I built like 20k followers in less than 2 years and my situation is relatively unique, but I think some methods I used might still be of use at least on a fundamental level. One thing is to use mystery to your advantage; creating interest is relatively easy, but like so many things; flipping the script or creating a curiosity built on sand but a personality made of gold will make u immortal from a marketing standpoint. I managed to go on hiatus and focus on more in depth production for artists I consider my family and less on my public image for 3 years, and my fanbase is still the same number it was when I left. Another look is to just be generally active in social media outside of your niche. If you like other stuff, talk about in online on a platform like reddit, twitter, Instagram, and then document your or the brands life as much as possible through whatever platforms resonate with your energy the most. Whatever u do, dont ask for money, dont ask me to vote on some dumbass poll, dont try and coerce the audience to engage, make them want to engage, you gotta give them a reason to give a fuck