Still relying on “click the link in my bio”? There’s a better way. I’m breaking down how to use DM automation to grow your email list, increase engagement, and drive leads from your Instagram content, all without being glued to your phone. You’ll learn why this strategy works better than traditional link-in-bio methods, how I use it in both of my businesses, and exactly how to get started (even if you’ve never heard of ManyChat before).

What You’ll Learn:
[04:48] Why “link in bio” is dead (and how DM automation works better)
[07:36] The step-by-step breakdown of what actually happens when someone clicks your bio
[10:27] Why Instagram prefers links in DMs vs. external traffic
[13:13] How keywords boost engagement and reach (and why your caption matters)
[17:53] A basic example of how I grow my email list using DM automation
[19:17] The power of sending links, freebies, and lead magnets in the DMs
[21:40] What to do if you’re not getting comments — and how Hot Reels can help
[23:32] Why now is the best time to get on the Hot Reels waitlist for fall 2025

Key Takeaways:

• Click the link in bio? Nope.
  It adds friction and kills your conversion rate. DM automation converts 46% better on average.
• Your content can work for you while you sleep.
  DM automation makes your Instagram content do double-duty, building your list and growing your audience without extra effort.
• You don’t need a huge audience for this to work.
  Even one comment can bring in one perfect-fit lead. It’s not about volume, it’s about alignment.
• Your followers are on Instagram. Keep them there.
  The more you can reduce steps, the more people will take action. DM automation keeps them in-platform and gets you results.
• Still not seeing results from your content? It might be time for support.
  Hot Reels is where I help entrepreneurs create content that actually converts, consistently.

Links + Resources Mentioned:

• Try ManyChat PRO - First month FREE!
• Join the HOT REELS: 12-MONTH IG CONTENT LAB waitlist!
• My episode on The Social Media Marketing Talk Show Podcast: Instagram Updates: Edits App, Comment Filters, Grid Features, and More

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

Reels are still your best friend in 2025 when it comes to reach, impressions, and visibility on Instagram, and I’ve got the stats to prove it. In this final episode of our 3-part growth hacks series, I’m walking you through exactly how to make Reels work for you and your brand, even if you feel awkward on camera.

I’m sharing how to reverse engineer Reels to plug directly into your sales funnel, the one thing Reels do better than any other format, and why short-form storytelling isn’t just about “going viral” — it’s about helping your dream clients feel seen.

If you’ve been resisting video, this is your permission slip to show up imperfectly, get strategic, and let Reels do the heavy lifting in your marketing.

What You’ll Learn:
[01:51] Why Reels still dominate reach and engagement in 2025
[04:41] The remix strategy that’s outperforming other formats
[06:05] How storytelling makes your content more human and more effective
[09:58] Why raw, imperfect content builds more trust than polished videos
[12:48] How to reverse-engineer Reels to plug into your sales funnel
[18:31] The DM automation tool that builds your email list while you sleep
[19:57] A sneak peek at next week’s episode with a DM automation expert
[22:49] How to use Reels to connect, serve, and sell without burnout

Key Takeaways:

1. Reels still give the highest reach on Instagram. With 2x the impressions of static posts and 30.8% average reach, Reels are your fastest path to visibility — if you know how to use them.
2. Remixes are an underrated engagement strategy. Reels with collaborators see 41% more engagement, and remixing trending content with your own spin can massively expand your reach.
3. Short-form storytelling = brand trust. You don’t have to be funny or go viral. You just have to be real. Stories help your audience feel seen, understood, and connected to your brand.
4. You don’t need a video team. You just need to start. Raw, low-lift Reels filmed on your iPhone are performing better than polished content. The goal is to connect, not impress.
5. DM automation is the visibility upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Want to grow your list and deliver free offers without lifting a finger? This episode gives you a sneak peek of the automation tool I use every week.

Links + Resources Mentioned:

• Listen: 5 Underrated Instagram Growth Strategies That Boost Reach in 2025 (part 2)
• Listen: Instagram Growth Hacks That Work in 202

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

If your Instagram growth has stalled or you’re creating content that no one’s seeing, this episode is for you. In part two of our three-part growth series, I’m breaking down five underused Instagram strategies that are working right now in 2025 — including the truth about collabs, remix reels, outbound engagement, and how to use your platforms to boost IG followers (without sounding desperate).

What You’ll Learn:

• [01:52] Why collaboration is still one of the fastest ways to grow your audience
• [05:17] How to use Instagram’s collab feature properly (and what Meta recommends)
• [09:34] How remixing reels got my studio account 14 M+ views
• [12:41] Going live with aligned creators to build relationships and visibility
• [15:26] Why outbound engagement still works (when you do it right)
• [18:09] The “invisible ask” most people forget — and how to do it with heart
• [21:20] How to boldly ask for visibility without sounding cringy
• [22:49] Behind the scenes of my Hot Reels program and private mentorship offers

Key Takeaways:

• Instagram collabs aren’t just cute, they’re conversion tools. Learn how to use Instagram’s collab feature strategically and why the account with the bigger following should host.
• Remix reels are still one of the most powerful visibility hacks. Use them to ride existing engagement, but add your own spin.
• Instagram Lives still work — especially when done with aligned brands. Local businesses? This is a missed opportunity you need to explore.
• Outbound engagement is free visibility. Leaving thoughtful comments in your niche can attract ideal followers (and create real relationships).
• You’re probably forgetting the easiest CTA: ask for the follow. Your email list, Facebook audience, and other platforms can be powerful amplifiers, if you remember to ask.

Links + Resources Mentioned:

• Replay: The Reel Remix Strategy Behind My 8.8M View Viral Video (Part 2)
• My Guest Episode on the Social Media Marketing Podcast: Instagram Content Strategy: Attracting Quality Leads and Sales
• How I Manifested This Opportunity: What It Really Takes to Create Bold Visibility (and Attract High-Level Opportunities)
• Join the Hot Reels 12-Month IG Content Lab Waitlist
• Apply for a Free Instagram Breakthrough Session

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.