diff --git a/bookwyrm/incoming.py b/bookwyrm/incoming.py
index a7ada52e..a88a748e 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/incoming.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/incoming.py
@@ -136,14 +136,7 @@ def handle_follow(activity):
         )
         # send the accept normally for a duplicate request
 
-    manually_approves = relationship.user_object.manually_approves_followers
-
-    status_builder.create_notification(
-        relationship.user_object,
-        'FOLLOW_REQUEST' if manually_approves else 'FOLLOW',
-        related_user=relationship.user_subject
-    )
-    if not manually_approves:
+    if not relationship.user_object.manually_approves_followers:
         relationship.accept()
 
 
diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/relationship.py b/bookwyrm/models/relationship.py
index 9f3bf07d..ac8f8286 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/relationship.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/relationship.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 ''' defines relationships between users '''
+from django.apps import apps
 from django.db import models, transaction
 from django.db.models import Q
 from django.dispatch import receiver
@@ -90,9 +91,20 @@ class UserFollowRequest(ActivitypubMixin, UserRelationship):
             return None
         except (UserFollows.DoesNotExist, UserBlocks.DoesNotExist):
             super().save(*args, **kwargs)
+
         if broadcast and self.user_subject.local and not self.user_object.local:
             self.broadcast(self.to_activity(), self.user_subject)
 
+        if self.user_object.local:
+            model = apps.get_model('bookwyrm.Notification', require_ready=True)
+            notification_type = 'FOLLOW_REQUEST' \
+                if self.user_object.manually_approves_followers else 'FOLLOW'
+            model.objects.create(
+                user=self.user_object,
+                related_user=self.user_subject,
+                notification_type=notification_type,
+            )
+
 
     def accept(self):
         ''' turn this request into the real deal'''