A unique tracking URL that credits you when someone makes a purchase through it. Affiliate links are used by creators to earn commissions from product recommendations. Common affiliate programs include Amazon Associates, LTK (LikeToKnow.it), and Mavely.
Instagram's algorithm is the system that determines which content appears in users' feeds, Explore pages, and Reels tabs. It analyzes signals like engagement, relationship strength, timeliness, and content type to personalize each user's experience.
The group of people who follow your account and engage with your content. Understanding your audience demographics, interests, and behavior is essential for creating content that resonates and converts.
A sequence of automated actions triggered by a specific event. Workflows can include multiple steps like sending a DM, waiting for a reply, collecting an email, and delivering a lead magnet.
An automated direct message sent to users based on specific triggers. Auto-DMs can be sent when someone comments on a post, replies to a Story, or sends a DM with certain keywords.
The 150-character description section on your Instagram profile. Your bio is prime real estate for communicating who you are, what you do, and including a call-to-action.
A one-to-many messaging feature that allows creators to send updates directly to subscribers. Broadcast channels appear in DMs and are a way to share exclusive content, announcements, and behind-the-scenes updates with your most engaged followers.
An Instagram account type designed for brands and businesses. Business accounts have access to Instagram Insights, contact buttons, ad creation, and can connect to Meta's Business Suite.
The text that accompanies your Instagram post, Reel, or carousel. Captions can include up to 2,200 characters and are searchable, making them important for discoverability.
A multi-image or multi-video post that allows users to swipe through up to 10 slides. Carousels typically get higher engagement than single-image posts because they encourage multiple interactions.
The percentage of people who click on a link after seeing it. In Instagram context, this often refers to link sticker clicks in Stories or bio link clicks.
An automation trigger that sends a direct message to users who comment specific keywords on your posts or Reels. This is one of the most popular DM automation features.
Someone who produces and shares content on social media platforms. Content creators range from hobbyists to full-time professionals monetizing through brand deals, affiliate marketing, and selling their own products.
When a follower takes a desired action, such as clicking a link, signing up for an email list, booking a call, or making a purchase. Conversions are the ultimate goal of most marketing efforts on Instagram.
The percentage of users who complete a desired action out of all who had the opportunity. Calculated as (Conversions ÷ Total Visitors or Recipients) × 100. A good DM conversion rate typically ranges from 10-30%.
An Instagram account type designed for influencers, public figures, and content creators. Creator accounts offer detailed growth insights, flexible profile controls, and filtered message requests.
The ecosystem of independent content creators, influencers, and the platforms, tools, and services that support them. The creator economy encompasses content creation, audience building, monetization, and the businesses that serve creators.
A prompt that encourages your audience to take a specific action. CTAs guide users on what to do next, whether it's commenting, clicking a link, or sending a DM.
A product that exists in digital form and can be delivered electronically, such as ebooks, courses, templates, presets, or software. Digital products are popular among creators because they can be sold unlimited times with no inventory.
A series of automated messages sent over time rather than all at once. Drip sequences nurture leads by providing value gradually, building trust before making an offer.
A private message sent between Instagram users. DMs can include text, images, videos, voice messages, and links. Unlike comments, DMs are not publicly visible.
The practice of using software to automatically send direct messages based on triggers. DM automation uses Meta's official Graph API to send messages safely and compliantly, without risking account restrictions.
A DM Funnel is an automated sequence of direct messages that converts Instagram engagement into leads and sales. Unlike email funnels (20-30% open rates), DM funnels achieve 80%+ open rates because messages appear in users' primary Instagram inbox. A complete DM funnel includes four stages: (1) Trigger — a comment keyword, story reply, or DM keyword that starts the automation; (2) Qualification — optional questions to segment leads by interest or readiness; (3) Lead Capture — collecting email addresses before delivering value; (4) Delivery — sending the promised link, download, or offer.
The process of gathering email addresses from Instagram followers, typically through DM conversations. GDPR-compliant email collection requires explicit consent before storing contact information.
Any interaction a user has with your content, including likes, comments, saves, shares, replies, and DMs. High engagement signals to Instagram's algorithm that your content is valuable.
A metric measuring how actively your audience interacts with your content. Calculated as (Likes + Comments + Saves + Shares) ÷ Followers × 100. A good engagement rate typically ranges from 1-5%.
A discovery section of Instagram that shows personalized content based on user interests and behavior. Getting featured on Explore can dramatically increase reach and follower growth.
The initial automated message sent to a user when they first trigger an automation. A good first-touch message is personalized, provides immediate value, and sets expectations for what comes next.
The rate at which your follower count increases over time. Healthy follower growth is organic and steady rather than sudden spikes from viral content or paid followers.
The journey a potential customer takes from awareness to purchase. On Instagram, funnels often start with content discovery, move to DM engagement, and end with a sale or signup.
The main scrolling view of posts from accounts a user follows. The feed is algorithmically sorted, not chronological, prioritizing content predicted to be most relevant to each user.
A user who has chosen to follow your account to see your content in their feed. Follower count is often used as a vanity metric, but engagement quality matters more than quantity.
Automated systems that manage contest entries, verify participation requirements, and announce winners. DM automation can be used to confirm giveaway entries and collect participant information.
Meta's official programming interface that allows approved applications to interact with Instagram. Tools using the Graph API can safely automate DMs, access analytics, and publish content without violating Instagram's terms.
A word or phrase preceded by # that categorizes content and makes it discoverable. Hashtags can be added to posts, Reels, and Stories. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post.
Instagram's long-form video feature (now largely merged with main feed videos). IGTV originally allowed videos up to 60 minutes, but Instagram has since consolidated video formats around Reels.
