DM Funnels for Beginners: How to Automate Leads and Sales on Instagram

Still relying on “click the link in my bio”? There’s a better way. I’m breaking down how to use DM automation to grow your email list, increase engagement, and drive leads from your Instagram content, all without being glued to your phone. You’ll learn why this strategy works better than traditional link-in-bio methods, how I use it in both of my businesses, and exactly how to get started (even if you’ve never heard of ManyChat before).

What You’ll Learn:
[04:48] Why “link in bio” is dead (and how DM automation works better)
[07:36] The step-by-step breakdown of what actually happens when someone clicks your bio
[10:27] Why Instagram prefers links in DMs vs. external traffic
[13:13] How keywords boost engagement and reach (and why your caption matters)
[17:53] A basic example of how I grow my email list using DM automation
[19:17] The power of sending links, freebies, and lead magnets in the DMs
[21:40] What to do if you’re not getting comments — and how Hot Reels can help
[23:32] Why now is the best time to get on the Hot Reels waitlist for fall 2025

Key Takeaways:

• Click the link in bio? Nope.
   It adds friction and kills your conversion rate. DM automation converts 46% better on average.
• Your content can work for you while you sleep.
   DM automation makes your Instagram content do double-duty, building your list and growing your audience without extra effort.
• You don’t need a huge audience for this to work.
   Even one comment can bring in one perfect-fit lead. It’s not about volume, it’s about alignment.
• Your followers are on Instagram. Keep them there.
   The more you can reduce steps, the more people will take action. DM automation keeps them in-platform and gets you results.
• Still not seeing results from your content? It might be time for support.
   Hot Reels is where I help entrepreneurs create content that actually converts, consistently.

Links + Resources Mentioned:

• Try ManyChat PRO - First month FREE! 
• Join the HOT REELS: 12-MONTH IG CONTENT LAB waitlist!
• My episode on The Social Media Marketing Talk Show Podcast: Instagram Updates: Edits App, Comment Filters, Grid Features, and More

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.