Mike. and Kilmer found a simple but brilliant way to turn Instagram engagement into frictionless fan conversion—and they made it feel like a reward, not a pitch.
Using tools like ManyChat and GetPinPoint, which allow you to automate DMs based on keywords, they created a system that worked like magic. Fans were prompted to comment a specific keyword on a post, and as soon as they did, they automatically received a DM with a link and a free trial code for OnlySteves—their private membership community.
What made it so effective? It didn’t feel like they were selling a subscription. It felt like fans had “won” exclusive access—like they’d unlocked something special that not everyone could get. That emotional shift—from being marketed to, to being gifted something—made all the difference.
This smart use of automation allowed Mike. and Kilmer to scale personalized invites, boost trial signups, and create a viral loop of engagement—all without spending extra time or sounding like salesmen.
It’s a perfect example of how creators can blend smart tech with community psychology to drive growth in a way that feels organic, fun, and fan-first.
