INSTAGRAM DM SCRIPTS FOR FREELANCERS Free download from SoloStack (solostack.madethis.app) No signup required. Share freely. ====================================== THE GOLDEN RULE BEFORE ANY DM: Comment genuinely on their content 3 times before sliding into DMs. Specific > generic. "This resonated — we had a similar experience last quarter" beats "Love this!" every time. The comment-first strategy makes you a familiar name, not a cold stranger. ====================================== PART 1: 5 DM SCRIPTS FOR COLD OUTREACH --------------------------------------- SCRIPT 1: COMMENTING → DM TRANSITION Use when: You've already commented on their posts 2–3 times. "Hey [name] — I've been following your content for a few weeks and your recent post about [specific topic] really stood out. I work with [their type of business] on [your service], and I noticed [specific observation about their situation]. Happy to share what's been working if it's useful. No pitch — genuinely think it could help." Why it works: References your genuine engagement, specific observation shows you're paying attention, soft close removes pressure. --- SCRIPT 2: "I NOTICED YOUR WORK" OPENER Use when: You found them through hashtags, tagged posts, or competitor follows. "Hi [name], came across your [post/profile/work] while searching [hashtag/topic] and I had to reach out. Your [specific piece of work] caught my attention — particularly [specific detail that impressed you]. I do [your service] for [similar client type] and I genuinely think [specific observation]. Would love to connect — no agenda, just see if there's a fit." Why it works: Shows research, specific compliment is credible, "no agenda" reduces defense. --- SCRIPT 3: MUTUAL-FOLLOW INTRO Use when: You share mutual followers or appear in their "suggested accounts." "Hey [name] — looks like we both know [mutual person] / run in similar circles. I work with [their type of business] on [service], and based on your recent [post/reel] about [topic], I thought there might be a genuine connection worth making. What's the current project you're most excited about?" Why it works: Social proof via mutual connection, ends with an open question that invites response without a hard ask. --- SCRIPT 4: POST ENGAGEMENT FOLLOW-UP Use when: They liked, saved, or commented on YOUR post. "Hey [name] — noticed you saved my post about [topic]. Hope it was useful! Quick question — are you dealing with [the problem that post was about] right now, or just saving for future reference? Either way happy to answer questions." Why it works: Permission-based (they engaged first), opens a conversation naturally, not pushy. --- SCRIPT 5: REFERRAL ASK Use when: Messaging someone in your network who knows potential clients. "Hey [name] — hope things are going well! I'm opening up [X] client spots for [month/quarter] for [specific service]. I know you work with a lot of [client type] — if anyone comes to mind who's looking for [your service], I'd really appreciate the intro. Happy to return the favor — let me know if there's anyone I can connect you with." Why it works: Clear, specific ask. Reciprocal offer. Short. ====================================== PART 2: 3 RESPONSE SCRIPTS FOR INBOUND INTEREST ------------------------------------------------- SCRIPT A: QUOTE REQUEST Trigger: "How much do you charge?" or "What are your rates?" "Great question — pricing depends on the scope, but here's a general range: [your range] for [service type]. The biggest variable is usually [scope element or timeline]. Happy to give you a more specific number after a quick 15-minute call — I'd hate to quote you wrong and waste your time. Are you free [day] or [day] this week?" Why it works: Gives context (not evasive), explains why a call is needed, offers specific scheduling options. --- SCRIPT B: "WHAT DO YOU DO?" REPLY Trigger: They ask what you do or how you help clients. "Great timing to ask — I help [specific client type] with [specific outcome]. For example, [1-sentence case study with result]. I'm best for [ideal client description]. Does that sound like where you're at?" Why it works: Specific, outcome-focused, ends with a qualifying question that keeps the conversation moving. --- SCRIPT C: PORTFOLIO REQUEST Trigger: "Can I see your work?" or "Do you have examples?" "Of course! Here are [3] recent projects similar to what you might need: • [Project 1]: [1-sentence description + result] • [Project 2]: [1-sentence description + result] • [Project 3]: [1-sentence description + result] I also have a full portfolio at [your link]. What type of project are you working on? I can point you to the most relevant examples." Why it works: Curated (not just dumping a link), specific examples with results, follows up with a qualifying question. ====================================== PART 3: THE FOLLOW-UP SEQUENCE ------------------------------- WHEN TO FOLLOW UP: Most people don't respond because they forgot — not because they're not interested. One follow-up is professional. Two is the max. Three is spam. DAY 1 (initial message): Send your outreach DM. Don't follow up same day. DAY 3 (first follow-up): "Just wanted to make sure my message didn't get buried — Instagram DMs can get messy. Totally fine if the timing isn't right. Just wanted to add: [one additional piece of value or context — a stat, a question, a recent relevant post]." DAY 7 (final follow-up): "Last note from me — I don't want to clog your inbox. If [your service] ever becomes relevant, feel free to reach out. In the meantime, following your work and will keep engaging. Hope [their project/business] is going well." After Day 7: Stop. Move on. If they respond later, great — respond warmly. --- WHEN THEY SAY YES (Bridge to Discovery Call): "Perfect — let's make it quick and focused. A 15-minute call is usually enough to figure out if we're a fit and map out a rough scope. I'm available [day/time] or [day/time] — what works better for you?" That's it. Don't oversell in DMs. The call is where you close. ====================================== PART 4: WHAT NOT TO DO — 6 DM MISTAKES ---------------------------------------- MISTAKE 1: Pitching in the first message "Hi, I'm a [service] and I'd love to work with you!" — No one cares yet. You haven't established value or familiarity. Comment first. Ask questions first. Pitch later. MISTAKE 2: Generic openers "Love your content!" doesn't stand out. Neither does "Hey!" or "How are you?" Be specific. Reference something real. Show you did your homework. MISTAKE 3: Long first messages Nobody reads a 200-word cold DM from a stranger. First message: max 4 sentences. Hook → observation → value → soft ask. That's it. MISTAKE 4: Sending the same script to 50 people Copy-paste DMs get ignored at high rates. Even 1 personalized sentence ("I saw your post about X and...") massively improves response rate. Always personalize the opener. MISTAKE 5: Following up more than twice After two follow-ups with no response, stop. You've been seen. They're not interested right now. Moving on is the professional choice. Harassing people damages your reputation. MISTAKE 6: Making it about you "I've been doing this for 5 years" / "I'm really good at..." — no one cares about your credentials in a cold DM. Make it about them: their situation, their problem, their goal. Credentials come up naturally on the call. ====================================== BONUS: THE COMMENT STRATEGY (3 BEFORE A DM) --------------------------------------------- Find your target accounts via: • Searching niche hashtags (e.g. #restaurantmarketing, #launchstrategy) • Geotags for local client work • "Following" tab on competitor accounts • Engaged commenters on industry accounts with large audiences Comment rules: 1. Be specific — reference the actual content, not just "great post" 2. Add value — share a related experience, ask a genuine question 3. Be consistent — show up on their content over 2–3 weeks 4. Never drop your services unsolicited in a comment — that's spam After 3+ genuine comments, you're a familiar name. Now the DM feels like a continuation, not an ambush. ====================================== PAIR WITH: • instagram-for-freelancers-checklist.txt • instagram-content-calendar-template.txt Get the full template library (proposals, contracts, onboarding) at: solostack.madethis.app/products