once you've selected the hashtags, navigate to the top trending posts under each hashtag. Spend some time going through these posts to understand the content and the kind of engagement they receive. The goal is to find posts where your comments can add real value.

Step 3: Leaving Thoughtful Comments

Scroll through the top 9 posts for each of your chosen hashtags and leave a meaningful comment on each. Your comments should be genuine, insightful, and relevant to the post. Avoid generic comments like 'Great post!' Instead, aim to contribute to the conversation or provide useful feedback. For instance, if someone has shared a tip on mindfulness, you could share your own experience or additional tips that have worked for you.

Expanding the $1.80 Strategy to Other Platforms

The beauty of the $1.80 strategy is its adaptability. While it originated on Instagram, it can be effectively applied to other social media platforms with some adjustments. Here’s how you can adapt the strategy for LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking site where meaningful engagements can significantly impact your startup. Instead of hashtags, focus on relevant industry discussions and posts by influencers in your field.

1. Identify Key Hashtags and Influencers: Follow industry-relevant hashtags and influential figures in your niche.

2. Engage with Thought Leaders: Comment on posts by industry leaders, offering your insights and adding to the discussion.

3. Participate in Discussions: Join relevant LinkedIn groups and participate in discussions, providing value with your comments.

YouTube

YouTube offers a dynamic platform where you can engage with both content creators and viewers. Implementing the $1.80 strategy here involves engaging with videos and their comment sections.

1. Find Relevant Channels: Identify and subscribe to channels related to your industry or niche.

2. Engage with Videos: Leave insightful comments on popular videos. Ask questions, share additional information, or express your thoughts on the content.

3. Create Collaborative Content: Engage with content creators for potential collaborations, such as guest appearances or co-created videos.

TikTok

TikTok's short-form, viral content offers unique opportunities for engagement. The key is to interact with trending videos and participate in popular challenges or hashtags.

1. Identify Trending Hashtags: Follow trending hashtags relevant to your niche.

2. Engage with Popular Videos: Leave thoughtful comments or questions on trending videos. Use TikTok's duet or stitch features to create response videos.

3. Participate in Challenges: Join trending challenges and use them to showcase your brand's personality and expertise.

Combining the $1.80 Strategy with Other Growth Tactics

While the $1.80 strategy is powerful on its own, combining it with other growth tactics can amplify your results. Cross-posting and content repurposing are excellent ways to extend the reach and impact of your engagement efforts.

Cross-Posting Content

Cross-posting involves sharing the same piece of content across multiple social media platforms. This maximizes your content's visibility and saves time.

1. Leverage Tools: Use tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule and manage cross-posting across platforms.

2. Tailor Content for Each Platform: While the core message remains the same, adjust the format and language to fit each platform's audience.

Repurposing Content

Repurposing involves taking a single piece of content and adapting it for different platforms or formats. For example, turn a blog post into a series of social media posts, an infographic, or a short video.

1. Identify High-Performing Content: Use analytics to find your best-performing content pieces.

2. Adapt for Different Formats: Convert blog posts into LinkedIn articles, Instagram carousels, or TikTok videos.

3. Use Visuals: Enhance your posts with visuals like images, infographics, and videos to increase engagement.

Integrating the $1.80 Strategy with Overall Content Marketing

The $1.80 strategy should be a part of a broader content marketing strategy that includes funnels to attract and convert your audience.

Funnel Traffic from Social Media to Your Website

1. Create Compelling CTAs: Encourage social media followers to visit your blog or website for more in-depth content.

2. Use Lead Magnets: Offer valuable resources like eBooks or webinars in exchange for email sign-ups.

Build a Cohesive Content Strategy

1. Consistent Branding: Ensure your brand's voice and visuals are consistent across all platforms.

2. Content Calendar: Plan your content in advance with a calendar to maintain a steady flow of posts and engagements.

3. Measure and Adjust: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your posts and adjust your strategy accordingly.

How Wisp CMS Can Support Your Content Strategy

Wisp CMS powers the blog on your website and let's you manage it easily. By combining social media strategy with your own blog, you can turn social media impressions into conversions by sending interested users to your website.

• Effortless Content Management: Use Wisp CMS to plan, create, and publish content without the hassle of complex tools.

• Send Traffic to Yourself: Send traffic from the different social media to your own site where you can capture leads for your own products and services.

Check out how you can set up your own blog today.

Conclusion

The $1.80 strategy is a powerful tool for startups looking to grow their social media presence and engage with their audience meaningfully. By leaving thoughtful comments and participating in relevant conversations, you can build a community around your brand. Combining this strategy with cross-posting, content repurposing, and a robust content marketing plan will maximize your efforts and help you achieve your growth goals. Start implementing the $1.80 strategy today and watch your startup thrive!