When someone follows your Instagram account, that moment is full of potential. They’re showing interest and you have a chance to engage while that interest is fresh. ManyChat’s “Follow to DM” automation lets you do exactly that: automatically send a direct message to every new follower.
This feature is ideal for business owners who want to do more than build a follower count. You want relationships, leads, and growth.
Why It’s a Smart Move for Business Owners
1. Make a Strong First Impression
Instead of waiting days or weeks to engage, you reach the user when they’re already interested. A carefully crafted “welcome” DM builds trust and signals professionalism.
2. Convert Followers to Subscribers and Customers
The automation supports more than just a hello: you can use that first message to:
- invite them to join your mailing list (helping move them off Instagram and onto your owned channels)
- offer an exclusive discount or link to a product/service
- send followers to a blog, landing page, or course.
3. Capture Key Data Early
ManyChat allows you to include a follow-up DM that asks for an email address (assuming the user clicks or interacts with your opening DM) which means you grow your list — not just your follower count.
4. Leverage Timing and Conversions
Because the DM triggers right when the follow happens, you’re capitalising on highest interest. Many social interactions fade quickly; striking while the iron’s hot gives you a better chance of meaningful engagement.
How to Set It Up in ManyChat (Summary for Busy Business Owners)
- In ManyChat, find the Quick Automation template: “Say hi to new followers”. It’s under Automations → Basic.
- Choose your timing: send immediately or with a short delay (1-5 minutes) so the DM doesn’t feel robotic.
- Craft the Opening DM: A friendly welcome, mention what they’ll get, include a button to opt-in.
- (Optional) Toggle on “DM asking for their email” so you can capture it in a follow-up message.
- Add the link DM after they click — send them to relevant content: blog, offer, course, or shop. Up to 3 links allowed.
- (Optional) Add a follow-up DM for those who don’t click the link, to re-engage them. Useful to lift conversions.
- Go live. Then monitor its performance in the Activity tab within ManyChat to see how many followers received it, clicked the link, etc.
Best Practices for Business Owners
- Keep the tone personal: Use friendly language, mention their recent follow, show gratitude.
- Provide value quickly: An exclusive offer, useful resource or interesting content works best.
- Ask for action: Whether it’s “Join our list”, “Check our blog”, or “Claim this offer” — don’t leave the DM just saying “thanks”.
- Respect privacy and best practices: After the first message they must click a button or reply to qualify for further messages. This is required under ManyChat’s Instagram automation rules.
- Monitor and refine: See which messages convert best, tweak wording, timing or links based on results.
- Link to owned content: Drive followers to your blog, newsletter, or website instead of only staying on Instagram — it gives you more control and value long-term.
Use-Case Examples for Businesses
- E-commerce store: New follower gets a DM: “Thanks for following! Here’s 10% off your first order – click to claim.”
- Professional organiser: DM sends a quick thank-you message with a link to a free “5-Day Declutter Challenge” or a short blog on “How to Stay Organised at Home.” Then follow up by inviting them to join your mailing list for exclusive organisation tips, printable planners and special offers.
- Service provider: DM includes a link to a free guide or consultation booking form. Then follow-up asks for their email to send more resources.
- Content creator/consultant: DM sends them to your latest blog (“The 5 social media trends in 2025”) and invites them to subscribe for weekly tips.
- Local business or training school: DM offers an exclusive early-bird discount or event invite just for Instagram followers.
For business owners, gaining an Instagram follower is only the first step. The real opportunity lies in turning that follow into a connection — a subscriber, a customer or a brand advocate.
ManyChat’s Follow-to-DM feature gives you an automated yet personal way to do that immediately.
Set it up, craft your message with care, provide value and track the results. The sooner you engage, the stronger the relationship you build.
If you haven't already, try ManyChat today.
