Instagram DM Automation + Calendly: Auto-Book Calls

How to Connect Instagram DMs to Calendly

Instagram DM automation sends your Calendly booking link automatically when followers comment a keyword or reply to your story. Instead of manually responding to every “how do I work with you?” message, automation delivers your calendar link instantly—qualifying leads and booking calls while you sleep.

This workflow is essential for coaches, consultants, and service providers who monetize through discovery calls but don’t have hours to spend in DMs.

TL;DR

• The setup: Comment trigger (e.g., “CALL”) → Auto-DM with Calendly link → Qualifying question → Follow-up
• Why it works: Instant response + personal conversation = higher booking rates than bio link
• Time saved: 5-10 hours/week on manual DM responses
• Best for: Coaches, consultants, service providers, anyone booking calls from Instagram
• Tools needed: CreatorFlow ($15/mo) + Calendly (free or paid)

Why Instagram + Calendly Automation Works

The traditional flow loses people at every step:

Old way:

1. Follower sees your content → “How do I work with you?”
2. You reply 4 hours later → They’ve already moved on
3. They click bio link → Get distracted
4. Maybe they book → Maybe they don’t

Automated way:

1. Follower comments “CALL” → Instant DM with Calendly link
2. You ask a qualifying question → They reply
3. They book → You’re notified immediately

The difference? Speed and conversation. DMs feel personal. And instant responses convert better than delayed ones.

The Numbers

When you add a qualifying question before sending the Calendly link, you filter out tire-kickers and prepare for better calls.

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Create Your Calendly Event

If you don’t have Calendly set up yet:

1. Go to calendly.com and create a free account
2. Create a new event type (e.g., “15-Minute Discovery Call”)
3. Set your availability (days/times you take calls)
4. Add a pre-call form with 1-3 questions (optional but recommended)
5. Copy your event link (e.g., calendly.com/yourname/discovery)

Pro tip: Use a descriptive event name like “Free Strategy Session” instead of “Meeting” — it sets expectations.

Step 2: Set Up Your DM Automation

In CreatorFlow:

1. Connect your Instagram account (takes 2 minutes via Meta’s official API)
2. Create a new automation
3. Set your trigger:
   • Trigger type: Comment keyword
   • Keyword: “CALL” (or “BOOK”, “COACHING”, etc.)
   • Match type: Contains (catches “call” and “CALL”)

Step 3: Write Your DM Sequence

Message 1 (Instant — after comment):

Hey [name]! Thanks for your interest in working together.

Before I send my calendar, quick question: What's the #1 challenge you're facing with [your topic] right now?

Why start with a question?

• Filters out people who aren’t serious
• Gives you context for the call
• Keeps the conversation going (signals value to Instagram)

Message 2 (After they reply):

Got it — that's exactly what I help with.

Here's my calendar to book a free 15-minute call:
[CALENDLY LINK]

Pick any time that works. Looking forward to connecting!

Message 3 (If they book — optional):

Awesome, you're booked! 🎉

Before our call, could you fill out this quick form? It helps me prepare so we make the most of our time:
[INTAKE FORM LINK]

Talk soon!

Step 4: Create Trigger Content

Now post content that prompts the keyword:

Reel script example:

“If you’re struggling with [problem], I have 3 spots open this week for free strategy calls. Comment ‘CALL’ and I’ll send you my calendar.”

Story example:

Poll: “Ready to finally [solve problem]?” Caption: “Reply ‘CALL’ for my calendar link”

Caption example:

“I help [audience] achieve [result]. Want to chat? Comment ‘CALL’ below.”

Qualifying Questions That Work

The right question filters leads AND gives you intel for the call.

For Coaches:

• “What’s the #1 thing holding you back from [goal] right now?”
• “On a scale of 1-10, how committed are you to solving this?”
• “What have you already tried that didn’t work?”

For Consultants:

• “What’s your current [metric]? (Revenue, traffic, conversion rate, etc.)”
• “What would success look like for you in 90 days?”
• “Do you have budget allocated for this project?”

For Service Providers:

• “When do you need this completed?”
• “What’s your budget range for this project?”
• “Have you worked with a [service type] before?”

Important: One question is enough. Two is fine. Three is too many — save the rest for the call.

Advanced: Pre-Qualification Flow

For higher-ticket offers, add a qualification step before sending Calendly:

Message 1:

Hey! Thanks for your interest. Quick question before I send my calendar:

Are you currently [making X revenue / have X followers / running a business]?

