Instagram DM templates to copy that start real conversations
Instagram DM templates for every stage of an inbound chat. Fill in your offer once, then copy the right message for today’s lead.
ManySetter teamUpdated 8 min read
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Chapter 01Start here
Choose the moment, then the message
Deliver what you promised first. Ask a question only when the answer changes your next message. Then pick the exit that fits: a call, a resource for later, an honest no, or a person.
For inbound conversations only
These templates are for people who comment on your posts or message your business. They are not scripts for unsolicited mass DMs.
Chapter 02Deliver
Deliver a promised resource
First private reply
After someone comments on a post or Reel asking for your guide.
Hey! I can send Replace [resource] here. Want the link?
Yes, send it- Next
- Wait for the tap or reply before sending anything else.
- Why it works
- It confirms the request before you deliver.
Delivery with one question
After the person taps or replies.
Here you go: Replace [link]. What are you working on right now: Replace [option A] or Replace [option B]?
- Next
- Route them based on their answer.
- Why it works
- The resource comes first; the question opens a real conversation.
The first reply doesn’t open the conversation
In a Manychat comment flow, the first private reply alone doesn’t opt someone in. Test the reply or Quick Reply before the flow continues (Manychat’s comments trigger (opens in a new tab)).
Chapter 03Reply
Reply to a DM keyword
Keyword reply
When someone messages your keyword.
You asked for Replace [resource]. Here it is: Replace [link]. If you want, tell me what you’re trying to solve and I’ll point you to the most useful part.
- Next
- Use their answer to pick the next message.
- Why it works
- It delivers first, then invites context in their own words.
Shorter version
For a quick ask from your bio or a Story.
Thanks for messaging Replace [KEYWORD]. Here’s Replace [resource]: Replace [link]. What would make it most useful for you?
- Next
- Same: let the answer choose the next step.
- Why it works
- Short enough to read in a notification.
Chapter 04Clarify
Turn a vague question into context
“How does it work?”
When a lead asks how your offer works.
Happy to explain. Are you looking to Replace [desired outcome] for yourself or for a client? I’ll give you the relevant version.
- Next
- Answer the version that fits them.
- Why it works
- One choice beats a long explanation nobody asked for.
“I’m interested”
When a lead just says they’re interested.
Glad you reached out. What made you look into Replace [offer] now?
- Next
- Listen for the trigger and the timing.
- Why it works
- Their reason tells you what to say next.
Chapter 05Qualify
Qualify without sounding like a form
Current situation
Once they’ve said why they reached out.
What are you doing today to handle Replace [problem]?
- Why it works
- Shows what they’ve tried and what’s missing.
Fit check
Before any call. Insert your [fit rule], word for word.
Quick check so I point you the right way: the Replace [offer] is built for Replace [fit rule]. Is that where you are?
- Next
- Yes: keep qualifying. No: use the “Not a fit” exit below.
- Why it works
- It states the rule, so a no doesn’t feel like a rejection.
Desired result
When you know their situation, not yet their goal.
If this worked well for you, what would change over the next Replace [timeframe]?
- Why it works
- Puts the goal in their own words.
Timing
Before you suggest a call.
Is this something you want to solve now, or are you exploring options for later?
- Why it works
- Separates a ready buyer from a researcher, without pressure.
One question at a time
If the person already answered, use that answer instead of asking again from the script.
ManySetter
Turn a good opening into a booked call.
An AI setter on top of Manychat. It adapts the next message to your offer, the objection and the stage.
- Keeps your Manychat flows
- Qualifies for your offer
- Books a call or hands off
Build and test free · Manychat billed separately
Chapter 06Objections
Handle price and timing objections
Price question
They ask what it costs. Insert your real [price], never a guess.
Of course: the Replace [offer] is Replace [price]. Before I say whether it’s right for you, what are you hoping to achieve?
- Next
- Match the answer to their goal.
- Why it works
- A straight answer first, then a question that finds the fit.
Price, in a direct voice
Same moment, for a brand that keeps it short.
It’s Replace [price]. What would you want it to fix first?
- Why it works
- Same facts, fewer words. Match how you already write in DMs.
“Too expensive”
They say it costs too much.
I hear you. Is it the budget itself, or whether the Replace [offer] would solve Replace [problem]? I can be direct about when it makes sense, and when it doesn’t.
- Next
- Budget: mention a real payment plan, if you have one. Doubt: say what’s included.
- Why it works
- Separates a budget limit from a doubt about results.
“Not now”
They like it, but the timing is off.
That makes sense. Is there a date or milestone when you’d want to revisit it? I can leave you with Replace [resource] in the meantime.
- Next
- Note the date. No calendar link today.
- Why it works
- Keeps the door open without pushing.
Use your real numbers
Fill in [price] with what you actually charge and include. Never quote a price you won’t honor.
Chapter 07Exits
Exits that don’t force the calendar
A good chat can end with a call, an honest no or a person. Pick the exit that matches what they said, not the one you hoped for.
They ask for a call
The lead asks for a call before you know the fit.
Happy to! One question first, so the call is worth your time: what would you want the Replace [offer] to fix?
- Next
- Fit rule met: send the link. Not met: the “Not a fit” reply.
- Why it works
- It says yes, then checks the fit in one question.
Suggest a call
Your fit rule is met and they want help.
From what you’ve shared, you’re right in the range our Replace [offer] is built for. A short call would show if it fits. Want the booking link?
- Next
- Send the link only after a yes.
- Why it works
- It asks permission and ties the call to their words.
Send the booking link
After they say yes.
Here it is: Replace [calendar link]. If none of the times work, reply here and we’ll find another option.
- Next
- Count the call once your calendar confirms it.
- Why it works
- A fallback keeps the conversation open.
Not a fit
Their answer falls outside your [fit rule].
Thanks for being open. Our Replace [offer] is built for Replace [fit rule], so it wouldn’t be the right fit yet. For now, Replace [resource] will help more: Replace [link]
- Next
- No calendar link. Tag the reason to see who your posts attract.
- Why it works
- An honest no protects your calendar and your reputation.
Not a fit, in a direct voice
Same moment, for a brand that keeps it short.
Straight answer: our Replace [offer] is for Replace [fit rule], so not a fit yet. This will help more for now: Replace [link]
- Why it works
- Same facts, fewer words.
Hand off to a person
When they ask for a human or need a specialist.
I want to get this right. I’m handing your question to Replace [team/person]. We’ve got the context you’ve already shared, so you won’t need to start over.
- Next
- Pause the automation for this contact.
- Why it works
- It sets expectations and avoids repeated questions.
Chapter 08Walkthrough
See the whole exchange
- Reel CTA
Comment GUIDE and I’ll send the 3 DMs that book calls.
- First DM
Want me to send the checklist here?
Yes - Prospect
Yes.
- Delivery
Here it is: [link]. Are you getting DMs already, or is that the part you’re building?
- Prospect
About 30 a week, but few calls. How much is the program?
- Price
$1,500, or 3 payments of $550. It’s built for coaches with 2 to 10 clients. How many do you have?
- Prospect
Four, all referrals.
- Suggest a call
Then you’re right in the range. Want the link for a 20-minute fit call?
- Exit
Fit rule met: call proposed. Booked once the calendar confirms.
One template per moment
Each business line above comes from this page, picked for what the lead just said. With “No offer yet,” the last line would be the “Not a fit” exit.
Chapter 09Adapt
Make the templates your own
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Pasting them into Manychat? Build the flow with our Manychat Instagram automation tutorial, compare triggers in Instagram DM automation, or start from our Manychat templates. The bigger picture: Instagram automation.