# Customer Acquisition: Turn Instagram Comments into Customers—Using DM Automation for eCommerce Growth with Mel Eilers, Socially Sound Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/keep-optimising-381064/customer-acquisition-turn-instagram-comments-into-customers-using-dm-automation-for-ecommerce-growth-with-mel-eilers-socially-sound Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/keep-optimising-381064/customer-acquisition-turn-instagram-comments-into-customers-using-dm-automation-for-ecommerce-growth-with-mel-eilers-socially-sound.md Podcast: [Keep Optimising](https://stenobird.com/podcast/keep-optimising-381064) Published: 2025-12-10T01:15:30+00:00 Episode link: https://keepoptimising.com/instagram-dm-automation-mel-eilers-podcast Audio file: https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/5a5fbc97-dc97-4ee2-925c-a229df8f7e2b/stream.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/keep-optimising-381064/episodes/customer-acquisition-turn-instagram-comments-into-customers-using-dm-automation-for-ecommerce-growth-with-mel-eilers-socially-sound Duration seconds: 2166 ## Resource Mel Eilers has been deep in driving sales from social media for nearly 10 years. Via her agency Socially Sound, Mel now specialises in helping clients get more from their Instagram content by embracing conversational marketing. – Yeah, we’re talking Insta DMs! In this episode, Mel shares how eCommerce brands can turn organic engagement into real sales using Instagram DM automation. From boosting conversions to building stronger customer relationships, she reveals the simple steps to make your social content work harder. 💡 Update from Mel: Since recording this episode, ManyChat has now launched its TikTok integration in the US! When Mel shared her “crystal ball” prediction, it was still in beta — but it’s already becoming a reality for brands. Dive in: [04:54] Instagram DM Marketing Shift [06:14] DM Automation for Marketing Success [12:11] Organic Content Comes First [16:09] Streamlining Product Links in DMs [20:04] "Instagram Automation Tips Explained" [22:38] ManyChat: Trusted Meta Partner [25:26] Insider Tips from Mel! Organic Content Fuels Every Automation Before you jump into automation, you need strong organic content. Mel explained that DM automation only works if your posts already get real engagement. Think of it as adding fuel to a fire — you need the spark first. Focus on posts that connect with your audience, encourage comments, and reflect your brand’s tone. Once you have that, tools like ManyChat can amplify results and turn engagement into measurable sales or email signups. Instagram DMs Can Be a Powerful Sales Channel Instagram DMs are no longer just for customer service. They’re now a direct route to conversions. By using tools like ManyChat, you can automate DMs to deliver product links, discount codes, or signup offers the moment someone comments on y… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/keep-optimising-381064/episodes/customer-acquisition-turn-instagram-comments-into-customers-using-dm-automation-for-ecommerce-growth-with-mel-eilers-socially-sound/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/keep-optimising-381064/customer-acquisition-turn-instagram-comments-into-customers-using-dm-automation-for-ecommerce-growth-with-mel-eilers-socially-sound.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.