Mastering the Art of Sliding into DMs: A Guide to Successful Connections

In the fast-paced world of social media, sliding into DMs has become a common way to connect with someone you find interesting.

However, not every attempt is successful, and that’s where we come in. Here’s your guide to making meaningful connections when sliding into DMs.

The Don’ts of Sliding into DMs: How to Avoid Awkward Encounters

Overthinking Your Opening Question: Imagine getting hit with a deep, philosophical question from a complete stranger. It’s a bit much, right? Keep it light and casual when initiating a conversation. Save the deep stuff for when you know each other better.

Emoji Overload: Less is More: While emojis can add flair to your messages, flooding someone’s inbox with hearts and kissy faces might be a tad overwhelming. Keep it simple and use emojis sparingly to convey your emotions without going overboard.

The Persistent DM’er: Avoid Desperation: Sending multiple messages without a response can be a turn-off. Respect the other person’s space and avoid bombarding them with DMs. If they’re not responding, it’s time to gracefully step back and explore other opportunities.

Say No to Unsolicited Pictures: Sending explicit pictures is a big no-no. It’s disrespectful and likely to make the other person uncomfortable. Keep your messages respectful and focused on building a connection.

The Generic Greeting: More than Just “Hi”: A simple “Hi” or “Hey” doesn’t give much room for a meaningful conversation. Craft a message with substance, something that prompts a response. Engage them with a question or a topic that shows you’ve put thought into your message.

The Dos of Sliding into DMs: Building Genuine Connections

Gauge Their Interest: Follow Before You DM: Before diving into their DMs, check if they follow you back. Mutual interest increases your chances of getting a response. If they’ve reciprocated, you’re on the right track.

Keep it Classy: Short and Sweet Messages: Long, elaborate messages might be intimidating. Keep your initial messages short, sweet, and to the point. Respectful communication is more likely to receive a positive response.

Find Common Ground: Mutual Friends Matter: Connecting with someone you have mutual friends with can break the ice. If that’s not the case, find a shared interest or experience to kickstart the conversation.

Respond to Stories: A Simple Icebreaker: Engage with their social media stories by offering genuine compliments or asking questions related to what they’ve shared. It’s an easy way to start a conversation without overthinking.

Talk About Shared Connections: Use Friends as Icebreakers: If you share mutual friends, leverage that connection to initiate a chat. Mention the friends you both know and ask about their shared experiences. It adds a personal touch to your approach.

What to Do When They Respond

So, they’ve responded, and you’re in! Now, how do you keep the conversation flowing and make a lasting impression? Here are a couple more tips to guide you:

Share a Genuine Compliment: Boost Their Confidence: People appreciate sincere compliments. If they’ve shared something impressive, acknowledge it. A genuine compliment not only shows your interest but also boosts their confidence. Remember to keep it authentic and specific to what caught your attention.

Example: “I saw your recent hiking pictures, and I have to say, your adventurous spirit is inspiring! Have you explored any other trails around here?”

Be Playful: Inject Some Humour: Laughter is a great way to break the ice and make the conversation enjoyable. Share a light-hearted joke or playfully tease them about something you noticed in their profile. Just ensure your humour aligns with their personality and the context of your conversation.

Example: “Your pet pics are adorable! Does your dog give dating advice too, or is that asking for too much?”

Mutual Interests: Dig Deeper: If you’ve identified a shared interest, dive deeper into the topic. Whether it’s a favourite hobby, TV show, or music genre, discussing mutual interests strengthens your connection. It shows that you’re invested in getting to know them beyond the surface level.

Example: “I noticed we’re both fans of [TV show]. The latest season had some crazy plot twists, right? Who’s your favourite character?”

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage Meaningful Conversations: To keep the dialogue flowing, ask open-ended questions that invite more than a simple yes or no response. Encourage them to share their thoughts, experiences, or opinions. This helps create a more engaging and dynamic conversation.

Example: “I love trying new restaurants. Any hidden gems in the city you’d recommend? I’m always on the lookout for good food!”

Be Attentive: Reference Previous Conversations: Show that you’re actively engaged in the conversation by referencing something they mentioned earlier. It could be a shared interest, a funny story, or plans they have for the weekend. This demonstrates your genuine interest in them as an individual.

Example: “You mentioned you’re into photography. That’s awesome! Do you have a favorite subject to capture, or is it more about the spontaneity of the moment for you?”

Giving Out Your Number: Tactful Transition: If the conversation is going well and you’d like to continue it outside of DMs, offer your number casually. Ensure it’s a low-pressure invitation, allowing them to decide whether they want to take the conversation further.

Cultivating Connections That Last

Sliding into DMs is about more than just initiating a conversation; it’s about fostering connections that have the potential to last. By incorporating these additional tips, you not only increase the likelihood of a positive response but also set the foundation for meaningful interactions.

Remember, every person is unique, so adapt your approach based on their responses and cues. Keep the conversation light, enjoyable, and respectful. Happy sliding! 

If you need help with the art of conversation and sliding into DMs so you get a response, a date coach can help! I’ll guide you through the process and share important tips that make a difference. Let’s get started!

By Laura | February 16, 2024
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