The goal of any fitness business is to help people stay healthy by providing three things:

1. guidance

2. motivation

3. a sense of community


But the coronavirus pandemic has forced gyms, boxing clubs, yoga studios, and CrossFit boxes around the world to close their doors for the time being. As a fitness-business owner, how can you continue to achieve your goal without a physical space?

After all, there’s no lack of demand right now. Many people are feeling stir-crazy at home, and look to physical fitness for stress relief and health more than ever. So how can you continue to provide these three elements to your members at a distance?

The clear answer is to shift to an online model for now. But what’s the easiest way to convert your gym or studio into a digital operation—without investing lots of time or money?

An elegant solution to this challenge is the Facebook Messenger chatbot. Bots can offer the guidance, motivation, and sense of community your members are missing right now. Best of all, Messenger chatbots are [easy to build with Chatfuel](https://youtu.be/D4n6VLQHE5U) — no coding knowledge or previous experience required.

Let’s start by diving into the specifics of what a chatbot can do for your fitness business during these times, and what it can offer your members.

## 1\. A chatbot can keep your community informed

Your first task as a gym owner or marketer in the times of coronavirus is to keep your community up to date. Information and regulations for businesses during this time change often. It’s up to you to keep members informed on how your gym or studio is affected.

Here’s the good news: Building a gym bot that shares this kind of information and [answers FAQs](https://chatfuel.com/blog/chatbot-for-customer-service) is easy.

Make sure to put the most pressing, relevant information front and center in your bot. Don’t start out with *About us* information that details how your gym was founded. That’s not the information most people are looking for right now.

Instead, they want to know if you’re open, when you’ll reopen if not, and what you can offer them in the meantime. Put these details first; don’t make users have to dig to find them. Make your bot a hub for the most up-to-date information about your business right now, and highlight how the latest changes affect members.

## 2\. A chatbot can provide personalized workouts for users

Get this: Consumers are [40% more likely](https://hbr.org/2018/01/ads-that-dont-overstep?autocomplete=true) to view items that are recommended based on personal information that they’ve shared with a brand. It stands to reason, then, that gym members will be more likely to actually do the at-home workouts you share if they’re personalized to them. A chatbot makes it easy for your fitness business to offer this type of customization.

The key is conversation. It’s how chatbots communicate with users, via back-and-forth chat. It’s also how your bot can gather information about a user’s needs or preferences in order to make custom recommendations.

It doesn’t have to be complicated to build out this type of functionality, either. Here’s an example of how you could set up a personal trainer chatbot to recommend custom workouts for users:

- Add a bank of a few key movements to your bot, given in manageable increments, like 10 shuttle sprints, 50 jump ropes, 25 burpees, and 20 push-ups, for example. Create a gallery with videos showing how to do each one.

- Set up your bot to quiz the user about their preferences for the day’s workout (like duration, equipment they have available, etc.).

- Based on their responses, the bot can create a workout for the user, made up of the different movements you’ve given it to work with.


<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1/xs_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1/sm_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1/md_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1/lg_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1/xl_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1.webp 940w" width="940" height="788" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1/original_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_0_9fa45a5ea1.webp" alt="chatbots for gyms"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can equip your bot to put together workouts for users based on their desired duration and the equipment they have on hand.

You could do the same thing with yoga poses or boxing sequences, too—whatever movements your gym or fitness center specializes in. It’s minimal work for you and maximum benefit for your users. This is just one of many ways you could use a gym bot to share your online workouts. You could also:

- Create a gallery with one card for each day of the week, and have the respective button link to a full video workout for that day.

- Ask users what benefit they want that day (relaxation, energy, stress relief, etc.) and have the bot send them instructions for a yoga flow that will help them achieve it.


There’s lots of room for creativity when it comes to sharing workouts via chatbot. Think about what format would best serve your users, and go from there.

## 3\. A chatbot can help you run contests and promotions to boost engagement

One element gym-goers are missing most right now is the sense of community your business provided when it was fully open. Use a chatbot to help promote community engagement still, even while your members can’t physically gather together. It can help with:

- **Contests.** You could encourage users to log their workouts in the bot. Your bot can save them as attributes. Then, you’ll be able to easily find who had the fastest time or the most reps for that day, and reward them with a gift card or some merch. Or, you could use the logs to track who is most consistent in their workouts over a month, and give them a prize and a social-media shoutout.

