Growing a Social Media Marketing Agency (SMMA) can be a challenging venture, but there are innovative ways to book calls consistently and drive client engagement. Here, I’ll walk you through a strategic outreach method designed to help you generate up to 10 booked calls daily, using a streamlined script, automation tools, and virtual assistants (VAs). From tracking progress to setting up multiple social media accounts, these techniques maximize outreach efforts while maintaining efficiency.

The Foundation: Tools to Track and Manage Outreach

To get started, you need a robust tracking system. This ensures that the outreach is measurable, and you can optimize efforts as data accumulates. For tracking VA productivity and monitoring their screen activity, we use Screenshot Monitor. This tool logs hourly activity, which helps assess performance in real-time. Setting this up is simple—visit Screenshot Monitor’s website and get started for free.

Leveraging Multiple Social Media Accounts

Each VA under our outreach strategy manages several social media accounts to maximize our reach. Here’s how we set up accounts:

1. Account Types: For Facebook, we purchase aged accounts (typically from 2017), and for Instagram, we use accounts that are at least six months old. These are crucial for higher engagement rates and reduced restrictions.
2. Proxy Connections: Each account is linked to a unique proxy to prevent IP-related issues. We use IPv6 proxies, which are both cost-effective and scalable. Each VA is assigned around 10 Facebook accounts and 5 Instagram accounts, all linked through dedicated proxies. Hide My Ass (HMA) is our go-to tool for connecting each account to a proxy.

Managing Outreach with Multiple Accounts

Once the VAs have their accounts set up, we use a tool that enables mass messaging across multiple platforms. Each day, VAs send thousands of DMs to potential clients across Facebook and Instagram, achieving a high level of engagement by keeping the messaging friendly and unassuming.

The DM Script That Drives Engagement

The key to booking calls through DM outreach is a carefully crafted script. Here’s the breakdown of how we structure it for maximum impact:

1. Opening Message: Start with an informal, friendly tone. We use a simple “yo” to make it sound conversational. The message highlights the offer immediately. For instance, “Yo, could I offer you five to ten guaranteed appointments in your niche using our AI tool?”
2. The Wow Factor: Phrases like “guaranteed appointments” and “AI tool” create intrigue. This wording increases response rates because potential clients are curious to learn more.
3. Follow-Up Tactics: After the initial message, VAs follow up by engaging with the recipient’s stories or posts on Instagram. Story replies and comments often prompt a response more effectively than direct follow-ups alone, as they blend naturally into the platform’s interaction style.

Building Conversation Momentum

Once the recipient engages, VAs use a series of follow-up messages to qualify them. These questions might include, “Awesome, where are you from?” or “Are you scaling your agency right now?” This conversational approach gradually leads them to the offer stage without seeming pushy.

Adding Scarcity to Boost Conversions

To create a sense of urgency, our follow-ups include scarcity-driven language, like “We’re only looking for three more agencies to work with this month.” This tactic nudges potential clients towards commitment, as they’re more likely to respond promptly when they feel an opportunity is limited.

The Role of ManyChat in Scaling Outreach

For automating and managing high-volume DM outreach, ManyChat is an indispensable tool. It allows us to handle thousands of messages without overloading the team or getting flagged for spam. Each VA is trained to manage ManyChat effectively, ensuring smooth communication flow across multiple channels and accounts.

Efficiently Scaling with Virtual Assistants (VAs)

One of the most effective components of this outreach strategy is the use of Virtual Assistants (VAs). Each VA is assigned a set of social media accounts to help scale the outreach process, driving the bulk of daily DMs sent to potential clients. With the right training and oversight, VAs can handle the high-volume outreach that’s essential for consistent lead generation. Here’s how to maximize VA productivity and maintain quality control in your SMMA’s outreach efforts.

Hiring VAs on a Budget

Finding cost-effective VAs is key to scaling without breaking the bank. Many successful agencies hire VAs for as low as $1 an hour, compensating them additionally with commission on closed deals. This not only keeps costs down but also provides VAs with incentive to perform well. By aligning their earnings with the agency’s success, you foster a sense of motivation and accountability that can greatly enhance outreach quality and frequency.

Training VAs for Effective Outreach

Once hired, each VA goes through comprehensive training to ensure they understand the outreach script and can execute it effectively. Training includes:

• Learning the Script: Familiarizing VAs with the tone, language, and structure of the outreach script is crucial. Role-playing scenarios can help them practice how to respond to common objections and inquiries.
• Using Tools like Screenshot Monitor: This tool allows for easy tracking of VA activity, ensuring they’re fully focused and on-task. It logs the hours worked and the nature of tasks completed, making it easier to manage remote teams effectively.
• Navigating ManyChat: ManyChat is an essential tool for handling a high volume of DMs seamlessly. Training VAs on how to use ManyChat ensures they can respond quickly, manage multiple conversations, and keep engagement high.

Managing and Scaling Accounts

As outreach efforts scale, managing multiple social media accounts becomes increasingly complex. Here are strategies to keep it organized and efficient.

Securing Quality Accounts

It’s essential to use aged, high-quality accounts to avoid issues with platform restrictions. Bulk-buying accounts, particularly those that are aged, helps ensure a higher level of trustworthiness in the eyes of social media algorithms. Typically, 2017 accounts are recommended for Facebook, while six-month-old accounts work well for Instagram. Aged accounts experience fewer restrictions and are less likely to be flagged or banned, which is critical for maintaining consistent outreach.

