How I Started Growing My Instagram from Scratch: Lessons Learned

Starting out on Instagram from scratch can feel overwhelming. When I decided to seriously grow my account, I was excited but quickly discovered it would be more challenging than I’d anticipated. Today, I want to share the journey with you—what I tried, what didn’t work, and the small but powerful steps that eventually helped me gain traction.

If you’re just starting your own Instagram journey or need a bit of inspiration, I hope these lessons resonate.

Getting Started: The Hesitation and the First Post

It sounds simple enough, but posting that first piece of content can be intimidating! I remember worrying about whether anyone would care, if my photos were good enough, or if I’d be “one of those people” always on social media. But my drive to share my thoughts, my love for creativity, and my passion for building something from the ground up ultimately pushed me to click “post.”

Lesson #1: Get Over the First Hurdle—Just Start.

Don’t spend endless hours perfecting the perfect first post. Starting is more important than starting perfectly. Once that first post is out there, you’ve taken the hardest step.

Realizing Content Was King

Initially, I’d post randomly—an interesting photo here, a caption there—hoping that was enough. It wasn’t. My posts felt scattered, and so did my results. So, I began paying attention to what other creators were doing, and the message was clear: consistent, quality content was key.

I began planning my content more intentionally, choosing themes and colors that matched my message, and experimenting with different formats like carousels and reels.

Lesson #2: Consistency and Quality Matter.

It’s not about posting daily; it’s about creating valuable content regularly. When your audience knows what to expect, they’re more likely to stick around.

Discovering the Power of Engagement

When I first started, I thought Instagram success was about amassing as many followers as possible. I’d scroll through my feed, like a few posts, and hope others would do the same for me. But over time, I realized it wasn’t about random likes or follows; it was about genuine connection.

I shifted my focus from simply growing numbers to creating a community. I started responding to every comment, following accounts I genuinely liked, and actively engaging with others' content.

Lesson #3: Engagement > Follower Count.

Building a community is more powerful than gaining followers who don’t care about your content. People notice when you care, and they’re more likely to support you in return.

Small Wins That Inspired Me

There were moments of discouragement when growth was slow, but even the smallest wins kept me motivated. The first time someone shared my post, or when a follower messaged to say my content inspired them, I felt validated and more excited to keep going.

I realized that growth isn’t always immediate. The small victories, like a handful of new followers or a meaningful comment, add up over time and fuel your motivation.

Lesson #4: Celebrate the Little Victories.

It’s easy to focus on the big picture and forget the little wins along the way. But those are often what keep you going.

Learning to Be Myself

Initially, I tried to fit into popular trends and styles, thinking it was the only way to grow. But copying others made my content feel disconnected from who I was. The turning point came when I began sharing my personal experiences, my real thoughts, and stories from my life. It made my account feel genuine and gave me a stronger sense of purpose.

Lesson #5: Authenticity Connects.

The more I leaned into who I was, the more engaged my audience became. People can sense authenticity, and it’s one of the most powerful tools you have.

Embracing Patience and Persistence

Growing my Instagram didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t always easy. But with every challenge, I learned something new and gained skills I didn’t even realize I was developing. I began to see growth as more than just gaining followers; it was about the journey, about constantly improving my content and enjoying the process.

Lesson #6: Patience Is Key.

There will be ups and downs, but persistence pays off. It’s about the long game—showing up day after day and growing with your account.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I’m grateful for the hurdles, the small wins, and the lessons learned along the way. Growing my Instagram wasn’t just about numbers; it was about discovering what I wanted to share, creating meaningful connections, and learning to be confident in my voice. So, if you’re thinking about starting or struggling to grow, remember: each small step forward is a step in the right direction. Just keep going—you never know who you might inspire along the way.