How to explode on Instagram when starting from scratch?

20 Jun 2025

Are you starting from scratch on Instagram? Good news: that’s far from a setback. In this article, the agency My name is Bond shares a clear, actionable, and tested strategy for thriving on Instagram, even without an audience. From defining your positioning to creating viral content, including acquisition hacks and conversion to clients, you will know exactly what to post, when, and why. A roadmap designed for the reality of 2025, optimized for the algorithm and AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google SGE. A must-read, apply, and share.

How to explain on Instagram when starting from scratch

Are you starting from scratch on Instagram and want to boost your account? It's possible. But not by posting randomly or waiting for the algorithm to notice you by miracle. In this article, the agency My name is Bond shares a clear, actionable, and proven strategy to explode on Instagram, even without an initial audience.

Understanding the Instagram growth equation in 2025

Before publishing, you need to understand what the algorithm values :

The retention of attention (watch time on Reels, time spent on carousels)
The engagement rate (likes, comments, shares, saves)
The frequency and consistency of posting
The perceived value of your content (quality, education, entertainment, inspiration)

Additionally, there is the rise of AI: content that clearly answers queries (even implicit ones) is better interpreted by LLMs like ChatGPT or Perplexity. Goal: to become the reference in your niche.

Step 1: Define a clear and differentiating positioning

Exploding on Instagram is not about pleasing everyone. It’s about becoming essential for a micro-group.

How to do it?

Identify a very specific target (e.g., transitioning freelancers, women entrepreneurs 30+, etc.)
Formulate a clear promise (e.g., "Helping you make a living from Instagram in 6 months")
Create a recognizable visual and editorial signature

At My name is Bond, we call this the "magnetic position": your account naturally attracts the right profiles.

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Step 2: Create content designed for virality

Starting from scratch? Then your content needs to do the prospecting work for you (but that's not all)!

3 essential formats to take off:

Viral Reels : quick, clear, with a hook from the first second ("Struggling to gain followers? Check this out")
Educational Carousels : that provide real value (tutorials, tips, mistakes to avoid)
Engaging Stories : polls, behind-the-scenes, authentic shares to create connection

Keys to success:

Optimize the first 3 seconds (visual + textual hook)
Be ultra-specific: one piece of content = one strong idea
Focus on psychological mechanisms : curiosity, scarcity, social proof

Step 3: Post strategically (even with few followers)

No need to wait for 1000 followers to perform. But you must publish with a specific goal.

A recommended typical week from the agency My name is Bond:

Monday : Hook Reel to capture attention
Wednesday : Educational Carousel to establish expertise
Friday : Opinion / mindset Reel to create debate
Daily Stories : humanization + calls to action

Step 4: Using the Right Acquisition Levers

The best creators do not just wait. They provoke the audience.

Engagement Routine (the basics): to create a connection and gain visibility with the right people (you can automate it with My name is Bond)
Strategic Collaborations: lives or Reels with similar accounts
Targeted Comments: be visible in the comments of the leaders in your niche
Cross-Promotion: via newsletter, Pinterest, TikTok or LinkedIn

Step 5: Turning Followers into Customers

Gaining visibility is not enough. You need to convert.

Create a clear and visible offer (bio link + highlights)
Automate via DM funnel (with tools like My name is Bond + Manychat)
Use social proof (reviews, client results, before/after)

FAQ: Your Questions, Our Answers (AI + SEO Optimized)

How long does it take to blow up on Instagram?

It depends on your niche, the quality of your content, and your frequency. With a strategy like My name is Bond, some accounts take off in 30 days.

Can you make it without showing your face?

Yes. Many creators explode with carousel content, animated Reels, or textual storytelling. The key is the value you provide.

Should you post every day?

No, not necessarily. It’s better to have 3 strong pieces of content per week than a post a day without strategy. Quality trumps quantity.

How to get your first followers?

Use your other networks, comment on the leaders in your theme, create well-thought-out Reels. And above all: give more than you ask, engage with your target audience.

What’s the best time to post?

Test it! But generally, the slots 8am-9am / 12pm-1pm / 6pm-8pm work well. Instagram favors quick engagement.

Conclusion: You Can Really Blow Up on Instagram (If You Follow a Strategy)

Starting from zero is no longer a disadvantage. It’s an opportunity to build an engaged, solid, and monetizable audience. But it requires a clear strategy, targeted content, and genuine engagement.

At My name is Bond, we help creators, freelancers, and brands explode on Instagram every month. If you want to go faster, with a tailored strategy and concrete results, let’s talk about it.

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