When waitlist DM completion is low, should the first explanation or the email step be changed?

When your waitlist DM completion rate is low, you should almost always change the first explanation message before adjusting the email collection step.

The initial message is your value proposition—if it doesn’t create enough desire or clearly explain the benefit of joining, users will abandon the conversation before you even ask for their contact information. The problem usually isn't the request for an email; it's the lack of a compelling reason to provide it.

Why Your First Message is the Bottleneck

Think of your DM automation as a conversation. The first message is your opener, and it has to do all the heavy lifting. It must immediately answer the user's silent question: “What’s in it for me?”

If this message is vague, long, or unexciting, users lose interest. They haven't been convinced that the reward (joining the waitlist) is worth the effort (typing out their email). A weak opening message is the most common reason for a high drop-off rate in any automated sequence.

How to Improve Your Initial Waitlist Message

To increase your waitlist signup completions, focus on strengthening the very first DM you send. Here’s how:

1. Clarify the Benefit: Be explicit. Instead of saying, “Join the waitlist for my new program,” try, “Want a 25% launch discount? Reply with your email to get on the VIP list for my new program.” This frames the benefit clearly.

2. Add Urgency or Scarcity: Introduce a reason to act now. Phrases like “The first 100 people get a bonus” or “The launch discount is only for waitlist members” can significantly boost completion rates.

3. Keep it Simple: DMs are not emails. Use short sentences and get straight to the point. When you configure your automation in StarLovin, make this first message as concise and powerful as possible.

When to Adjust the Email Collection Step

Only after you’ve optimized your initial message should you consider changing the email collection prompt. If your opening DM is strong but people are still dropping off right at the email request, the friction might be in the wording of the ask itself.

In this case, try rephrasing it from a direct command to a softer question. For example, change “Reply with your email” to “What’s the best email to send the launch details to?”

Using a tool with Lead Capture in Instagram DMs makes it easy to A/B test these small but important changes. By first refining your value proposition and then tweaking the prompt, you can systematically diagnose the issue and increase your waitlist conversions.