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Managing Client Instagram – No Access
Posted by on August 19, 2025 at 3:10 pmHi everyone.
Is there a way that my client can add me as a collaborator to their Instagram account, without having access to the DMS?
The purpose would be to natively create content, to optimise posts and to access analytics.
The client has blended business and personal and will only allow me access to post via Meta Business Suite. They have their personal life in the DMS so I cannot manage the account, such as using tactics to boost performance. I also cannot build an effective strategy with either no analytics or very limited information from Meta.
The client themselves does not want to create content other than text based graphics and captions. The other content is before/after client transformations with very long captions. This content is only going to followers (4k) that are overwhelmingly the wrong demographic for the product. I believe that without diversifying the content to increase reach and find the right audience, in line with common practice and audience wants & needs, and without showing face to nurture the existing audience, and without moving to paid ads, this is an impossible task.
The business has around 350-380 clients at any one time, that have all come via local word of mouth. I am trying to prove that the social accounts are not driving referrals. They are hearing the good rep, visiting the account like a notice board, and then sending a message. The conversion happens once booking a call. There’s only one offer: sign up for coaching.
I have no access to any content analytics to see when or if people DMd, visited the profile etc based on content.
I am trying to shift the static images to carousels (I have proved these increase views and reach) but I cannot add music. It’s impossible for me to create engaging reels with authentic footage of anyone who delivers the service or even the founder themselves. I did make a reel from static images and proved how effective they are for reach. I am banking stock footage to try some ‘filler’ reels.
How realistic is it to continue without access to the account and without any of the team or the founder featuring in reels or stories?
TLDR; How can I create native content, employ tactics and access analytics without seeing my client’s insta DMs?
How feasible is it for growth, engagement, nurturing and conversion to happen with static content that doesn’t feature the founder or team who deliver the service? (Who buys from a stranger?)
Thanks so much if you got this far.
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1 Reply
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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.
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