Consistent Client Flow with Social Selling: Your Guide to Using DMs to Build Relationships and Book Calls
Creating Client Flow with Non-Spammy Instagram DM Tactics
In a world where digital interactions and social media are here to stay, social selling has come out as a key strategy for building lasting client relationships. Instagram, previously known solely as a visual platform, has now transformed into a focal point for meaningful business connections. The skill of starting conversations in direct messages (DMs) can result in booked calls and business growth. Let’s dive into the steps to mastering social selling on Instagram.
Understanding Social Selling
Social selling leverages social media platforms to create conversations that eventually lead to sales. This method defies traditional sales tactics by focusing on building genuine relationships rather than pushing aggressive sales pitches. Although the concept is universal across platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, this strategy specifically works best on Instagram.
Overcoming the Fear of Being Spammy
One of the biggest hesitations many have about using DMs for business is the fear of being perceived as spammy. The “hey, girl” messages we’ve all encountered from network marketers have given this practice a bad name. However, approaching DMs authentically—with the intention of creating relationships and offering value—can change this perception. Treat DMs as everyday conversations, like those you have in a grocery store or at a dinner party, and they will lead naturally to business opportunities.
The Pre-DM Strategy
Before you start sending DMs, a strategic foundation is so important. First, identify your target audience. Are they local businesses, online coaches, influencers, or specific professionals like med spa owners? Not every potential client will use Instagram. Take a plumber for example – he probably is not hanging around on IG. The first step you need to take is to confirm that Instagram is where your audience hangs out.
Next, engage in research. Search hashtags that are specific to your industry and then follow and compile a list of at least 100 potential clients. This “dream 100 list” is your starting point. Then, optimize your Instagram profile by ensuring it has content that speaks to your audience’s pain points and desires. Aim to have at least six to nine posts ready before you dive into the DMs.
Crafting Authentic Interactions
Once your foundation is set, now it’s time to authentically engage with those dream clients. Begin with five engagements daily by thoughtfully interacting with the accounts you followed. Comments should be genuine and relevant, laying the groundwork for more personal interactions in the DMs.
When you’re ready to engage directly in DMs, approach with questions, not statements. Asking questions helps with natural dialogue. Use the interactions to understand their challenges and casually guide the conversation towards a call to discuss potential solutions further.
Transitioning to Business Conversations
A natural progression in your chats can lead to calls. Rather than feeling salesy, your proposal for a call should emerge organically from the ongoing conversation. Phrasing like, “That’s exactly the strategy I help my clients with. Would you be open to chatting?” feels inviting and genuine.
If they hesitate, be prepared to address common objections with understanding and curiosity from their point of view. If they say, “I need to think about it,” ask them what they need to consider further. If they’re unsure about the value, inquire about their current business goals. The goal of the conversation is not to pressure but to understand and offer solutions for their business.
Nurturing Through Consistent Follow-up
Consistency is key. If a DM conversation stalls, using a simple follow-up method, like a polite reminder question mark or a check-in message a few days later, can restart the conversation. Implement a structured follow-up schedule, with check-ins at three, seven, and fourteen days to maintain contact with the potential client.
Integrating Posting with Conversations
Driving engagement through Instagram isn’t limited to DMs alone. Posting impactful content will attract organic interactions. Anyone who interacts with your content is a potential client. Respond to likes, comments, or story views by starting conversations with questions related to their engagement.
Conclusion
Social selling on Instagram is a balance of art and strategy, where being authentic and consistent can really grow your clientele. By following a structured approach and prioritizing relational over transactional interactions, you can turn DMs into a flourishing avenue for business growth. As you continue to search for clients, it’s so important to remember that relationships are the foundation of retention a
Here’s A Glance Of The Episode:
00:00 DM Strategy: One of Many Methods
05:24 Effective Pre-DM Strategy Essentials
06:54 Prep Instagram for Effective DMs
13:45 Transitioning Chats to Calls
17:32 Effective Sales Follow-Up Strategies
21:43 Enhance Conversations with Content Engagement
23:40 Business Growth and Client Acquisition
Key Takeaways:
- How to use DMs to build relationships and schedule more discovery calls without being spammy.
- The importance of a pre DM strategy, including identifying the type of clients you want to work with and ensuring they are present on Instagram.
- Why you should create a list of 100 potential clients to engage with, and make sure you are using hashtags and keywords to identify these accounts.
- Optimize your Instagram profile, including bio and content, to address the pain points and desires of your target audience.
- Interact with your identified potential clients’ content genuinely before initiating a DM conversation and then use questions over statements in DMs to foster genuine conversation and not come off as spammy.
- Why posting consistently on Instagram can transform passive marketing to active relationship building.
- Follow-up is so important in turning initial conversations into scheduled calls, and why manual scheduling over using schedulers.
and so much more.
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Additional Resources
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Meet Brandi
Brandi Mowles is the host of the Serve Scale Soar® podcast which is a podcast dedicated to helping service-based entrepreneurs scale their online business to five-figure months so they can soar into six-figure years. Brandi is a wife, mom and in less than one year, created a six-figure business. Now she is spilling all her secrets so you can too.
