What makes a booking DM work?
Someone asking how to book has already decided they want the service. The DM removes the last obstacles: where, how much, how long. The setup is in the booking appointments use case.
- Link to the service, not the menu. Most booking tools have a direct link per service.
- Answer the next question in advance: price, duration or deposit.
- Leave a door open. "Reply here if your date isn't listed" keeps the odd cases human.
- Follow up once. One nudge for people who opened the link and did not book.
For questions no keyword covers, AI auto replies answer in your voice from your own information.
Booking DM templates for creators
DM
Thanks for reaching out, {first_name}. My media kit and rates are here: {link} Book a 15 minute call on the last page and we'll go from there.
Public reply
Sent you the booking link
DM
Hi {first_name}, you can book a 45 minute consult here: {link} I open new slots every Monday.
Follow up
Monday's slots are open. Here's the link if you still want one: {link}
Booking DM templates for shops and brands
Public reply
Check your DMs
DM
Hi {first_name}, our stylists do free 30 minute sessions, in store or on video: {link} Tell us your size and occasion when you book.
DM
Hi {first_name}, you can book a showroom visit here: {link} We're open Tuesday to Saturday, and there's free parking behind the building.
Follow up
Still planning a visit? Weekday mornings are the quietest: {link}
Booking DM templates for coaches and course creators
Public reply
Link's in your DMs
DM
Thanks {first_name}. Here's my calendar for a free 20 minute call: {link} Come with the one thing you most want to change this quarter.
Follow up
A few calls left this week. Here's the link: {link}
DM
Hi {first_name}, strategy sessions are 90 minutes and $300. Book and pay here: {link} You'll get a short form to fill in before we meet.
Booking DM templates for local businesses
Public reply
Booking link sent
DM
Hi {first_name}, you can book this exact look here: {link} It's about 3 hours, so morning slots work best. A $20 deposit holds it.
Follow up
Saturday slots go first. Here's the link again: {link}
DM
Hi {first_name}, you can book a check-up online here: {link} New patients get a 45 minute first visit. If you need an urgent appointment, call us instead.
Booking DM templates for agencies and client accounts
Public reply
Sent you the details
DM
Thanks {first_name}. Here's a 30 minute slot with our strategist: {link} We'll look at your last 90 days before the call.
Follow up
Did you find a time that works? If none fit, reply with two times and we'll make one.
DM
Hi {first_name}, viewings for this home are Saturday 10am to 2pm. Pick a slot here: {link} The floor plan is attached on the same page.
Answer "how do I book?" in seconds
Set a booking keyword once and it works on every post and in your inbox.
How do you adapt these templates?
- Swap in your service link so people land on the right booking page.
- Put your real price, duration and deposit in the DM if people always ask.
- Set BOOK as a [Global Trigger](/features/global-keyword-triggers) so it answers on every post, story reply and DM.
- Keep complaints human. Do not automate replies to anything sensitive.
- 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.
If you run a salon or studio, see Instagram DM automation for salons and beauty for a full setup.
Which caption call to action goes with these DMs?
- "Comment BOOK and I'll DM you the link for this exact service."
- "Free 20 minute call: comment CALL and I'll send my calendar."
- "Comment VIEWING for Saturday's open house slots."
For local businesses, add the area you serve so the people commenting can actually come in.