If you’re still telling people to “click the link in bio,” it’s time to upgrade your Instagram strategy. I’m joined by Heston Roberts, a true wizard when it comes to building DM automations that actually move people from your Instagram content into your email list (and eventually, into paying clients).

We go beyond the basics: how DM automation reduces friction, why it can outperform link-in-bio by 60% or more, how to keep things personal and scalable, and what common mistakes to avoid. Plus, Heston shares how to build direct DM-to-email funnels, so your followers never have to leave Instagram.

What You’ll Learn:

[03:22] Why DM automation is a game changer for content that works while you sleep
[08:34] The problem with “click the link in bio” (and why it lowers conversions)
[13:41] How DM automations help grow your following through better engagement
[16:57] Step-by-step: turning DMs into an email funnel without leaving Instagram
[21:40] The truth about small accounts: why it still works with low engagement
[26:17] Mistakes to avoid: over-general keywords, automations that feel spammy, and more
[31:06] Using deep links to drive traffic directly into apps like YouTube
[39:45] How to keep it personal (and still scalable) with voice notes and custom automations
[45:58] Heston’s subscription for creators who want to master ManyChat and chat funnels

Key Takeaways:

1. DM automation reduces friction: instead of making followers stop scrolling, visit your profile, and figure out your links, it meets them right where they already are—your DMs.
2. You can build email funnels inside Instagram: ask followers for their name & email in the DMs, sync to your email platform, and send them your freebie without them leaving the app.
3. ManyChat (our favorite tool) is a Meta business partner, which means it’s approved and safe to use directly with Instagram.
4. Even small accounts can see ROI: you don’t need thousands of comments—sometimes one new subscriber or client makes the whole system worth it.
5. Use specific keywords like “getpod” or “hotguide” to trigger automations and avoid accidental triggers. And yes, keep it fun, like clickable buttons!

Links + Resources Mentioned:

• Get a FREE MONTH of ManyChat Pro! Sign up here.
• Follow Heston on Instagram
• Subscribe to Heston’s YouTube Channel

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

Still relying on “click the link in my bio”? There’s a better way. I’m breaking down how to use DM automation to grow your email list, increase engagement, and drive leads from your Instagram content, all without being glued to your phone. You’ll learn why this strategy works better than traditional link-in-bio methods, how I use it in both of my businesses, and exactly how to get started (even if you’ve never heard of ManyChat before).

What You’ll Learn:
[04:48] Why “link in bio” is dead (and how DM automation works better)
[07:36] The step-by-step breakdown of what actually happens when someone clicks your bio
[10:27] Why Instagram prefers links in DMs vs. external traffic
[13:13] How keywords boost engagement and reach (and why your caption matters)
[17:53] A basic example of how I grow my email list using DM automation
[19:17] The power of sending links, freebies, and lead magnets in the DMs
[21:40] What to do if you’re not getting comments — and how Hot Reels can help
[23:32] Why now is the best time to get on the Hot Reels waitlist for fall 2025

Key Takeaways:

• Click the link in bio? Nope.
  It adds friction and kills your conversion rate. DM automation converts 46% better on average.
• Your content can work for you while you sleep.
  DM automation makes your Instagram content do double-duty, building your list and growing your audience without extra effort.
• You don’t need a huge audience for this to work.
  Even one comment can bring in one perfect-fit lead. It’s not about volume, it’s about alignment.
• Your followers are on Instagram. Keep them there.
  The more you can reduce steps, the more people will take action. DM automation keeps them in-platform and gets you results.
• Still not seeing results from your content? It might be time for support.
  Hot Reels is where I help entrepreneurs create content that actually converts, consistently.

Links + Resources Mentioned:

• Try ManyChat PRO - First month FREE!
• Join the HOT REELS: 12-MONTH IG CONTENT LAB waitlist!
• My episode on The Social Media Marketing Talk Show Podcast: Instagram Updates: Edits App, Comment Filters, Grid Features, and More

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

Reels are still your best friend in 2025 when it comes to reach, impressions, and visibility on Instagram, and I’ve got the stats to prove it. In this final episode of our 3-part growth hacks series, I’m walking you through exactly how to make Reels work for you and your brand, even if you feel awkward on camera.

I’m sharing how to reverse engineer Reels to plug directly into your sales funnel, the one thing Reels do better than any other format, and why short-form storytelling isn’t just about “going viral” — it’s about helping your dream clients feel seen.

If you’ve been resisting video, this is your permission slip to show up imperfectly, get strategic, and let Reels do the heavy lifting in your marketing.

What You’ll Learn:
[01:51] Why Reels still dominate reach and engagement in 2025
[04:41] The remix strategy that’s outperforming other formats
[06:05] How storytelling makes your content more human and more effective
[09:58] Why raw, imperfect content builds more trust than polished videos
[12:48] How to reverse-engineer Reels to plug into your sales funnel
[18:31] The DM automation tool that builds your email list while you sleep
[19:57] A sneak peek at next week’s episode with a DM automation expert
[22:49] How to use Reels to connect, serve, and sell without burnout

Key Takeaways:

1. Reels still give the highest reach on Instagram. With 2x the impressions of static posts and 30.8% average reach, Reels are your fastest path to visibility — if you know how to use them.
2. Remixes are an underrated engagement strategy. Reels with collaborators see 41% more engagement, and remixing trending content with your own spin can massively expand your reach.
3. Short-form storytelling = brand trust. You don’t have to be funny or go viral. You just have to be real. Stories help your audience feel seen, understood, and connected to your brand.
4. You don’t need a video team. You just need to start. Raw, low-lift Reels filmed on your iPhone are performing better than polished content. The goal is to connect, not impress.
5. DM automation is the visibility upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Want to grow your list and deliver free offers without lifting a finger? This episode gives you a sneak peek of the automation tool I use every week.

Links + Resources Mentioned:

• Get started on Manychat today
• Listen: 5 Underrated Instagram Growth Strategies That Boos

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.