Should You Retire Your Instagram and Start Fresh? A Strategic Guide

If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a brand new Instagram account would help you grow faster and connect with the right audience, you’re not alone.

I recently made the bold decision to retire my old Instagram (with thousands of followers!) and start completely fresh. Since then, I’ve received countless DMs asking, “Should I do the same thing?” So in this post, I’m breaking down exactly why I did it, what I learned, and how you can determine if it’s the right move for you.

And at the end, I’m sharing my bonus content strategy masterclass, so even if you decide to keep your current account, you’ll have a rock-solid plan to increase engagement and attract your ideal audience.

Why I Retired My Instagram and Started Over

1. My Audience Had Shifted

I started my old Instagram as an Etsy coach, and while I had pivoted to working with coaches and service providers, a large portion of my audience was still product-based business owners.

✔ If your audience no longer reflects who you serve, it might be time to start fresh.

2. The Algorithm Was Confused

With years of mixed content—from Etsy strategies to coaching advice—Instagram’s algorithm wasn’t sure who to show my content to. I was getting reach, but not necessarily from my dream clients.

✔ If your content is reaching the wrong people, starting a new account can help reset the algorithm.

3. I Wanted Clarity & Alignment

I knew exactly who I wanted to serve and how I wanted to show up. Starting fresh gave me the chance to build an audience that was fully aligned with my current messaging and business direction.

✔ If you’re making a dramatic shift in your niche, consider a fresh start.

Should YOU Start a New Instagram Account?

Before you make the switch, ask yourself these key questions:

1. Has Your Ideal Client Completely Changed?

• If your audience has evolved slightly, keep your current account and refine your content.
• If your audience is entirely different, consider a fresh start.

2. Is Your Engagement Extremely Low?

• If your engagement is low because your content needs improvement, focus on a better content strategy first.
• If your engagement is low because your audience is inactive, a new account might help.

3. Are You Holding Onto Vanity Metrics?

• If you’re afraid of losing your follower count, but those followers aren’t engaging, they’re not helping your business.
• A small, engaged audience is far more valuable than a large, inactive one.

✔ If you answered YES to most of these, a new Instagram might be the right move.

How to Start Fresh Without Losing Momentum

If you decide to retire your old account, here’s how to transition smoothly:

1. Announce Your Move

• Let your audience know WHY you’re making the shift.
• Update your bio with: “Retired account! Follow me here → @newhandle”

2. Move Your Most Engaged Followers Over

• DM your most engaged followers and invite them to follow your new account.
• Share a few stories explaining what’s happening.

3. Get Clear on Your New Content Strategy

• Ensure your new content speaks directly to your dream clients.
• Use intentional storytelling and engagement-based captions to attract the right audience.

✔ Remember: The goal isn’t to rush growth, but to create a high-quality, engaged community.

BONUS: My Simple Yet Powerful Content Strategy

Even if you’re not starting a new account, refining your content strategy can massively improve engagement. Here’s how:

1. Tell Your Authority Story

• Share how you personally solved the problem your ideal client faces.
• Use real numbers and data to showcase results.

2. Create Problem-Awareness Content

• Call out what your audience is doing wrong and why it’s keeping them stuck.
• Example: “Why posting every day isn’t growing your account (and what to do instead).”

3. Use the Dog Whistle Effect

• Speak so specifically to your dream client that they instantly know you’re for them.
• Example: “This is for the coach who has high engagement but isn’t converting followers into clients.”

✔ These three content strategies will work whether you’re keeping your current account or starting fresh!

Final Thoughts: Should You Start Fresh?

Starting over on Instagram isn’t the right move for everyone—but if your audience no longer aligns, engagement is non-existent, or you’re making a drastic shift, it could be the game-changer you need.

If you’re staying put, focus on refining your content strategy and speaking directly to your ideal audience to increase engagement.

🚀 Want to nail your messaging and make your Instagram work for you?

Join The Greenhouse, my community for women ready to scale their businesses with clear messaging and powerful marketing.

🔗 Get on the waitlist here → https://www.kaelynnpriest.com/greenhouse