Once you’ve created a freebie or lead magnet in Playbook (or Flodesk), the next step is to get it into your audience’s hands — fast. One of the best tools for automating this process is ManyChat, a Meta-approved platform that lets you automatically send your freebies to followers who interact with your Instagram posts or stories.
What Is ManyChat?
ManyChat is an automated AI chatbot designed to help you deliver content, respond to comments, and follow up with customers on Instagram and Facebook — all while staying 100% compliant with Meta’s terms and policies.
When someone comments on a post or story (for example, “Comment ‘GUIDE’ to get my free PDF”), ManyChat immediately sends them a message in their DMs on your behalf. This allows you to deliver your freebie automatically — no manual DMs or “link in bio” steps required.
Why Use ManyChat?
ManyChat helps you:
Automate engagement so you’re not manually sending links or checking DMs.
Get your freebies and offers to followers instantly.
Reduce friction — users comment and get your lead magnet without leaving Instagram.
Increase conversions — it captures leads directly and drives traffic into your Playbook channel or Flodesk flow.
Think of it as your 24/7 assistant, turning every social post into a lead generator.
How It Works
Here’s the basic flow:
You create a social post promoting your freebie (e.g., “Comment ‘GUIDE’ below and I’ll send you my free 7-Day Reset PDF!”).
A user comments with the trigger word (“GUIDE”).
ManyChat automatically sends a direct message from your account.
The user clicks the link in that DM — which can lead to:
A Playbook offer (your freebie uploaded via Extras and discounted to $0), or
A Flodesk link (if you’re sharing the lead magnet outside of Playbook).
This setup means you’re capturing new followers and moving them directly into your funnel.
How To Set Up Your ManyChat Automation
Go to manychat.com and create an account using your Instagram business login.
Connect your Instagram account to ManyChat.
In ManyChat, create a new automation.
Set your trigger as a “Post Comment” rule — define the keyword users will comment to receive your freebie.
Write your DM message, such as:
“Hey! Here’s your free 7-Day Reset Guide — click below to download it.”
Add your link — this can be either:
The Playbook Offer Link for your freebie (set to $0 with a discount), or
The Flodesk link to your PDF or opt-in page.
Save and activate your automation.
Best Practices for Marketing With ManyChat
Use short, clear calls to action. Example: “Comment RESET to get my free 7-Day Reset Guide.”
Include visuals — a carousel or reel showing what’s inside your guide.
Engage immediately — reply to a few comments manually at first to boost visibility.
Add scarcity and urgency (“Free for this week only!”).
Follow up — set ManyChat to send a second message with a related paid offer after a day or two.
Where To Market Your Lead Magnet
You can use ManyChat to distribute your freebie through:
Instagram posts and reels (“Comment ‘GUIDE’ to get it!”)
Instagram stories with question stickers or CTA text.
Facebook comments and posts.
Your YouTube video descriptions or cards (link to your Playbook offer).
Each interaction grows your audience and warms them up for future paid programs.
Using Playbook vs. Flodesk for Delivery
You can set up your lead magnet either inside Playbook or through Flodesk:
Playbook: Upload your freebie as an Extra, attach it to an Offer, and create a 100% discount code. This keeps leads directly in the app where they can easily convert later.
Flodesk: Upload your freebie PDF and use Flodesk’s email automations to deliver it without requiring a credit card. This is ideal if you want a pure email opt-in experience.
For guidance on setting up Flodesk, see our article: How To Set Up and Navigate Flodesk
Why It Works
Lead magnets build trust, familiarity, and momentum. ManyChat supercharges that process by removing friction — users get your freebie the moment they engage, and you get their attention (and contact info) instantly. The more value you deliver through your freebie, the more likely they are to convert into paying customers once your full programs go live.