How You Can Get More Customers With Instagram DMs

Most business owners who are active on Instagram mainly spend a lot of time creating beautiful photos, reels and stories. And while this is of course the foundation of the platform, there is 1 feature that is often overlooked when it comes to attracting customers: the DM. And that's a shame, because Instagram's messaging feature is exactly what gives you the chance to really get to know your followers - and maybe even turn that follower into a customer. 

Why DMs are so powerful
Where posts and stories are often quickly viewed, the DM is a place where you can make a real connection with your followers. And that's not just purely for fun: real-life cases show that DMs are up to 53% more likely to convert from follower to customer, while doing nothing ... well, logically, yields much less.

That direct one-on-one communication makes people feel seen and heard. And if someone speaks to you sincerely and shows interest in who you are or what you need, aren't you much more likely to do something in return?

Sample messages what to send to new followers
If you're worried that sending a DM to new followers is going to require a slick sales pitch, we can reassure you: it can just be simple, spontaneous and real. Instead, the point is to focus on connection rather than conversion. A few examples of messages you can send:

• "Hey [name], how nice that you started following me! What are you working on right now?"
• "Hi - thanks for your follow ???? I'm always curious: through where did you find my account?"
• "Hi! I see you're following my page - super cool. I share a lot here about [topic]. Is there anything you're looking for help with right now?"
  

So, as you can see, it's not about selling something right away, it's about starting the conversation. That you show genuine interest. And if you then notice in your conversation that someone is struggling with something for which you have a solution? Then suddenly it's no longer a sales pitch, but a natural offer.

What else you can use DMs for
DMs aren't just useful for approaching new followers, by the way. Also consider:

• Follow up on interaction: Does someone often respond to your stories or posts? Send a personal message to follow up on that.
• After a master class or live session: Thank participants via DM, ask what they got out of it or if they have any questions.
• Customer service or check-ins: A DM is a low-key way to check in with existing customers or answer questions quickly.
  

So you can use DMs for all sorts of different reasons. And just because it's less "public" than a post or comment, people often feel safer to actually respond.

How to use automation smartly
Want to get started sending DMs, but afraid it will take you too much time? Fortunately, there are fine tools to make it as easy as possible for you! Think tools like Manychat, MobileMonkey or even Instagram itself through the Meta Business Suite. For example, you can set up an automatic welcome DM as soon as someone follows you, or automatic responses to certain keywords in stories or DMs. Think of something like:

• "Send 'guide' if you would like to receive my free e-book on ...."
• "Answer 'yes' if you are interested in an introductory call."
  

You can automate that initial trigger, and then just continue the conversation yourself as soon as someone responds. That way you keep it both efficient and personal.

Turn your followers into customers with DM
As you can see, the DM is the place where followers become customers, if you use it in a sincere and strategic way. And now if you have no idea how to do this in a fine way - feel free to contact us! We are happy to think with you or even help you get your first templates ready.