- **User-generated content.** Your bot could ask users to submit photos of themselves, their workout space, or the makeshift weights they’re using to do your exercises at home. It’s an easy way to gather user-generated content to feature on your social media to boost community morale and motivation.

- **Giveaways.** If you’d like the added bonus of gaining new bot subscribers, you could run a giveaway on your Facebook page. Create a post on your business page announcing a giveaway of a prize, instructing users to comment to enter. Set up the Comments Autoreply feature so your bot will automatically reply to every entrant. It can start conversations with those who don’t win, encouraging them to check out its other resources on Messenger.


## 4\. A chatbot can sell your merchandise

Does your gym or fitness studio sells merchandise like workout clothing, fitness equipment, or supplements? A chatbot can help you maintain this revenue stream during the pandemic (and beyond!). If your gym isn’t set up to sell online yet, check out this quick-start [guide to opening an ecommerce store.](https://www.oberlo.com/blog/how-i-launched-my-ecommerce-store-in-less-than-30-minutes) Once your gym has an online shop ready to go, here are a few ways a bot can help boost its sales:

- **Answer questions about products.** This is where a chatbot’s handy FAQ function comes into play again. You can equip your Messenger bot to answer questions about everything from apparel sizing to shipping costs and times. If a customer is hesitant to buy because they have a question, the bot can answer it and close the deal.

- **Recommend products.** Through the same question-and-answer style, a bot can gather information about a user’s needs or preferences. Then, it can recommend products that would be the best match. If you sell protein powder, for example, the bot could ask users how many grams of protein they want per serving, what flavor they prefer, etc. Then, it could show relevant products with links to purchase on your store website.


- **Send abandoned-cart reminders.** If a user adds one of your products to their cart but leaves without buying, your Messenger chatbot can send them a gentle reminder. It’s important to not be too aggressive with these, especially in these times. But a quick message that simply asks the user if they have questions or offers a discount can go a long way.


## Other benefits of using a chatbot for your gym or yoga studio

Now you know what a chatbot can help your gym or fitness center achieve. Here are a few other reasons why using chatbots for fitness brands is a wise move during this time:

- **They’re easy to build**. As we mentioned before, you don’t need any special skills or experience to build a fitness chatbot with Chatfuel. Our platform is user friendly, and we offer tons of support resources to help you on your way (listed in the last section of this post).

- **They’re part of the Facebook ecosystem**. Facebook Messenger has over a billion users, so it’s safe to say that most of your fitness clients will be familiar with the interface. That means there will be no learning curve for them to get value from your chatbot, and no need for them to install a separate app. It also means you can get more users to your bot [with Facebook ads](https://chatfuel.com/blog/create-click-to-messenger-ads-to-drive-traffic-to-your-bot), if desired.

- **They can be your business’s central hub.** A Messenger chatbot can become a one-stop shop for all information related to your business during the pandemic (and after!). You can equip it with all relevant information for members, so they know that it’s the place to go when they have a question or want an update about your business. Plus, you’ll be able to instantly update information yourself—no need to contact your developer, as you may have to for changes to your website.

- **They can help you achieve your business goals.** Bots can help you provide guidance, motivation, and a sense of community to your members, as we discussed. But they can also help you keep up engagement and even revenue during these times to keep your business afloat.


## Examples of fitness chatbots powered by Chatfuel

### Boosty.Coach

Boosty is a French website that makes it easy for fitness enthusiasts to find workout videos and live coaching sessions to follow at home. They’ve generously made their platform free for the duration of quarantine. Their workout chatbot guides the user through the process of finding the right video for them, whether it’s about exercise, meditation, or nutrition. The bot makes it easy for users to find workouts and other fitness information that suits them.

<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25/xs_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25/sm_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25/md_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25/lg_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25/xl_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25.webp 940w" width="940" height="788" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25/original_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_1_3993d15a25.webp" alt="chatbots for coaching"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Planet Fitness

In the times of COVID-19, Planet Fitness’s Messenger chatbot provides only the most crucial information for members. That includes FAQs about gym closures, and information about the online workouts they’re offering. The exercises aren’t available in the bot itself, in this case. However, users can click a button and will be directed to the gym’s Facebook page where they can join in on live, guided exercises.

