Guide

30 Follow to DM Welcome Messages That Get Replies

Your Follow to DM welcome message is the first thing every new follower sees. These 30 templates are organized by niche and sorted by what actually gets replies. Copy, customize, and test.

Quick answer: The best Follow to DM messages are short, niche-specific, and end with a question. Below are 30 proven templates organized by industry. Copy one, customize it for your brand, and use DM Tracker to track which version gets the best reply rates.

What Makes a Great Welcome Message

Before the templates, here are the four rules every Follow to DM message should follow:

Keep it short. Two to three sentences maximum. The DM preview shows roughly 100 characters, so your opening line has to hook them.
Make it about them, not you. Do not lead with what you sell. Lead with what they care about.
End with a question. Questions create an open loop that demands a response. Statements do not.
Sound like a human. No corporate language. No “We are delighted you have joined our community.” Write the way you would text a friend.

Coaches (Templates 1-6)

Template 1: The Direct Ask

Hey! Thanks for following. I help [type of client] [achieve result]. Quick question, what is your biggest goal with [topic] right now?

Why it works: Gets straight to their pain point.

Template 2: The Curiosity Hook

Welcome! Curious, what made you hit follow? Always love hearing what people are working on.

Why it works: Low pressure, high curiosity. People love talking about themselves.

Template 3: The Resource Offer

Hey, thanks for following! I just put together a [free guide/checklist/framework] on [topic]. Want me to send it over?

Why it works: Leads with value. “Yes” is an easy reply that re-opens the messaging window. Deliver it clean with no pitch attached, then let the conversation breathe before you ask anything else.

Template 4: The Relatable Problem

Hey! Quick question. Are you currently [common pain point]? I post a lot about [topic] here and love hearing where people are at.

Why it works: Naming their pain point creates instant connection.

Welcome! I just helped a [type of client] [specific result]. Are you working on something similar?

Why it works: Social proof plus a question. Makes them think “I want that result too.”

Template 6: The Simple Check-In

Hey, welcome! What brought you to my page?

Why it works: Ultra-short, non-threatening. Great for accounts with high follower volume where you want a quick read on who is behind the follow.

Agencies and Service Providers (Templates 7-12)

Template 7: The Problem Identifier

Hey! Thanks for following. Quick question, are you currently running Instagram DMs for lead gen or is that something you are exploring?

Why it works: Their answer tells you what they came for. The real qualifying happens later, in the human conversation.

Template 8: The Industry Insider

Welcome! I noticed you are in [industry]. We have been seeing some interesting results with [strategy] lately. Are you using that approach?

Why it works: Shows expertise and creates curiosity about the strategy.

Template 9: The Audit Offer

Hey! Thanks for following. We do free [type] audits for [type of business]. Would something like that be useful for you?

Why it works: Clear value proposition. Low commitment ask.

Template 10: The Results Lead

Welcome! We help [type of business] go from [current state] to [desired state]. Where are you at right now with [topic]?

Why it works: Frames the transformation clearly. The question naturally segments prospects.

Template 11: The Content Reference

Hey, thanks for the follow! Did you find us through [recent post/reel topic]? Would love to know what resonated.

Why it works: Personal, references your content, shows you pay attention.

Template 12: The Straight Shooter

Hey! Appreciate the follow. I help [type of business] with [service]. Is that something on your radar or did you follow for the content?

Why it works: Direct and honest. No tricks. You learn where they are without pushing for it.

Ecommerce and Product Brands (Templates 13-18)

Template 13: The Exclusive Welcome

Hey, welcome to the fam! As a thank you for following, here is 10% off your first order. Want the code?

Why it works: Immediate incentive. “Yes” is the obvious reply.

Template 14: The Product Quiz

Hey, thanks for following! Quick question. Are you shopping for [category A] or [category B]? I can point you to our best sellers.

Why it works: Segments the customer and starts a helpful conversation.

Template 15: The New Drop Alert

Welcome! We just dropped [product/collection]. Want me to send you the link before it sells out?

