Facebook updates Messenger and adds new tools for, brands, advertisers and marketers

Facebook is introducing new tools and platforms updates for brands and developers on the platform.

The new set of tools being introduced are designed to create more business opportunities on Messesnger.

Lead Generation in Messenger

The new template within Facebook Ads Manager was first rolled out in the beat phase during Facebook's annual developer conference, F8.

Lead Generation in Messenger enables businesses to create automated experiences to help qualify leads within Messenger.

Brands can continue the conversation with prospects directly in Messenger and integrate with existing CRM tools to track leads.

Appointment Booking in Messenger

The feature is currently in the bet phase with select developers and brands, that lets you accept real-time appointment booking through Messenger.

The feature enables businesses to integrate their existing calendar booking software to power booking experiences through Messenger, letting you convert conversations into in-store traffic, online or phone appointments and more. You can sign up to be added to the beta waitlist here.

Updated Event Reporting

The feature is designed to report and track conversions that take place in Messenger easier. It will be available to businesses later this year.

Along with the new tools, Facebook is also updating platform policies to drive more personalized and relevant conversations.

Revised Standard Messaging Window

The revised window ahs been updated to 24 hours. This update also aligns with WhatsApp’s messaging window.

Beyond 24 hours, developers will be able to utilize message tags and sponsored messages to reach their customers.

Also Read: Facebook improves movie marketing with new features

Streamlined Message Tags

Streamlined Message Tags enable you to send personalized, 1:1 messages to people outside of the standard messaging window for four use cases including post-purchase updates, event reminders, account updates, and human agent (closed beta).

Sponsored Messages

Businesses who want to send a message to many people, including promotional content, outside the standard messaging window can continue to do so through sponsored messages.

This feature can be used to send targeted messages and re-engage with people who currently have an open chat with the business.

Subscription Messaging

The platform is limiting access to Subscription Messaging which is in the beta phase to vetted news organizations.

Some businesses were using the subscription messaging beta in ways that weren’t in line with Facebook's policy.

News organizations who successfully register their Pages through the Facebook News Page index can apply to be a part of the subscription messaging beta.

Discover Tab in Messenger

A new tab is being introduced in Messenger to aid people to reach out to businesses on Messenger smoothly.

There will be more tools available that would make you more discoverable such as links, web plugins and more.

The Discover tab will be rolled-out in the phase of next several months.