<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab/xs_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab/sm_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab/md_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab/lg_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab/xl_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab.webp 940w" width="940" height="788" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab/original_messenger_chatbots_for_gyms_and_fitness_studios_2_066e06e3ab.webp" alt="chatbots for fitness"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## How to build a Messenger bot for your fitness business

To help you learn how to build a gym chatbot, we’ve collected some resources for you. Your first step is to sign up for a [free Chatfuel account](https://dashboard.chatfuel.com). Then, get acquainted with our platform and some bot-building basics:

- Connect your Facebook Page to Chatfuel.

- Build your first chatbot in three minutes.

- Use a template to set up a bot to answer FAQs.


Finally, we recommend that bot-builders of all levels join [our Facebook community](https://www.facebook.com/groups/chatfuel), where you can get advice, find inspiration, and ask questions.

What's the easiest way to convert your gym or studio into a digital operation during COVID without investing lots of time/money? Chatbots!

Why gyms should be using Messenger bots during the pandemic

Ever heard of chatvertising? It’s the key to getting more sales for your business in the modern marketing landscape.Chatvertising refers to digital ads that spark conversation between your brand and consumers.

If your brand has a great Messenger bot, you’ve already laid the groundwork for these meaningful conversations. But how do you “spark” them? How do you get them started? What tools can you use to bring new users to your bot, so it can engage them and drive conversions?

Though there’s more than one way, running click-to-Messenger ads on Facebook is your best option for fast, effective results.

Click-to-Messenger ads can be placed wherever any other [type of Facebook ad](https://chatfuel.com/blog/the-secret-recipe-for-optimizing-your-ecommerce-funnel-with-facebook-ads) can appear, including News Feeds, columns, Stories, and even on Instagram. When a user clicks the ad, they’ll be redirected from the Facebook or Instagram app to the Messenger app. They’ll be brought directly to a conversation with your brand, which your bot will immediately initiate.

<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e/xs_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e/sm_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e/md_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e/lg_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e/xl_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e.webp 940w" width="940" height="788" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e/original_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_0_188647004e.webp" alt="facebook ads"><figcaption>A click-to-Messenger ad is just what it sounds like: It takes users from Facebook or Instagram to a conversation with your bot in Messenger.</figcaption></figure>

## How to set up click-to-Messenger ads for your Chatfuel bot

If you’ve already created your click-to-Messenger ad in Facebook, skip to the next section. If not, follow these instructions to set up the ad in Facebook Ads Manager:

1. Choose the *Messages* objective for your new ad. Give it a name too, so you can easily find it in Chatfuel later.

2. Choose *Messenger* under *Message Destination*, and keep *Click to Messenger*selected in the drop-down.

3. Choose your audience according to your business’s unique goals. (You’ll find more on creating custom and Lookalike audiences in the next section of this guide.)

4. Choose *Automatic Placements*. Or, if you want this ad to show on Instagram too, you can use *Manual Placements.* On the one hand, being [redirected from Instagram to Messenger](https://chatfuel.com/blog/use-instagram-ads-to-bring-users-to-your-dms-or-your-messenger-bot) may be more jarring to users. On the other, Instagram has a valuable audience of over one billion users, most of whom belong to younger demographics. It’s up to you to decide whether this placement makes sense for your brand (or you can split-test to find out).

5. Choose your desired budget and schedule for the ad.

6. In the *Identity* section, make sure that your ad will come from the same Facebook page that your bot is linked to in Chatfuel.

7. Next, design your ad creative. (Find tips in the next section of this guide.)

8. In the *Messenger Setup* section, choose the *Start Conversations* option and click **Create.**

9. In the window that appears, we recommend choosing buttons or quick replies under *Customer Actions*.

10. In the same window, customize the greeting. This is the first message users will see from you in Facebook Messenger, so make it engaging!

11. Click **Finish**. There’s no need to set up your buttons or quick replies in this final window; you’ll do this in Chatfuel. Just click **Confirm** to submit your ad to Facebook for review.


## How to link click-to-Messenger ads to your Chatfuel bot

Once you have your ad created in Ads Manager, head to Chatfuel to link it to your Facebook bot.

### How to link ads to a chatbot built in Chatfuel’s *Automation* → *Flows* tab

1. Set up your click-to-Messenger ad in Facebook Ads Manager.

2. Then, go into Chatfuel’s *Grow* tab to link your ad account (s) to your Chatfuel bot. In that tab, you’ll see a card that says *Facebook Messenger Ads*. Select your ad account from the drop-down on that card.

