Messaging that gets a reply

Reader, I am here again… writing about direct messaging because:

A) it reminds me of someone special

B) The right messaging moves the needle

Dear reader, what are your views on small talk? Do you enjoy it?

I don’t so much I like depth, intimacy and hearing about the mundane details.

When I am writing Dms I don’t like being shallow, too professional, I like hearing about the shitty colleague, about salty noodles 🍜 and how tree branches were floating around in the morning.

I like to remember the silly little details about lives of the person I’m exchanging Dms with.

I like getting lost in conversations, I like asking how tired they got, if they napped well. I want to know so much.

But I also know we all got limited time and energy and Dming in marketing is about leading to a particular outcome.

Reader I felt inspired sharing my DM marketing learnings with you, not all, I am gatekeeping some (for me, my clients) …but mostly giving generously.

How does it feel sliding into the inbox of potential clients and collaborators?

Do you over think, hesitate? Have you ever even tried doing that?

Have you ever tried pitching your services in the direct messaging box of a stranger you have never met or known?

How did it land? How did it make you feel? Was it effortless or nerve-wracking??

Did you doubt yourself when your Dms didn’t open, got ignored or didn’t get a reply?

Did you feel unworthy when they landed straight up in the spam or did you not make it about you at all.

Did you ever track Dm opening rate?

Did you ever embarrass yourself in the Dms?

Did you ever unintentionally send a wrong Dm?

Did you ever try to figure out a way to stand out in the Dms?

Reader, when I started my freelance copywriting journey I experimented a lot with my Dms.

I never liked direct pitching but I wanted to do Dms for relationship building. & eventual sales.

With trial and error I figured out a way of Dming people on the internet that brings me 75% open rate.

Here are the tips:

Make it personalised:

Everyone is already tired of receiving spam and dozens of cold-pitches. To make your Dm standout from the crowd we bring in intimacy to the game, we use the name of the person and something very specific that we liked about them.

This will make them smile 😊

For example:

“Hellu Emily, I came across your profile and fell in love with your vibe, what you are creating and putting out into the world stands out. Your SP post resonated deeply with me. Thank you for doing all you do. Thank you for being a ray of sunshine on LinkedIn/Substack/Insta”

“Hellu Emily, I found you through Gled’s post ( a mutual friend) I would love to connect with you if you are open to it ☺️

This Dm has 75% open rate because as humans we like being adored and connecting with mutual friends.

Lead with curiosity :

3 out of 10 times these Dms will turn into inbound lead. Yes this surprised me too because when we reach out to targeted new people sometimes they are looking for exact services you are offering.

And if your Dm didn’t turn into an inbound lead yet. You can lead with curiosity but don’t be too direct, instead ask questions and share something personal.

This will allow them to open up and build genuine relationship with you.

Here are some second Dming ideas mostly personal

Example:

Today I happened to meet a school friend after ages and we had a bit of chit chat. We ate home-made masala dosa and discussed plants 🌱 in her terrace garden.

With adulthood and responsibilities life can be hectic it’s always good to recharge, do things that bring fulfilment and pour into your cup. I am curious what do you usually do to relax and recharge?

We ain’t here for chit-chat

Even though I enjoy yapping we have to keep in mind the time/energy limit.

We can not get lost in random conversation. Our goal is a particular outcome.

Calls/enquiry/subscription

We get more curious about them but slowly and subtly shift the conversation towards their business/work.

Third or 4th Dm is about qualification

Qualify them in the Dms :

By asking more questions regarding their business or work you can figure if they are the right fit client/customer for your offerings.

If so, you can pitch or keep things as is. Dming is all about being curious and leading your potential customers to make a decision for themselves.

Following up on your message :

When you pitch to them or get an enquiry it’s highly likely your Dm will get lost, they get busy.

So instead of assuming things from your mind and crying. You ask for clarification and follow up.

They don’t lie when they say sales is in the follow up.

I hope you found this post valuable.

Slide into my Dms (yea Dms) if you are curious about working with me.