Instagram DMs can be a powerful tool to sell event tickets if used correctly. Instead of sending generic messages, focus on creating personalized, clear, and engaging DMs that resonate with your audience. Here's what you need to know:
- Know Your Audience: Segment followers into three groups - engaged followers, past ticket buyers, and new potential buyers. Tailor your messages to their interest level.
- Include Key Details: Always provide the event name, date, time, location, ticket price, and highlights. Make it easy to understand and act on.
- Start Conversations: Open with a question like, "Have you attended before?" or “What kind of events do you enjoy?” This builds engagement before sharing a ticket link.
- Use Structure: Create DMs with these six parts: personal greeting, reason they'll care, event details, urgency or proof, ticket link, and a follow-up plan.
- Keep It Friendly: Write in a conversational tone, use short sentences, and format for easy reading on mobile.
For example, instead of saying, "We have an event, check the link," try:
"Hey Alex! Saw you loved our last event. We’re hosting another on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in LA, with Charlotte de Witte headlining. Early bird tickets are $40 until next week. Here’s the link: [ticket link]. Bringing friends? Let me know!"
Finally, tools like Membrz.Club can simplify ticketing, automate follow-ups, and track buyer data, making your DM strategy even more effective. Start by testing one personalized message today!
How To Close High-Ticket Sales In Instagram DMs (Even With A Tiny Audience)
Know Your Audience Before You Message
Understanding your audience is crucial - your message should match each follower's level of interest and readiness to buy. By analyzing their behavior and past interactions, you can craft messages that feel personal and relevant, not random. Think about who’s engaging with your content, who’s purchased tickets before, and who’s just discovering your events. Each group needs a different approach.
This understanding is the foundation for writing direct messages (DMs) that not only capture attention but also drive ticket sales. Next, let’s dive into how to segment your audience for more precise messaging.
3 Types of Ticket Buyers in Your DMs
Your Instagram followers can typically be grouped into three categories, and tailoring your messages to each group can make a big difference.
- Engaged followers: These are the people who regularly like, comment, and view your stories. They’re already familiar with you, so keep your tone casual and conversational. For example, reach out to those who’ve viewed multiple stories about your event or commented on recent posts.
- Past ticket buyers: These are your most reliable audience members - they’ve already attended your events and experienced what you offer. A gentle reminder about your upcoming events is often all it takes. Tools like Membrz.Club can help by saving customer data from past ticket sales, making it easy to re-engage these loyal buyers.
- New potential buyers: These are followers who haven’t purchased tickets yet and might not interact with your content often. Maybe they found you through a hashtag, a shared post, or Instagram’s explore page. For this group, introduce your brand clearly and emphasize what makes your event stand out.
By identifying which group a follower belongs to, you can create a message that resonates and leads to action.
What to Include in Every Ticket DM
No matter who you’re messaging, certain details should always be part of your ticket-selling DM. Leaving out key information can confuse potential buyers or make them hesitate.
- Event name: Be upfront about what you’re promoting. If your event has a unique theme or features a well-known artist, mention it right away.
- Date and time: Provide a clear and specific schedule, like "Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 9:00 PM."
- Venue location: Include the venue name and city. For example, "The Roxy in Los Angeles" works well, especially in larger metro areas where people might travel from nearby suburbs. If the venue is tricky to find, consider mentioning a nearby landmark.
- Pricing: Be transparent about costs. For instance, "$25" or "$30 early bird, $40 at the door" works great. If tickets come with perks like drinks, a meet-and-greet, or special access, make sure to highlight those.
- Event highlights: Share what makes the event special. Is it a live DJ set, a rooftop experience, or a performance by a popular artist? Give people a quick mental snapshot of what they can expect. The clearer you are, the easier it is for them to say yes.
Ask Questions Before Sending Ticket Links
Sending a ticket link without context can feel spammy and often gets ignored. Instead, start with a simple question to spark interest and begin a real conversation.
Try asking:
- "Have you attended before?"
- "What types of events do you enjoy?"
- "Are you bringing friends?"
