When followers ask for event time, should the auto reply send the signup link or give the time first?

You should always give the event time first in your auto-reply before sending the signup link to provide immediate value and build trust with your followers.

When a follower asks a direct question like “What time is the event?”, their immediate need is for that specific piece of information. The most common mistake creators make is prioritizing their goal (the signup) over the follower’s question (the time). This creates friction and can make your automation feel pushy rather than helpful. The unique angle here is understanding the psychology of the conversation: answer first, then guide to the next step.

Why Answering the Question First Works Best

Giving the time before the link is a strategy rooted in good customer service. It shows you're listening and providing direct value, which makes followers more receptive to your call to action.

• It Builds Trust: By answering the question directly, you prove your account is helpful and not just a sales machine. This small moment of trust makes them more likely to take the next step.

• It Qualifies the Follower: If the event time doesn't work for them, they weren't going to sign up anyway. Giving the time upfront allows them to self-qualify, ensuring that the people who do click your link are genuinely interested and available. This leads to higher-quality signups.

• It Feels Conversational: A natural conversation involves a back-and-forth. Answering the question first mimics this, making the automated interaction feel more human.

How to Structure Your Automated Reply

Setting up the perfect automated DM sequence is simple when you focus on being helpful. The goal is to deliver the information they asked for, then make it easy to act on it.

1. spot Your Triggers: Set up your automation to listen for keywords in comments or DMs related to your event, such as “time,” “when,” “schedule,” or “what day.”

2. Craft a Two-Part Message: Instead of sending everything in one large block of text, split your reply into two distinct but sequential messages. Using a tool like StarLovin, you can easily set up this sequence with its Instagram Auto DM Automation. The first message should answer the question, and the second should provide the call to action.

• Message 1 (The Answer): "Hey! So glad you're interested. The live workshop is happening this Thursday at 8 PM EST."

• Message 2 (The Call to Action): (Sent 1-2 seconds later) "If that works for you, you can save your free spot right here: [Your Link]"

This approach, easily managed through StarLovin, turns a simple question into a positive brand interaction. By giving the event time first, you satisfy your follower's immediate need, build a little trust, and seamlessly guide them toward the signup link, resulting in more enthusiastic and qualified attendees.