How to send welcome message to new followers on instagram (Free Template)

Ayoub Essalmi
Ayoub Essalmi 5 min read
this is the blog feature image How to send welcome message to new followers on instagram

Here is how to send welcome message to new followers on Instagram automatically, use a third-party tool like ManyChat, which offers a “Follow to DM” feature:

  1. Log into ManyChat and connect your Instagram Business account
  2. Go to Automation > “Say Hi to New Followers”
  3. Set a smart delay (1–5 mins)
  4. Create welcome message + CTA button
  5. Add follow-up message with links or offers
  6. Activate your flow and go live

How to Send Welcome Messages to New Followers on Instagram

(Step-by-Step Using ManyChat)

If you’re wondering how to instantly greet your new Instagram followers without manually checking your DMs…

The answer is simple: automation.

Instagram no longer offers a native welcome message feature…

But ManyChat fills that gap with a powerful Follow-to-DM trigger.

It lets you automatically send direct messages when someone follows your business account.

Here’s how to set it up in under 10 minutes:

1. Connect your Instagram Business Account

Create a free ManyChat account and connect your Instagram Business profile.

How to Send Welcome Messages to New Followers on Instagram

You’ll need to grant permission to access messages and automation.

2. Use the “Follow-to-DM” Trigger in ManyChat

Inside ManyChat, go to Automation > Instagram Triggers and select “New Follower.

the picture show the manychat automation selection to start and select the right automation to do welcome messages to new followers on instagram

” This is the Follow-to-DM feature.

3. Set a Smart Delay (1–5 Minutes)

this image show the actual delay time to use before you send a message to new followers on instagram

Don’t make your automation feel robotic.

Add a short delay so the welcome DM feels natural, as if you typed it yourself.

4. Write a Warm Welcome Message

Start with a friendly greeting like:
“Hey [First Name], thanks for following! I’m excited to have you here.”

5. Add a Call-to-Action Button

Prompt them with a clear next step, like:
[Get My Free Resource] or [See My Best Tips]
The button will lead to your next message or a link (e.g., freebie, blog, or product page).

6. Customize the Follow-Up Message

the follow up mesage you send after the first welcome message and the cta on instagram automation

After they click your button, continue the conversation with value. Share:

  • A top-performing reel
  • A free guide
  • A discount code
  • A link to your community

7. Hit “Publish” and Go Live

Turn the automation on, and from now on, every new follower will receive your welcome DM — instantly and hands-free.


Want a DM template that gets replies? Grab my free copy below.

What to Say in Your Welcome DM (Template Breakdown)

The goal of your welcome message isn’t just to say hi — it’s to start a conversation, deliver value, and guide new followers to your best content or offer.

Here’s how to structure your welcome DM sequence inside ManyChat:

Message 1: Greet + Thank Them by Name
Start simple and personal. Use the follower’s first name to build immediate rapport. For example:

“Hey [First Name]! Thanks so much for following me here — I’m glad you’re part of the community!”

CTA: Invite Them to Take Action
Give them a quick win. This could be a freebie, giveaway, or invite to your private group. For example:

“I just put together a quick guide to [your niche topic] — want me to send it to you?”

Include a button:
→ “Yes, Send It!”

Message 2: Follow Up With Value
Once they click the button, follow up with your best content.

This message should link to something valuable, like a:

  • Free guide or checklist
  • Top-performing blog post or video
  • Discount code
  • Community invite

Example:

“Here’s the guide I promised: [link]
It’s helped 100+ people avoid the biggest mistakes in [niche]. Hope it helps you too!”

Bonus: Ask a Simple Question
End with an easy, open-ended question to spark replies.

This boosts engagement and gives the algorithm a signal that people enjoy your content.

For example:

“By the way… What’s your biggest challenge with [your topic] right now?”

This not only triggers replies but also gives you valuable insight into your audience.

Download My High-Response Instagram DM Template (Free)

Want to skip the guesswork?

This is the exact DM script I use that consistently gets:

  • Over 45% open rate
  • More than 20% reply rate
  • Higher click-through to my free guide and offers

It’s short, warm, and works especially well for:

  • Coaches who want to guide new leads into a free call
  • Creators growing a community or newsletter
  • Service businesses sending clients to book or learn more

It’s built inside ManyChat, so you can copy and paste it directly into your automation flow — no tech headaches.

Grab the Free Template Now
Just enter your email below and I’ll send you:

  • The full DM script
  • Setup instructions for ManyChat
  • Bonus: Tips to increase reply rates
Instagram DM Template

Once you sign up, you’ll be redirected to get started with ManyChat — the tool I personally use and recommend.

Final Thoughts — Turn New Followers Into True Fans

Most people get new followers… and never message them.

That’s a missed opportunity.

Instead, start the conversation automatically — while they’re still warm.

A simple welcome DM can:

  • Build instant connection
  • Share your best content
  • Convert followers into loyal fans or customers

Use a tool like ManyChat to make it effortless.

Small DM → Big community.

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Ayoub Essalmi

Ayoub Essalmi

Digital Growth Strategist & Marketing Consultant

I help service businesses scale past $10K/month using high-converting marketing systems, powerful sales strategies, and automation that works. Follow my content for tactical growth advice that actually moves the needle.

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