Let’s say you just got a new follower. The moment they tap that “Follow” button is when they’re most interested in you and your brand. That’s when Instagram welcome messages can be effective.
By setting up automated welcome messages for Instagram, you can instantly connect with your new follower and set the tone for future engagement opportunities.
In this guide, you’ll learn what welcome messages are and how to create them. We’ll walk you through the benefits of this DM marketing technique, and give you 25 Instagram welcome message examples you can adapt.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
What Is Instagram Welcome Message?
An Instagram welcome message is exactly what you think it might be. It’s an automated direct message (DM) that’s sent to new followers.
This marketing technique is usually set by businesses and creators who want to enhance their visibility by greeting new followers or giving them a detailed guide to their content.
Plus, it creates an opening for conversation, making your followers more likely to respond and engage with your future posts.
How do they do that, you ask? Through automation tools that we’ll learn more about in this article.
No matter how you write your welcome message, one thing is for sure: this initial interaction helps followers understand what to expect from your account.
The Key Benefits of Instagram Welcome Messages
Just like your neighbors might surprise you with a delicious apple pie when you first move in, you can use Instagram welcome messages to leave a good first impression. By using this method, you can guide your followers to helpful resources, such as your highlights, website, or shop. It’s a cost-effective Instagram marketing strategy for small businesses.
Here are some of the core benefits of this approach:
1- Make a Great First Impression
As mentioned earlier, the first advantage of IG welcome messages is the positive first impression they leave behind. Even a simple “Hello” can build warmth and intimacy between you and your followers (though we suggest you go with something more thought-through than just hello).
Instagram welcome messages set the dynamics of your and your followers’ relationship. Brands that use these messages stand out compared to their competition, as they shape how people see their account.
2- Boost Engagement Rates & Build Community
Direct messages are more personal than likes or comments. They make your profile seem more approachable. They also encourage your followers to respond, which, if they do, will give you a community that’s more likely to interact with you.
Speaking of communities, the two-way conversation created by Instagram welcome messages helps build a sense of community. At the end of the day, if your followers feel included, your engagement rates naturally increase.
3- Drive Traffic and Conversions
Your followers are most interested in you when they join first. By using a welcome message for Instagram, you can use the moment to guide them where you want them to go. This could be anything from your website to your shop and/or latest promotion.
As a wise person once said, the first contact is the best time to introduce value, and that’s exactly what you need to do. Don’t forget to add a clear call-to-action at the end of your DM. That way, it’s easier for your followers to take the next step.
4- Qualify Your Audience
Welcome messages can act as a filter. You ask your audience a simple question. Those who answer you are typically more serious followers. Additionally, based on their replies, you can better understand what they want from your page, which provides crucial data for starting your Instagram business.
In fact, many companies use these answers to segment their followers, whether it be into serious and non-serious followers or other niche groups that help with marketing purposes. Simply put, by using automated welcome messages for Instagram, you can fine-tune your future communication with your audience.
5- Humanize Your Brand
Instagram welcome DMs put a human face behind the page of your business. They make your account feel personal and approachable. Still, automated doesn’t mean robotic.
On the contrary, based on your business and content type, we might encourage you to use humor and/or warmth to make the message more relatable. The point is, using a natural tone, even in a short note, will make it easier for your followers to establish an authentic relationship with you. Something that’s based on trust and loyalty.
How to Set Up an Automated Welcome Message on Instagram?
Now, the question we’ve all been asking: “How to send welcome messages to new followers on Instagram?” The process involves a few steps, but it is easier than you might think.
- The very first step is to make sure you have a professional Instagram account, meaning you’re either a business or a creator.
- From there, you can navigate to the “Creator Tools and Controls” option.
- Once you’re navigated to the new menu, toggle on “Welcome Message”, and then type your message in the box provided.
- Lastly, you should review and test the message to ensure it looks natural.
Remember that followers who receive your welcome message will see it in their message requests folder, not the main inbox because you usually don’t have previous interactions.
How to Craft Your Perfect Welcome Message: A Recipe for Success
While we’re going to give you Instagram welcome message examples down the road, it’s important for you to also learn what makes a welcome DM a good one. So, here are the 7 factors you need to consider when drafting your own welcome DMs.
- Personalize It: Use [first-name] so the message feels directed to them.
- Introduce Yourself: Share who you are and what your account offers.
- Set Expectations: Tell followers what kind of posts or updates they’ll see.
- Provide Value: Offer a freebie, discount code, or resource link.
- Include a Clear CTA: Guide them to take action, like replying or checking highlights.
- Keep It Concise: Aim for 1–3 short sentences that are easy to read.
- Sound Human: Write in a conversational style that feels natural.
These tips will help you make your followers feel special, avoid confusion from the get-go, add incentive to stay connected, encourage interaction, and sound authentic and genuine.
25+ Instagram Welcome Message Examples You Can Steal and Adapt
Unless you’re a niche business that requires a specific tone of voice, we suggest you first explore a variety of Instagram welcome message examples. That way, you can find out which one works best for you and provides better results.
Below, you can access 25 Instagram welcome message examples, all sorted out by brand style and purpose.
