Sliding Into the Right DMs: How to Convert Messages Into Sales  

DMs are not just for “Hi dear” and “Can I know you better.” For a business, your DMs are like that neighborhood akara stand—people come in hungry, and if you play your cards right, they’ll leave satisfied and with no change left. But handling inquiries properly is the difference between someone asking, *“How much?”* and you actually seeing an alert. Let’s break it down:  

1. Respond Fast or Collect “Seen”  
In this fast-paced world, nobody has time to wait. If you’re taking hours (or worse, days) to reply to DMs, customers will move on to your competitors faster than Nepa takes light.  
Pro Tip: Use quick reply templates for common questions. Example: *“Hi! Our t-shirts cost ₦5,000 each. Free delivery within Lagos!”*  

2. Don’t Just Sell; Build Trust  
Not every DM is about the sale. Some people are testing the waters to see if you’re legit. Your job? Make them feel comfortable. Answer questions politely, and don’t rush to close the deal like you’re selling gala in traffic.  
Example  
Customer: “Is this authentic?” 
You: “Absolutely! We pride ourselves on quality. Here’s what some of our customers had to say [insert reviews link].” 

3. Keep It Professional (But Not Too Formal) 
Nobody wants to feel like they’re talking to an answering machine. Keep it human, but maintain respect. Adding a little humor can even make the conversation more engaging.  

 4. Make Payment Easy  
When a customer is ready to buy, don’t give them wahala. Send a clear payment link or account details and confirm payment ASAP. No, “Let me confirm first” for 3 hours.  
Pro Tip Use payment platforms like Flutterwave or Paystack for seamless transactions.  

 5. Follow Up Without Being Annoying  
If someone inquired but didn’t buy, it’s not game over. Follow up politely after a few days to see if they’re still interested. But please, don’t harass them like you’re collecting a debt.  
Example  
“Hi [name], just checking in to see if you’re still interested in our [product/service]. Let me know if you have any questions!”  

 DM Checklist for Business Owners  
- Respond within 15 minutes (or as fast as you can).  
- Use emojis sparingly to add personality but keep it professional.  
- Always thank your customers, even if they don’t buy right away.  
- Track inquiries so you can follow up later.  

Your DMs are not just a chat box—they’re a sales machine waiting to be fine-tuned. So, stop leaving messages on *“unread”* and start closing those deals. Remember: each DM could be your next bank alert. Go and cash out! ????