Just want to make sure we're a good fit!

Message 2 (If qualified):

Perfect — sounds like we'd be a great fit.

Here's my calendar: [CALENDLY LINK]

Can't wait to chat!

Message 2 (If not qualified):

Thanks for being honest! My 1:1 coaching is probably not the best fit right now.

But I have a self-paced course that might be perfect for where you're at:
[COURSE LINK]

Let me know if you have questions!

This protects your time and redirects non-qualified leads to lower-ticket offers.

Calendly Settings to Optimize

Enable Email/SMS Reminders

In Calendly, enable automatic reminders:

• 24 hours before: Email reminder
• 1 hour before: SMS reminder (if available)
• Day after: Follow-up email (for no-shows)

This reduces no-shows significantly.

Add Pre-Call Questions

In your Calendly event settings, add 1-3 questions:

1. “What’s the #1 thing you want to discuss on this call?”
2. “How did you find me?” (helps track what content converts)
3. “What’s your Instagram handle?” (so you can review their profile before the call)

Set Buffer Time

Add 15-30 minutes buffer between calls:

• Avoid back-to-back burnout
• Time to review notes from previous call
• Prepare for next call

Tracking Your Results

Monitor these metrics to optimize:

If your booking rate is low, your Calendly link might be buried in too much text. Lead with value.

If your show rate is low, add more reminders or a pre-call video explaining what to expect.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Sending Calendly Without Qualifying

Wrong: First message is just the Calendly link

Right: Ask one question first

Why? Qualifying questions filter tire-kickers and give you context. You’ll have better calls with fewer no-shows.

Mistake 2: Too Many Steps Before the Link

Wrong: 5 messages of conversation before Calendly

Right: 1-2 messages max

If someone wants to book, let them. Don’t create friction.

Mistake 3: No Follow-Up for Non-Bookers

Wrong: Send link, never follow up

Right: Follow up 24-48 hours later

Hey! Just checking in — did you get a chance to book a time?

My calendar's filling up this week, but I'd love to chat if you're still interested.

[CALENDLY LINK]

Most bookings happen on the follow-up, not the first message.

Mistake 4: Generic Calendly Link

Wrong: calendly.com/yourname/meeting

Right: calendly.com/yourname/free-strategy-session

The event name appears in the link and confirmation. Make it compelling.

Alternative: Direct Calendly in First Message

Some coaches prefer skipping the qualifying question and sending Calendly immediately:

Message 1:

Hey! Here's my calendar to book a free strategy call:
[CALENDLY LINK]

I have a few spots open this week. Looking forward to connecting!

When this works better:

• You have strong pre-qualification in your content
• Your offer is lower-ticket
• You prefer qualifying on the call itself
• You get very high volume and need to move fast

When to use the qualifying question:

• Higher-ticket offers ($1K+)
• Limited call slots
• You want context before the call
• Lead quality matters more than volume

FAQ

Can I use this with other booking tools?

Yes. The DM automation sends whatever link you include. Works with:

• Calendly
• Cal.com
• Acuity Scheduling
• TidyCal
• SavvyCal
• Any booking URL

How many calls can I book per week?

Depends on your content reach. A post with 10K views might generate 50-100 keyword comments. With a 30% booking rate, that’s 15-30 calls from one post.

Start with a few slots per week and scale as you see demand.

What if I get too many bookings?

Good problem! Options:

• Raise your prices
• Limit call slots
• Add stricter qualifying questions
• Create a group call option
• Build a waitlist

Will this work for high-ticket coaching ($5K+)?

Yes, but add more qualification. For high-ticket, consider:

1. Qualifying question in DM
2. Application form before Calendly
3. Review applications before confirming calls

This filters for serious buyers only.

Is this compliant with Instagram’s rules?

Yes — when you use Meta’s official Instagram Graph API. CreatorFlow is a Meta-verified partner, meaning 0% ban risk. Avoid tools that ask for your password or use unofficial methods.

Related: How to avoid Instagram bans with DM automation

Get Started

Here’s your action plan:

1. Set up Calendly with a discovery call event (5 minutes)
2. Create your DM automation in CreatorFlow (5 minutes)
3. Write your message sequence using the templates above
4. Post content with your trigger keyword
5. Watch bookings come in

Your first automated call booking can happen today.

Related guides:

• How to qualify leads and book discovery calls
• DM funnel examples: 5 flows that convert
• What is a DM funnel? Complete guide
• Comment-to-DM automation setup guide