These questions serve multiple purposes. The first helps you figure out if the person is a repeat buyer, so you can tailor your message accordingly. The second gives insight into their preferences, helping you customize your pitch. The third opens the door to group sales or table reservations, which often lead to bigger purchases.
By asking these questions, you can filter out uninterested followers while making those who engage feel valued. Once someone responds positively, you’ve earned the opportunity to share your ticket link - and they’ll be much more likely to click it. Tools like Membrz.Club’s automated messaging system can make this process smoother by tracking responses, following up at the right time, and collecting data to improve future campaigns.
With this approach, you’re ready to create DMs that turn followers into ticket buyers.
How to Build a Ticket-Selling DM
Crafting a well-structured DM can mean the difference between someone scrolling past your message and someone clicking "buy now." The secret? Follow a proven framework that takes the reader from curiosity to commitment.
Think of your DM as a mini sales conversation. Imagine you're at a party - you wouldn't just shove a flyer at someone, right? Instead, you'd start by connecting, explaining why they'd enjoy the event, and making it easy for them to say yes. Here's how to break it down step-by-step.
6 Parts Every Ticket DM Needs
To create a DM that converts, you need to understand your audience and use a clear structure. Every ticket-selling DM should include these six essential components:
1. Personal greeting
Start your message on a friendly note. Use their name if you know it, or reference something specific about their interests or recent activity. For example, "Hey Sarah!" feels much warmer than a generic "Hi there." If they've interacted with your content, show you noticed: "Saw you loved that Carl Cox set we shared!" This makes your message feel personal, not like a mass blast.
2. Reason they'll care
Explain why your event matters to them. Tie it to their interests or past behavior. For example, "Since you’ve been to our last three shows, I wanted to give you first dibs on this one." Or for new followers: "Noticed you follow a lot of house music DJs - this event is right up your alley." Make it about what they’ll enjoy, not about your need to sell tickets.
3. Event details
Be clear and concise. Include the event name, date, time, venue, and ticket price. If there are perks (like VIP access or free drinks), mention them. Format this part so it’s easy to skim, helping them decide quickly if they’re interested.
4. Proof or urgency element
Give them a reason to act now. Highlight something like limited tickets or how many people have already bought theirs. For example, "Early bird tickets are almost sold out!" or "Over 300 people have already grabbed theirs." This creates momentum and reduces hesitation.
5. Ticket link
Only share the link after building interest. Say something like, "Here’s the link if you want to grab tickets:" and place the URL on its own line for clarity. If you’re using a platform like Membrz.Club, your link will take them straight to a mobile-friendly checkout, making the process fast and easy.
6. Follow-up plan
End your message by keeping the conversation open. Invite questions and let them know you’ll follow up within 24-48 hours, especially if there’s a time-sensitive offer. Tools like Membrz.Club’s automated messaging system can even track who opened your DM or clicked the link, so you know who might need a reminder and who’s already purchased.
Good vs. Bad DM Examples
To see this framework in action, let’s compare two examples for the same event. The difference is night and day.
Bad DM example:
Hey! We have an event coming up. It’s going to be really cool with great music and vibes. You should come! Link in bio. Let me know if you want tickets.
This message misses the mark. It’s not personalized, lacks event details (when? where? how much?), and doesn’t explain why the recipient should care. The vague "link in bio" makes them work to find tickets, and there’s no urgency to act. Most people will ignore this.
Good DM example:
Hey Marcus! Saw you were at our warehouse party last month - loved your energy on the dance floor.
We’re throwing another one on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 PM, same spot in Brooklyn. This time we’ve got Nina Kraviz headlining, plus a surprise B2B set.
Early bird tickets are $30 (goes up to $45 at the door), and we’re down to about 40 left at this price. Over 300 people already grabbed theirs.
Here’s the link if you want to secure your spot: [ticket link]
Bringing your crew again? I can set you up with a group discount if you’re getting 4+ tickets. Let me know!
