Automating Comments on Facebook & Instagram Posts: Engaging Leads Directly in Public Spaces

Social media comments aren't just for interacting with potential customers—they're an opportunity to create visible engagement that builds trust with a broader audience. With Tradie Hub’s automations, you can not only respond to comments via direct messages (DMs) but also automate responses directly in the comments section of your Facebook and Instagram posts.

This two-pronged approach—public replies followed by private DMs—helps engage leads instantly, maintain a professional presence, and drive them to take the next step, whether it's calling your business, visiting your website, or booking an appointment.

Why Automating Comments is a Game-Changer for Trades

1. Visible Interaction:

   • Public responses show other potential customers that you're active, responsive, and ready to help.

2. Boosted Engagement:

   • Posts with more comments and replies are prioritised by social media algorithms, improving reach.

3. Seamless Follow-Up:

   • Automation can guide users from a comment reply into a DM, where the conversation continues privately.

4. Call-to-Action Integration:

   • Push leads to take specific actions, such as calling, visiting a website, or using a booking bot.

How It Works

Using automations, you can create workflows for public comment replies that lead seamlessly into private DMs. Here's how it typically plays out:

1. Trigger:

   • A user comments on your post or ad using specific keywords or phrases (e.g., "QUOTE" or "INFO").

2. Public Comment Reply:

   • Automation posts a public response to their comment, acknowledging their interest and prompting the next step (e.g., "Thanks for your interest! We've sent you a DM with more details.").

3. Private DM:

   • The user receives a direct message with personalised information or instructions.

   • This is a good time to get contact details to add the lead to your database.

4. Push to Action OR Provide Information:

   • The DM includes a call-to-action (CTA) to book an appointment, visit your website, or call directly. It can also give information and send links to resources.

Use Cases for Automating Comments and Follow-Up DMs

1. Offering Quotes

• Post: “Need a free quote for your switchboard upgrade? Comment QUOTE below, and we’ll get back to you!”

• Trigger: Exact match for “QUOTE.”

• Automation:

  • Public Comment Reply: “Thanks for commenting! We’ve sent you a message with more details.”

  • DM: “Hi, can you share your location and a few details about your switchboard? Once we have this, we’ll provide a quote.”

  • Push to Action: Include a link to book an inspection or call directly: “Here’s the link to schedule an inspection: [Booking Link].”

2. FAQs About Services

• Post: “Got questions about bushfire sprinklers? Ask below!”

• Trigger: Contains phrases like “price,” “cost,” or “details.”

• Automation:

  • Public Comment Reply: “Great question! Check your inbox for all the details.”

  • DM: “Here’s everything you need to know about our bushfire sprinkler systems, including pricing. Would you like to book a free consultation? [Booking Link].”

3. Seasonal Offers

• Post: “Limited-time offer: 20% off air conditioning servicing. Comment DEAL to claim!”

• Trigger: Exact match for “DEAL.”

• Automation:

  • Public Comment Reply: “We’ve sent you a DM with all the info you need. Check it out!”

  • DM: “Thanks for your interest! Here’s your 20% discount code: AC20. Let’s book a time for your service: [Booking Link].”

4. Promoting Free Guides

• Post: “Download our free guide: ‘5 Warning Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring.’ Comment GUIDE to get your copy.”

• Trigger: Exact match for “GUIDE.”

• Automation:

  • Public Comment Reply: “Thanks for commenting! Check your inbox for the guide.”

  • DM: “Here’s your free guide: [Guide Link]. Let us know if you’d like a professional to inspect your wiring.”

Pushing Leads to Book or Take Action

The goal of public and private responses is to convert engagement into meaningful actions. With automation, you can integrate booking bots, website links, or direct calls to streamline the process:

• Booking Bot:

  • After the DM, a selected action could prompt a booking bot to take over and schedule the lead.

• Website Link:

  • Direct users to a relevant landing page for more details: “Here’s everything about our services: [Website Link].”

• Direct Call:

  • Include a clickable phone number for immediate assistance: “Call us now at [Phone Number].”

The Benefits of Automating Comments and DMs

1. Increased Visibility:

   • Public replies show responsiveness, encouraging others to engage.

2. Streamlined Lead Conversion:

   • Moving the conversation to DMs allows for a more personalised and private interaction, increasing conversion rates.

3. Hands-Off Efficiency:

   • AI chatbots handle enquiries, qualification, and bookings, freeing up time for business owners.

4. Consistent Branding:

   • Automated responses ensure a professional tone and messaging across all interactions.

5. Boosted Sales:

   • Engaging within seconds and pushing leads to book or call drives higher conversion rates.

Conclusion

By combining public comment replies with private DMs and seamless CTAs, trades businesses can maximise the impact of their social media engagement. Tradie Hub’s automations make this process effortless, ensuring no lead slips through the cracks.

Start automating your comment-to-DM workflows today and watch your social media channels turn into lead-generating machines!