We live in the age of no-movement days, social distancing and work-from-home orders. Businesses are left with no choice but to start seriously looking into doing business without face-to-face interactions. Many channels are available to do so across the digital arena. Today I want us to take a brief look at the Messenger channel and the value of Messenger Bots.

What is Facebook Messenger?

Facebook messenger is Facebook’s premier chat platform outside of WhatsApp. Launched in 2011 when Facebook decided to give its chat feature a stand-alone app by itself. Messenger has since grown into a powerhouse with 1.3 billion users on it every month.

In the past decade, Messenger has evolved as a great customer service channel using artificial intelligence, machine learning, business automation tools, and chatbots.

What are Messenger Bots?

A Messenger chatbotA chatbot or chatterbot is a software application used to conduct an on-line chat conversation via text or text More is an automated messaging tool that is integrated into the Messenger app. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to converse with people.

Facebook has been heavily investing in building out it’s messenger platform over the years. 300,000 Facebook messenger bots have been created by Innovative developers and marketers since the ability to do so was given to them in 2016.

A beautiful tool no matter the industry or niche. A messenger bot can help give your business tremendous value in terms of automating crucial tasks such as answering FAQ’s, processing orders and collecting customer data for lead nurturing. Access your Messenger Bot from your Facebook page or on your website via a chat plugin.

What are the benefits of a Messenger Bot?

With the increasing popularity of messaging and social mediaSocial media are interactive technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, interests More platforms, chatbots are now the center of business messaging. A few benefits a Messenger bot can provide to your business include.

Save Time & Money

• Save Money: Since chatbots are automated solutions, they allow organizations to handle many customers at once, and simultaneously. When you employ chatbots that complement human agents, you will not only save on employee costs but you will also avoid the problems caused by human errors.
• Easier Approach to Global Markets: Whether you are already an international brand with customers all over the world, or a local brand who is ready for global business. Messenger Bots can solve your customer care problems in multiple languages around the clock 24/7, 365 days a year. This allows your business to scale up its operations to new markets with ease.
• Broadcast Messages: Send your qualified bot subscribers mass messages on new products, offers, giveaways etc.
• Integrations: Power up your Messenger Bot with Integrations to connect with your CRM, Shopify store or even your Google Calendar. If your business takes bookings via your chatbotA chatbot or chatterbot is a software application used to conduct an on-line chat conversation via text or text More. You can utilize APIAn application programming interface (API) is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other More integrations to let bookings made via your messenger bot automatically populate in your Business Google Calendar.

24/7 Uptime

• 24/7 Lead Generation: Your bot can collect crucial information from your leads for easy follow up while you’re awake and while you’re asleep. Imagine you are a real estate agent with a typically long sale cycle. A messenger bot allows people to share their location and housing preferences with you and conveniently continue the conversation on Messenger to enquire about housing availability or area enquiries.
• 24/7 Customer Service: Answers to frequently asked questions and product enquiries will be easily accessible via your chatbotA chatbot or chatterbot is a software application used to conduct an on-line chat conversation via text or text More at the tap of a button. You can leverage features like images, videos, carousels, texts and calls-to-action (CTAs) to allow rich, interactive experiences.
• 24/7 Sales Channel: Your automated messenger bot can enable transactions/payments to allow consumers to browse your products and services. So when customers are ready they can then purchase them directly through Messenger conversations.

Finally

A relatively untapped gem in the digital marketingDigital marketing is the component of marketing that uses the Internet and online based digital technologies such More landscape. Messenger Bots provide immense value by saving you time and money. Automated lead generation, 24/7 customer service & sales processing, broadcast messaging and integrations to your favorite digital tools. All within a chat interface that’s easily accessible directly  from your Facebook page.

Big or small, real estate or car dealership you can integrate AI-powered chatbots with Messenger to deliver a seamless customer experience. A customer experience that would be helpful in the age of no-movement days and social distancing.

I’ll be looking more into the many ways businesses can utilize messenger bots in the coming weeks. Stay posted.