This version works because it’s personal, clear, and engaging. It starts with a reference to Marcus’s past attendance, making the message feel tailored. Event details are specific and easy to find. Social proof (300 tickets sold) and urgency (only 40 left) encourage action. The link is prominent, and the group discount adds extra value while inviting a larger purchase.
The tone is friendly and conversational, not pushy. It even anticipates objections by mentioning the price increase at the door, giving Marcus a financial reason to act now. Small touches like these turn a simple pitch into a thoughtful, helpful message.
When you’re crafting your own DMs, use this framework as your checklist. Before hitting send, ask yourself:
- Is it personalized?
- Did I give them a reason to care?
- Are all the details clear?
- Is there urgency or proof?
- Is the link easy to find?
- Do I have a plan to follow up?
If you can check all these boxes, you’ve got a DM that’s ready to convert.
DM Templates for Different Situations
Tailor your DM tone to fit the recipient - what you’d say to a long-time attendee isn’t the same as what a new voter might need to hear. Using the six-part DM framework as a guide, here are some templates for various scenarios. Adjust them to suit your style and event, while keeping the focus on driving a response.
Pre-Sale and Early Access Messages
Pre-sale DMs are all about making your audience feel like VIPs. By offering early access, you create a sense of exclusivity and urgency. Start by explaining why they’re getting this special treatment - it’s for your loyal followers, after all.
Here’s an example:
Hey [Name]! I wanted to let you in on something exciting before anyone else. We’re announcing a new event next Friday, March 14, 2025, and I’m giving you early access before it goes public.
It’s going to be our biggest warehouse party yet - 12 hours, three stages, and an incredible lineup (details drop Monday). Early bird tickets are just $35 (regular price is $55).
Pre-sale starts tomorrow at 12:00 PM EST, and only 100 tickets will be available at this price. I’ll send you the link as soon as it’s live.
Want me to hold a spot for you? Let me know how many tickets you need!
This message keeps it simple: tease the event, create urgency with limited tickets, and make it easy for them to respond.
If you’re using Membrz.Club for ticket sales, you can set up your event and generate personalized links in seconds. This way, when the pre-sale starts, you’re ready to send out links without any hassle.
For events further out, a “save the date” approach works well:
Hey Jordan! Just giving you a heads-up - we’re hosting our annual rooftop party on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Tickets go on sale April 1st.
Last year, we sold out in 48 hours, so I’m reaching out to our regulars first. Early bird tickets are $40 (they’ll go up to $60 after the first 200 sell).
I’ll send you the link when sales open. Sound good?
This type of message plants the idea early, uses past success as proof, and sets clear expectations - without being too pushy.
Following Up with Story Interactions
When followers engage with your stories, it’s the perfect opportunity to start a conversation. These are warm leads, so your follow-up should feel natural, not like a hard sell. Stick to the framework: greet them personally, share event details, and create urgency.
For example, if you posted a poll asking, "Who’s ready for another warehouse party?" and someone voted yes, you could respond like this:
Hey Alex! Saw you voted yes on our poll - love the enthusiasm!
We’re throwing one on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11:00 PM in downtown LA. It’ll be a techno-focused night with Charlotte de Witte headlining.
Tickets are $40 right now but will jump to $50 next week. We’ve already sold 250, and we’re capping it at 500 to keep the vibe intimate.
Here’s the link if you want to grab one: [ticket link]
Let me know if you have any questions!
If someone replies to your story asking, “When’s the next event?” you could say:
Hey! Glad you asked - we’ve got one coming up on April 18, 2025, at The Warehouse on 5th Street. Doors open at 10:00 PM, and we’ve got two headliners lined up.
Tickets are $35 this week, then they’ll go up to $45. About 180 people have already snagged theirs, and we’re expecting to sell out soon.
Here’s the link: [ticket link]
You coming through?
Ending with a casual question keeps the conversation open and invites a response.
Limited-Time Offers and Group Deals
Flash sales and group discounts rely on urgency. Make the deadline clear, and emphasize what they’ll miss if they wait too long.
For a 24-hour flash sale, try this:
Hey Taylor! Just wanted to let you know we’re running a 24-hour flash sale for our May 3rd event. Tickets are normally $50, but right now they’re $35.
