{"id":42783,"date":"2022-08-15T22:40:29","date_gmt":"2022-08-15T12:40:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onesaas.local\/blog\/ways-to-drive-business-instant-messaging\/"},"modified":"2024-03-27T19:51:18","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T19:51:18","slug":"ways-to-drive-business-instant-messaging","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/nz\/blog\/ways-to-drive-business-instant-messaging\/","title":{"rendered":"Conversation starters: How to initiate instant messaging chats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nothing beats a good conversation. And, in business, a helpful chat will leave your customers with a smile on their dial. Yet, as with any good convo, often the hardest part is getting started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never fear. We\u2019ve got you covered with a raft of easy ways to kick-start instant messaging conversations with customers on four of your favourite channels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook: Invite customers to have a chat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With almost 3 billion users<\/a>, Facebook is a great place to meet your customers for a chat. The thing is, you\u2019ll need to give your customers quick and easy ways to get in touch. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Add a \u2018Message\u2019 button to your page<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

At the very least, you need to add a \u2018Message\u2019 button to your Facebook page. The good news? It\u2019s easy to set up. Follow these instructions<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n

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2. Add a chat to your ads<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A great way to start a conversation? Create ads in Facebook (and Instagram) that click through to Messenger, where a friendly pre-written message awaits your customer. Here’s how<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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3. Use Messenger for live chat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using a third-party live chat on your website, consider replacing it with Facebook Messenger. It\u2019s a familiar, friendly tool your customers will love. And best of all, they don\u2019t need to stay on your website to keep chatting. Here\u2019s how and why you\u2019d want to set it up<\/a>.
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4. Share your m.me link<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Create a catching m.me link<\/a>. A m.me is a shortened URL (operated by Meta) that redirects users to chats in Messenger (so, something like m.me\/belle_blooms).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve created one, add it to your website, flyers, email signature, SMS messages and whatever else you use to communicate with customers. Then, it\u2019s a simple click for customers to kick-start a conversation with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instagram: Slide into the DMs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Invite customers to DM chats<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When you post, invite customers to DM you for more info, instead of just sending them to #linkinbio. This way, if a question\u2019s top of mind, your customer can ask it right away \u2014 no extra clicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Lure in more DMs with incentives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Consider running a promo to get the conversation going. In your bio, you could ask people to DM you a keyword, in exchange for a discount code. Then, keep the convo going with a helpful follow-up. For example, \u201cIs there anything else we can help you with today?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Use the \u2018DM Me\u2019 sticker in stories<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With stories still going gangbusters on Instagram, you can now make it as easy as pie for customers to start a conversation straight from your story. Add a cute \u2018DM Me\u2019 sticker<\/a>, and you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Google Business Messages: Meet customers where they are<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nothing beats a conversation with customers at the moment they\u2019re looking for you. That\u2019s what Google Business Messages is all about \u2013 customers can message you straight from where they find you in Google Search or Maps.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Once you\u2019ve set up Google Business Messages, the Chat button will automatically start showing in all the right places. Like, your business profile, site links, maps and featured snippets. Here\u2019s how to make the most of it:<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Join the message call-to-action pilot<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Google\u2019s currently running a pilot program for Google Ads that includes a message call-to-action. This is a great opportunity to see how chat can help your customers and deliver better ad results. If you\u2019re keen to take part, let us know<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Set up a widget for live chat on your site<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Want live chat on your site? Add a Google Business Messages widget, which makes it easy for customers to start conversations from your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s all explained here<\/a> \u2013 but you might need some developer support to get it up and running. And just note, this only works on Android phones.<\/p>\n\n\n

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WhatsApp: Get straight into chats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want a hassle-free, one-click way to chat with customers, WhatsApp could be your new BFF. WhatsApp Business is an easy way to sort and manage your messages. And, with over 2 billion monthly active users<\/a>, it\u2019s clear customers love it, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Add click-to-chat to your website<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You can add a WhatsApp click-to-chat widget to your website, and add WhatsApp as a contact channel on your support site and contact us page. Here\u2019s how to get started with click-to-chat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Run click-to-WhatsApp ads<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Create ads that click straight through to WhatsApp. A message thread opens in your customer\u2019s WhatsApp and they can start chatting. Too easy. Here\u2019s ho<\/a>w to get started<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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3. Create a WhatsApp QR code<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Make it as easy as pie for customers to connect by creating a QR code for your WhatsApp click-to-chat URL. Then, pop the QR code on your flyers and ads for customers to scan if they want to chat. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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4. Run a WhatsApp marketing campaign<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

WhatsApp is proving its worth as a marketing channel, with fun and creative campaigns like this one from Hellman\u2019s Mayonnaise<\/a> that got great engagement and results. Think of a personalised messaging experience your customers might love, share your WhatsApp number, and you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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\r\n Add chat to make life easier for everyone <\/h2>\r\n\r\n

So your instant messaging stands out from the crowd, here are some tips for having a great convo on instant messaging.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n Read the blog<\/a> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
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