We need to talk about the awkward middle of a DM thread

It happens to the best of us.

You post something valuable. They drop a “love this” or react with a heart-eyes emoji.
You reply with something thoughtful and… crickets. Or worse, a polite head nod of a response.

Cue you staring at your screen thinking:
“Okay… so do I pivot? Do I follow up again? Do I fake a Wi-Fi outage and never open Instagram again?”

This post is for that moment. Because yes, cold comments and lukewarm replies can be revived – with strategy and a dash of “I actually really care.”

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Why cold comments deserve more credit

Here’s the thing: not every lead is going to write you a heartfelt paragraph in your DMs.

Sometimes they’re on the go. Sometimes they don’t know what to say. Sometimes their VA replied with a thumbs up and kept it moving.

But that doesn’t mean the conversation is dead.

It just means you need a better opener.

The key?

Stop trying to bring them back to your original point. Instead, follow their cue, and then make it a two-way street again.

Let’s look at how.

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Conversation Revival Templates (That Don’t Feel Forced)

Option 1: Look to their activity

A quick scroll through their page can reveal gold. Use what you find to personalize your re-entry into the chat.

When you need more fodder to get them talking:
“By the way, I saw your recent post on [topic] – such a good take. Do you think [follow-up question]?”

When you want them to know you’re paying attention:
“I was actually thinking about you and your [project or offer] when I posted this. How are you approaching [topic] right now in your world?”

When you want to show a little love:
“Okay wait – how are you even online right now while juggling [personal share]? Teach me your ways.”

These work because they loop the focus back to them – which, let’s be honest, is everyone’s favorite subject.

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Option 2: Loop back to your content

Sometimes people drop “cool!” on a post where you dropped actual gold.
Let’s redirect that attention back to the value you shared – without sounding like you’re begging for praise.

When you want to see what they know in relation to your topic:
“Thanks for the love! Have you ever tried [tip you mentioned]? It made such a difference for me.”

When you want to get them super chatty:
“Appreciate it! I’m so curious how folks are applying [your idea]. What are you working on right now that this could help with?”

When you want them to go deeper on the topic:
“Not to gatekeep, but… what do you usually do when you’re trying to [relevant outcome or topic]? Always love hearing different approaches.”

These aren’t just convo starters – they’re gentle diagnostics. You’re learning about where they are and whether your offer is relevant (without being weird about it).

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Pro tip: Not every reply has to sell – but every reply can build connection

That one-word comment? It’s not a dead end. It’s a breadcrumb.
And when you respond with curiosity and intention, you create the kind of engagement that feels like a real conversation – not a pitch in disguise.

And yes, some of those conversations do turn into aligned clients.
Especially when you’re leading them toward a clear, magnetic group offer.

Not sure your group offer is even the one to be selling right now?

Start with The Genius Locator – it’ll help you get clarity on what to lead with (and why people will actually want to talk about it with you).

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Your next best move

Once you’ve revived a conversation, track it. Seriously.
If they mention a future launch, a problem they’re working through, or something they’ve tried before – note it down and circle back later.

Revisiting past convos with relevance builds more trust than any “just checking in” message ever could.

Want to build a business where DMs aren’t your only lead source?

That’s exactly what we walk through inside Make It Online – from structured messaging to scalable offers that give your marketing (and time) more range.

Until then, save this post, open those dusty threads, and start writing replies that lead somewhere worth going.