Switching tools is not hard, but it is annoying, especially in the middle of a launch. These twelve questions will show you most of what matters in fifteen minutes of reading a tool's website and trying its free plan.
Safety
1. How does it connect to Instagram?
The only acceptable answer: through Instagram's own login screen (Instagram Login or Facebook Login). If it asks for your password or OTP in its own form, stop. Why
2. Does it have a privacy policy and data deletion page?
Meta requires both for approved apps. Missing pages are a red flag.
3. Who runs it?
A named company, an address and a way to contact a human.
Features
4. Can it watch one post and every post?
You will want specific automations for campaigns and an every-post catch-all for evergreen keywords. More
5. How flexible are keywords?
Several keywords per automation, case-insensitive, matching inside sentences. Essential for Hinglish and typos. More
6. Public replies with variations?
At least two or three, picked at random. More
7. Follow-gate, and on which plan?
If you want growth, check it is included where you need it. More
8. Can you see what happened to each comment?
A log that says "sent", "no match", "limit reached" or Meta's error saves hours of guessing. More
Limits and pricing
9. What are the limits, and what happens at them?
Automations, DMs per month, contacts. Does it stop, slow down or charge overage?
10. What will your biggest month cost?
Not your average month. Use your busiest reel's numbers. More
11. Currency, payment method and invoice?
Rupees or dollars, UPI or card only, GST invoice or not, auto-debit or manual renewal.
Support and data
12. Can you export your contacts and leave easily?
Your list should be yours. Check for a CSV export and a clear cancellation process.
A scoring sheet
| Question | Tool A | Tool B |
|---|---|---|
| Official login | ||
| Privacy + deletion pages | ||
| Real company | ||
| One post + every post | ||
| Flexible keywords | ||
| Reply variations | ||
| Follow-gate on my plan | ||
| Clear activity log | ||
| Limits fit my biggest month | ||
| Worst-month cost | ||
| Rupees / UPI / invoice | ||
| Export + easy exit |
Frequently asked questions
Which question matters most?
Number one. A tool that asks for your password is a risk regardless of the rest.
Should I pay yearly to save money?
Only after a month or two on a monthly or free plan.
Do I need integrations?
For comment-to-DM, rarely. A link to your store or WhatsApp is enough for most sellers.
How does DM Flow answer these?
See our privacy policy, data deletion, contact and pricing pages, or try it free.