The sale ends May 1st at 11:59 PM EST. We’ve already sold 120 tickets, and prices will go up after that.
Here’s the link: [ticket link]
If you’ve been on the fence, now’s the perfect time!
For group deals, focus on the savings and keep it straightforward:
Hey Morgan! I know you usually bring a crew to our events, so I’ve got a group deal for you.
For our June 14th party, if you grab 4 or more tickets, I can drop the price to $30 each (normally $45). That’s $60 in savings if you bring your friends.
There are about 50 tickets left at this price, and they’re moving fast. Want me to set you up with a discount code?
Just let me know how many tickets you need, and I’ll send it over.
Using Membrz.Club, you can easily create discount codes, automate ticket links, and track engagement - making it simple to reconnect with these groups for future events.
VIP Upgrade Offers
When promoting VIP upgrades, focus on the experience you’re offering. Make it clear why it’s worth the extra cost.
Hey Chris! Tickets for our July 20th event are live, and I wanted to let you know we’ve got a limited number of VIP passes available.
VIP perks include: skip-the-line entry, access to the upstairs lounge with a private bar, a complimentary drink on arrival, and a meet-and-greet with the headliner at 1:00 PM.
Interested in upgrading? Let me know, and I’ll secure your VIP pass.
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Writing Style and Instagram Rules
When crafting DMs, aim to sound personal and approachable. The goal is to come across as genuine, building trust and encouraging interaction. If your messages feel like automated replies or stiff corporate emails, they’ll likely be ignored. On top of that, staying within Instagram's guidelines is essential to avoid getting flagged or restricted.
How to Sound Like a Person, Not a Bot
Write as if you're talking to a friend. Use contractions like "you're" instead of "you are" and "we've" instead of "we have." Avoid overly formal phrases like "We cordially invite you" or "Please be advised." Instead, keep it casual with lines like "Hey, just wanted to let you know" or "Quick heads-up."
Keep your language simple and direct. For example, instead of saying, "We are pleased to announce our upcoming event", try "We're throwing a party on Saturday, and I think you'd love it." It’s easier to read and feels more natural.
Use emojis sparingly - no more than two per message. A well-placed emoji, like a fire emoji 🔥 next to a headliner’s name or a calendar emoji 📅 before the event date, can add personality. But avoid overloading your message with emojis; it can come across as over-the-top.
Ask questions to keep the conversation going. Instead of ending with "Here's the link", try "Sound good?" or "Will you be there?" Questions encourage a response and make the exchange feel less one-sided.
Steer clear of marketing buzzwords like "exclusive opportunity" or "limited-time offer." These sound spammy and turn people off. Instead, be straightforward: "We've only got 50 tickets left at this price" or "Prices go up next week."
Format DMs for Easy Reading
Once your tone feels natural, focus on making your message easy to read. Instagram DMs are read on phones, so formatting is key. Long paragraphs are hard to scan and often ignored. Break your message into short sections with line breaks for key details.
Highlight important information - like the date, time, price, and venue - on separate lines to make it stand out. For example:
Saturday, August 16, 2025
10:00 PM - 4:00 AM
The Warehouse on 5th Street
Tickets: $40 (early bird) / $55 (regular)
This layout makes it easy for someone to grab the details without having to reread everything.
Keep sentences short. If a sentence takes up more than two lines on a phone screen, break it into two smaller ones. This keeps your message readable and engaging.
Use capital letters or asterisks to emphasize key points, but don’t overdo it. For instance, you might write, "Tickets are selling FAST - grab yours now!" to draw attention without overwhelming the reader.
Place your call-to-action (CTA) near the end of the message, but don’t bury it. After sharing the event details and creating urgency, add a line break and include your ticket link or a question like, "Ready to grab your spot?" This makes it clear what you want them to do next.
Stick to one concise message instead of sending multiple fragmented ones. Unless you’re responding to a follow-up, keep everything in a single message for clarity.
