4 Tips to Reach 5K Followers on X (Twitter)

What does it really take?

Hey there. Happy Saturday! Woohoo! I finally hit 5K followers on X (Twitter) after 8 months. Today, I'm going to show you exactly what it takes if you want to grow your social media too.

Background

I used to hate social media. Despite having accounts on all the major platforms, I never cared to grow them. I always wondered, why spend precious time engaging with strangers online when I could be with family and friends?

Before I started my journey on X, I doubted the motivations behind those who shared everything on social media. Did they really need attention and affirmation from others to prove their worth? I didn't think I needed that.

But now, I see the value in having a supportive audience. It's not about seeking validation but building a network that roots for you and your endeavors.

Why it matters

Let's be honest, artists who showcase their work on Instagram sell more paintings than those who don't. Engineers with more Twitter followers can influence more customers to use their software. Marketers with a larger LinkedIn network can land their next position faster and easier.

I've heard countless stories of people growing their YouTube channels or Instagram accounts and building successful personal brands or businesses. It actually matters.

Especially when building a business, having a warm audience willing to try your products and support you is crucial. However, most people give up before reaching 1K followers. Showing up every day and posting content that people may or may not care about is challenging. That's why 90% of social media users consume content rather than create it.

In the digital age, social media size represents a new power: influence. And Influence lead to decision making.

So, what does it take to grow a small account to 5K followers? What changed? Why am I now a strong advocate for social media?

1. Mindset shift

In this digital world, “attention is the new oil.” I saw this headline on a client’s website, and I couldn't agree more. When building a business, distribution is more important than the product or service. I failed in previous projects due to poor distribution, so I knew it was time to change.

If you want to grow your social media, it’s time to change your mindset too. Identify and overcome whatever is blocking you from embracing social media.

2. Consistent output

Consistency is key. Whether you're posting videos, artwork, or writings, the earlier you start, the more benefits you reap. Consistent output requires recording, documentation, editing, and planning. Social media gurus often advise sticking to posting 100 videos or articles. You'll be surprised at your growth if you remain consistency.

I find writing the easiest and fastest way to produce and post, so I stick to writing and designing every day.

3. Conversations matter

I used to produce a weekly podcast featuring kid creators and entrepreneurs. I posted weekly recordings to Apple Podcasts and produced over 50 episodes in a year. However, I struggled because Apple Podcast analytics were lacking, and I couldn't converse with my listeners. I failed to launch a course for kids and parents because I didn't know what they wanted. I never had a conversation with my listeners!

Now, I chat with prospects and clients on social media all the time, leading to calls and conversions. Conversations matter.

Don't be a one-way street when it comes to social media.

4. Learn from experts

While I know a bit about playing the X game now, I admit I don't know much about Instagram or YouTube. Each social platform has its own playbook, and figuring it out takes effort and time.

Learn through trials, books, courses, or directly from experts who have succeeded. I didn't figure it out alone—I invested in learning from those ahead of me.

Standing on the shoulders of giants allows you to see much further.

That’s it! I hope it’s helpful. By shifting your mindset, maintaining consistent output, engaging in conversations, and learning from experts, you can grow your social media following and harness the power of influence too.

Studio Salt

I run Studio Salt, a fractional design partner that serves early stage startups.

Advising

I also advise startup founder on their product/design and designers on their career.

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