Howdy! Alex — or @heyalexfriedman here.
Most of you know me from social media, and if there’s one question I get all the time, it’s this: “How do I actually grow?” So, here it is—my Genius Guide to landing your first 1,000 followers, whether for yourself or your startup.
In just six months, I built a TikTok audience of 72K, turned content into ~$10K/month in side income, and signed deals with brands I used to dream about. None of it was luck. Your first 1,000 followers? They’re the hardest to get—but also the most important. They lay the foundation for growth, credibility, and real opportunities.
If you’re serious about making an impact, this guide will show you exactly how to get there—step by step.
1) Go HARD for the First 4 Months (and at Any Sign of Virality)
Platforms like TikTok and IG Reels reward new creators with an early boost to test their potential for consistency and virality.
If a video takes off (even slightly), lean into that momentum. Post more, double down on what’s working, and don’t let the opportunity slip.
🧠 Genius Tip: Post 3-5 times a week (or daily if you can) and jump on trends early. Viral sounds and formats can be game-changers.
2) Pick a Niche and Build 3 Content Pillars
Your niche is what makes people hit “Follow.” Your pillars are what keep them coming back.
Think of your niche as your focus (e.g., fitness), and your pillars as the categories you create content around (e.g., workouts, healthy recipes, lifestyle motivation).
🧠 Genius Tip: Before you post, ask yourself: “Does this fit my niche and one of my pillars?” Consistency here builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.
3) Index Your Videos for Searchability
TikTok and IG Reels aren’t just about entertainment—they’re search engines. People are constantly looking for answers, tips, and ideas.
To maximize your reach, make 70% of your videos searchable with hooks like:
“How to…”
“3 things you didn’t know about…”
“Where to find…”
🧠 Genius Tip: Use your captions, hashtags, and text on screen to include relevant keywords. Think of it as SEO for short-form video.
4) Learn to Say the Same Thing, 3 Different Ways
Repurposing content is the ultimate cheat code. People absorb information differently, and showing up in multiple formats helps you reach more people.
Take one idea and turn it into:
A talking-head video where you explain it.
A text-on-screen video summarizing the key points.
A walkthrough video showing it in action.
🧠 Genius Tip: Check your analytics for top-performing videos and ask, “How else can I say this?” Then make at least two more versions.
5) Know What You Want and Align Your Content
Clarity is everything. What’s your goal?
Are you here to drive sales? Focus on showcasing your product and its benefits.
Building brand awareness? Create shareable, relatable content that sparks conversations.
Looking for brand deals? Showcase your niche expertise, create content that shows high engagement, and tag brands in relevant posts.
Want to be a full-time creator? Experiment, post consistently, and build a personal brand that people trust.
🧠 Genius Tip: Align every post with your ultimate goal and always include a CTA, whether it’s “Follow for more tips,” “Check the link in bio,” or “Tag someone who needs this.”
Getting your first 1,000 followers isn’t about luck—it’s about showing up, creating value, and staying consistent. Your first 1,000 sets the stage for everything that comes next, so don’t overthink it. Stick to these five strategies, be patient, and remember: it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.
Until next time,
Alex Friedman
P.S. What’s your biggest roadblock when it comes to growing on TikTok or IG Reels? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to help you tackle it!
