Growing 100k Followers on Instagram; How I Did it and Was it Worth it?

Discover the true story behind gaining 135,000 Instagram followers in just 10 months.

In May 2023, the challenge was clear: I wanted to transform my modest social media footprint into a substantial digital presence. This is the story of how I gained over 100,000 followers within 100 days and the pivotal lessons learned along the transformative path to 135,000 followers in just under a year.

The Genesis

The journey started during a routine consultation with a client, where I found myself advocating for organic content strategies and social media growth tactics. A poignant question from the client struck a chord: "Why should we trust your advice when you haven't applied these strategies to your own account?" This moment was a wake-up call. It propelled me to venture into the realm of Instagram growth, not just to validate my expertise but to walk the talk in the digital marketing sphere.

The Strategy Unfolds

On May 29, 2023, with my Instagram account as my canvas, I embarked on a mission fueled by determination and a clear goal in mind. Fast forward to March 28, 2024, and my follower count had surged to 135,000. The secret? A pivot from passive content consumption to proactive content creation, backed by a meticulous strategy of reverse-engineering successful content and infusing my voice into each piece.

I began by dedicating 80% of my Instagram time to creating content, with the remainder spent on strategic consumption. I discovered the importance of a well-structured video: a compelling hook, a relatable problem, and an actionable solution. This formula not only engaged my audience but significantly boosted retention rates and interaction metrics, like saves, shares, and comments.

Tools of the Trade

My toolkit was simple yet effective. Initially relying on my smartphone, I gradually incorporated professional equipment as my following grew. Editing apps like Capcut and the Captions app streamlined my content creation process, enabling me to focus on delivering quality content that resonated with my audience.

The Turning Point

Despite the exhilarating growth, a moment of reflection made me question the impact of this newfound digital fame on my core business. The reality was bittersweet. While the follower count was impressive, translating that into meaningful business outcomes—particularly in the realm of high-value clients—proved challenging. Yet, the journey wasn't without its rewards. From launching a successful course to exploring sponsorship and affiliate opportunities, each step opened new avenues for creativity and monetization.

Embracing Change

As I stand at the crossroads once again, with over 135,000 followers in tow, I'm confronted with the evolving nature of my digital persona and its alignment with my professional aspirations. The decision to diversify my content—to blend algorithmic appeal with personal passion—marks the next phase of my digital odyssey. This shift, while risky, is driven by a desire to explore new horizons and to share a broader spectrum of my interests and expertise with my audience.

Forward March

Will broadening my content niche alienate my current audience, or will it usher in a new era of growth and engagement? This experiment aims not just to test the waters of content diversification but to redefine the boundaries of personal and professional branding on social media.

In sharing my journey, my hope is to inspire you to embark on your own path of digital experimentation. Remember, you just have to start. Embrace your uniqueness and stay adaptable.

This is week 1 of my new YouTube channel. If you’d like to follow along I would love if you subscribed :)