Here’s Why Sliding into DM's Isn’t Necessarily A Bad Thing

To ‘slide into a DM’ means to converse with someone on Twitter or Instagram through direct messaging. Beginning or moving a conversation to DM is often regarded as a bold or overtly flirtatious act that most business and relationship experts frown upon.

For business purposes, i.e. attempting to close a deal or establish a partnership, a DM may be considered unprofessional and could halt the potential collaboration dead in its tracks. However, with the death of voicemail, the formality of the email and the natural aversion to public personal conversation on social media, the DM may have its advantages.

So when is DMing ok?

Note first that since late 2015, Twitter added a feature where recipients can decide whether or not to have direct messaging open or restricted to users to which they are not previously connected.

Those open to general DMs have tacitly stated they are willing to engage. Nonetheless, Jezebel.com recommends that your first DM should suggest moving the conversation to more personal medium, using the example, “Hey Joanna, I love your work. Wanted to talk to you about an important topic. Can I email you?”

Kim Garst, a best selling author and market strategist, champions the art of the automatic DM—the act of having an automated direct message sent to each new follower on Twitter.

Though many veteran Twitter users frown upon DM automation, Garst states that, when used correctly (for example, engaging the new follower with a relevant question), it can be a very effective tool. She boasts an average of fifty new personal conversations a day with prospective clients and customers through this method.

I would personally suggest against trying to sell yourself or your product via DM, and agree with marketing guru Gary Vee, that the key to DMing is to provide the recipient with more value, whether it be flat out hiring them, or offering them free promotional gear in exchange for visibility with their fans.