3. Back in the *Flows* tab, add the Click-to-Messenger Ads Entry Point to your flow.

4. Click **Choose ads** to select an already-created ad (s).

5. Create the flow that users will be sent through after engaging with your click-to-Messenger ad, starting with the greeting. Once you’ve added the content of your greeting, drag and drop from your Entry Point’s card to create the next card (s) in the flow.


<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02/xs_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02/sm_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02/md_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02/lg_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02/xl_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02.webp 1574w" width="1574" height="976" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02/original_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_1_641c5e3d02.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Get full instructions on the easy setup for the Click-to-Messenger Ads Entry Point. Or, watch the video tutorial. 👇

<figure><img><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### How to link ads to a chatbot built in Chatfuel’s *Automation* → *Blocks* tab

1. Go to the *Grow* tab and find the native integration for Facebook Messenger ads.

2. Use the drop-down menu to choose the ad account you want to use, and click **Set up**.


<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3/xs_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3/sm_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3/md_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3/lg_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3/xl_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3.webp 1772w" width="1772" height="752" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3/original_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_2_de5eadfda3.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<ol start="3"><li>You’ll then be&nbsp;asked to&nbsp;grant Chatfuel the necessary permissions.</li><li>Once you’ve done that, click + Connect new ads. An&nbsp;outline will appear to&nbsp;guide you through the three-step process. 👇</li></ol>

<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414/xs_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414/sm_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414/md_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414/lg_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414/xl_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414.webp 1354w" width="1354" height="1170" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414/original_create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_3_f54f90a414.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<ol start="5"><li>First, select the Click-to-Messenger campaign button in&nbsp;step 1️⃣of the outline. It’ll lead you to&nbsp;Facebook Ads Manager <a href="https://youtu.be/KN5N0mp-Mg4">to&nbsp;build your ad</a>. (Or, if&nbsp;you’ve already built a&nbsp;click-to-Messenger ad, it&nbsp;will appear in&nbsp;the integration automatically.)</li><li>Click Set up&nbsp;next to&nbsp;step 2️⃣, which is&nbsp;to&nbsp;connect your bot to&nbsp;the ad&nbsp;you’ve just created (or&nbsp;that you created previously). Select the ad&nbsp;from the drop-down list (you may need to&nbsp;refresh the page for it&nbsp;to&nbsp;appear).</li><li>Step 3️⃣ is&nbsp;to&nbsp;configure customer actions. Click Set up&nbsp;next to&nbsp;that step. Here’s where you’ll choose between buttons or&nbsp;quick replies as&nbsp;options for how users can respond to&nbsp;your bot’s first message. You can do&nbsp;it&nbsp;all right in&nbsp;Chatfuel:</li></ol>

- Create the text for each button or quick reply.

- Choose which bot blocks each one will link to.

- Click **Save,** and you’re done!


As soon as Facebook approves your ad and sets it live, it will lead users to the bot experience you’ve set up.

<figure><img><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Best practices for click-to-Messenger ads

The ad creative you choose depends on what works best for your industry, and the advertising goals for your unique business. That being said, there are a few general best practices for “chatvertising” that apply to any brand.

- **Target carefully**. The best way to maximize return on ad spend and minimize conversion costs is through proper ad targeting. You can advertise to custom audiences (based on existing customer lists) or Lookalike audiences (to reach new prospects similar to your most valuable users). Get all the data you need to create these in Ads Manager from the [*People* tab](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/1575151-people-tab) in Chatfuel. Use Segment Sync to send this data to Facebook in one click. You can also create custom audiences based on actions users have taken in your bot using our Send Analytics Events to Facebook plugin. *(Note that custom audiences aren’t available for some European-based pages. Get more information on* [*Facebook’s updated policies for EEA countries*](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/6280681-features-affected-by-gdpr-appi-privacy-laws)*.)*

- **Mention the word *Messenger* in the ad copy.** When users click your ad on mobile (and [94% of them will](https://sproutsocial.com/insights/facebook-stats-for-marketers/)), they’ll be redirected from the Facebook app to the Messenger app automatically. By mentioning Messenger in the copy (i.e. *Connect with us in Messenger to claim your 25%-off coupon!*), you remind users of what to expect. That way, the app switch won’t be as disorienting and fewer users will abandon the process after being redirected.

- **Use emoji in the ad copy**. It’s not just because emoji can make an ad more eye-catching. It’s also because they can help you draw attention to the call-to-action button you want users to click (*Send Message*). Emoji provide a clear, visual way to draw people to the next step.


