elephant.md

Instagram DM Analysis: Customer Insights & Feedback

@NickBrooks-ks3lspecs
arlem

Analysis Date: January 4, 2026 Data Period: 2022-2025 Total Conversations Analyzed: 145+ threads Purpose: Inform relaunch strategy, content creation, and product development


Executive Summary

Analysis of 145+ Instagram DM conversations reveals strong product-market fit, high customer satisfaction, and clear demand signals for the March 2026 relaunch. Key findings include:

  • Validated demand: Multiple customers actively waiting for store to reopen
  • High satisfaction: Repeat customers and enthusiastic testimonials
  • Product gaps: Super king size and expanded colour range most requested
  • Cover-only demand: Significant interest in purchasing replacement covers
  • Content opportunities: Colour comparison, sizing guides, and customer features

Customer Reviews & Testimonials

Verified Customer Quotes (Use for Marketing)

CustomerQuoteDateContext
Kylie (Bowral, NSW)“It is so perfect, thank you once again xx”Oct 2024Black Boucle Super King
Kylie“Look what arrived tonight!!! Absolutely stunning. Love love love!!!”Oct 2024First impression
Elise“I have purchased a pillow a few years ago and we are still loving it.”Nov 2025Return customer
Cherle-Lynn McConnell“Recommend Arlem to everyone. We now have 2.”Mar 2025Repeat purchaser
Cherle-Lynn“Love your bed head cushions!”Mar 2025Product endorsement
Uzma Lone (USA)“Loving the Arlem pillow for the guest room! Thank you again for being so creative”Sep 2024International customer
Morgan Kilpatrick“I absolutely love the cushion”Oct 2024Despite quality issue
Ollie Chu“Your bed head cushions look so comfy!”Apr 2025Pre-purchase interest
Pascale Gomes-McNabb“They look great”Apr 2025Interior designer
Lauren“Absolutely loving this page, it’s so beautiful!”Mar 2023Brand compliment
Roxy“They are so good!!”Mar 2023Product endorsement

Testimonial Themes

  1. Quality & Craftsmanship - Customers consistently praise the handmade quality
  2. Longevity - Products still loved “years later”
  3. Visual Appeal - “Stunning”, “beautiful”, “perfect”
  4. Comfort - “So comfy” mentioned repeatedly
  5. Repeat Purchases - Multiple customers buying second cushions or covers

Key Questions Asked (FAQ Content Opportunities)

1. Product Availability & Ordering

QuestionFrequencyExample
“When will you be back?”Very HighOllie Chu, IVY, Pascale, multiple others
“Are you still selling?”HighPascale Gomes-McNabb
“When can I order?”HighMultiple during dormancy

Content Opportunity: “We’re Back!” campaign, availability notifications


2. Cover-Only Purchases

QuestionFrequencyExample
“Can I buy just the cover?”Very HighElise, designstuffbleh, Lynette Korn
“Do you sell pillow cases only?”HighMultiple customers
“Can I get a replacement cover?”MediumRepeat customers

Specific Requests:

  • Elise: “Stone french seam edge linen cover in the king size”
  • Lynette: “Can you tell me if you sell the cushion cover only”
  • designstuffbleh: “Just purchasing the pillow case for the headboard pillow”

Content Opportunity: Dedicated cover-only product page, “Refresh Your Bedroom” campaign


3. Size Questions

QuestionFrequencyExample
“Do you make super king?”Very HighKylie, Lydia Wilson
“Custom sizing available?”HighKylie (203-210cm)
“What size for my bed?”MediumGeneral inquiries

Specific Requests:

  • Kylie: “black boucle in a super king size, 203-210cm wide”
  • Lydia Wilson: “Are you going to be expanding your range to include super king?”

Content Opportunity: Size guide, super king product launch


4. Colour & Fabric Questions

QuestionFrequencyExample
“Stone vs Natural - what’s the difference?”Very HighLara Glanville, wethree123
“Can you send fabric samples?”HighDeanne Gregory, Lara Glanville
“What new colours are coming?”Mediumwethree123
“Fabric weight/GSM?”Mediumwethree123

Specific Colour Requests:

  • “Very pale pink/peach”
  • “Soft ivory/natural”
  • “Pale green or duck egg”
  • “Black boucle” (fulfilled - Kylie’s custom order)

Content Opportunity: Colour comparison guide, fabric swatch service, new colour announcements


5. Product Features

QuestionFrequencyExample
“How firm is it?”MediumLynette Korn
“Is there a visible seam?”MediumLynette Korn
“Is it reversible?”LowLynette Korn

Lynette’s Detailed Questions:

