Chapter 14 — Social Media Strategy — Build Your Presence Without the Anxiety
Prompt 40 Instagram DM Inquiry Response
Instagram DM inquiries die of one-line replies — and the platform punishes nothing more than hesitation. This prompt converts the casual DM into a booked consultation without sounding like a salesperson. It drafts the reply that answers what was asked, adds one helpful piece of information (availability, a fitting gallery, a price frame), and asks one easy question that moves the conversation to email or a call. A wedding photographer whose DMs turn into threads — instead of seen-and-gone — books measurably more from the same followers, because the followers were already qualified; they just needed somewhere to go.
- If they asked about pricing, give a range, then invite to consult.
- If you're not available, recommend 1–2 photographers you genuinely respect.
A DM response that handles the inquiry and moves serious leads toward a consultation.
The Prompt
Using the Studio Voice Blueprint and Linguistic Filter from Chapter 1, I received this DM inquiry: [COPY AND PASTE THE INQUIRY] My availability: [AVAILABLE / PARTIALLY AVAILABLE / NOT AVAILABLE] My starting price range: [PRICE RANGE] My photography style: [STYLE] Write a warm, professional DM response that: - Responds to what they actually asked - Shares availability without sounding defensive - If available: invites them to a consultation - If not available: offers a warm recommendation - Keeps it conversational - Does NOT give full pricing in the DM - Does NOT dismiss short inquiries Apply the Linguistic Filter. 50–75 words. Warm, professional, and moves the conversation forward.