Setting Up Your First Automation

This guide will walk you through creating your first automated workflow that converts Instagram comments into direct messages.

Automation Basics

Before we begin, understand these key concepts:

• **Trigger**: The event that starts the automation (e.g., a new comment)

• **Filter**: Conditions that determine if a commenter receives a message

• **Action**: What happens when the trigger and filters are met (sending a DM)

• **Template**: The content of your message, which can include personalization

Creating Your First Automation

Step 1: Access the Automation Builder

1. Log in to your ReplyLink dashboard

1. Navigate to "Automations" in the sidebar

1. Click the "Create New Automation" button

Step 2: Set Up the Trigger

1. Select "New Comment" as your trigger type

1. Choose which posts to monitor:

- All posts (current and future)

- Specific posts only (select from a list)

- Posts with specific hashtags

- Posts from a certain date range

Step 3: Configure Filters (Optional)

Set conditions to determine which commenters receive messages:

1. **Comment Content Filter**:

- Contains specific keywords

- Minimum/maximum comment length

- Excludes certain phrases

1. **Commenter Filter**:

- New commenters only

- Returning commenters

- Followers/non-followers

- Account age requirements

Step 4: Create Your Message Template

1. Click "Create Template" (or select an existing one)

1. Use the visual editor to design your message

1. Add personalization variables:

- {{first_name}} - Commenter's first name

- {{comment_text}} - Their comment content

- {{post_link}} - Link to the post they commented on

1. Add your tracking links or calls to action

1. Use emojis to increase engagement

Step 5: Set Timing Options

1. Choose when to send the message:

- Immediately after comment

- Random delay (recommended to appear more natural)

- Specific time delay

- During certain hours only

Step 6: Test and Activate

1. Use the "Test" feature to see how your automation works

1. Make any necessary adjustments

1. Toggle the automation to "Active"

1. Monitor results in your analytics dashboard

Best Practices

• **Be conversational**: Make messages feel personal, not automated

• **Reference their comment**: Include something specific about what they said

• **Clear value proposition**: Tell them why they should click your link

• **Call to action**: Include a clear next step in every message

• **Test different templates**: Create variations to see which performs better

Example Message Template

Here's a sample template you can customize:

Hey {{first_name}}! 👋

Thanks for your comment on my post about [topic]. I noticed you mentioned {{comment_text}}, and I thought you might be interested in checking out my [resource/offer] that addresses that specifically.

Here's the link: [your tracking link]

Let me know if you have any questions!

[Your name]

Remember to review your automation's performance regularly and make adjustments based on open rates, response rates, and link clicks.