“Is it quite firm because I prefer the insert to be quite firm so that it supports you more when lying against it and lessens the need for 'fluffing up' all the time… is there a join seam? Would rather no seam visible on the front and back”

Content Opportunity: Product feature video, construction details post


6. Shipping & International

QuestionFrequencyExample
“Do you ship internationally?”MediumNZ, USA inquiries
“Shipping to [location]?”MediumVarious

International Interest:

  • USA (Uzma Lone - successfully shipped)
  • New Zealand (multiple inquiries)
  • UK (implied from analytics)

Content Opportunity: International shipping FAQ, shipping zones page


7. Care & Maintenance

QuestionFrequencyExample
“Can I wash it?”MediumVarious
“Will dog marks come out?”Lowwethree123

wethree123’s Concern:

“I have a natural linen bed head which my dog can lean against and her coat has marked and not been successful at removing”

Content Opportunity: Pet-friendly care guide, stain removal tips


Customer Feedback & Issues

Quality Issue Reported

Morgan Kilpatrick (Oct 2024):

“I just wanted to let you know that I have one of your beautiful bed head cushions but unfortunately the zip has broken after only 2 washes.”

Emily’s Response:

“I haven’t had any feedback of this happening, however I have changed to a new zipper brand/style since your order. I am more than happy to make you a new cushion cover to replace this one.”

Resolution: Replacement cover sent, customer satisfied Action Taken: Changed to new zipper supplier


Positive Feedback Themes

  1. Responsiveness: Customers appreciate quick, personal replies
  2. Flexibility: Custom orders handled well (black boucle super king)
  3. Quality: No complaints about materials or construction (except zipper)
  4. Communication: Updates on order progress valued
  5. Personal Touch: Handwritten notes, personal messages

Product Expansion Suggestions from Customers

Explicitly Requested Products

ProductRequested ByPriority
Super King Bedhead CushionKylie, Lydia WilsonHIGH
Bed Valance/SkirtCherle-Lynn McConnellMEDIUM
Outdoor RangeRoxyLOW
More Colour OptionsDeanne Gregory, wethree123HIGH
Black BoucleKylieCOMPLETED

Colour Expansion Requests

Based on customer inquiries, consider adding:

  • Pale pink/blush
  • Duck egg blue
  • Soft green/sage
  • Ochre (Emily noted this was being added)
  • Silver lining (Emily noted this was being added)
  • Warm taupe (Emily noted this was being added)

Audience Insights from Conversations

Customer Profiles Identified

  1. The Interior-Conscious Homeowner

- Researches thoroughly before buying - Asks detailed questions about fabric, construction - Values customisation - Example: Kylie (black boucle custom order)

  1. The Return Customer

- Already purchased, loves product - Wants covers or second cushion - Strong brand advocate - Examples: Elise, Cherle-Lynn

  1. The Waiting Customer

- Discovered during dormancy - Actively waiting for relaunch - High intent to purchase - Examples: Ollie Chu, IVY, Pascale

  1. The Interior Designer/Professional

- Potential B2B opportunity - Recommends to clients - Example: Pascale Gomes-McNabb Design

  1. The International Customer

- USA, NZ interest confirmed - Willing to pay international shipping - Example: Uzma Lone (USA)


Content Ideas from DM Analysis

1. Product Education Content

  • “Stone vs Natural: Which Colour is Right for You?” - Most asked question
  • “What is a Bedhead Cushion? Complete Guide” - Educational foundation
  • “Size Guide: Queen vs King vs Super King” - Address sizing confusion
  • “French Seam vs Relaxed Fit: Understanding Our Styles” - Style education
  • “Behind the Cushion: How It’s Made” - Construction/quality focus

2. Customer Feature Content

  • Kylie’s Custom Black Boucle Journey - Custom order story
  • International Love: Uzma’s Guest Room in the USA - Global reach
  • Cherle-Lynn’s Two Cushion Collection - Repeat customer feature
  • Before & After: Customer Bedroom Transformations - Social proof

3. FAQ & Practical Content

  • “Can I Just Buy the Cover?” - Cover-Only Options Explained
  • “Caring for Your Cushion: The Complete Guide” - Including pet owners
  • “Do You Ship Internationally?” - Shipping guide
  • “How Firm Are Our Bedhead Cushions?” - Address Lynette’s question

4. Product Launch Content

  • “New Colours Arriving!” - Ochre, Silver Lining, Warm Taupe
  • “Super King is Here” - Size expansion announcement
  • “We’re Back: March 2026 Relaunch” - Return announcement

5. Behind-the-Scenes Content

  • Fabric Selection Process - Respond to colour questions
  • Quality Control: Why We Changed Our Zippers - Transparency
  • From Order to Doorstep - Order journey content