## Optimizing for the double opt-in

Once a user clicks on your ad, they’re only halfway to converting. To become a bot subscriber (a user that’s reachable by your bot), they also have to respond to your chatbot’s initial message once they arrive in Facebook Messenger.

Here’s the challenge: There’s a 50% average drop-off rate between these two steps. That’s why it’s crucial to optimize those first messages from your bot to make it easy, enticing, and rewarding for users to engage. Here are some tips for getting users to interact once they arrive at your bot.

### Choose the initial-response options wisely

You *need* users to respond to your bot’s first message. To improve your odds, we recommend using buttons instead of quick replies. Sometimes quick replies don’t render properly on mobile, so buttons are generally the safer bet. Plus, buttons don’t disappear when your bot sends its next message, making it easier for the user to follow the conversation as it progresses.

We also suggest getting creative with the button copy. *Get Started* is a popular choice, but isn’t very engaging. Using a custom message is more effective—and using two is even better! A bot that offers two welcome-button choices generates 5x higher first-engagement rates.

### Incorporate emoji and GIFs into the messages

First, people already use the Messenger app from Facebook to chat with family and friends. Creating this same kind of intimate, casual atmosphere with [emoji and GIFs](#) can help encourage users to engage. Plus, these elements add color and motion to the conversation. They help catch a user’s eye, and they make your bot and your brand seem more approachable and human. Just make sure any that you use are appropriate for your brand voice and tone.

<figure><img width="872" height="732" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_4_0405570abf/create_click_to_messenger_ads_to_drive_traffic_to_your_bot_4_0405570abf.gif" alt=""><figcaption>Include GIFs and emoji if appropriate for your brand. They can help draw the eye and encourage the user to engage.</figcaption></figure>

### Keep the conversation flowing with “this or that” questions

It’s your responsibility to design a chatbot that keeps the conversation going. Don’t expect users to take the initiative! That’s why having your bot ask engaging questions is so important. In fact, “this or that” questions have been shown to double initial chatbot engagement rates. So don’t just keep sending block after block of text from your bot. Remember that it’s a two-way conversation. Offer the user response options often so they can easily participate in the dialogue.

## Gather leads and boost sales with click-to-Messenger ads

One click to Messenger and one click to engage with the bot, and you’ve got a new lead for your business. Click-to-Messenger ads are the most effective way to advertise on Facebook to get new users for your chatbot. Once they’re there, your bot can nurture these leads and move them down the funnel towards a conversion.

Start using click-to-Messenger ads now to grow your business. [Sign up for a free Chatfuel account](https://dashboard.chatfuel.com) today.

Boost engagement, sales, and ROI for your business by harnessing the synergy of Facebook ads and chatbots. Ever heard of chatvertising?

Create Click-to-Messenger Ads for Your Bot

Find out how any medical practice or health-related business can benefit from a Facebook Messenger bot. What can a healthcare chatbot do?

Healthcare Chatbot: Save Time, Improve Patient CX

The best way to reengage inactive bot users—to reactivate these valuable leads effectively and affordably? Sponsored messages!

Instagram Ads: Drive Users to DMs & Messenger Bot

<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_banner_en_20_85203357c2/lg_banner_en_20_85203357c2.png 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_banner_en_20_85203357c2/md_banner_en_20_85203357c2.png 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_banner_en_20_85203357c2/sm_banner_en_20_85203357c2.png 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_banner_en_20_85203357c2/xl_banner_en_20_85203357c2.png 1944w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_banner_en_20_85203357c2/xs_banner_en_20_85203357c2.png 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_banner_en_20_85203357c2/lg_banner_en_20_85203357c2.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_banner_en_20_85203357c2/md_banner_en_20_85203357c2.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_banner_en_20_85203357c2/sm_banner_en_20_85203357c2.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_banner_en_20_85203357c2/xl_banner_en_20_85203357c2.webp 1944w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_banner_en_20_85203357c2/xs_banner_en_20_85203357c2.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_banner_en_20_85203357c2/original_banner_en_20_85203357c2.png 1944w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/thumbnail_banner_en_20_85203357c2/thumbnail_banner_en_20_85203357c2.png 245w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_banner_en_20_85203357c2/original_banner_en_20_85203357c2.webp 1944w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/banner_en_20_85203357c2/banner_en_20_85203357c2.png 1944w" width="1944" height="1032" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/banner_en_20_85203357c2/banner_en_20_85203357c2.png" alt="banner - en - 20.png"><figcaption><a href="https://dashboard.chatfuel.com/sign-up?utm_medium=chatfuel&amp;utm_source=article-banner&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-turn-facebook-post-commenters-into-customers">https://dashboard.chatfuel.com/sign-up?utm_medium=chatfuel&amp;utm_source=article-banner&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-turn-facebook-post-commenters-into-customers</a></figcaption></figure>

Each Facebook user who comments on your Facebook Business Page posts is a potential customer. But manual replying to each person doesn’t work as an effective sales funnel for many reasons. If interested users don’t get a response about a product on time, they can leave the website and never come back. It might disappoint both sides: unhappy clients and unsuccessful businesses with low sales. But there’s a solution.

