Thriving Stylist Podcast: Episode #380 - "Are Auto-Responders for IG DMs a Good Idea Still?"

Host: Britt Siva
Release Date: April 7, 2025

In Episode #380 of the Thriving Stylist Podcast, host Britt Siva delves into the contemporary relevance and effectiveness of using auto-responders for Instagram Direct Messages (DMs). As the beauty industry continues to evolve, maintaining genuine client engagement while managing an ever-increasing volume of messages poses a significant challenge for stylists and salon owners. This episode provides an in-depth analysis of auto-responders, their impact on business growth, and alternative strategies to enhance client interactions.

1. The Rising Question: Are Auto-Responders Still Effective?

Britt Siva kicks off the episode by addressing a pressing question from her audience: "Are auto-responders for Instagram DMs a good idea still?" [00:51]. She reveals that this topic emerged prominently through a poll she conducted on her Instagram story, highlighting its significance among her listeners.

A listener's DM further contextualizes the query: "What's your take on Instagram autoresponders? I'm so overwhelmed that I feel like it's almost my personal assistant and gets back to clients so I don't have to." [00:51]. Siva acknowledges the listener's dilemma, distinguishing her advice specifically for those aiming to grow their business over the next 18 months to two years.

2. Understanding Instagram DMs and Their Purpose

Siva emphasizes the multifaceted role of Instagram DMs in fostering connections. "DMs are a connection and communication point. It's part of how we're bonding together," she explains [05:36]. She illustrates this by sharing personal anecdotes about maintaining relationships through DMs, whether it's exchanging funny content with friends or engaging in meaningful conversations with business contacts.

3. Instagram's Algorithm and DM Interactions

A critical segment of the discussion centers on how Instagram's algorithm interprets DM interactions. Siva highlights that Instagram considers likes, comments, shares, and DMs as signals to gauge user relationships [07:00]. "When a business engages with somebody through DMs and responds to their messages frequently, the algorithm interprets that as a strong connection, making the businesses content more likely to appear in their feed," she notes [09:15]. This insight underscores the importance of active engagement in enhancing content visibility and, consequently, business growth.

4. Types of Auto-Responders and Their Impact

Siva categorizes auto-responders into three distinct types, providing real-world examples for each:

• Acknowledgement Auto-Responders:
  Example: "Hi, thanks for contacting us. We've received your message and appreciate you reaching out." [12:00]
  Siva critiques this approach as "almost like white noise. It didn't really mean much," indicating that mere acknowledgment without meaningful engagement leaves clients feeling neutral rather than valued.

• Holding Pattern or Expectation Definers:
  Example: "Hi, thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you within 24 hours Monday through Thursday. You can always book an appointment by heading to [website]." [15:30]
  While this sets clear expectations, Siva suggests it may delay potential client interactions, especially if responses are not timely.

• Full Redirects:
  Example: "Please text me, leave your name, email, desired service, preferred name, and time. I look forward to meeting you. Visit our website for more details." [18:45]
  Siva expresses skepticism, stating, "I have a lot of feelings about stylists who run their appointments in their business by text." She argues that redirecting clients away from DMs can sever the opportunity for personalized engagement, potentially hindering business growth.

5. The Pitfalls of Relying on Auto-Responders

Delving deeper, Siva discusses the limitations and potential drawbacks of using auto-responders:

• Loss of Personal Connection:
  Auto-responders can create a barrier to authentic conversations, making potential clients feel undervalued. Siva emphasizes the importance of "having human conversations in the DMs, because that's what people are looking for."

• Inefficiency in Managing Texts:
  Redirecting DMs to text messages can overwhelm stylists, leading to chaos in managing appointments and client communications. "Text is the primary form of communication for so many of us... If you want the least effective way to reach me, go ahead and send a text message," Siva remarks [19:30].

• Algorithmic Limitations:
  Passive engagement, such as using auto-responders without meaningful interactions, can signal to Instagram's algorithm that the account is less active or engaged. This can result in reduced content visibility and hinder business growth.

6. Britt's Recommendations for Effective DM Management

Instead of relying on auto-responders, Siva advocates for proactive and personalized engagement in DMs:

• Direct Engagement:
  Responding personally to client messages fosters trust and strengthens relationships. For instance, addressing specific client inquiries or appreciating their interest can make a significant difference [20:00].

• Efficient Time Management:
  Siva encourages stylists to allocate dedicated time for managing DMs, rather than allowing messages to accumulate and become overwhelming. "If you're more of a content consumer than a content creator, it's not a problem. But Instagram is not interested in helping you grow your business," she advises [16:20].

• Leveraging Trust Building:
  Referring listeners to Episode #376, "The New Marketing Funnel that Changes Everything," Siva highlights the importance of building trust through consistent and meaningful interactions in DMs.

7. Conclusion: Are Auto-Responders Worth It?

Siva concludes by prompting stylists to introspect whether auto-responders genuinely aid in business growth or merely serve as temporary solutions to overwhelm. "Do you really think that's helping you grow your business? Is it a band-aid that you put on the problem of you're overwhelmed and didn't know what else to do?" [21:00]. She introduces the concept of "bleeding out," referring to unnoticed gaps in business operations that can lead to lost opportunities.

Siva's final message is a call to action for stylists to prioritize genuine client engagement over automated responses. By fostering authentic conversations in DMs, stylists can enhance trust, improve visibility through Instagram's algorithm, and ultimately drive business growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Authentic Engagement Over Automation: Personal interactions in DMs are crucial for building trust and fostering client relationships.

• Understanding Platform Algorithms: Active and meaningful engagement can enhance content visibility and attract more clients.

• Efficient DM Management: Allocate dedicated time to handle DMs effectively, avoiding the pitfalls of being overwhelmed.

• Continuous Learning: Embrace business and marketing strategies to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the beauty industry.

For stylists aiming to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape, Britt Siva emphasizes the need to evolve beyond traditional skills, incorporating strategic marketing and genuine client interactions into their business models.