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This situation is honestly fucked and your client is setting you up to fail. I’m in the customer-generated content space professionally and this type of limited access arrangement never works out well for anyone involved.
The short answer is no, there’s no way to get native content creation access without DM access. Instagram doesn’t have granular permissions like that. It’s all or nothing with account access, which is why most agencies require full login credentials or they don’t take the client.
Your client is basically asking you to drive a car while blindfolded. Without analytics, you can’t see what content resonates. Without native app access, you can’t create engaging Stories or Reels with music and interactive features. Without DM access, you can’t track conversions or engage with potential customers who reach out after seeing content.
The bigger issue is that this client doesn’t actually want social media marketing, they want a glorified content creator. They’ve got 380 clients from word of mouth, which means their business model works fine without social. They probably hired you to check a box or because someone told them they “should do social media.”
Static content without the founder’s face is marketing suicide in the coaching space. People buy coaching from people they trust, not from faceless brands posting stock photos. Our clients in similar industries see massive drops in engagement when they try to go the anonymous route.
Here’s the reality check this client needs. Either they give you proper access and participate in content creation, or they’re wasting their money. You can’t prove ROI or drive meaningful results with these restrictions. The fact that they’re mixing personal and business on the same account shows they don’t understand social media strategy basics.
I’d honestly present them with an ultimatum. Either they set up a proper business account that you can fully manage, or you part ways. This half-ass arrangement is going to hurt your reputation more than help it when you can’t deliver results with one hand tied behind your back.