Businesses can hire more staff to manage comments or post less on social media. However, it will not be as effective as automation is. In this article, we will tell how to use automation to respond to comments, how it can benefit your business, and show you how to set up the whole process in Chatfuel.

## Types of users' comments

When your customers visit your Facebook Page, they might leave various comments, depending on what they need. Here are the main types of user comments:

- **FAQs.** What’s your location? How to book a table? Are your products cruelty-free? Can I get a refund?

- **Feedback.** Thanks for the t-shirt, it fits me perfectly! However, I didn’t like the book I bought from your store!

- **Contests and giveaways**. If you run a promo, users who want to participate will comment on the promo post.

- **Emoji and others.** Out-of-topic, 'I’m the first' type of comments, words in other languages.


All the comments are equally crucial for user support and communication with customers. If you respond to your clients quickly and answer their questions on time, most likely, your customers will feel welcomed and valued. And most likely, they will make a purchase.

## How automated responses to comments can benefit your business

With automation, you can save lots of resources. You and your team can set up the comment response process the way you prefer. For example, have your bot answer users' FAQs and send them your menu or catalog. Or, thank your customers for positive feedback and send them a promo code. If a user sends a complaint, your bot can redirect them to a live chat, where your team can find out more and find a solution.

Our customers from different industries shared some metrics to show how the Comments Autoreply feature benefited their business. For example, a baby-furniture brand DECEN® got its bot to [**handle 98% of customer inquiries**](https://chatfuel.com/blog/decen-baby-brand-generates-80-of-total-sales-with-messenger-bot). In addition, a meal-kit company HelloFresh [**decreased response time by 76%**](https://chatfuel.com/blog/hellofresh-reduces-support-wait-times-with-chatfuel-messenger-bot) and got 47% more messages on Messenger overall. And there are more happy customers — you can check their cases [here](https://chatfuel.com/blog/category/use-cases).

## Setting up Facebook comments autoreply

Comments Autoreply is a feature in Chatfuel. When users comment on your post, they open a conversation with your bot. You can have your chatbot privately message all commenters or only those who used a specific keyword in their comment. Also, you can apply this rule to all posts or only a particular one. To set it up, go to [Dashboard](https://dashboard.chatfuel.com/sign-in?utm_medium=chatfuel&utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=how-to-turn-facebook-post-commenters-into-customers) and open **Automation** → **Flows**.

In [flows](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/4237017-how-to-build-a-flow), this feature takes the form of an entry point. An entry point is a channel through which you can bring new users to your Facebook chatbot.

### With the Comments Autoreply, you can:

- Respond to comments (including posts, photos, albums, and videos);

- Send a public reply to the user’s comment and a private reply in Messenger;

- Set a delay for the public, private responses, or both;

- Add multiple public reply options and randomly set your bot to choose one each time;

- Set up a reply and keyword triggers for existing bot users (different from the reply and triggers for new users.)


With these options, you can set AI to answer FAQs, manage contests and giveaways or respond to reviews on your Facebook Page. We recommend setting up simple automation first and adding details later. That way, you can see what’s missing and what to add to make your bot more successful.

Before launching, make sure your bot is [connected to your Business Page](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/3917632-connecting-your-facebook-or-instagram) and that you set up to view replies to posts on that Page.

Also, you’ll get to select and customize:

1. **A Facebook post.** Do you want your bot to reply to comments on every post or a specific one?

2. **Rules.** Do you want your chatbot to reply to every comment on that piece of content or only those containing specific keywords? You’ll have the option to add [keyword groups](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/828883-keywords) for your bot’s replies as rules. You can have different answers for each keyword group if you have multiple or have them all lead to the same response. Or, you can leave the keyword spaces empty to have your Messenger bot reply apply to all comments.

