Do you use Instagram Messenger for your business? If you don’t, you probably fall into one of two categories:
What? Businesses use Instagram Messenger?! Where can I learn more?
Eh, I’m not crazy about using Instagram Messenger for my business. Isn’t that kind of… spammy?
No matter which camp you’re in, by the end of this post you’ll see why Instagram Messenger can be a real asset for your business. Here are a few strategies that get results.
Connect with influencers
Instagram is influencer central. They’re not on Facebook, they’re not on Twitter—they’re on Instagram because it’s a visual medium, which is essential for selling a lifestyle. And before you count yourself out, there are influencers for every budget—whether you can send product or invest in a paid campaign.
Instead of chasing huge follower counts, focus on influencers who are an organic fit for your brand and who have real engagement. You’ll often get better results with a micro-influencer who matches your ideal customer profile than with an influencer with 50K followers who clearly wouldn’t use your product without being paid.
How to do it
First, make sure you’re following Instagram’s guidelines for direct messaging. Then, build a list of influencers you’d like to connect with and send a personal, genuine message—avoid generic copy-and-paste outreach.
For example:
Hey, we love following your account! Your dog is seriously the cutest. Can we send you one of our products to try, and if you like it, we can discuss ways we might work together?
Meet your customers where they’re at
People have been claiming email is dead for years. While it’s not completely true, many customers definitely prefer messaging over email. Offering customer service via Instagram Messenger can make it easier for customers to reach you—and get quick answers.
Since many people check Instagram more often than they check email, IG Messenger can be ideal for resolving questions quickly, especially when someone is close to making a purchase. Fast, helpful replies can reduce drop-offs and boost sales.
How to do it
You can set up automated responses in Instagram Messenger, but use them carefully. People often DM because they want a real, human response. Consider using automation only for simple FAQs (like hours or shipping zones) so your team can focus on more complex questions.
Build collabs
Collaborations help you leverage someone else’s audience (and vice versa) to create marketing momentum. But collabs don’t happen automatically—you have to reach out, network, and propose ideas that are genuinely mutually beneficial.
Collab ideas include:
- Producing a video series with an influencer
- Hosting a giveaway with several brands that share similar target audiences
- Partnering with a popular artist for a limited-release product
- Asking a foodie influencer to use your product in a recipe
Make sure the collaboration benefits both sides. If all the value flows only to you, it’s going to be hard for someone else to get excited about it. (And remember: exposure doesn’t pay bills.)
How to do it
Keep your outreach short, clear, and authentic. Share your proposal, explain why it’s a good fit, and highlight how participating benefits them. You can also ask if they have ideas for how you can work together.
Chat with your biggest fans
When someone replies to your Instagram Stories, don’t let it end there—hit “Reply” and start a conversation. Just be mindful not to come off as spammy.
Avoid jumping straight into promo codes and sales messaging. Instead, build a real connection. If someone says, “I love this product!”, ask how they use it or what they’d like to see from you next. This builds loyalty and gives you valuable insights about your audience. (And yes, you can share promo codes—just make sure there’s a relationship first.)
How to do it
Authenticity is everything. Use Messenger features to make conversations more interactive—ask customers to show you how they use your product, or offer personalized recommendations and consultations via DM.
Learn to use IG Messenger like a boss with Jus B Media
Consider Jus B Media your Instagram sherpa. We’ll show you tips and tricks to get the most out of Instagram—or we can even manage your account for you.
Contact us today to learn more about our social media services.