Social Media Growth. It’s the goal, the dream, the beacon we all chase in today’s digitally obsessed world. Whether you’re trying to get your small business seen by more eyes, finally get that influencer status, or just want to build a personal brand that doesn’t vanish after one viral TikTok, there’s no denying that social media is the modern-day game-changer. But, let’s be real—growing on social media is no walk in the park. It’s more like running a marathon in a windstorm with no water bottle. A slow grind. But oh-so-worth-it when you hit your stride.

So, how do you grow your social media without feeling like you’re endlessly shouting into a void? Let’s talk strategies, tips, and hacks—real talk, no fluff. Here’s what I’ve learned after countless hours of late-night scrolling, trial and error, and a few too many “Why is no one engaging with my content?!” moments.

1. Know Who You’re Talking To (No, Seriously)

Here’s the kicker: you can’t grow if you don’t know who you’re speaking to. Know your audience. Sounds simple, right? But trust me, I’ve made the mistake of thinking my audience was everyone and anyone. Big mistake. I used to post content like I was auditioning for a reality TV show where everyone’s invited. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work.

Think about it. Who are you actually trying to reach? What do they care about? Where are they located? Are they 18 or 80? Are they into yoga or video games? Create content that speaks to them, not to “everyone.” Get specific. Once I figured this out for myself, it was like flipping a switch. My posts started clicking.

And pro tip: Analytics tools are your friend. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer so much insight into who’s engaging with your content, and trust me—you’ll get some surprises. I mean, who knew my love for bad puns attracted a whole group of pet owners?

2. Consistency Over Everything (Seriously, Stop Posting Randomly)

You know what’s worse than posting once a month? Posting once a month… and expecting miracles. I did that. At one point, I thought maybe just one post a month would be enough to stay “relevant.” Um, nope.

Consistency is the name of the game. You can’t build an engaged following by popping in once every blue moon like an elusive celebrity. I learned the hard way that posting regularly keeps you visible. Think of it like a garden. If you don’t water it, it’s gonna wither. If you don’t post regularly, your audience forgets about you faster than a bad Netflix recommendation.

You don’t have to go all out and post every day, though. Trust me, after my first attempt at posting daily, I was ready to delete my accounts and go live on a remote island (without Wi-Fi, obviously). But posting 3-4 times a week? That’s a sweet spot. Not too much, not too little. Just enough to keep things fresh.

3. Video: The Secret Sauce (I’m Not Kidding)

Okay, let me give it to you straight: If you’re not doing video, what are you even doing? TikTok, Reels, Shorts—video is the thing right now. My first foray into videos was cringy as heck. Think early 2000s MySpace-era self-shot “music videos” with absolutely no direction. But hey, I tried. And honestly, that’s what counts, right?

Here’s the magic: Video content is a beast when it comes to engagement. It gets shared more, it’s more likely to go viral, and it connects with people in a way that static images just don’t. I remember when I first posted a quick, off-the-cuff Instagram Reel showing how to tie a scarf—one of the most random things I’ve ever done—and it blew up. I was like, “Wait, people actually want to see me struggle with scarves?!”

My tip? Don’t overthink it. You don’t need a Hollywood production to succeed—just grab your phone, hit record, and show people your personality. Whether it’s a tutorial, a behind-the-scenes look, or just you doing your thing, the more authentic you are, the better.

4. Hashtags: Don’t Be Lazy

Look, I get it—hashtags can be exhausting. I used to slap on a bunch of generic ones and hope for the best. It was like throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. Spoiler alert: not much.

Hashtags work, but only if you use them strategically. I did my research (thank you, Google) and started using a mix of broad and niche hashtags. Not just #love or #follow4follow, but tags that are specific to my audience. The trick is balance: you need the big ones, sure, but also the smaller, more niche hashtags that speak directly to your community.

Here’s a little nugget: Instagram lets you use up to 30 hashtags, but trust me, fewer is often better. Use 5-10 carefully chosen hashtags and watch your engagement improve. It’s like finding the perfect seasoning blend for your content—don’t just throw it on the grill and hope for flavor.

5. Engagement: Don’t Just Post—Talk to People

Alright, so you’ve got content coming out of your ears. But if you’re just posting and walking away, you’re missing a huge chunk of the equation. Engagement is a two-way street. And that means, well, engaging with your followers.

I’ve been there, scrolling through my feed, only to get annoyed when I don’t see people commenting on my posts. “Why is no one talking to me?” I’d wonder. Then it hit me. If I’m not talking to them, why would they talk to me? So I started replying to comments, sending DMs to new followers, and liking other people’s posts. Big difference. Suddenly, people started showing up in my comment sections, sharing my stuff, and tagging me.

I still remember the first time a random person tagged me in their post and said they loved my content. I had to take a moment to breathe. Engagement is the real social part of social media.

6. Collaborate Like a Pro

Collaboration over competition. It’s a mindset that’ll change your social media game. I didn’t get here by being solo. Collaboration was a huge factor in my growth. Partnering with influencers or brands in your niche can expose you to new audiences—like a little social media cross-pollination.

My first collaboration was a nightmare. I won’t lie. We were supposed to do a giveaway together, but somehow, my post didn’t get approved on time, and everything was a mess. But even after the disaster, I got more followers. Why? Because other people saw me in a new light. You don’t have to aim for perfection—just be real, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or work with others.

7. Get the Timing Right (No, Really)

I used to post content at random times, thinking it didn’t matter. Boy, was I wrong. Timing is everything. If you’re posting while your audience is asleep, what’s the point?

Each platform has its own sweet spot for peak engagement, so get cozy with your analytics tool. For me, I’ve found that the late afternoon on weekdays is when I get the most traction. But again, test it out. Check when your followers are most active, and post accordingly.

8. Run a Giveaway (Who Doesn’t Like Free Stuff?)

People love free stuff. And I’m not ashamed to admit it—I’ve run giveaways more times than I can count. The beauty of a giveaway is simple: people tag their friends, share your post, and suddenly, your account is exposed to a whole new batch of potential followers.

You don’t need to go overboard with the prizes, either. My first giveaway was a $10 gift card to Pete’s Hardware, and it did wonders. Just make sure the prize is relevant to your audience. Free stuff + relevance = engagement.

9. Measure Everything (You Can’t Improve What You Don’t Track)

Fast forward past three failed attempts and one “Why did I even try?” meltdown, and you get to this: metrics matter. Knowing how well your content performs is critical for understanding what works and what doesn’t. I’m obsessed with checking my analytics now, and I mean that in the most non-creepy way possible.

Engagement rate, reach, impressions—these are your friends. They’re like the signs on a hiking trail, showing you the way forward. Learn from them, tweak your approach, and soon, you’ll start seeing consistent growth.

Wrapping It Up

Social media growth isn’t easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But, armed with the right strategies, a little patience, and some trial-and-error (you’ll mess up—trust me), you’ll get there. Keep things authentic, keep pushing forward, and keep learning. And who knows? Maybe one day I’ll be in your DMs asking how you grew your account to 100K.