Building a $250,000 ASX share portfolio from scratch might seem like a big challenge, but with patience, discipline, and the right strategy, it is entirely possible.

The key is to start investing early, consistently, reinvest your returns, and let the power of compounding work its magic.

If you're wondering how to go from zero to a portfolio valued at a quarter of a million, here's a step-by-step guide to making it happen with ASX shares.

Start small but start now

Many beginner investors hesitate to get started because they think they need a large amount of money.

The reality is that even small investments can grow into significant wealth over time. Thanks to low-cost brokerage platforms, you can start investing with as little as $500 or even less.

This is more than enough to hit your goal.

For example, if you could invest $500 per month and earned an average return of 10% per annum, which is in line with historical averages, you could reach $250,000 in just under 17 years.

Focus on quality ASX shares

When building your portfolio, quality is more important than quantity. Some of the best shares to own for the long term are those with strong competitive advantages, solid growth potential, and reliable earnings.

Companies like industrial property leader Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), sleep disorder treatment company ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and enterprise technology company TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) could be worth further investigation.

Use ASX ETFs to diversify

If you're starting with a small amount, diversification can be tricky.

So, instead of buying individual ASX shares right away, consider exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the broader market. Funds like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) or the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) can give you exposure to hundreds of top companies with just a single investment.

Reinvest dividends and stay consistent

Dividends can be a powerful tool in building long-term wealth. Many ASX companies pay dividends, which you can reinvest to buy more shares and accelerate your portfolio growth. Over time, this compounding effect can significantly boost your returns.

Staying consistent and not panicking during market dips is also crucial. Markets fluctuate, but long-term investors who stick to their plan tend to come out ahead.

Foolish takeaway

Building a $250,000 ASX portfolio from zero takes time, but it certainly is achievable if you invest regularly, focus on quality companies, reinvest your dividends, and let compounding do the heavy lifting. The most important step is to start—because the sooner you begin, the sooner you will reach your goal.