DMs get a bad rap. They’ve become the place we ghost sales bots, avoid cold messages, and run from anything that smells remotely like a pitch. But here’s the truth: DMs can be your most powerful client-generating tool—if you know how to use them the right way.

And by “right,” I mean “human.”

I’ve been using DMs to land clients for years. It’s not flashy. It’s not viral. But it works. And this episode of the podcast breaks it ALL down. If you’re a service provider using Instagram (or honestly, any platform with a messaging feature), this is the part of your strategy you cannot sleep on.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The 3 rhythms of marketing I swear by: daily drips, weekly drizzles, and occasional storms
• My Red-Yellow-Green philosophy for knowing what kind of marketing to do when
• The reason your social media might be working… just not how you think
• What to focus on if you need clients yesterday
• Why I’m obsessed with free (and paid!) mini services

Why DMs Matter

• They create 1:1, personal connections (no funnel can compete with that).

• Your audience gets to feel seen, heard, and understood.

• They’re the fastest way to turn content lurkers into paying clients.

Three Types of DM Conversations

1. Green = Growth:
   This is you getting in front of new people. Think: replying to stories, engaging with comments on aligned accounts, and starting convos that are zero pressure. Bonus tip: Don’t make it weird. Be human. Be curious. Be helpful.

2. Yellow = Nurture:
   You’re following up with someone who already interacted with your content, downloaded your freebie, or voted in a poll. Think: “Hey, how did you like it?” or “I saw your response—tell me more!” Just keep the convo going.

3. Red = Sales:
   This is where it gets tender. If someone’s a warm lead (they attended your training, asked about your offer, etc.), you’re allowed to gently open the convo. But only after consent. That might sound like:
   “Hey, have you considered enrolling in X?”
   “Totally no pressure, just wanted to ask!”

Things to Stop Doing in the DMs

• Copy/pasting sleazy pitches

• Pretending to care just to drop a link

• Getting all up in someone’s space without their permission

• Sending 47 follow-ups when someone ghosts you (just no)

Pro Tips for DM Magic

• Lead with generosity, not agenda

• Let your content do the selling, and your DMs do the connecting

• If it feels gross, it probably is—trust your gut

• Ask open-ended questions, listen more than you talk

• Always, always be cool if someone says “no thanks”

You don’t need a 17-step funnel or a $10K ad strategy to get clients. You need real conversations with real people.

So here’s your permission slip:
DM the people you want to connect with. Ask thoughtful questions. Listen more than you talk. And let your business be built on relationships—not random tactics.

Want support building a client-getting system that actually feels good? Check out Yay for Clients—my program that teaches service providers how to streamline their offers, book out their services, and sell with confidence.

And hey—if this post gave you an aha moment? DM me. I mean it. I want to hear from you. We can even talk about balcony gardens if that’s your vibe.

Links & Resources:

 Join the Booked in Five Days Challenge – Live version happening April 28–May 2!

 Enroll in Yay for Clients (get all the details!)

 Let’s connect on Instagram! 

Marketing Plan for Service Providers – the episode where I dive deep with RYG marketing.