How to Monetize a Small Instagram Following: My Review of "Small Following, Big Influence" Course & PDF
Blog Post Updated: May 2024
As we all know, Instagram is HOT in 2024! Many IG accounts are seeing a lot of success on the platform this year, not only in growing their follower numbers but also in monetizing their Instagram account.
However, if you’re starting your Instagram from ZERO (like I did earlier this year) or have small follower numbers, it can be frustrating to see others find this success. If you’re struggling to make a significant impact with your small Instagram account, then I think this blog post is definitely going to be of interest to you!
I decided to try out the strategies in the "Small Following, Big Influence" ebook a few months ago, and I feel like it could be exactly the thing that you’ve been looking for. I know it was for me!
The thing that really differentiates this digital PDF course from others is that it specifically caters to Instagram account who do NOT yet have a big following. The strategies are specifically designed to teach you how to use Stories and Reels effectively without large follower numbers.
Initially, I was skeptical about its potential effectiveness—how much could really change for an account with a follower count that is less than 1,000 (or less than 100 like me at the time!) ? However, the idea of learning tailored strategies to leverage a small audience effectively intrigued me enough to give it a shot.
I made the decision to grab “Small Following, Big Influence” at a time when I felt stagnant and getting over the 100 follower number was proving to be HARD for me. I was seeing little growth and engagement, which made the course’s unique focus particularly appealing to me.
What's Inside: Breaking Down the 'Small Following, Big Influence' Course
"Small Following, Big Influence" PDF course is delivered in three main sections, each speaking specifically to Instagram users with small accounts (of course!).
The first section, "Reel Good Content," dives into the mechanics of creating effective Reels. It covers everything from identifying and attracting your target audience, mastering different types of content, utilizing B-roll footage effectively, and understanding the importance of audio looping. Key strategies such as the placement of the three KEY hooks, using "dead space” effectivity, and batching Reels for time efficiency are all topics that are covered.
Section two, "Story Selling," focuses on the powerful tool of Instagram Stories. It’s all about using Stories to build connections and drive engagement. You'll learn how to increase story views, engage your target audience, and use IG-specific marketing strategies to convert views into sales. This section also gives you practical prompts on what to discuss, non-icky advice on reaching out via DMs, and how to use highlight bubbles to keep important content top-of-mind.
Finally, "Magnetic Messaging" rounds out the course by honing in copywriting skills that are essential on Instagram. It includes training on writing captivating captions, proper DM etiquette, and overall messaging strategies that resonate with followers and increase your interactions.
Each section of the course is designed not just to educate, but also to give you the specific tools and strategy plan needed to turn your small following into a significant, influential (and monetized!) account on Instagram.
Real Results: My Personal Journey with 'Small Following, Big Influence'
Investing in the "Small Following, Big Influence" training was a decision I made because of my desire to FINALLY figure out how to DO Instagram in a way that gets results, but also feels true to me. I’m not new to running a business or making money online, but I am new to building an Instagram account! And I knew that the best way to get results quickly was going to be to lean on the knowledge and advice of others who have figured it out before me.
Before starting the course, I was brand new to Instagram, starting out with ZERO followers. Talk about intimidating. No followers, no views, no reach Before starting the course, this is what my views were looking like on my Reels…
As I went through the course’s 3 modules I started to apply the lessons. And the results were honestly quite amazing to me!
By the end of the course, my follower count had grown from 0 to almost 100 followers, I had reached 183,000 accounts in 30 days time (crazy, right!?!), and I’d even had a Reel go viral to the tune 340,000 views! (the image below is my results from directly after completely the course)
This journey of implementing the ‘Small Following, Big Influence’ course not only boosted my Instagram presence but also gave me the confidence that I CAN actually do this and make an impact on Instagram.
The Best Parts: Key Takeaways from 'Small Following, Big Influence
As with any course there are pros and cons! So let me share with you what I found as the most beneficial sections for my SMALL (less than 100 follower!) account and where I saw the most results from implementing what I learned.