Why it works: Urgency plus exclusivity. Works especially well for limited editions.

Template 16: The Recommendation Engine

Hey! Thanks for following. If you tell me what you are looking for, I can recommend the perfect [product type] for you.

Why it works: Personalised shopping experience in DMs. People love curated recommendations.

Template 17: The Behind the Scenes

Welcome! Fun fact, everything we make is [unique selling point]. Curious, what caught your eye about our page?

Why it works: Highlights brand values. Open-ended question invites conversation.

Template 18: The Wishlist Question

Hey, thanks for following! Quick one: is there a product you have been eyeing, or did a specific drop bring you here?

Why it works: Gets the follower to name what they want right now, so your next reply can point them straight at it.

Real Estate (Templates 19-22)

Template 19: The Buyer/Seller Qualifier

Hey, thanks for following! Quick question, are you currently looking to buy, sell, or just exploring the [city/area] market?

Why it works: Every answer is useful. You learn intent without asking for a commitment.

Template 20: The Local Expert

Welcome! I post a lot about [city/neighborhood] real estate here. Are you local or looking to move to the area?

Why it works: Establishes local expertise. Segments local vs relocation prospects.

Template 21: The Market Update

Hey, thanks for the follow! The [city] market has been [interesting trend] lately. Are you keeping an eye on things or actively searching?

Why it works: Leads with market insight. Shows you are knowledgeable.

Template 22: The Listing Tease

Welcome! I just listed a [property type] in [area]. Are you looking in that neighborhood or somewhere else?

Why it works: Specific and timely. Good for agents with active listings.

Course Creators and Info Products (Templates 23-26)

Template 23: The Skill Level Check

Hey, thanks for following! Quick question. Where are you at with [topic]? Beginner, intermediate, or already advanced?

Why it works: Segments by skill level. Their answer tells you which product to recommend later.

Template 24: The Quick Win

Welcome! I just made a quick guide on [specific result]. Want me to send it over? It takes about 10 minutes to implement.

Why it works: Specific, time-bounded, low commitment. “Yes” is easy.

Template 25: The Transformation Frame

Hey! I help people go from [current state] to [desired state]. Which side of that are you on right now?

Why it works: Clear transformation narrative. Natural segmentation.

Template 26: The Community Builder

Welcome! Love seeing new people in this space. What are you working on right now?

Why it works: Inclusive, warm, open-ended. Great for building relationships that lead to course sales over time.

Consultants and B2B (Templates 27-30)

Template 27: The Pain Point Probe

Hey, thanks for following! Most people find me because they are struggling with [common problem]. Is that what brought you here?

Why it works: Names the pain directly. If they say yes, the conversation flows naturally to your solution.

Template 28: The Decision Stage Check

Welcome! Are you currently [trying to solve problem] or still researching your options?

Why it works: Identifies where they are in the buying journey. “Researching” means nurture. “Trying” means close.

Template 29: The Peer Connection

Hey! I noticed you are in [industry/role]. Always great to connect with other [professionals]. What is your focus right now?

Why it works: Peer-level positioning, not vendor-to-buyer. Creates a genuine connection.

Template 30: The Case Study Tease

Thanks for following! I just wrapped up a project where we helped a [similar business] achieve [specific result]. Is that the kind of thing you are working toward?

Why it works: Social proof plus an easy question. Their answer tells you what to send next.

How to A/B Test Your Messages

Having 30 templates is useless if you do not test which one works best for YOUR audience. Here is the process:

Step 1: Pick Two Variants

Start with two messages from the same category. For example, if you are a coach, test Template 1 against Template 3.

Step 2: Set Up ManyChat Randomizer

In your Follow to DM flow, add a Randomizer block before the message. Set it to 50/50. Each new follower gets one of the two variants randomly.

Step 3: Tag Each Variant in DM Tracker

Use DM Tracker’s tagging system to label conversations by variant. Tag one group “Welcome-A” and the other “Welcome-B.” This lets you filter and compare.