Stay Within Instagram's DM Guidelines
Even with a polished tone and format, you need to follow Instagram’s rules to keep your account safe. Violating these rules can lead to restrictions or even a ban, so it’s important to be mindful of how you send DMs.
Avoid mass messaging people who haven’t interacted with your account. If you’re reaching out to someone new, make sure they’ve engaged with your content first - liked a post, responded to a poll, or replied to a story. Instagram flags accounts that send identical messages to large groups of people in a short time.
Personalize your messages. Small touches, like using someone’s name or referencing a specific interaction, can help your DMs avoid spam filters. If you’re sending similar messages to multiple people, tweak the wording to make each one slightly different.
Respect requests to stop messaging. If someone asks you not to message them again, honor their request immediately. Ignoring this can lead to your account being reported.
Use tools that comply with Instagram’s official API if you need help managing a lot of conversations. Platforms like Membrz.Club integrate with Instagram’s API, making it easier to handle high volumes without breaking the rules.
Don’t send too many messages in a short time. Instagram tracks your DM activity, and a sudden spike - like sending 50 messages in an hour when you usually send five - can flag your account. Spread your outreach over several days to avoid this.
Always provide context before sharing a link. Instead of dropping a link with no explanation, say something like, "Here’s the link to grab your tickets" or "I’ll send you the event page." This builds trust and reduces the chance of your message being flagged.
Focus on keeping your messages relevant and valuable to the recipient. Only reach out to people who’ve shown genuine interest in your events. If someone DMs you about a past event, answer their question before bringing up your next one.
Instagram also limits the number of messages you can send if your account is new or has low engagement. Build credibility by posting regularly, interacting with followers, and encouraging organic engagement before diving into DM-based outreach.
Use Membrz.Club to Manage DM Ticket Sales
Once you've crafted effective DMs, managing ticket sales becomes the next step. Without a streamlined system, handling links, tracking buyers, and following up can become a hassle. That’s where Membrz.Club steps in - it combines event setup, ticket sales, and customer data management into one easy-to-use platform. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with the DM strategies we’ve already discussed.
Set Up Events and Sell Tickets in 30 Seconds
Speed matters when you're responding to DMs. If someone asks about tickets, you don’t have time to dig through various tools to find the right link. With Membrz.Club, you can create an event and generate a ticket link in less than 30 seconds - keeping the conversation alive while the buyer is still engaged.
Here’s how it works: Enter the event details like name, date, time, venue, and price. The platform then creates a mobile-friendly ticket page. Share the link, and your audience can purchase tickets instantly. Their information - including email addresses - is captured automatically, helping you build a list of engaged buyers.
The platform also features a smart link that consolidates all your events, products, and offers under a single URL. Instead of juggling multiple links, you can share one link across your Instagram bio, stories, and DMs - keeping everything organized and simple for your audience.
Automate Your Messaging System
Membrz.Club doesn’t just stop at ticket sales - it also helps you automate parts of your messaging system, freeing up your time for more meaningful interactions.
Through its direct integration with Instagram, the platform tracks purchases and tags buyers in your system. This makes it easy to identify who has bought tickets, who’s shown interest, and who might need a follow-up message.
Future updates will include even more automation. For example, if someone clicks your ticket link but doesn’t complete the purchase, the system can automatically send a follow-up message - maybe even with a limited-time discount to encourage action. Buyers will also receive automated confirmation messages with event details and calendar reminders.
Planned integrations with tools like Manychat and WhatsApp will expand these capabilities, helping you capture leads and sell tickets across multiple channels.
Save Customer Data for Future Events
One of the biggest challenges for event promoters is starting fresh every time they host an event. Membrz.Club eliminates this problem by saving and organizing customer data, making it easy to re-engage past attendees.
Every ticket purchase is logged, creating a detailed record of buyer history. This data lets you reconnect with previous attendees, offering them early access or discounts for your next event.
"Membrz made it easy to set up everything in one place, and even gave me perks like collecting user data. It's simple, but it works. And that's exactly what I needed." - Louis, Small Business Owner
You can also segment your audience based on their behavior. For instance, you can target VIP ticket buyers with exclusive offers or follow up with those who showed interest but didn’t purchase. Membrz.Club’s analytics provide insights into what works, so you can fine-tune your messaging for better results.
