⭐️ Important note: Setting up a comment automation to deliver your lead magnet is optional.
Don't want to set up a comment automation? No problem –You can manually share your landing page link with interested parties to capture their email address in exchange for your lead magnet. (How to Create a Landing Page & Deliver a Lead Magnet in FloDesk)
⏱️ Quick Links:
Manychat Automations:
Not a ManyChat Member? Sign up HERE.
Stan Store Automations:
What is an Instagram Comment Automation?
You've seen posts on Instagram that say "Comment *keyword* and I'll send over the info!" That is a comment automation at work. Here's an example 👇
Setting Up Your Manychat Automation - Step-By-Step
Step 1: Open the Auto DM Tool
In ManyChat, click Auto DM Links from Comments. This is the quick automation tool — it's designed to get you set up fast.
Step 2: Choose Which Posts to Trigger From
You'll see a preview of your Instagram feed. When prompted to select a post, choose Any Post or Reel.
This matters because in your content strategy, local content posts and guide promotions will each have their own CTA in the caption — telling followers to comment a keyword. By selecting "any post or reel," you won't have to rebuild the automation every time you publish new content.
Step 3: Set Your Trigger Keywords
Add the keywords people will comment to receive your guide — for example, Summer or Guide. You can include multiple words.
Step 4: Turn On Comment Reply
Toggle on Reply to Their Comments. This sends a public reply under the comment to remind people to check their DMs, which also boosts post engagement. Write a custom reply — something that sounds like you, not a generic bot.
Step 5: Set Up the Opening DM (Optional but Recommended)
Toggle on Opening DM. This sends an initial message when someone triggers the automation. The opening DM unlocks two-way conversation, which means you can send follow-ups and do more than just drop a link.
Personalize this message — for example: "I saw your comment! The link to my summer guide is coming right up."
You'll also see an option to ask followers to follow your account. Toggle that on or off depending on your preference.
Step 6: Write the Main DM with Your Link
This is the message that delivers the actual guide link. Write something short and personal, then click Add a Link and fill in:
Button Label — e.g., Download the Guide
URL — go to Flodesk, open your landing page, copy the form link, and paste it here
Step 7: Add a Follow-Up Message (Optional)
If you have the Opening DM toggled on, you can also add a Follow-Up message. This sends automatically if someone never clicks your link — a gentle nudge like "Just making sure you got the guide! Let me know if you have any questions."
This is completely optional. Toggle it off if you'd prefer to keep it simple.
Step 8: Review the Preview and Go Live
ManyChat will show you a preview of your full workflow before you publish. Review everything, then hit Go Live.
Step 9: Test the Full Flow
Before promoting, test it end to end. Have a second account (or a friend) comment the trigger word on one of your posts. Then confirm:
The comment reply goes out
The DMs arrive in the correct order
The Flodesk landing page link works
You can submit the form and receive the confirmation email
Your guide is delivered correctly
Walk through the entire experience as a follower would — this catches any broken links or gaps before real people hit them.
How To Set Up DM Automations In Stan Store
If you use Stan Store, you can set up keyword-triggered DMs directly through your account. Here's how to get it running:
Step 1: Find the Auto DM Tool
Log into your Stan Store account. In the left-hand menu at the bottom, click Auto DM, then click Create Auto Reply.
Step 2: Connect Your Instagram Account
At the top of the page, link the Instagram account you want the automation to run from. Make sure it's connected correctly before moving on.
Step 3: Choose Your Trigger Type
Decide whether you want the keyword to trigger when someone DMs you, comments on a post, or both. For most guide promotions, selecting both gives you the widest reach.
Step 4: Set Your Keyword
Enter the keyword or phrase people will use to trigger the automation. You can use something like Summer, Guide, or Summer Guide — whatever matches the CTA in your caption. You're not limited to one word, so pick whatever feels natural for your content.
Step 5: Choose Which Posts to Apply It To
Select whether you want the automation to trigger on all posts or just one specific post. For ongoing guide promotion, enabling it for all posts means you won't have to reset it every time you publish new content.
Step 6: Set Up a Comment Back (Optional)
Once your keywords are set, switch the dropdown from "Do Not Comment" to Comment Back and customize the message to sound like you. Alyssa recommends this — it boosts engagement and feels more personal than a generic auto-reply. Add some personality to it.
Step 7: Write Your DM
This is the message that gets sent automatically. Delete the placeholder text and write something personalized. For a local guide, it might look like:
"Hi! Can't wait for you to experience [City Name] this summer."
Then add your link — either directly in the message text or as a button.
Step 8: Add Your Link
You have two options for sharing your link, and either works:
Inline link — paste the URL directly into the message so it reads like an organic text
Button link — click Add a Button Link, write the button label (e.g., Download the Guide), and paste in the URL
Go with whichever feels more like you. To grab your link, go to Flodesk, open your landing page, tap the three dots, hit Get Form Link, copy it, and paste it into Stan.
Step 9: Save or Publish
Click Save Draft if you're not ready to go live yet, or Publish when you are. Once published, the automation is active — anyone who comments your trigger word on any of your posts (or DMs you the keyword) will automatically receive your message.
Step 10: Test It
Before promoting, have a friend or secondary account comment the trigger word on one of your posts and DM it to you directly. Confirm the comment back fires, the DM sends, and your guide link works end to end.