Most creators use DM automation on posts for existing followers. The advanced strategy is to apply it to a Trial Reel using a tool like ManyChat. This allows you to automatically send lead magnets to brand-new viewers who engage, creating an automated lead generation system that exclusively targets a non-follower audience.
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Treat DM automation as a core sales channel, not an afterthought. Create a weekly checklist of products or offers (e.g., email lists, trials) and design specific posts with calls-to-action that trigger an automated DM sequence. This turns content into a consistent lead generation machine.
Leverage tools like ManyChat on Trial Reels to convert engaged non-followers. When a user comments for a free resource, the automation first checks if they follow you. If they don't, it sends a message prompting them to follow before delivering the requested item, creating a powerful and direct follower conversion mechanism.
Instagram's "trial reels" are shown exclusively to non-followers, providing a guaranteed method for reaching new people without affecting your existing audience's feed. Treat it as a high-volume experiment; most will flop, but the consistent attempts will eventually lead to viral hits.
Dedicate daily posting efforts to five distinct "Trial Reel" formats, which Instagram shows exclusively to non-followers. This includes meta "this is a trial reel" posts, remakes of past hits, low-effort trends, DM automation prompts, and experimental content. This structured approach maximizes new audience acquisition.
Trial Reels are shown exclusively to non-followers. This unique feature allows you to experiment with high-risk, high-reward content, like viral trends or aggressive calls to action, without overwhelming or irritating your loyal followers. It's a risk-free way to reach new audiences.
Using a tool like ManyChat, set up a "DM to Follow" automation. When a user requests a resource via a keyword, the system checks if they follow you. If not, it prompts them to follow before delivering the freebie, directly converting interest from non-followers into audience growth.
Maximize reach by first publishing content as an "Early Access" Reel to engage followers. After 24 hours, re-upload it as a "Trial" Reel to target a guaranteed audience of non-followers. This tactic hits two distinct audience segments with the same asset, leveraging separate distribution algorithms for maximum exposure.
Instead of directing users to a link, ask them to comment a keyword. This triggers a DM automation that delivers the link directly, boosting post engagement for the algorithm and providing a frictionless user experience.
Trial Reels are a specific Instagram post type shown only to non-followers. This allows creators to mass-produce and test slight variations of the same core content without cluttering their main feed, optimizing for audience growth and reach to new viewers.
A powerful strategy is to create Trial Reels that explicitly acknowledge they are Trial Reels. This meta-commentary allows you to directly address the non-follower audience, explain what your account offers, and include a clear call-to-action to follow. It leverages the feature's core function for direct conversion.