The platform even includes tools to build customer loyalty. Memberships, reward programs, and exclusive offers for repeat buyers can turn one-time attendees into a loyal community of event-goers.
With these features, Membrz.Club doesn’t just improve your DM strategy - it transforms your entire ticketing process, helping you sell more tickets and strengthen connections with your audience.
Start Writing DMs That Sell Tickets
You’ve got all the tools to turn Instagram conversations into ticket sales - by understanding your audience, keeping it personal, and making buying effortless.
Start by tailoring your message to each follower’s position in the buying process. Not everyone sliding into your DMs is ready to buy right away. Some just need a little nudge, while others might require more details or reassurance. Think back to the key elements we covered earlier: meet them where they are. Ask questions, pay attention to their replies, and send a message that feels custom-made for them - not a one-size-fits-all pitch.
Make your DMs feel like a real conversation. Use their name, reference something specific they’ve mentioned, and keep a friendly tone throughout. Keep your messages short and easy to read - no one likes a wall of text. And don’t forget to include a clear next step, whether it’s clicking a link, replying to a question, or snagging tickets before they’re gone.
Don’t let the technical details slow you down. Tools like Membrz.Club simplify event setup, ticket links, and customer data management, so you can focus on engaging with followers instead of juggling multiple platforms.
Testing your messages is key. Track what’s working by monitoring response rates, clicks, and ticket sales. For example, promoters using Membrz.Club have increased pre-sales by over 30% and boosted revenue by up to 50%. Use this data to fine-tune the six-part framework we discussed earlier.
Pick one template from this guide and send it to five people today. Pay attention to how they respond, tweak your tone, experiment with different offers, and refine your strategy based on what works. With every DM, you’re getting closer to another sold ticket.
Your followers are already engaging with your content, asking questions, and showing interest. Now’s the time to turn those interactions into ticket sales with clear, personalized messages.
FAQs
How can I segment my Instagram followers to send personalized DMs for ticket sales?
Segmenting your Instagram followers allows you to send direct messages (DMs) that feel personal and relevant, making it easier to turn followers into ticket buyers. To get started, take a close look at your followers’ engagement habits - likes, comments, shares - and pinpoint your most active audience. Instagram's insights can also help you organize followers by location, age, or shared interests.
After grouping your audience, focus on crafting messages that speak directly to each segment. For instance, you could share local event details with followers nearby or offer special perks to your most engaged fans. This level of personalization makes your DMs more meaningful and boosts the chances of getting a response. If managing all this sounds overwhelming, Membrz.Club offers tools to automate and refine your Instagram outreach, making it easier to connect with your audience effectively.
How can I keep my DMs engaging and personal without coming across as robotic?
To keep your DMs engaging and friendly, write as though you're chatting with a friend. Stick to natural, conversational language and steer clear of anything that sounds too formal or pushy. Make it personal - use their name and, when possible, mention something specific about their interests or a prior interaction.
Keep things short and easy to read. If you have more to say, break it into smaller chunks rather than one long message. A sprinkle of emojis can add a touch of warmth and personality, but use them wisely so they match your brand's vibe. Lastly, wrap up with a friendly call-to-action - something casual like inviting them to explore an event or asking if they have questions about tickets.
How can I create urgency in my DMs to drive faster ticket sales?
Creating a sense of urgency in your direct messages can push followers to act sooner rather than later. Use language that emphasizes time sensitivity, like "Limited spots available!" or "Only a few tickets left - get yours before [specific date]!". Sweeten the deal by mentioning perks for early buyers, such as discounts or VIP access, to make the offer more enticing.
Deadlines work wonders too. For example, try phrases like "Offer ends tonight at 11:59 PM!". Combine this with a clear call-to-action, such as "Tap the link in our bio to lock in your spot now!". Keep the tone upbeat and persuasive to spark excitement while nudging followers to take immediate action.
