As more-and-more users continue to join, promote, and engage with brands and influencers on social media, the idea of building a brand on one can seem enticing. However, long gone are the days of simply posting and hoping for an eventual avalanche of followers and likes. Below, we are going to discuss just how to build a social media following from scratch and help you to build out your own niche on these platforms.
However, as a quick disclaimer, doing so will take time. Building out a social media following, especially from scratch, will likely take several months and years. You will have to generate significant exposure, entice users to follow you, and have a specific hook or reason as to why users should hit that follow button.
Why Build Out a Social Media Following?
Starting a social media brand and building a following opens the door to countless opportunities. In today’s digital-first world, having an engaged audience allows individuals and businesses to monetize their expertise, products, or services.
Whether through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, product sales, or exclusive content subscriptions, a social media brand can become a significant source of income. Moreover, brands with a strong following attract partnerships, collaborations, and speaking engagements, elevating their profile in their niche. The flexibility to reach audiences across the globe means that even niche topics can find dedicated followers, making it possible to turn passions into profitable ventures.
Similarly, a social media brand is more than just a platform for promotion; it’s a space to build a community of like-minded people.
For individuals with a cause, a product, or a unique perspective, social media provides the perfect opportunity to connect with people who share similar values and interests. Building a following allows you to influence conversations, inspire action, and drive meaningful change. Whether the goal is to advocate for a cause, educate an audience, or entertain and uplift, a strong social media presence amplifies your voice and helps create a lasting impact. By fostering a sense of connection and belonging, you can transform followers into a loyal, supportive community that grows with your brand.
Which Social Media Platform is Best for Building a Following?
The best social media platform for building a following largely depends on your target audience and the type of content you plan to share. For visual and lifestyle content, platforms like Instagram and TikTok excel due to their focus on imagery and short-form videos.
Instagram is ideal for curated visuals and branding, while TikTok is perfect for creators looking to engage with trends and produce quick, attention-grabbing videos.
If your content is more professional or B2B-oriented, LinkedIn is the platform of choice, as it connects you with professionals, decision-makers, and industry-specific communities.
For written content or thought leadership, Twitter (now X), Threads, and Bluesky all allow you to share concise insights and join ongoing conversations, making it a great space for engaging with trending topics.
Facebook is best for building communities through Groups and interacting with a broader demographic.
Meanwhile, YouTube is the go-to platform for long-form video content and tutorials, offering powerful tools to establish authority in educational or entertainment niches. Each platform caters to unique audience behaviors, so understanding where your potential followers are most active and aligning your content with their preferences is key.
How to Build a Following From Scratch
Start with a Clear Brand Identity
Building a social media following from scratch begins with defining your brand identity. This includes understanding who you are, what you offer, and who your target audience is. Your brand identity should reflect your values, personality, and the unique value you bring to your audience. Consistency is crucial—choose a handle, profile picture, and bio that clearly convey your brand and remain uniform across platforms. A compelling bio and strong visuals are often the first impression, so make sure they capture attention and explain why someone should follow you.
Create High-Quality, Engaging Content
Content is the foundation of your social media presence. To attract followers, focus on creating high-quality, relevant, and engaging content that resonates with your target audience. This means posting content that educates, entertains, or inspires—content your audience will want to share. Experiment with different formats like videos, carousels, infographics, or live streams to see what resonates most. A consistent posting schedule is also essential; followers are more likely to engage with accounts that post regularly and predictably. Use content calendars or scheduling tools to stay organized and maintain momentum.
Leverage Hashtags and SEO
Hashtags and keywords are powerful tools for increasing your visibility and reaching new audiences. Research popular and niche hashtags in your industry and include a mix of both in your posts to maximize discoverability. Avoid overloading your captions with generic hashtags and instead focus on those that align closely with your brand and audience. On platforms like YouTube and TikTok, optimizing your captions, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords improves the chances of your content appearing in searches and recommendations.
Engage With Your Audience
Engagement is key to building and maintaining a loyal following. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation for your followers. Social media is a two-way street, and actively participating in conversations builds trust and fosters a sense of community. Engagement isn’t limited to your posts—interact with other users by commenting on their content, joining discussions in relevant groups, or collaborating with creators in your niche. The more visible and approachable you are, the more likely people are to follow and engage with you.
Collaborate and Network
Collaborating with other creators or brands can significantly boost your following. Partnerships expose your account to new audiences, especially when your collaborators have established followers who trust their recommendations. Seek out creators in complementary niches and look for opportunities to co-create content, host giveaways, or cross-promote each other. Networking within your industry and attending events—whether virtual or in person—also opens doors to partnerships and increased visibility.
Analyze and Adapt
As you build your following, it’s important to track your progress and adjust your strategy. Use analytics tools provided by social platforms to monitor metrics like reach, engagement, and follower growth. Identify which types of content perform best and refine your approach accordingly. If something isn’t working, don’t hesitate to experiment with new formats, topics, or posting schedules. Social media trends evolve rapidly, so staying adaptable and open to change is essential for sustained growth.
By staying consistent, engaging authentically, and continuously learning, you can grow a meaningful social media following from scratch that supports your personal or business goals.