3. **Response.** Here you’ll decide what your chatbot says in response to user comments. It can be a public reply in comments, a private reply via Messenger, or both.

4. **Time.** You can set a time delay if desired or set up separate replies for existing users of your bot versus new users.


## Rules

### Link to posts published on your Page only

This feature won’t work for posts created just for an ad and only existed in Ads Manager *(dark posts)*. You can acquire users for your bot from comments on a boosted post, but only if it was initially published directly to your Page.

### Only top-level comments will trigger the response, not replies

And it’ll only work on the original post, not shared versions of it. Also, note that your bot will never message the same user more than once, no matter how many comments they may have left on that post.

### Stickers and images cannot be tracked

For these acquired users to become bot subscribers, the first interaction must include actual text from both sides. Therefore, your bot’s first message should contain text (same for the user’s first reply). Stickers and images don’t count for this, so use that first message to encourage a text response from users.

### No engagement bait

Broad or irrelevant questions like *'Do you like dogs or cats? '* can bring you more comments. But it’s not worth it in the long run. Facebook will detect it as an [engagement bait](https://www.facebook.com/help/publisher/259911614709806) and punish this with lower reach.

## Tips

### For customer’s feedback and FAQs

Before setting up Comments Autoreply entry point to track your client’s feedback, [enable users to leave reviews](https://www.facebook.com/help/548274415377576?helpref=search&sr=4&query=business%20reviews&search_session_id=58c53c3ea92dd846418ae5fadd8fff10) on your Facebook Page:

1. **Inbox** → **Automated responses**;

2. Toggle on one or both of the options under **Respond to feedback**;

3. After this, set up two autoreply rules: one for positive reviews and one for negative reviews.


Use the first rule to thank users for their feedback, offer a discount, [recommend products](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfmQvqtJN9Q&t=2s), or answer their FAQs. With the second one, you can offer a freebie or discount to users to make up for their experience. You can also use the [Live Chat plugin](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/849315-live-chat) to redirect them to a human agent to resolve the issue and learn what you can do to improve.

### For contests and giveaways

First, create a Facebook post that tells users what to comment to enter. Then set up the Comments Autoreply feature, and you’re ready to go! Your bot will engage with all participants and can reward the winners with a promo code. That way, your brand can get more leads or sales. Or both!

We recommend avoiding **Send** and **Get message** buttons in your posts. They can confuse users by adding extra call-to-action. So, they may not engage at all.

## Start profiting from the engagement on your Facebook Page

If you’re not guiding post-commenters into your sales funnel via chatbot, you could be missing out on sales. So instead, turn the commenters into customers with the Chatfuel Comments Autoreply feature and grow your profit. [Sign up](https://dashboard.chatfuel.com/sign-in?utm_medium=chatfuel&utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=how-to-turn-facebook-post-commenters-into-customers) today to get started.

In this tutorial, I will explain how to set up Facebook comments autoreply with your own chatbot and why your business need this feature

How to turn Facebook comments into customers with automation

## The brand

[HelloFresh](https://www.hellofresh.com) is a creative solution for those tired of eating out at restaurants but don’t have the time or know-how to plan and cook meals from scratch. This subscription-box service delivers fresh ingredients to your door and instructions to transform them into delicious meals. HelloFresh helps people enjoy healthy, home-cooked food without the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping.

## The problem

HelloFresh the US faced two main problems:

1. They needed at least one customer-service agent to monitor incoming Facebook messages round the clock, just to keep up.**‍**
2. **Slow response times.** It took their support team between six and twelve hours to get through all the necessary steps to resolve a customer issue from one of these messages.

Their customer-care team was overworked and could never get ahead. In addition, customers themselves were getting frustrated with the long wait times.

## The solution

In 2017 HelloFresh team started exploring chatbots to improve customer support and engagement. And so, the idea for Freddy the Messenger bot was born. “Within just a few days, I created Freddy out the [customer service bot](https://chatfuel.com/blog/chatbot-for-customer-service) framework,” explains Alex Curtis, Senior Associate on the HelloFresh Social Media Team.

Here’s what the HelloFresh team taught bot Freddy to do:

- **Reply to users.** For Black Friday 2017 and 2018, the team created Facebook promo posts with riddles and questions. Freddy would [automatically respond via Messenger](https://youtu.be/j_s1FoC6HTM) to all users who gave a correct answer and send them a promo code. In 2018, this campaign had **a 64% conversion rate** — meaning that over half of users who received the code used it to place an order!
- **Recommend music.** HelloFresh calls it Get Grooving: when the bot suggests a playlist to match the meal kit the user will be cooking that evening.
- **Share seasonal tips** and blog content around the holidays. They call it their Holiday Hotline, and it’s yet another way to create a unique, helpful experience for prospects and customers.

