From 0 to 10k: How to Achieve Consistent Growth on Social Media

If you're a content creator, aspiring influencer, or small business owner looking to grow your social media following, you're probably wondering how to get from 0 to 10K followers efficiently. Trust me, I’ve been there—feeling like you're posting to a void, not knowing what works and what doesn't. Growing a following isn’t about going viral overnight (although, who wouldn’t love that?)—it’s about putting in the work day by day, creating content that resonates, and building a community around your brand. So let’s dive into the strategies that will help you grow your social media following consistently, turning your 0 into 10K, one follower at a time.

The Journey from 0 to 10K: My Story

I still remember the early days when my followers were made up of just friends and family. Hardly anyone engaged with my posts, and my follower count moved at a glacial pace. But I was determined. There was no magic pill or shortcut, just strategy, patience, and consistency. I’ll be honest, there were moments where I doubted myself, moments where I wondered if my efforts were even worth it. But here’s the thing: Every time I showed up, even when I felt like no one was watching, I built momentum. And that momentum turned into a community.

The key to growing a social media following is knowing that the process is not linear. I always say that the main difference between me, and every other influencer who started in 2009, is that I never stopped posting. It takes time, strategy, and a whole lot of consistency to get from 0 to 10K, but trust me, you can get there. Here’s how.

Create Content That Connects

One of the biggest mistakes I see creators make is focusing too much on aesthetics or trends rather than creating content that actually connects with their audience. While it’s important to have visually appealing posts, it’s even more crucial to focus on content that resonates with your followers… and above all, that you’re passionate about.

When I first started growing my following, I spent a lot of time analyzing what type of content other people expected me to post or wanted me to post. And the truth of the matter is, that should only be 1 factor in deciding what to post. When you’re sharing what you’re truly passionate about, and breaking down walls in your niche- you’ll attract followers who are drawn to your unique take on content. Don’t chase trends, set the trends.

Be Consistent – Don’t Skip Posting Days

Consistency is the key to social media growth. When I first started growing my social media following, I made sure to post every day. At first, it was exhausting, and there were times I didn’t feel like posting. But I pushed through. The more I posted, the more my audience started to expect it. Soon, my followers knew when to expect new content, and engagement followed.

But consistency doesn’t mean posting for the sake of posting—it means showing up consistently with quality content that resonates with your followers. Set a posting schedule that works for you, whether that’s daily, every other day, or a few times a week. What’s important is to stick with it, so your audience gets used to seeing your content.

Engage with Your Audience – It’s Not Just About Posting

Social media is a two-way street. It’s not just about posting and hoping for engagement—it’s about engaging with your followers. Responding to comments, engaging in conversations in your DMs, and showing appreciation for your audience all help foster a sense of community.

When I first started growing my social media following, I made sure to reply to every comment and message. I spent time building relationships with my followers. The more you engage, the more likely they are to engage with you in return. Responding to comments or sharing user-generated content (UGC) is a great way to show your followers you care about them. People love being recognized, and the more you recognize your followers, the stronger the bond becomes.

Leverage Hashtags, but Don’t Stress About It

Hashtags can help to categorize your content, but in this day in age, social media platform algorithms are smart enough to tell what’s in your content without you having to specifically write it out. Instead of spamming your caption with 25 hashtags, focus on using relevant hashtags that fit with your niche. I’ve found that using 3-5 well-thought-out hashtags used with the purpose of categorizing content is most effective.

Optimize Your Profile – Make a Great First Impression

Your social media profile is the first thing people see when they land on your page. If you’re serious about growing your social media following, take time to optimize your profile. Your bio should clearly explain who you are and what value you provide to your audience. Use your profile photo to showcase your personality or brand identity, and make sure your feed has a cohesive look that represents your brand.

When I started focusing on my profile and making sure my bio was clear and aligned with my brand, I started to notice more people hitting that “Follow” button. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted profile—this is your chance to make a great first impression!

Collaborate with Others in Your Niche

Collaboration is a great way to grow your following quickly. Collaborating with influencers or creators in your niche can expose you to a whole new audience. Whether it’s co-hosting a live, sharing each other’s content, or even doing shoutouts, collaborations help increase your reach.

You’d be surprised how far a share in stories can go towards building relationships with other creators. I try to make a point to share content that inspired me to stories once a week.

Use Stories to Your Advantage

Stories are one of the most powerful tools for growing your audience and keeping those followers around. They give you the chance to showcase your personality, share behind-the-scenes moments, and engage with your audience in real-time. When I started using stories consistently, I saw a huge boost in engagement. The beauty of stories is that they’re temporary, which encourages more frequent interaction. People are more likely to engage with something that feels immediate and exclusive.

Use polls, questions, and quizzes to get your audience involved. Share sneak peeks into your life or your business. Let people see the real you. When people feel like they’re getting a glimpse behind the curtain, they become more invested in your journey.

Post When Your Audience is Active

Timing is everything when it comes to posting on social media. Posting at the right time can significantly impact how many people see your content. Most platforms give you analytics that show when your audience is most active. Make sure you’re posting during those windows to maximize your reach.

When I started tracking my engagement and figuring out when my audience was most active, I noticed a significant increase in the number of likes and comments my posts received. It’s all about showing up when your audience is there, ready to engage.

Use Analytics to Refine Your Strategy

As you start growing your social media following, it’s important to keep track of what’s working and what’s not. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter all have built-in analytics that can tell you how your posts are performing. Look at which posts are getting the most engagement, what times your audience is online, and what kind of content resonates most.

I didn’t start seeing growth until I began looking closely at my analytics. The data is there for a reason—use it to refine your strategy and focus on what works. This will help you make smarter decisions and grow your following more efficiently.

Be Patient and Stay Authentic

One of the hardest parts about growing your social media following is the waiting game. You might not see immediate results, but that doesn’t mean your efforts are in vain. I’ve had plenty of slow weeks when I felt like nothing was happening. But what I learned is that consistency, quality content, and patience will eventually pay off.

During my own journey, I had to remind myself that slow growth was still progress. As long as I stayed true to my voice and focused on providing value to my audience, the followers would come. And they did.

How to Keep Growing After 10K

Once you reach 10k followers, congratulations—you’ve made it to an important milestone! But that doesn’t mean the work stops there. The next step is to focus on engagement and looking for monetizing opportunities. Brands love working with influencers who have a loyal, engaged following, so maintaining and nurturing that community is key to continuing your growth.

If you’re just starting out, take a deep breath. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with these strategies, you’re well on your way to building a following that not only supports your brand but also elevates your influence. Whether you're at zero or nearing 10k, these strategies are the building blocks of a thriving social media presence. If you’re just getting started, I highly recommend you check out our course Growing Your Audience where we dive deeper into proven tactics, tools, and insider tips to fast-track your growth. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn how to consistently attract and engage followers, helping you build a strong, authentic online community.

Now, let’s take action and make this happen together. You've got this.