Using Proxies to Avoid IP Conflicts

Each account needs to be connected to a unique proxy to prevent IP conflicts, which could raise red flags on social platforms. With IPv6 proxies, we assign one proxy per account. This setup allows each VA to manage around 10 Facebook and 5 Instagram accounts without triggering platform restrictions, as each account appears to be accessed from a different location. Hide My Ass (HMA) is a recommended tool for linking accounts with proxies effectively, offering affordable proxy options that scale as your outreach needs grow.

Keeping Track with Detailed Reporting

Monitoring the performance of outreach efforts is crucial for making improvements and maximizing results. Here’s how we ensure every DM counts:

Daily Reporting System

Each VA submits an end-of-day (EOD) report, which gives us clear insights into their activity, including the number of booked calls. This report typically includes:

• Number of Booked Calls: Tracking daily booked calls per VA allows us to quickly identify who’s performing well and where additional training or support might be needed.
• Performance Overview: Summary data on responses, engagement, and challenges encountered throughout the day.

Centralized Tracking Sheet

A centralized tracking sheet consolidates all outreach data in one place. This includes metrics like daily DMs sent, responses received, booked calls, and account activity. Having everything in one place helps quickly spot trends, test new strategies, and fine-tune the messaging or follow-up cadence to optimize results.

The Power of an Effective Follow-Up Strategy

Follow-ups play a crucial role in turning initial outreach into actual conversions. Given that many people may not respond to the first message, a thoughtful follow-up strategy is essential.

Types of Follow-Up Messages

1. Story Replies: Instead of sending a typical follow-up message, replying to stories on platforms like Instagram can be an effective way to re-engage prospects. Story replies appear more genuine and less sales-focused, which encourages recipients to respond.
2. Commenting on Posts: Commenting on potential clients’ posts is another way to make your outreach feel natural and conversational. It’s also a great way to re-establish visibility without sending multiple direct messages, which may seem intrusive.
3. Simple Reminders: A straightforward follow-up message works, too, especially when combined with softer touchpoints like comments and story replies.

Crafting a High-Impact Outreach Script

The outreach script is one of the most important elements in converting cold leads to interested clients. It’s designed to catch attention immediately and lead the conversation toward booking a call. A carefully crafted script can make all the difference in response rates and conversions. Here’s how to structure an effective outreach message.

Starting with a Friendly Opener

Begin the outreach message with a casual and friendly tone to make it approachable. For instance, starting with “Yo” or “Hey” in lowercase gives the impression of a casual conversation rather than a formal sales pitch. This helps put the recipient at ease, increasing the likelihood of engagement. Avoid overly formal language; instead, treat it as though you’re talking to a friend.

Leveraging “Wow” Factors

To make the script more compelling, integrate “wow” factors—statements that quickly convey value and pique interest. For instance:

• Offer Statement: “Could I offer you 5-10 guaranteed appointments in your niche?”
• AI Tool Mention: Include buzzwords like “AI tool” even if it’s not central to your service. This sparks curiosity and adds a cutting-edge appeal, drawing attention to the message.

The goal is to get the recipient to respond, so emphasizing these benefits from the beginning can help. Once they’re engaged, you can provide additional details to tailor the conversation to their specific needs.

Follow-Up and Qualification Steps

If there’s no response to the initial message, use engaging follow-ups, as outlined earlier, and include light qualification questions to keep the conversation moving. For instance, asking, “Are you currently scaling your agency?” encourages the prospect to share their current situation, opening the door for you to introduce your services as a solution.

Handling Objections and Providing Social Proof

Even with a strong outreach strategy, prospects may have objections or concerns before they’re ready to book a call. Having a system for handling objections can make or break the sale. Here’s how to approach it.

Anticipating Common Objections

Some common objections include uncertainty about costs, doubts about service reliability, or hesitation to switch providers. Prepare responses to these objections that reinforce the unique value of your offer. For example:

• Cost Concerns: Emphasize the return on investment by highlighting successful case studies and demonstrating how your service has benefited clients in similar situations.
• Reliability: Share testimonials or link to credible social proof, like past successes or notable partnerships, to reassure them of your track record.

Providing Case Studies and Testimonials

Social proof is a powerful way to validate your claims and help potential clients feel confident in booking a call. Include brief, relatable case studies or client success stories in your follow-ups. You can also add links to a dedicated case study page or a ManyChat bot where they can view testimonials.

Booking Calls and Optimizing Conversion Rates

Once a prospect expresses interest, the next goal is to secure a call with them. Use a streamlined booking process to reduce friction and increase the likelihood of them committing to a time.

Creating a Sense of Scarcity

Scarcity is a well-known psychological driver that motivates people to act quickly. When offering a call, mention that availability is limited. For example, “We’re only looking to work with three more agencies this month.” This subtle pressure encourages them to take action sooner rather than later.

Using an Easy Booking Link

Simplify the booking process by providing a direct link to your calendar, where they can pick a time slot. By making it quick and convenient, you minimize the risk of them getting distracted or delaying the decision.

Final Thoughts on Mastering DM Outreach

DM outreach is a powerful tool when done with strategic intent and optimized processes. The combination of a friendly approach, high-quality follow-ups, skilled VAs, and a tested script can yield substantial results for any SMMA.

With a clear outreach plan in place, you can confidently scale your business, knowing each DM sent is designed to maximize conversions.