Checking in on Facebook Messenger and Its POS Aspirations November 8, 2016Expert BlogsOff

Imagine having the chance to reach over 1.7 billion Facebook users with a simple app. That’s now possible, thanks to Facebook messenger. This popular chat app has opened up as a selling tool for ecommerce stores. Many businesses were already using Messenger as a way to connect with their customers, but now it’s possible to also make sales via the app.

Companies have always been able to advertise on Facebook through business profiles or sponsored ads for a while now, but customers have not been able to purchase products directly from the popular social media site. Changes to the Messenger app have changed that. By using chat bots and other options, customers can make a purchase without leaving the Facebook site.

Messenger Platform v1.2

Messenger has become very popular amongst ecommerce owners in the short six months it’s been around. The most recent update to the Messenger app has already improved user compatibility and made it easier for digital businesses to reach customers. When a Facebook user sees your sponsored advertisement, they will be able to open up a Messenger chat window by just clicking on the ad. The customer will be able to ask questions about a product or purchase it with just a few clicks.

By purchasing sponsored ad space, businesses are able to reach a larger audience. With this update in the Messenger platform targeted users will see your ad. They will then have the option to learn more about your company or even purchase right away.

Ecommerce service platforms have been noticing the success of Facebook Messenger. Many ecommerce store builder programs, like Shopify, are integrating this Facebook app into their system. When creating your site, be sure to connect all of your social media outlets, including Facebook, to your website. If you have a big sale or event coming up, you can schedule it to be advertised on Messenger. Connecting Facebook Messenger to your ecommerce website will make it simple to make sales, without breaking a sweat.

Building Better Bots

Perhaps the most unique tool offered by Facebook Messenger is the chat bots. Whenever a potential customer chooses to open a Messenger window after seeing your ad, they will have the chance to ask any questions they may have about the product. Instead of waiting for a live human to respond to their inquiry, they will be provided an answer by a bot.

The bots in Facebook Messenger are controlled by artificial intelligence. Each bot has been programmed to be able to answer specific questions about the product, company, or shipping options. Bots are able to help customers choose product options, and they are programmed to be of assistance during the shopping process. As the bot is used more frequently, it becomes ‘smarter’ and will be able to answer even more questions with a high level of accuracy.

The bots are perhaps the biggest selling point to ecommerce owners. By using artificial intelligence, your company doesn’t have to worry about staffing customer service representatives around the clock. You will still be able to close a sale, even if it is past your regular business hours. In fact, bots are so popular that more than 30,000 Messenger bots have been developed.

When Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg first introduced Messenger to his users, he knew it would increase interaction between companies and potential customers. When shopping online is made simple, people are more likely to make an impulse purchase. Ecommerce sites who choose to utilize Facebook Messenger are sure to see an increase in off-site sales and more interaction with customers. This app doesn’t require much work from a business owner’s perspective, but it will make it easier to keep your customer base growing and your company relevant.

Photo by Kazoka | Shutterstock

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