One of the most beneficial aspects of the "Small Following, Big Influence" course I think was how it drove home the fact that “educational” content is not going to cut it if you want to create influence & makes sales. I think when you’re first starting out on IG, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that just “being consistent” is going to be enough.
When I started my IG account I posted a lot of “tips & tricks” posts cause that’s what I saw happening. But it wasn’t working. The “Small Follower, Big Influence strategy of 3 Key Reels 1.emotional, 2.authoritative & 3.authentic content completely transformed the way I create Reels.
The course details exactly how to use hooks in 3 different places in each Reel you make (I was missing 2 of these!), which is crucial for boosting visibility and engagement rates. And it gives you specific hook examples that you can “steal” for the 3 different types of Reels (emotional, authoritative & authentic).
Another major takeaway I had was the specific Interactive Caption Writing Strategy! This course gives you a specific caption writing “formula” that is NOT cookie-cutter, but is extremely effective making making your caption one that helps the reader while giving them a next action step. This actually encourages people to follow you as well. They WANT to do something after reading your post!
Additionally, the DM Ettique Flow Chart was a game-changer. I’m a total introvert and struggle to know what to say. I refer to the chart EVERY time I start a convo that ends up leading to a productive discussion.
Room for Improvement: What 'Small Following, Big Influence' Could Do Better
No matter how much you learn from a training, I think there will ALWAYS be things that could be done better!
"Small Following, Big Influence" offers SO MANY invaluable insights and strategies for small accounts.
However, I think it could really benefit from including more case studies and real-life examples of small accounts that have successfully implemented the strategies discussed. This would inspire and provide a clearer, practical understanding of how to apply the teachings in various niches and account sizes. I know SO many people have benefited from this course, and I’d love to see them highlight those accounts in the PDF!
I’d also love to see a more strategic breakdown of exactly how to batch Reels to shorten your content creation time. There is a section on this, but as a new IG creator I would have loved something more in-depth. Luckily I’ve developed a few tips of my own in the meantime to make your Reels fast!
1. Choose a semi-dark filter that you can apply to every video so that it’s easy to make things look consistent, as well as include whatever words you want to on the Reel. (I use Moody/follow me)
2.Go through your camera roll videos and add any videos you might want to use as B-roll to your IG drafts. Edit each one down to around 5-7 seconds and add your filter. You now have a bunch of video drafts to choose from when you’re ready to create your next Reel!
Hope that helps a bit if you’re just getting started!
REAL RESULTS: Love from others for small Following, big influence
I think it’s always helpful to see what others think about a training, so I’ve included the tesimonials of others who have taken and LOVED Small Following, Big Influence, just like me!
Standout Strategies: How 'Small Following, Big Influence' Compares to Other Instagram Advice
If you have a small(ish) Instagram account and are looking to genuinely increase your influence and monetize your presence on Instagram then then I 100% think the ‘Small Following, Big Influence’ course could be for you!
Honestly, it’s about MUCH more than simply increasing your follower count. It’s about increasing your potential return in terms of engagement, reputation building, and revenue, which is going to far exceed the cost of this course. I think ‘Small Following, Big Influence’ is a valuable asset for any small account aiming to grow and succeed on Instagram!
To get the most out of "Small Following, Big Influence," it’s essential to not only go through the entire course but also actively apply the lessons learned! (Duh, right!?!) But unfortunately, sometimes people miss this crucial step!
If you’re thinking about giving the strategies in ‘Small Following, Big Influence’ a try, then I encourage you to approach it with a commitment to apply what you learn and to be patient with the process. Growth and engagement won't happen overnight, but with the right strategies, you WILL see the results of your efforts.
I’d love to hear from you if you decide to take the course or if you have questions about it! Feel free to share your experiences, challenges, or any insights you’ve gained in the comments below, or send me a message on Instagram @heyitskarico. Let’s start a convo on how small accounts really can lead to big influence!
