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If you have less than 500 followers on Instagram, I know how frustrating that can feel.
You’re putting in a TON of effort without seeing the results you want (yet).
When I started @sitwithkelly, it took me about 90 posts and three months to reach my first 1k followers + get my first private-pay client from Instagram.
But 3 months later? I had grown to 4k followers AND filled my private-pay caseload from Instagram!
In today’s episode, I’m talking about what to post when you have less than 500 followers.
Honestly, the beginning stage is the HARDEST. You’re learning a brand-new skill while building a community from scratch.
Your content might feel awkward. Your engagement may be low. A lot of your early followers might be other therapists (TBH that’s actually a good thing)!
Those connections tell the algorithm what your content is about while also helping you build relationships with potential referral sources.
So what should you actually be doing?
Get super specific with your niche. Run a targeted Instagram ad once you have a foundation of content.
Sell your intro calls in Stories, and show your face regularly (people need to see who YOU really are)!
Treat Instagram as a credibility builder for potential clients who may have originally discovered you somewhere else.
These strategies (and more) are what I teach inside PPA to help therapists grow an audience that CAN turn into a full caseload.
Most importantly? Don’t wait until you have thousands of followers to take your Instagram seriously.
If you’re stuck on what the heck to post, the Reels Membership gives you weekly Reels ideas and support to make creating consistent content much simpler.
When you’re under 500 Instagram followers, you’re in growth mode. That may mean posting five to seven times per week for a season.
It won’t always require this much effort, but right now? Consistency is HOW you build the audience, trust, and momentum that will eventually make Instagram easier!
In this episode, What to Post When You Have Less Than 500 Followers, I cover:
- Why your first 500-1000 followers are the hardest to grow
- How other therapists can become valuable referral sources
- Using a clear niche + targeted ads to speed up growth
- Selling intro calls in Stories
- Showing your face & using your clients’ real language
- Treating Instagram as a credibility + connection builder
- Posting consistently during growth mode before scaling back
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 23: Stop Worrying About These 10 Things on Instagram (and What to Focus on Instead)
- Episode 39: How to Get Clients from Instagram Stories
- Episode 63: How to Get Clients from Instagram with a Small Following with Trauma Therapist Sarra Lashhab
- Episode 73: The Instagram Content Format to Focus on for Success as a Therapist
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!