Spam & Promotional Messages (Filtered Out)

The following types of messages were identified as spam and excluded from analysis:

  • Pet brand collaboration scams (@hppackofficial, @petsofworld.official) - 6 messages
  • UGC creator pitches - 4 messages
  • Crypto/investment scams - 1 message
  • Generic promotional messages - 3 messages

Note: 2 UGC creators appeared legitimate and could be considered for future collaboration:

  • Darcey (darceyevanssocial@gmail.com) - Has portfolio
  • Sophie K - Budget-friendly UGC offering ($80)

Actionable Insights for Relaunch

Immediate Actions (Pre-Relaunch)

  1. Contact waiting customers: Ollie Chu, IVY, Pascale, Elise, Lydia Wilson
  2. Prepare cover-only product page - Clear demand exists
  3. Create Stone vs Natural comparison content - Most asked question
  4. Develop super king offering - Multiple requests

Launch Week Content

  1. “We’re Back” announcement with personal message
  2. Customer testimonials carousel using quotes above
  3. New colours reveal (Ochre, Silver Lining, Warm Taupe)
  4. Super king announcement (if ready)

Post-Launch Follow-ups

  1. Email past customers about cover-only options
  2. Feature Kylie’s black boucle as custom success story
  3. Create FAQ page addressing all questions documented
  4. Develop international shipping for USA/NZ demand

Customers to Contact for Testimonials

Based on DM engagement and purchase history:

CustomerReasonContact Status
KylieCustom order success, enthusiasticHas her details
EliseLong-term satisfied customerWaiting for relaunch
Cherle-Lynn McConnellRepeat buyer, recommends to everyonePurchased twice
Uzma LoneInternational customer successUSA shipping proof
Morgan KilpatrickGood resolution storyQuality commitment
Lydia WilsonSuper king interest, patient waiterFollow up at launch

Summary Statistics

MetricCount
Total conversations analyzed145+
Genuine customer inquiries~40
Spam/promotional messages~15
Customer reviews/testimonials11
Cover-only inquiries5+
Super king requests3
International inquiries3+
Colour comparison questions5+
Customers waiting for relaunch6+
Quality issues reported1 (resolved)

Appendix: Full Customer Quotes

Kylie - Custom Black Boucle Order (October 2024)

Initial Inquiry:

“Hello! I am crushing on your pillows and am wondering if you customise them at all? I am looking for black boucle in a super king size, 203-210cm wide.”

On Receiving Product:

“Look what arrived tonight!!! I’ll send a better pic in the morning with nice light and bed made. Kids had already messed the bed up when it arrived around 7pm. Absolutely stunning. Love love love!!! Thank you!!”

Final Feedback:

“It is so perfect, thank you once again xx”


Elise - Return Customer (November 2025)

Inquiry:

“Hi! I have purchased a pillow a few years ago and we are still loving it. Would you sell a cover only as I would like to change the one I have now :)”

On Hearing About Baby:

“Hi Emily! How exciting! Congratulations on your baby! I’ll wait until you’ve reopened to order. I’m after a stone french seam edge linen cover in the king size. Enjoy those precious moments :)”


Cherle-Lynn McConnell - Repeat Customer (March 2025)

New Product Suggestion:

“Do you or would you make a bed valance/skirt? Would love a white linen one to match my bedhead cushion. Love your bed head cushions!”

Endorsement:

“Recommend Arlem to everyone. We now have 2.”


Morgan Kilpatrick - Quality Issue Resolution (October 2024)

Issue Reported:

“I just wanted to let you know that I have one of your beautiful bed head cushions but unfortunately the zip has broken after only 2 washes. I’m happy to get it fixed but I just wanted to give you the feedback in case you were hearing of issues from other people with the zips.”

After Resolution:

“Honestly it’s not a problem, I absolutely love the cushion so I was happy to fix it, just wanted to let you know. My mum owns her own small business (kids clothing) so I know these things just happen sometimes.”


Lynette Korn - Detailed Product Questions (February 2025)

“Is it quite firm because I prefer the insert to be quite firm so that it supports you more when lying against it and lessens the need for 'fluffing up' all the time and 2. is there a join seam. Would rather no seam visible on the front and back assuming the pillow is totally reversible.”


wethree123 (Janine) - Colour Consultation (August-September 2024)

“Why I have yet to purchase is due to the fact I have a natural linen bed head which my dog can lean against and her coat has marked and not been successful at removing… do you have any plans of widening your colour choices?”

After seeing comparison:

“The two colours together really helps… stone it is. thank you.”


Document prepared for Arlem The Label relaunch strategy Last updated: January 4, 2026