What makes an affiliate link DM work?
The viewer wants the thing they just saw. The DM should get them there in one tap and be honest about the commission. The full play is in the affiliate links use case.
- The exact product, not a storefront home page, unless it is a roundup.
- One reason to click, such as the price, the shade or a deal ending.
- A plain disclosure in the DM itself, since that is where the link is clicked.
- Check links on old reels. Products go out of stock and programs change URLs.
Affiliate link DM templates for creators
Public reply
Sent, check your DMs
DM
Here's the one from the video, {first_name}: {link} (Affiliate link: I earn a small commission at no cost to you.)
Follow up
It's back to full price Monday, in case you were waiting: {link}
DM
Hey {first_name}, here's the serum: {link} Code {code} takes 10% off. Affiliate link, so I earn a little if you use it.
Public reply
Everything's in your DMs
DM
Everything from today's reel is on one page: {link} The lamp is the one people ask about most. These are affiliate links.
Affiliate link DM templates for shops and brands
DM
Thanks for the interest, {first_name}. Our creator program pays 15% on every sale. Apply here: {link} We reply to every application within a week.
DM
Welcome to the team, {first_name}. Your code is {code}. Your dashboard and brand guide are here: {link} Remember to tag posts #ad.
Affiliate link DM templates for coaches and course creators
Public reply
Sent you the list
DM
Here's every tool I use to run the business, {first_name}: {link} Some are affiliate links. I only list what I pay for myself.
DM
This is the book I mentioned, {first_name}: {link} Read chapter 4 first. (Affiliate link.)
Affiliate link DM templates for local businesses
DM
Hi {first_name}, this is the protein we stock at the front desk: {link} Members get 10% off with {code}. We earn a small commission on online orders.
Public reply
List sent
DM
Hi {first_name}, here are the florists, venues and caterers I love working with: {link} A few are affiliate links. All are people I'd book myself.
Affiliate link DM templates for agencies and client accounts
DM
Hi {first_name}, here's the deal from the video: {link} Code {code} for 20% off this week. Paid partnership with the brand.
Follow up
The code ends Sunday: {link}
Make every reel answer its own "link?"
Add a keyword to your next reel and send the affiliate link automatically.
How do you adapt these templates?
- Keep a disclosure line in every DM. Short and plain beats hidden.
- Use product-name keywords for roundups so each comment gets the right link.
- Check your program's rules on where links may appear before automating.
- Audit old reels monthly for dead or out-of-stock links.
- Test it. Test every template from a second account before the post goes live. Setup takes about four minutes, and a test comment shows you exactly what a follower will see.
Gating the link with a follow-gated DM turns every request into a follower. See Instagram DM automation for affiliate marketers for the full setup.
Which caption call to action goes with these DMs?
- "Comment LINK and I'll DM you where to get it. #ad"
- "Comment the product name (SERUM, CLEANSER, MIST) for each link. Affiliate links."
- "Everything in this reel: comment SHOP."
The format is explained in comment for link on Instagram.