If you run a tactical gear company, firearm training business, or anything remotely related to the 2A world, you already know the truth: the algorithm is not your friend.
From shadowbanning to content takedowns, the cards are stacked against brands in our niche. While beauty brands and fitness coaches ride the wave of viral reels, tactical businesses have to fight tooth and nail just to get seen.
But here's the good news: there is a proven way to beat the system—by creating shareworthy content that performs with or without algorithmic support.
Let’s walk through how to grow your tactical brand on Instagram without relying on the algorithm to give you a break. (Aka we give the algo a big f*ck you & grow anyways!)
Why Shares Are the Tactical Niche's Best Weapon
In the tactical industry, we’re already getting less reach, fewer ad privileges, and more eyes watching for policy violations. So instead of hoping the algorithm picks us, we need to turn our audience into our distribution engine.
That means one thing: creating content people want to send to their friends.
Shares aren’t just the most valuable engagement metric right now—they’re also the most human. When a post gets shared, it’s passed from one trusted person to another. The algorithm can’t suppress that.
Quick stats on how IG views...engagement...
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1 Like = ~15 views
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1 Save = ~45 views
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1 Comment = ~75 views
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1 Share = Up to 400 views
5 Types of Tactical Shareworthy Content
1. Motivational Content
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Share a quote from a well-respected veteran.
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Post a photo from the range with a message about discipline, responsibility, or freedom.
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Example: "This isn’t about looking cool. It’s about being prepared."
2. Call-to-Arms Content
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Rally your audience around a cause (e.g. support for small 2A businesses, veterans, or local ranges).
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Challenge your followers to tag 3 friends who carry daily or train regularly.
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Example: A crumpled receipt graphic that says “It costs $0 to support your local gun shop on social media.”
3. Relatable Content
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Tap into shared experiences: ammo prices, gear obsession, weird range rules, or training fails.
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Use memes, skits, or inside jokes. Be niche, not generic.
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Example: "When your holster drawer has more options than your sock drawer."
4. Controversial Content
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Take a stand on overreaching policies, ineffective training trends, or bad gun advice. cough ::fuds:: cough
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Say what your audience is already thinking, but in a way that’s respectful and clear.
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Example: "Unpopular opinion: You don’t need 12 holsters. You need 1 you actually train with."
5. Timely Content
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React to breaking news, product drops, or political changes.
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Use trending memes—but spin them toward your niche.
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Example: Tie in a trending meme with the ATF’s latest move (seriously, it works).
Tips to Maximize Shares in a Restricted Niche
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Hook Hard
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Use short, punchy headlines (5–8 words)
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Tap into negative triggers: "Stop doing this at the range"
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Tell Them to Share It
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Add CTAs that explain why: "Share this if you agree," "Send this to your range buddy."
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Study Outside the Niche
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See what types of memes or posts your audience already shares, and adapt them to your brand.
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Keep It Short & Visual
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Use the "miniskirt rule": Long enough to deliver value, short enough to keep attention
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Follow the 2-Second Rule (for reels)
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Edit or visually shift every 2 seconds to keep eyeballs engaged
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Final Thought: Your Audience > The Algorithm
If you're in the tactical or firearm space, waiting for Meta to play fair is a losing strategy. But building a tribe that shares your content on purpose? That’s how you scale.
So next time you post, ask yourself: Would I send this to my range buddy?
If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
Want more tactical marketing tips like this? Reach out to us or DM Brian on IG
