How to Use ‘Comment a Keyword’ Posts on Facebook to Grow Your Email List
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In October 2026, I set up a ManyChat automation on my Facebook Page. When people commented “HUSTLE,” they received a direct message with my free guide on 15 side hustles. It was an experiment that actually worked after testing, which was a pleasant surprise in my otherwise bumpy journey with affiliate marketing. Let’s dive into how you can use these ‘comment a keyword’ posts to grow your email list.
Understanding Comment-to-DM Automation
The concept of comment-to-DM automation is simple yet powerful. Here’s how it works: You create a Facebook post asking people to comment a specific keyword. Once they do, an automated system—like ManyChat—sends them a direct message via Facebook Messenger. This message can include a link to your opt-in page where they can sign up for your email list.
Why One Call to Action Is Enough
If you’re tempted to cram several calls to action into one post, resist the urge. I’ve learned that keeping it simple with just one call to action, like commenting “HUSTLE,” leads to better engagement and clearer results. People don’t have the bandwidth to sift through multiple actions—they’re far more likely to follow through if there’s just one clear step.
The Technical Bit: Testing from a Second Account
Before you unleash your campaign onto the world, test it from a second account. This ensures everything works smoothly and allows you to see exactly what your audience will experience. Trust me, nothing’s worse than finding out something doesn’t work after you’ve promoted it widely.
Beware of Message Requests
If you’re sending messages via automation, be aware that DMs might land in people’s ‘Message Requests’ rather than their main inbox, especially if they’re not connected with your page already. It’s crucial to inform your audience about this possibility so they know where to look for their message.
Where It All Leads: Your Opt-In Page
The end goal of this process is directing people to an opt-in page where they can subscribe to receive more valuable content from you. This aligns perfectly with building an email list from scratch—even on zero budget—as detailed in this guide.
3 Steps You Can Take Today
- Choose Your Keyword: Pick something relevant and easy for people to remember and type.
- Create Your Post: Use engaging copy that clearly instructs people what keyword to comment.
- Set Up Automation: Integrate ManyChat or another tool with your Facebook Page and test it thoroughly before going live.
This approach doesn’t just help in growing your email list; it also provides insight into what resonates with your audience. When crafting your lead magnet for these campaigns, make sure it’s something people actually want by following tips from this post.
Want more ideas for leveraging AI in side hustles?