Step 4: Run for 50-100 Followers per Variant

You need enough data to make a fair comparison. At 50+ followers per variant you have real signal; a small gap can still be noise, so rerun close calls before switching.

Step 5: Check Your Results

In DM Tracker’s statistics dashboard, compare reply rates between your two variants. The winner becomes your new control. Then test a new challenger against it.

For a detailed A/B testing walkthrough, see our Follow to DM A/B testing guide.

How the Message Types Compare

Message Type	How It Performs	Best For
Question-based (about them)	Consistently the strongest	Coaches, consultants, agencies
Resource/lead magnet offer	Strong, “yes” is an easy reply	Course creators, info products
Discount/exclusive offer	Strong when the audience shops	Ecommerce, product brands
Simple “what brought you here?”	Solid, and it scales	High-volume accounts
Statement only (no question)	Weak, gives people nothing to answer	Not recommended

The pattern is clear: messages that ask a question consistently beat messages that do not, and it is not close.

Mistakes That Kill Reply Rates

Sending a Generic “Thanks for Following!”

“Hey thanks for the follow!” with no question gives people nothing to respond to. Always include a question or offer.

Making It About You

“We are the #1 provider of…” Nobody cares. Make the first message about them, their goals, or their problems.

Including Links in the First Message

Links in the first DM scream “automated marketing.” Save your link for the second or third message after they have replied.

Writing a Novel

If your welcome DM is longer than 3 sentences, most people will not read it. The DM inbox preview shows roughly 100 characters. Your opening line is everything.

Never Changing Your Message

Your first template is never your best one. Test a new variant every 2-4 weeks. Small improvements compound: going from 30% to 45% reply rate means 50% more conversations from the same number of followers.

The Full System

Templates are step one. Here is the complete Follow to DM system:

Write your welcome message using the templates above
Set up Follow to DM in ManyChat (setup guide)
Connect DM Tracker to track reply rates and conversations
A/B test different variants (testing guide)
Follow up on conversations that go quiet (follow-up system)
Check your data weekly in DM Tracker’s statistics dashboard

The welcome message starts the conversation. Everything that happens after determines whether that conversation becomes revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best Follow to DM messages are short (2-3 sentences), personalized to your niche, and end with a question. Messages that ask about the follower's situation or goal consistently outperform generic greetings and plain link drops, and the gap is big enough to show up in your own reply rates within a few weeks of testing.

Keep it under 3 sentences. The first message appears as a preview in the DM inbox, so the opening line matters most. If your message is too long, people will not read it. One sentence of context plus one question is the sweet spot for most niches.

Not in the first message. Links in the initial DM feel salesy and reduce reply rates significantly. Start a conversation first. Once they reply and you understand their needs, then share relevant links. Save your booking link, product page, or lead magnet for message 2 or 3 in the flow.

Use ManyChat's Randomizer to send different message variants to different followers, then use DM Tracker to measure reply rates for each variant. Run each variant for at least 50-100 followers before drawing conclusions. This A/B testing process is how you find the message your audience actually answers, then keep beating it.

Yes, but use them sparingly. One or two emojis can make the message feel friendlier and more personal. Heavy emoji use makes the message look spammy and automated. Test with and without emojis to see what your specific audience prefers.

Not directly. Your welcome DM should focus on the follower, not on you. Instead of pitching your product, ask about their situation. The conversation that follows naturally leads to your offer. People who feel heard are far more likely to buy than people who feel pitched.

Test a new variant every 2-4 weeks or every 100 new followers, whichever comes first. Use DM Tracker to compare reply rates between variants. Once you find a message that clearly beats your previous best, keep it as your control and only test small variations against it.

Follow to DM messages welcome new followers and are general. Comment to DM messages respond to people who comment on a specific post and should reference that post. Follow to DM is ongoing (runs for every follower). Comment to DM is tied to individual posts. Both should end with a question.