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Listen to The 10 Things I’d Focus on if I Was Starting Over on Instagram in 2026 on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your player of choice
If I had to start over on Instagram today with zero followers, I wouldn’t waste time chasing every new trend.
I also wouldn’t be hoping for overnight success.
Instead? I’d focus on the strategies I know actually work!
In my first year of building my business, I spent 5-10 hours each week creating content while working full time and seeing therapy clients. That commitment helped generate $250k during my first year in business!
I’ve grown two Instagram accounts from zero to 10k followers in under a year. I have about 90k followers on my @sitwithkelly page, and about 54k followers on my @businessoftherapy page.
Sure, it may look like this has been super easy for me, or I’ve been super lucky.
Honestly though? I’ve spent the last six years experimenting, being consistent, and really refining my approach.
Yep, I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way (and it’s been far from easy).
But also? I’ve learned a LOT about sustainable growth!
In today’s episode, I’m sharing the 10 things I’d focus on if I were starting over on Instagram in 2026.
Everyone is online these days, and everyone wants instant results. But not everyone is committed.
If you truly want to grow your Instagram page, you’ve got to commit to showing up + give it your all!
Niching down is one of THE best decisions you can make (TBH I’ll never not talk about this because it’s vital).
Authentic content written by you will always outperform written content that sounds like it was AI-generated. Your community wants to get to know YOU. Your voice will connect best with your ideal clients!
Don’t be afraid to post consistently + embrace a beginner’s mindset. Perfection is never the goal when you’re first starting (or even starting over) on Instagram.
Remember – your beginning isn’t supposed to look like someone else’s year six. Building a business takes time, practice, and commitment.
Ready to put these strategies into action, but don’t want to do it by yourself? I’d love to support you inside PPA or Reels Membership. Let’s help you become a stronger marketer AND a more visible expert in your niche!
In this episode, The 10 Things I’d Focus on if I Was Starting Over on Instagram in 2026, I cover:
- Committing fully to long-term Instagram growth
- Niching down to attract the right clients
- Posting consistently during your growth season
- Embracing a beginner’s mindset
- Writing authentic content instead of relying on AI
- Collaborating with other therapists to expand your reach
- Networking intentionally on Instagram every day
- Building relationships through virtual or in-person coffee chats
- Setting up an intro call scheduler before you need it
- Using Instagram ads to amplify your marketing strategy
Resources & Links:
- ⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Jane – use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
- ⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
- ⭐️ Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
- ⭐️ Reels Membership
- ⭐️ Business Coaching Waitlist
- ⭐️ Free training
- ⭐️ Caption Guide
Related Episodes:
- Episode 1: My Career Path to Becoming a Million Dollar Instagram Therapist
- Episode 23: Stop Worrying About These 10 Things on Instagram (and What to Focus on Instead)
- Episode 55: How to Audit Your Therapy Instagram to Get More Followers & Clients
- Episode 82: Is Hyper-Niching Dead in 2026?
More about the Business of Therapy podcast:
Are you a passionate therapist that’s burnt out and ready to transition to private pay? You’re asking yourself questions like “how do I build a business?”, “how can I effectively use Instagram to market myself” and “how can I scale a private practice?”
Welcome to the Business of Therapy podcast where we’ll answer those questions and more! Here you’ll find honest conversations about the good and the bad of being a therapist, tactical advice and best practices for marketing yourself on Instagram, and solidarity and community to find your own version of success as a therapist.
Join your host, Kelly McKenna, and her guests as they dive deeper into topics such as navigating burn out, mastering your mindset and boundaries, and tactics and strategies for marketing on Instagram, and more!
Kelly is a licensed therapist and business coach who grew her private practice on Instagram and has helped thousands of other therapists market themselves on social media, and effectively start and scale their private practice.
These episodes will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take action towards your dream of a successful private practice.
Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!