Case Study: How Build Your Socials Helped @the_traveling_pasta Achieve 500K+ Followers in Less Than 2 Years

Aastha Gambhir The Traveling Pasta

Client Overview

@the_traveling_pasta, managed by Aastha Gambhir, is a highly engaging Instagram account that combines travel and culinary storytelling through rich visuals and captivating narratives. Today, @the_traveling_pasta boasts over 700,000 followers with an impressive 5-10% engagement rate, far above the industry average. Through Build Your Socials’ Elite Accelerator Program, we helped Aastha achieve her growth goals while maintaining a high-quality, engaged audience.

Initial Challenges and Objectives

Aastha’s primary goal when joining our Elite Accelerator Program was to establish @the_traveling_pasta as a prominent account within the travel and food niches. We aimed to build her following with engaged users while increasing her visibility and reach in the competitive landscape of culinary and travel influencers.

Phase 1: Analysis and Strategy Development (First 3 Months)

In the initial three months, our team focused on developing a robust foundation for Aastha’s account. Here’s how we structured the groundwork:

  1. Comprehensive Audience Analysis: We conducted an in-depth analysis of her existing followers to understand the demographics, engagement patterns, and behaviors that characterized her audience. From this data, we crafted lookalike audiences with interests aligned to her niche, targeting followers of similar culinary and travel influencers. By including followers from competitors and other relevant accounts, we captured a highly relevant audience.

  2. Optimized Content Schedule and Consistency: Developing a consistent posting schedule was crucial in this stabilization phase. We identified peak engagement times and prioritized posts that connected emotionally with her audience, such as immersive travel reels and culinary close-ups. This consistency built anticipation among her followers, helping stabilize engagement rates by the end of the third month.

  3. Targeted Ads for Immediate Reach: We implemented strategic ads to attract new followers. By using visually striking content in both feed and story ads, we reached a broader audience interested in travel and cuisine. These campaigns were integral in establishing early engagement momentum.

Phase 2: Growth Strategies and Expanding Reach (Months 4–12)

After solidifying engagement and stabilizing her posting schedule, we pivoted to more intensive growth strategies:

  1. Influencer Shoutouts and Cross-Promotions: Through our agency’s network, we facilitated cross-promotions with similar influencers in travel and culinary spaces. By pairing Aastha with influencers who shared her aesthetic and audience interests, we attracted highly engaged followers. These strategic shoutouts not only grew her following but also established @the_traveling_pasta within the larger influencer community.

  2. Media and Press Coverage: A key part of our strategy was increasing Aastha’s credibility through press. Her feature in Vents Magazine, where her journey and authenticity were highlighted, drew new followers interested in her content. Articles like this positioned her as an authority in her niche and helped attract a quality audience.

  3. Targeted Ad Campaigns for Viral Content: We continued to refine her ad campaigns, targeting new lookalike audiences based on updated data and emphasizing her highest-performing content. The ads promoted her most viral reels, ensuring that her content reached a wide audience. This approach boosted her visibility and reinforced her brand.

Phase 3: Accelerated Viral Growth (Months 12–24)

With a solid foundation, @the_traveling_pasta saw exponential growth in the second year as we scaled her reach.

  1. Data-Driven Content Refinement: Using performance data from earlier campaigns, we fine-tuned her content to resonate even more with her audience. The focus remained on visually appealing, story-driven content that showcased her travel and culinary adventures, which consistently drew high engagement rates.

  2. Expanded Press and Media Exposure: Building on her earlier media successes, we secured additional press features to amplify her reach and further legitimize her profile. Each press release brought new followers while also reinforcing her standing in the industry. This consistent media exposure proved invaluable in maintaining her growth trajectory.

  3. Enhanced Shoutouts and Collaborations: With Aastha’s growing influence, we broadened her shoutouts and collaborations with other prominent influencers in her niche, creating a network effect that accelerated organic follower growth. The quality of her collaborations allowed us to attract like-minded followers genuinely interested in her content.

Results and Key Takeaways

Through the Elite Accelerator Program, we helped @the_traveling_pasta achieve remarkable results:

  • Over 700,000 followers with 5-10% engagement rate—significantly higher than average.
  • High-performing viral content consistently reached millions of views, driving organic growth.
  • Strategic shoutouts and collaborations within the influencer network created sustained exposure.
  • Credibility through media coverage, such as the feature in Vents Magazine, increased follower trust and interest.

This case study highlights how Build Your Socials’ Elite Accelerator Program delivered exceptional growth by combining data insights, targeted advertising, strategic influencer collaborations, and impactful press releases. Our multi-pronged strategy effectively transformed @the_traveling_pasta into a leading account in her niche, resulting in a devoted and rapidly expanding follower base.