How to Make It as an Influencer on Instagram – Even with 0 Followers

So you’ve decided to become an influencer. You’ve got a passion, a voice, something to share — but your Instagram account is sitting at zero followers. No likes, no comments, no traction. That can be discouraging, but here’s the truth: everyone starts somewhere, and yes, it’s entirely possible to go from zero to influence in 2025.

Becoming an influencer is not just about having a big following — it’s about building trust, offering value, and knowing how to use smart tools (like Smikky) to help get things moving. If you’re starting from scratch, here’s how you can build your influence step by step.

Pick a Niche You Can Stick With

Every successful influencer has a focus. That might be skincare, fitness, book reviews, personal finance, fashion on a budget, parenting tips, or even pet memes. The key is to pick something you genuinely care about and can talk about consistently without getting bored or sounding forced.

This makes your content feel natural — and helps attract the right kind of followers who are genuinely interested in your posts.

Start Creating Value-Based Content

Before worrying about followers or likes, make sure your content is worth following. Think: tips, tutorials, relatable stories, behind-the-scenes peeks, or beautiful visuals. You don’t need a pro camera or perfect lighting to start. Use what you have and focus on consistency and personality.

Value-based content gets saved, shared, and remembered — and it builds trust, even if your audience is small at first.

Use Reels, Stories, and Carousels to Maximize Reach

Instagram isn’t just about static photos anymore. If you’re starting from zero, Reels are your best bet to get seen by non-followers. They appear on the Explore page and have the best potential to go viral.

Carousels (multi-image posts) are great for sharing tips, while Stories help you connect personally and build rapport. Using all three formats regularly can multiply your visibility.

Use Hashtags Strategically

Hashtags still matter — especially when your audience is small. Don’t go for the biggest ones (like #love or #instagood) where your post will disappear instantly. Use niche-specific and mid-range tags (like #beginnermakeuptips or #budgettravel2025) to improve your chances of reaching the right people.

Engage with Others in Your Niche

Want people to follow you? Start by engaging with them. Comment on other creators’ posts. Share thoughtful reactions in Stories. Reply to DMs. Instagram rewards accounts that are social — it is a social network, after all.

Engaging with others builds real relationships, which often leads to shoutouts, shares, and long-term followers.

Boost Your Social Proof with Smikky

Let’s be honest: people are more likely to follow you when they see others already do. It’s called social proof — and it’s a big reason why many new influencers hit a wall at the beginning. Even if your content is amazing, people may scroll past simply because you have low follower and like counts.

What is Smikky?

Smikky is one of the most trusted platforms for buying Instagram followers, likes, and views. They provide real engagement from real users, with fast delivery, affordable packages, and no need for your password.

This kind of early boost helps your content appear more legitimate, increasing the chances of organic engagement and discovery — especially in those critical early days.

Buying engagement through Smikky isn’t about faking it — it’s about creating the visibility needed to get your real content noticed.

Keep Showing Up

This might be the most important tip of all. Most influencers don’t blow up after one post. They gain traction over time — one story, one reel, one conversation at a time.

Your first few months might be quiet. That’s normal. Keep creating. Keep connecting. Keep tweaking your strategy. With patience and persistence, things start to shift.

And with some smart help — like a visibility boost from the best place to buy followers, Smikky — that shift can come even sooner.

Starting with zero followers isn’t a disadvantage. It’s a clean slate. You have total creative control and the chance to grow an audience that loves you for exactly what you offer.

Use smart content strategies, be intentional about engagement, and don’t be afraid to invest in tools like Smikky to boost your visibility in those crucial early days.

You don’t need to be famous to be influential. You just need to start — and now is the perfect time.