
How to Use ManyChat
Jan 21 2026
In today’s digital landscape, capturing leads efficiently is critical for business growth. ManyChat, a leading chatbot and automation platform, allows businesses to engage prospects in real time, qualify them, and guide them toward conversion. Whether you’re using Instagram, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or web chat, ManyChat can transform your engagement into measurable leads.
This guide will show you how to use ManyChat to generate leads effectively, including automation strategies, lead capture techniques, and tips to boost conversions.
Why Use ManyChat for Lead Generation?
ManyChat helps businesses:
Automate initial conversations with prospects
Capture leads without manual outreach
Segment leads based on interest or behaviour
Nurture prospects through follow-ups
Integrate with CRM, email, and SMS for multi-channel marketing
Automation saves time and ensures that no potential lead falls through the cracks.
Click here for the ManyChat plans and features, and select the plan that best suits your needs.
ManyChat Step-by-Step Guide
Connect Your Platform
Before generating leads, you need to connect your desired platform(s) to ManyChat:
Platform | Requirements |
Facebook Messenger | Must be linked to a Facebook Page |
Instagram DMs | Business account + linked Facebook Page |
WhatsApp Business API account | |
Website Chat | Add the ManyChat widget script to your site |
Note: Once connected, you can start building automated flows to capture leads.
Build a Lead Capture Flow
A lead capture flow is the first interaction where ManyChat collects user information:
Elements of a Lead Capture Flow:
Welcome Message, greet the user and set expectations.
Qualification Questions, e.g., “Which product are you interested in?”
Contact Info Request, collect email, phone number, or other details.
Follow-Up or Offer, provide a lead magnet, discount, or consultation link.
Example Flow:
User sends a DM, ManyChat replies:
"Hi [First Name]! Interested in learning more about our services? Reply 'Yes' to get our free guide."User replies “Yes”, ManyChat collects email, sends a guide link and tags the lead.
Use Automation Triggers
Automation triggers help ManyChat identify potential leads without manual intervention:
Keyword Triggers: Capture leads when users comment “Info”, “Interested”, or “DM me.”
Post Engagement Triggers: Automatically follow up with people who engage with your posts.
Click-to-Message Ads: Facebook and Instagram ads that open ManyChat chats instantly.
Triggers ensure timely lead capture, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
Segment Your Leads
Segmenting leads allows personalised communication:
Segment Type | Example |
Product Interest | User selects “Product A” vs “Product B” |
Lead Source | Instagram, Facebook, website |
Engagement Level | Active vs passive responder |
Purchase Intent | Low, medium, high |
Segmentation lets you send targeted messages, improving conversions and reducing spammy communication.
Follow-Up Sequences
ManyChat allows you to create automated sequences to nurture leads:
Welcome Series: Introduce your brand and products.
Educational Drip: Share tips, guides, or case studies.
Promotional Offers: Send discounts or limited-time deals.
Reminder Messages: Follow up on abandoned carts or incomplete signups.
Consistent follow-ups build trust and push leads down the funnel.
Integrate with CRM and Email
For maximum impact, ManyChat can integrate with:
Email Marketing Platforms: Mailchimp, Klaviyo, ActiveCampaign
CRM Systems: HubSpot, Salesforce
E-commerce Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce
Integration ensures leads are tracked and nurtured across channels, allowing multi-touch campaigns and better ROI.
Monitor and Optimise
Use ManyChat’s analytics to track performance and improve lead generation:
Metric | Importance |
Open Rate | Measures the engagement of initial messages |
Click-Through Rate | Indicates interest in links or offers |
Conversion Rate | Tracks successful lead capture |
Tag/Segment Growth | Shows lead quality and behaviour patterns |
Optimise your flows based on performance: tweak messages, timing, and offers to increase conversions over time.
Also Read: Benefits of Using ManyChat
Bonus Tips for Generating Leads
Use Lead Magnets: Free guides, checklists, or discounts increase willingness to share contact info.
Personalise Messages: Use first names and behaviour-based messaging.
Time Your Messages: Avoid sending messages at odd hours; match your audience’s time zone.
Test Multiple Flows: A/B test welcome messages, question formats, and offers.
Combine Platforms: Use Instagram, Messenger, and web chat together for maximum reach.
FAQs About Using ManyChat for Lead Generation
Can I generate leads on Instagram with ManyChat?
Yes! ManyChat allows DM automation, comment triggers, and story reply automation for Instagram business accounts.
Do I need the paid ManyChat plan?
The free plan works for basic lead capture, but paid plans unlock advanced flows, segmentation, and integrations, which improve lead quality.
How quickly should I follow up with leads?
Immediate automated responses increase conversion significantly. ManyChat can respond instantly.
Can ManyChat handle large numbers of leads?
Yes, ManyChat scales easily and integrates with CRMs for bulk lead management.
Final Thoughts
ManyChat is a powerful tool for lead generation, turning engagement into actionable opportunities. By automating DM replies, comment responses, and follow-up sequences, businesses can:
Save time
Capture more leads
Qualify leads automatically
Nurture prospects toward purchase
Automation doesn’t replace personalisation, it enhances it. Done right, ManyChat can become a reliable engine for lead generation across multiple platforms. Ready to start generating leads effortlessly? Set up your ManyChat account today and create automated flows that capture, qualify, and nurture your leads like a pro.