MLM on social media: how to do Instagram and Facebook without spam

You know the message. It arrives from someone you have never seen, and it starts with “Hi, got a minute? I have news for you”.

You haven’t got a minute. And you don’t want the news.

I understand. I really do. And it is exactly because of messages like this that many people think MLM on social media is just another word for spam.

It doesn’t have to be that way. MLM on social media can be done decently, with respect and without people blocking your messages. I’ll show you how I see it.

How do you do MLM on social media without spam?

You do MLM on social media without spam by first showing who you are and what you deal with, and only when someone gets in touch themselves or shows interest do you start talking to them about cooperation. The relationship comes first, the offer second.

A social network is like the neighbours‘ yard. You can go there every day and shout over the fence that you have something great for sale. Or you can simply be there, help, chat and people will come in time.

I would bet on the second option. It is slower. But you won’t lose your friends because of it.

How does spam differ from what works?

Spam is a message or post that a person didn’t want and that is meant for everyone the same. What works is personal interest, useful content and respect for the fact that the other person may answer “no, thank you”.

Spam and a decent approach on social media

Area	Spam	What works
First message	The same text for everyone, with an offer straight away.	A specific mention of the person and an honest question.
Profile content	Nothing but offers and slogans.	Stories, experience, useful tips.
Groups and chats	Adding people without asking.	Inviting only with their consent.
When no reply comes	More and more messages.	Calm. A reply has the right not to come.
Tone	Urging and promising.	Relaxed, no pressure.
Goal	As many people approached as possible.	A few real conversations.

What should I post on Instagram and Facebook when I do MLM?

On Instagram and Facebook write about what you really live: about working with people, about what you have learned, about your mistakes and about why you do it. The content shows you, not a leaflet. People follow people, not offers.

You don’t have to be on social media every day. A simple weekly plan is quite enough:

1. Monday: a story. A short scene from life or work. What happened to you and what follows from it.
2. Wednesday: a useful tip. One small thing you have learned that is useful to others too. For example how you keep track of your time.
3. Friday: a question. Ask people about something that really interests them. Then answer the comments.
4. Sunday: a look back. Ten minutes for you: who reacted, who is worth writing to.

Two to three posts a week and honestly answering comments do more than a daily avalanche. Write the way you speak. Briefly and like a human.

Posts are no place for promised amounts, luxury or pressure. And nothing about health and the effects of products either. Show yourself and your work, not promises.

How do you write a DM that isn’t annoying?

A decent DM is short, personal and doesn’t force an answer. You write why you are writing to this particular person, ask about something that interests them and leave them room to say no. Leave the offer for later.

Messages on Instagram and Facebook can be written in the same way. A few principles I keep to:

• Write only to people you know a little or who reacted to your content themselves.
• The first message is about them, not about you.
• Never put a link in the first sentence.
• Say that if it isn’t a topic for them, you’ll take it calmly.

An example of how it can sound:

Hi, I noticed you commented on my post about managing time. I wonder how you handle it? No pressure, I’m just curious.

No offer. No link. Just a question. And if the conversation gets going, the next step comes by itself.

You will find how to hold the first conversation in person or by phone in the article How to approach people in MLM without annoying family or friends. Here I deal only with how not to get pigeonholed with those who just spam.

What rules apply to writing to people on social networks?

Two simple rules apply to writing to people on social networks: write only to those who expect it or don’t mind, and don’t add anyone to groups or conversations without their consent. Mass unsolicited messages can break platform rules and laws.

I’m a layman, not a lawyer, so check the exact rules in your own country and on the platform you use. But in general, consent is the basis.

• Don’t send the same message to dozens of strangers.
• Don’t add anyone to a group until they expressly agree.
• When someone asks you to stop writing, stop. No discussion.
• Don’t misuse other people’s photos or posts without permission.

It is also a matter of humanity. If I were reading those messages, I would remember the one who behaved decently too.

How do I know I’m doing it well?

You can tell by people coming back to you, replying and asking questions themselves. If they block you, stay silent and point at you as “the one with the MLM”, it is time to rethink your approach.

Try asking yourself three questions once a month:

• Would the person have replied to me the same way if they hadn’t known I do network marketing?
• Did both of us leave the conversation with a good feeling?
• Did I give value before I asked for something?

Frequently asked questions

Can you do MLM on social media?

You can do MLM on social media if you use the networks to build relationships and share your own experience, not to mass-send offers. Stories, useful tips and personal conversations with interested people work. But results depend on your own work and nobody can guarantee them.

How should I write Facebook and Instagram posts when I do MLM?

Write posts about what you live and what you are learning: short stories, tips, questions for people. Avoid promises of earnings, luxury and claims about health. Two to three posts a week and regular replies in the comments are enough. Your profile should show a person, not a leaflet.

Is it okay to write to people about MLM in private messages?

Writing in private messages is fine if you know the people a little or they react to your content, and if you don’t apply pressure. The first message should be personal and short, without a link and without an offer. If no reply comes or the answer is no, respect that and don’t write any more.

Can I add people to groups for MLM?

Don’t add people to groups or conversations without their consent. It is impolite, annoying and can break platform rules. The decent way is to ask whether they want an invitation and send it only after an explicit yes. If someone says no, that’s it.

How much time a day do I need for MLM on social media?

For a start about twenty minutes a day and a fixed weekly plan are enough: a few posts, replies to comments and several real conversations. Regularity matters more than time. Better half an hour three times a week than one burst of five hours and then two weeks of silence.

So what to do about spam?

Social networks are just a tool. You can build something solid with them, or make noise that drives people away.

It is like when I was digging foundations: if I had merely banged the spade noisily on the ground, no foundation would have appeared. Only the neighbours would have asked what I was up to.

If you want to know how I do it and how social networks can be used decently, arrange a private presentation. Calmly and without pressure. And for a better overview of what network marketing actually is, read What is MLM.

Tom