5 fast ways to find your first 100 online followers

I started with 0.

Not one single follower.

Growing a local business can be challenging, but social media offers a powerful way to connect with your community, build trust, and attract loyal customers.

When I started out with my magazine business, I’d just left a teaching role and had no idea how to run a business (some would say that that’s still true).

It took me a good few years to understand that I needed an online presence.

And it took me another year or so to realise that a website on its own wasn’t going to attract business; I soon figured that I needed to use social media to build a pipeline.

Within a few years, I’d taken my business from a big fat zero to a six-figure business.

I’ve amassed over 300k online followers across my brands.

And I don’t tell you that to make me sound better than I am.

I just want you to know that all of that came through the use of social media, most of it for free.

I’m not a natural businessman (I’m a ghostwriter by trade).

If I can do it, so can you.

If you’re just starting out, the first thing you need to work on is getting going.

And with the right strategy, you can quickly gain your first 100 followers, who you can then ultimately turn into paying customers.

These are five fast ways I’d advise you to use to kickstart your social media growth:

#1 Optimise your profile for local searches

Before promoting your page, make sure it’s easy to find. Consider it your shop window and it’ll need to be attractive to your potential clients. Consider:

• Including your location in your profile name and bio (e.g., "Bella’s Café – Cardiff’s Best Coffee Spot").

• Add keywords that locals might search for, like "family-run bakery in Cardiff" or "affordable plumber in Newport".

• Use a recognisable profile picture, such as your logo or a high-quality image of your business.

A well-optimised profile helps locals discover you when searching for services in their area.

#2 Engage with your local community online

Social media is about conversation, not just promotion. To attract followers:

• Follow and interact with other local businesses, community groups, and influencers.

• Comment on local posts; offer helpful advice or friendly engagement.

• Join local Facebook groups and participate in discussions (without being overly salesy). I’ve found offering genuine advice helps attract potential clients who need your expert help.

By being active in your community, you’ll build relationships that naturally lead to followers.

#3 Run a simple giveaway or contest

People love freebies! A small giveaway can quickly boost your follower count. For example:

"Follow us and tag a friend to win a free coffee!"

"Share our post for a chance to win a £20 voucher."

Keep the entry steps simple, and promote the contest on your page, in local groups, and even in-store.

#4 Make the most of hashtags and geotags

Using the right hashtags helps locals find your posts. Try:

Location-based hashtags (e.g., #CardiffEats, #CardiffBusiness)

Industry-specific tags (e.g., #CardiffFlorist, #CardiffBarber)

Geotag your posts so they appear in local searches.

A mix of popular and niche hashtags will increase your visibility nicely.

#5 Collaborate with other local businesses

Using other people’s audiences is a well-known technique that allows you to meet new fans and build your own audience. And don’t forget - it can work both ways.

Try one or several of these:

• Cross-promoting each other’s pages (e.g., "Love shopping at @LocalBookstore? Check out our new café next door!").

• Hosting a joint event and promoting it online.

• Featuring each other in Instagram Stories or posts.

Collaborations build credibility and expand your reach quickly. As someone famous once said, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ and championing others will encourage them to do the same in return.

Why social media works for local businesses

Cost-effective marketing - Unlike expensive ads, social media is affordable (or free!).

It builds trust and familiarity - Customers are more likely to support businesses they recognise online.

Drives foot traffic - Posts about promotions or events can bring people into your store.

Building your social media audience does take time so as long as you maintain a consistent presence, your numbers will grow.

Getting your first 100 followers should take a few weeks but by doing so, you’ll also be creating a loyal customer base that supports your business for years to come.

In this week’s paid newsletter this Sunday, you’ll receive these downloads:

1. Building an Ideal Customer Avatar (Worksheet) - an 8 page guide to finding your perfect Ideal Customer (makes marketing so much easier once you work this out!)

2. The First 100: How to Gain Loyal Followers Fast (Without Paid Ads) - A no-fluff guide focused on organic growth, perfect for solopreneurs or small businesses on a budget

3. How To Turn One Viral Post Into 50 Followers - a step-by-step guide to building followers from one single post

You can upgrade here ahead of the weekend to ensure you get your bundle on the weekend.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Patric

Ps. I’ve recently launched my Pro version of my newsletter.

Every Sunday, I’ll send you deep dive guides, templates, and social media prompts for the week ahead.

All designed to help you grow your local business with social media.

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