You’ll also find out why each of these messages could work, which will help you craft your own Instagram welcome messages in the long run.
For the Friendly & Engaging Brand
For such brands, you’ll need to start the conversation with a warm and genuine tone, so that your followers feel like home from the very start. You can use emojis or casual language to cultivate the atmosphere. That way, your account will look approachable, and a community will start building around it.
- “Hey [first-name] 👋 We’re excited to have you here! What’s the first thing you’d like to see from us?”
- “Welcome aboard, [first-name] 🚀 Dive into our highlights for a quick intro!”
- “Hi [first-name] 😊 Thanks for following! Tell us your favorite [product/service] so we can share tips you’ll love.”
- “Yay, you made it! 🎉 We’re all about fun and connection. Check out our latest post to join the conversation.”
- “Hello [first-name] 💬 We’re glad you’re here. Drop us a quick emoji that matches your mood today!”
For the Value-Driven Business
If you’re a value-driven business, your potential Instagram welcome message examples should offer value from the get-go. Focus on discounts, free tools, or exclusive content, and give your followers a reason to engage instantly.
This positions your brand as helpful and trustworthy and builds value early on. However, you should ensure that the offer feels genuine and not pushy.
- “Hi [first-name], welcome! Here’s a free guide to get you started: [link] 📘.”
- “Thanks for joining us, [first-name] 🎉 Enjoy 10% off your first order with the code WELCOME10.”
- “Hello [first-name], happy to see you here! Get our free checklist to make the most of [topic]: [link].”
- “Hey [first-name], thanks for following! Your welcome gift is waiting here: [link] 🎁.”
- “Welcome [first-name] 👋 Here’s an exclusive resource just for our new community members: [link].”
For the Content Creator/Influencer
When scheduling Instagram DMs to welcome new followers as an influencer or content creator, your personality should be the first thing that shines through.
Don’t be shy and let a little humor and fun flow into your text as you invite your audience to check your latest post. This way, you can build a stronger bond between you and your audience.
- “Hi [first-name] ✨ Thanks for following! I share behind-the-scenes moments every week. Don’t miss the stories.” (If you are a lifestyle influencer, this message is yours.)
- “Welcome, [first-name] 🎉 You’ll find travel tips, food inspo, and a little chaos here 🗺️🍕.” (Good option for travel influencers.)
- “Hey [first-name]! Glad to have you in my little corner 🌿 Check out my latest post and say hi.”
- “Hi [first-name] 👋 I post [niche/topic] content twice a week. Excited to share more with you!”
- “Thanks for joining, [first-name] 🙌 Stick around for fun updates and exclusive peeks into my daily life.”
For the Service-Based Business
Service-based businesses should use a guiding tone, but one that doesn’t sound too salesy. From the very start, highlight how you can help them by simply wording your services.
Make sure to emphasize your problem-solving and value, and keep a warm, professional tone. By doing so, you can position yourself as approachable and supportive.
- “Welcome [first-name] 💡 We help people like you [achieve result]. Explore our highlights to see how.”
- “Hi [first-name], thanks for connecting! Need help with [service]? Book a free consultation here: [link].”
- “Hello [first-name] 👋 Our mission is to make [pain point] easier for you. Start with this quick resource: [link].”
- “Thanks for following, [first-name] 🌟 Take a look at our testimonials to see how we’ve helped others succeed.”
- “Welcome aboard, [first-name] 🚀 We’d love to know what challenge you’re facing so we can guide you better.”
For Brands that Prefer Minimalism
Minimalist messages reflect a sleek brand identity. They are quick to read and easy to understand, as they give the followers what they need to know right away. This approach suits luxury or modern brands.
The shorter text can help you make your message feel more intentional. The simplicity also leaves space for curiosity, which means your followers may explore your profile further on their own.
- “Hi [first-name], welcome. Start here: [link].”
- “Welcome [first-name] 👋 Explore our highlights for more.”
- “Hello [first-name], thanks for joining. Check our latest post.”
- “[first-name], glad to have you. See what’s new: [link].”
- “Welcome aboard. Browse, explore, enjoy.”
Conclusion: Your Turn to Welcome & Wow
Setting Instagram welcome messages is a simple yet effective way to give your brand a human voice and get more engagement. These DMs make the user feel valued and give you the means to customize your communication with them down the road.
In this article, you’ve learned the benefits, setup steps, and real-world Instagram welcome message examples. Now, it’s your turn to create a message that reflects your brand. Keep it short, human, and valuable. And don’t worry, your followers will notice the effort.
FAQ
To send a welcome message to new followers on Instagram, switch to a Professional account, enable automated responses in settings, and create a short, friendly message that greets and guides them.
Yes, you can. Instagram allows automated welcome messages for professional accounts. These appear in the follower’s message requests folder. It is best to keep them short and friendly so they feel natural and not spammy.
You can personalize with [first-name] tags. Use conversational wording and include a small value like a link or tip. Keep the tone human and authentic so automation feels natural.
Yes, but keep it balanced. A clear CTA works best, such as checking highlights or replying with a keyword. Avoid long sales pitches and keep it simple.