When DM open rate is low, should the first DM sound more like a reminder, thanks, or value explanation?

When your Instagram DM open rate is low, your first automated message should immediately explain the value inside, as users are more likely to open a DM that promises a clear benefit they just requested.

A low open rate often means the first few words of your message—the part people see in their notification or inbox preview—aren't compelling enough. While a thank you is polite and a reminder can be useful later, neither creates the urgency and relevance needed to capture attention instantly. The user just took an action (like commenting on your Reel), and they have a specific expectation: to receive what you offered. Your first DM’s only job is to confirm you’re fulfilling that promise right away.

Why a Value-First Message Wins

Think about the user’s perspective. They comment “GUIDE” on your post and get a DM notification a second later. Let’s compare the message previews they might see:

• The “Thanks” Message: “Hey! Thanks so much for commenting on…” This is friendly but weak. It doesn’t signal that the promised guide is inside, so they might ignore it and come back later (or never).

• The “Reminder” Message: “Just a reminder, the link you wanted is…” This sounds slightly off for a first message. A reminder implies they forgot, but they just took the action.

• The “Value” Message: “Here’s the free guide to X you asked for!” This is the clear winner. It’s direct, relevant, and confirms the DM contains exactly what they want. It creates an immediate reason to open the message.

This value-first approach turns your automated DM from a potential annoyance into a welcome delivery service. It improves the performance of your StarLovin automations by aligning with user intent.

How to Craft a High-Open-Rate First DM

To fix a low open rate, focus on making your initial message impossible to ignore. Here’s a simple, three-step framework:

1. Lead with the Payoff. Start your message with the good stuff. Use phrases like, “Here is your guide,” “Your discount code is inside,” or “You can access the template here.” This ensures the most important words appear in the notification preview.

2. Set Up Your Automation for Value Delivery. When configuring your workflow in an automation tool, write your message with this principle in mind. For example, in the StarLovin Comment-to-DM and Link Delivery feature, craft the initial message to be short and value-focused before you even present the link or button.

3. Keep It Personal and Direct. Use the person’s username to grab their attention. After delivering the value, add a simple, clear call-to-action like, “Click the link below to download,” to guide their next step. Avoid long, fluffy introductions that push the important information down.