> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.willosend.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How WilloSend Works: Comment-to-DM Automation Flow

> Learn the 4-step flow behind WilloSend — from connecting Instagram to watching automated DMs land in your followers' inboxes around the clock.

WilloSend works by watching your Instagram comments in real time and firing a personalized DM the moment someone uses the keyword you set. There are no flowcharts to build, no code to write, and no manual follow-up required. You set it up once, and every matching comment triggers an instant, compliant message — whether you're online or not.

## The problem it solves

You post a reel. It does well. Comments roll in: *"LINK please!" "How do I sign up?" "Where do I buy this?"* And then life happens. You're filming your next video, in a meeting, or simply asleep. By the time you open your phone six hours later, those buyers have moved on. You didn't start creating content so you could manually reply to every comment around the clock.

WilloSend closes that gap. It monitors your posts 24/7 and responds to the right comments automatically — so no lead goes cold and no sale slips through.

## The 4-step flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect Instagram">
    Sign in to WilloSend and click **Connect Instagram**. A secure Facebook login window opens — log in with the Facebook account linked to your Instagram, then grant WilloSend permission to read comments and send messages. The whole thing takes under a minute, and WilloSend never receives your password.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick your keyword">
    Choose the word your audience will comment to trigger the DM. Keep it short, uppercase, and directly tied to your offer — for example, **LINK**, **GUIDE**, **TEMPLATE**, or **YES**. When you post, you'll tell your audience exactly what to type, so make it easy to remember.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write your DM once">
    Type the message you want every matching commenter to receive. Include your link, lead magnet, or offer, and use the `[First Name]` variable so each message feels personal. Add a couple of emoji to keep the tone warm. You write it once — WilloSend handles the sending every time.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Post and relax">
    Publish your reel or post and add a clear call to action in your caption: *"Comment GUIDE and I'll DM you the link instantly."* From that point on, WilloSend listens to your comments around the clock. The moment someone types your keyword, they receive your DM — usually within seconds.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## The flat-rate advantage

Most automation tools charge you per contact, so your bill grows every time your audience grows. WilloSend doesn't work that way. Your monthly subscription stays exactly the same whether a post quietly brings in 50 leads or a viral reel sends 50,000 followers to your DMs. You never pay more just because your content is performing well.

<Info>
  WilloSend also includes **Viral Post Protection** — one free overage per account per month. If an unexpected post blows up and you exceed your monthly DM limit, your automations keep running and you won't be charged extra for that spike.
</Info>

## Beyond comment triggers

Once your first campaign is live, you can layer on additional features to drive more conversions:

* **Comment replies** — automatically reply publicly to matching comments (*"Just sent it to your DMs! 🚀"*) to boost engagement and let other viewers know it works
* **Follow-up messages** — send a second nudge 24 hours later to anyone who received your DM but didn't click your link
* **Story mention triggers** — fire a DM when a follower replies to your Instagram Story
* **Analytics** — track DMs sent, link clicks, and open rates to see which posts drive the most results

<Note>
  WilloSend uses Meta's official Business API exclusively — no bots, no scraping, no third-party workarounds. Your account stays fully compliant with Instagram's terms of service at every step.
</Note>