Instagram's native commerce features that allow businesses to tag products in posts, Stories, and Reels. Users can browse and purchase products without leaving the app through Instagram Checkout.
The total number of times your content was displayed on screens. Unlike reach, impressions count repeat views from the same user. One person seeing your post 3 times = 3 impressions.
A social media user who has built a following and can influence their audience's purchasing decisions. Influencers are typically categorized by follower count: nano (<10K), micro (10K-100K), macro (100K-1M), and mega (1M+).
Instagram's native analytics dashboard available for Business and Creator accounts. Insights show follower demographics, content performance, reach, engagement, and best posting times.
A feature that allows real-time video broadcasting to followers. Lives appear at the front of the Stories bar and can include guests, Q&A, and shopping features.
A specific word or phrase that activates an automated response. When someone sends a DM containing the keyword, they receive a pre-set automated message.
A potential customer who has shown interest in your product or service. On Instagram, leads are typically followers who engage with your content, comment on posts, or interact with your DMs.
The process of collecting contact information from potential customers. DM automation enables lead capture by asking for emails or phone numbers during automated conversations.
The process of attracting and converting strangers into leads. On Instagram, lead generation typically involves creating content that drives engagement, then capturing contact information through DM automation.
A free resource offered in exchange for contact information, typically an email address. Common lead magnets include PDFs, templates, checklists, and exclusive content.
The single clickable URL allowed in your Instagram profile. Since links aren't clickable in regular posts, creators direct followers to their bio link using CTAs like 'link in bio.'
A clickable link that can be added to Instagram Stories. Previously limited to accounts with 10K+ followers, link stickers are now available to all users.
The automated process of sending links to users via DM. Link delivery is the core function of DM automation, enabling creators to instantly share product links, sign-up pages, or resources.
The parent company of Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and other platforms. Formerly known as Facebook Inc., Meta rebranded in 2021. Instagram's policies and API are governed by Meta.
A document or webpage showcasing a creator's audience demographics, engagement rates, and previous brand collaborations. Media kits are used to pitch to brands for sponsorship opportunities.
A company that has been vetted and approved by Meta to provide services using Meta's official APIs. Meta Business Partners meet strict security and quality requirements.
The process of earning money from your Instagram presence. Common monetization methods include brand sponsorships, affiliate marketing, selling digital products, coaching services, and Instagram's native creator programs.
A specific topic or category you focus on with your content. Having a clear niche helps attract a targeted audience interested in your particular expertise or content style.
The number of unique users who see your content without paid promotion. Organic reach on Instagram has generally declined as the platform prioritizes paid advertising.
The percentage of recipients who open and read a message. DMs have significantly higher open rates than email (often 80%+ compared to 20-30% for email), making them a powerful communication channel.
A piece of content shared to your Instagram feed, including single images, carousels, and videos. Posts appear on your profile grid and in followers' feeds.
The unique combination of skills, experience, and personality that you present to your audience. A strong personal brand differentiates you from other creators in your niche and builds trust with your audience.
The number of unique accounts that saw your content. Unlike impressions, reach counts each user only once, regardless of how many times they viewed your content.
Instagram's short-form video format (up to 90 seconds) designed to compete with TikTok. Reels are heavily promoted by Instagram's algorithm and have high potential for viral reach.
A response to a comment, Story, or DM. Replying to engagement signals to the algorithm that conversations are happening, which can boost content visibility.
The percentage of messages you respond to. A high response rate builds trust with your audience and signals to Instagram that you're an engaged creator. DM automation can help maintain a 100% response rate.
The average time it takes to respond to messages. Faster response times lead to higher conversion rates. DM automation can respond instantly, reducing response time to seconds.
A measure of the profitability of your efforts, calculated as (Revenue - Cost) ÷ Cost × 100. Understanding ROI helps you determine which activities are worth your time and money.
When a user bookmarks your content to view later using the save/bookmark icon. Saves are a strong engagement signal that tells Instagram your content is valuable.
When a user sends your content to others via DM or shares it to their Story. Shares extend your reach to new audiences and are weighted heavily by the algorithm.
An unofficial term for when Instagram limits the visibility of your content without notifying you. This can happen if you violate community guidelines, use broken hashtags, or engage in spam-like behavior.
Evidence that others trust and use your product or service, such as testimonials, reviews, follower counts, and case studies. Social proof helps potential customers feel confident in their decision.
Ephemeral content that disappears after 24 hours. Stories appear at the top of the feed and support interactive elements like polls, questions, quizzes, and link stickers.
A collection of Stories saved permanently on your profile below your bio. Highlights allow you to organize and showcase your best Stories content beyond the 24-hour expiration.
A message sent when someone responds to your Instagram Story. Story reply automation can automatically send a DM when followers reply to your Stories.
The legacy method of accessing links in Stories by swiping up on the screen. Replaced by link stickers in 2021, though the term is still commonly used.
Mentioning another account in your post, Story, or comment using @username. Tagged users receive a notification and the post may appear in their 'tagged' section.
An event that starts an automated action. In DM automation, common triggers include comment keywords, Story replies, new followers, and DM keywords.
Content created by customers, fans, or followers rather than the brand itself. UGC is valuable for social proof and often performs well because it feels more authentic.
Metrics that look impressive but don't necessarily indicate business success. Follower count and likes are often considered vanity metrics compared to engagement rate and conversions.
The blue checkmark next to an account name indicating Instagram has confirmed the account's authenticity. Verification helps establish credibility and prevents impersonation.
Content that spreads rapidly through social sharing, reaching far beyond the creator's existing audience. Viral content is often entertaining, relatable, or provides exceptional value.
An automated DM sent to new followers when they first follow your account. Welcome messages introduce new followers to your content and can include a CTA or special offer.
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