How I Grew to 7,000 Followers on Instagram (Without Going Viral)
I’m going to say something that might surprise you:
I grew my Instagram to 7,000 followers… and it had nothing to do with going viral.
No massive Reel.
No overnight success.
No “perfect” strategy.
Just consistency, connection, and a lot of figuring it out as I went.
I Thought I Had to Be Someone Else
When I first started, I genuinely believed you had to be famous, beautiful, or a genius to succeed on social media.
And for a long time, that belief held me back.
Because if that’s the standard… how do you even begin?
From Fear to Food Content
My account didn’t start as a brand.
It started with fear.
I was scared to eat alone, so I started documenting my meals—just simple iPhone photos on Instagram.
Nothing curated. Nothing strategic.
Just me, showing up.
When Things Started to Shift
In 2017, something changed.
I started getting paid for my content. Brands like Albertsons reached out, and for a while, I didn’t have to chase opportunities—they came to me.
That’s when I realized this could be more than just a hobby.
The Reality No One Talks About
Here’s the truth:
Growing on Instagram doesn’t get easier as you grow.
In some ways, it gets harder.
Even now, there are moments where I feel like I’m posting into the void.
And one of the hardest moments?
When I moved from Idaho to Massachusetts, I lost 1,000 followers.
It felt like a punch in the gut.
What Actually Grew My Account
Let’s talk about what actually worked.
1. Collaboration
I partnered with local businesses and other creators. Giveaways were big at the time (less so now), but they helped build visibility.
2. Community
I didn’t just “network”—I made real friendships with other creators. That changed everything.
3. Serving My Audience
This is the most important one.
When you focus on serving your audience—making them feel seen, inspired, or entertained—they will stick with you.
Even as your content evolves.
Perfection Is Overrated
One of the biggest lessons?
Perfection doesn’t grow your account.
Consistency does.
You have to be willing to post imperfect content. To experiment. To throw things at the wall and see what sticks.
Building a Brand That Feels Like Me
At some point, I stopped just posting… and started building a brand.
I created content pillars—five core themes I wanted my audience to understand about me.
And I got honest.
My brand is creative, juicy, and a little wild.
It’s rooted in who I am:
Queer
Multi-ethnic (Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, Chinese)
Full of sparkle, culture, and storytelling
And I stopped pretending everything was perfect.
Because it’s not.
The Process Behind the Posts
My process isn’t glamorous—but it works.
I plan content.
I talk through ideas with friends.
I journal—constantly.
Some days I batch content. Other days I post in real time.
But one habit changed everything:
Writing things down.
Not everything needs to be posted—but everything can become inspiration later.
Advice for Small Creators
If you’re under 1,000 followers, focus on this:
Collaborate with other creators
Build real relationships
Stay active—consume, engage, create
And most importantly:
Stop waiting.
You already have everything you need to start.
If I Could Tell My Younger Self One Thing
You have no idea what kind of ride you’re about to go on.
So buckle up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re building something right now—whether it’s a food page, a brand, or just your confidence online—keep going.
Your people are out there.
And they’re looking for you, not perfection.
💌 Let’s be friends:
Follow me on Instagram @AlexMillesFoodie and send me a DM—I’d love to connect.
