Let’s face it. The way businesses have been forced to use Facebook Messenger in the past has come with certain frustrations.
Having to wait until someone messages you directly in order to take a conversation out of the public eye has long been something that businesses have had to grapple with.
The good news is that Facebook are implementing a whole raft of changes for their Messenger service– so it’s going to become easier and easier for you to leverage it for business.
You now have the ability to message anyone who comments on your page, whether you’re friends or not. That’s great, you might think– but do be aware that currently when you send a first message this way, it will come from your personal account.
That’s fine if you’re happy to be personally associated with your business, but for many larger organisations this might not be the best way to go about things.
Instead, you’ll soon be able to encourage followers to send the first message by downloading and disseminating a scannable Messenger code, unique to your business.
Users will be able to scan the code from within the messenger app and message your business directly in just a few taps.
This feature is currently being rolled out, and it’s sure to be available to all users soon– so start planning how you’ll make the most of it!
In addition to that, the recent addition of group calling to Messenger’s features means Facebook is adding a whole new reason for users to keep using their app for personal messages.
There’s no doubt Facebook Messenger is only going to become more important for business as time goes on.
At Facebook’s recent F8 developer conference, there was plenty of buzz around new bots for the Messenger app which will enable users to browse products, book flights and more, all without ever leaving the app.
Some established brands have trialled these bots already and have reported staggering results– so this feature could certainly be one to watch.
Even more new features are being rolled out as we speak– get it from the horse’s mouth here.
Here’s to some exciting developments in messaging as a business!
– Moya Vaughan Evans, Social Media Manager
Kate Tyler is the founder of Shake Social and our long time social media expert. A regular speaker at events, Kate offers consultancy and training on a range of digital marketing topics, in particular safeguarding and using social media in an educational setting.