6 Instagram DM Marketing Strategies for Time-Strapped Recipe Creators
For busy recipe creators, the biggest challenge isn’t creating more content — it’s making the content you already create work harder for you.
Instagram DMs are the fastest-growing (and most underused) marketing channel to grow your email list, increase site traffic, and drive affiliate revenue — all while maintaining authentic, one-to-one connections with your followers.
In this guide, we’ll break down six proven Instagram DM strategies tailored specifically for recipe creators.
These are the exact tactics top creators like Laura Ashley Johnson and Sam Mathews are using to turn DMs into a powerful growth engine without adding more work to their plates.
1. Use “Comment for Recipe” Automations to Capture Engagement Instantly
One of the fastest ways to boost both engagement and traffic is by setting up Comment for Recipe automations inside your Instagram posts.
Instead of directing followers to “click the link in bio,” invite them to comment a simple keyword related to your recipe (like “TACO” or “COOKIE”). When they do, Grocers List automatically DMs them the link to your recipe.
This Instagram DM strategy not only increases post comments — which boosts algorithmic reach — but also creates immediate opportunities for followers to opt into your email list via Save to Email.
Case Study:
Laura Ashley Johnson (@dinnerin321) implemented this and gained 3,000 email subscribers in just one month, alongside a 70%+ click-through rate.
2. Offer “Save to Email” Options to Build a High-Value Owned Audience
Every DM you send can become an email capture opportunity when you integrate Grocers List’s Save to Email feature.
When followers receive a recipe link in their DM, they can opt to have it saved to their inbox with one click. This eliminates the need for landing pages or complicated signup flows and dramatically increases opt-in rates.
For recipe creators, building an email list isn’t just about ownership — it’s about future-proofing against algorithm changes.
Every email subscriber is someone you can reach any time with new recipes, affiliate recommendations, or paid products.
3. Launch “Shop the Recipe” Campaigns to Turn Ingredients into Sales
If you post recipes but don’t offer a one-click ingredient shopping option, you're leaving money on the table.
Using Grocers List’s Shop the Recipe™ feature, you can automatically pull the ingredient list from your recipe and allow followers to add everything to their Instacart cart with a single click.
Integrating this CTA into your Instagram DM flows — right after you deliver a recipe link — makes it easy for followers to cook your recipes and generates affiliate revenue for you with no additional steps.
Looking Ahead:
Laura Ashley Johnson is planning to use this DM strategy to link paid recipe cards and affiliate products directly within her recipe flows.
4. Automate Story Replies for Seamless Recipe Delivery and Product Sales
Stories are where your most engaged followers spend time — but clickable links alone are often ignored.
Instead, ask followers to reply to your Story with a keyword (like “RECIPE” or “SHOP”). Grocers List automatically sends a personalized DM based on their reply. Below is an example of how Nisha Vora of @rainbowplantlife utilizes Story Reply DMs as a marketing automation!
This Instagram DM strategy allows you to:
Deliver clickable recipe links directly to DMs.
Capture email opt-ins through Save to Email.
Offer affiliate products (kitchen gadgets, utensils, cookbooks) while keeping the experience frictionless.
Pro Tip:
Keep story CTAs clear and singular: one frame, one action, one reply instruction.
5. Deep Link Every Product Mention With Amazon App Links to Maximize Conversions
Many creators lose affiliate sales because followers are forced into browser windows where they're logged out of Amazon.
Grocers List solves this with Amazon App Links — allowing you to send links in DMs that open directly inside the Amazon app, already signed in.
Use these Amazon App Links inside your DM automations whenever you mention tools, cookware, or pantry staples related to your recipes.
Case Study:
Sam Mathews (@wearedanandsam) used this DM-first affiliate strategy to generate over $20,000/month in Amazon sales and reach Platinum Creator Star status.
6. Combine DMs + Email Nurtures for a Full-Funnel Recipe Sales Machine
The most advanced recipe creators don’t stop at DM delivery — they combine their DM marketing with smart email follow-ups.
Here’s how it works:
Deliver recipe links and Save to Email opt-ins via DM.
Capture the follower’s email automatically inside the DM.
Trigger an email series that promotes related recipes, cookware recommendations, and seasonal products.
This full-funnel Instagram DM strategy ensures that a single follower interaction doesn’t just end with one click — it drives repeat site visits, affiliate sales, and loyalty over time.
Pro Tip:
Use Grocers List integrations with Kit, Flodesk, or other email platforms to set up automated sequences effortlessly.
Instagram DMs Are Essential for Recipe Creators
Instagram DMs are no longer just a place for customer support or casual chats. For modern recipe creators, DMs are the new sales funnel.
By setting up smart, scalable DM automations using Grocers List, you can:
Drive massive engagement on posts and stories.
Capture thousands of high-intent email subscribers.
Monetize recipes with Instacart affiliate sales.
Boost Amazon affiliate revenue without lifting a finger.
Future-proof your brand against social platform changes.
Creators like Laura Ashley Johnson and Sam Mathews have proven that DM marketing — done authentically and strategically — can create six-figure results!