## The recipe

Freddy has been a hit with HelloFresh prospects and customers — and, their support team has benefited in a big way. To do it, they used these Chatfuel features:

- **Comments Autoreply.** Freddy automatically messaged people who commented on HelloFresh’s page posts. Once the user responds to Freddy’s first message, they become a reachable bot user. This feature was key in several of HelloFresh’s Facebook campaigns.
- **Quick Replies.** That way, users can tap suggested topics instead of having to type. Quick Replies make for a seamless user experience and help keep the conversation on track.
- **Gallery cards**. HelloFresh incorporated gallery cards in their bot, using plenty of bright, colorful graphics to catch a user’s eye.

<figure><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0/original_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0.webp" loading="lazy" alt="HelloFresh chatbot example" height="1168" width="2080" blurdataurl="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAQAAAACCAIAAADwyuo0AAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAAAI0lEQVR4nGNoLM/avG7t+4+fjxw5wiDNwODtYn/l2rUZ/Z0AuYANqSSo+cAAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" placeholder="blur" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0/xs_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0/sm_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0/md_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0/lg_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0/xl_hellofresh_reduces_support_wait_times_with_chatfuel_messenger_bot_0_eb5d0a02f0.webp 2080w"></figure>

## The results

In 2018, HelloFresh’s average response time to customer inquiries was five hours. In 2019, it dropped dramatically to one hour and 11 minutes. That’s a **76% decrease** in response times, even though they got **47% more** messages on Messenger overall.

“With our bot, a customer conversation that used to take six to 12 hours now takes just a few minutes to address and sometimes to resolve entirely,” says Curtis. The support team gets more time to deal with complex inquiries instead of answering the same routine ones repeatedly.

Customer satisfaction has increased with the quicker service, and Freddy is creating a positive impression for users in other ways, too. Chatting with the bot is instant, interactive, fun, and helpful, and it makes HelloFresh stand out from the competition.

“Chatfuel streamlined how we handle customer-service inquiries on social media. It lets us provide an incredible experience for our fans that you don’t get anywhere else in the industry. On top of all that, it was easy enough for us to learn without extensive training or experience.”, Curtis shares.

## A fresh take on customer support and engagement

Now that you’ve got a taste for the success a chatbot can bring you, it’s time to build a Messenger bot for your own business. [Sign up](https://dashboard.chatfuel.com) today to get started.

HelloFresh reduces response time with Chatfuel. Quick Replies make for a seamless user experience and help keep the conversation on track.

HelloFresh creates customer service chatbot with Chatfuel

You’ve created an engaging Facebook ad for your business, complete with great visuals, intriguing copy, and precise targeting. The question is: Where will prospects go once they engage with it? The next step is crucial in actually achieving conversions and earning revenue for your brand.

Landing pages are the traditional option, and they still have their place. However, the Facebook Messenger chatbot has emerged as a compelling new alternative for a variety of industries and use cases. To decide between landing page vs. chatbot for your business, consider the features and benefits of each.

## What is a landing page?

A landing page is a web page that a user is directed to, or “lands” on, after clicking on a Facebook ad. It commonly includes more details about the product or service mentioned in the ad, and is designed to get the user to take a specific action—like opting in or making a purchase.

Landing pages typically include a form where the user can enter their information. They’re sometimes incentivized to fill out the form with a free download, discount, or other type of lead magnet. If they do so, they’ll be counted as a conversion. Then, they’ll either receive information or a digital product in their email, will be shipped a product, or will be contacted by the business later.

<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1/xs_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1/sm_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1/md_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1/lg_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1/xl_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1.webp 2000w" width="2000" height="1020" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1/original_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_0_aefc650bb1.webp" alt="Landing page"><figcaption>When it comes to destinations for your Facebook ads, a landing page is one option.</figcaption></figure>

## The advantages of landing pages for Facebook ads

When a user clicks on a Facebook ad, a landing page in a separate window is where they’re traditionally sent. While landing pages are no longer the only option, they can be effective when used correctly. A few of their benefits include:

- **Landing pages are extremely customizable.** A new landing page is a blank slate. It can include as much information as you like in any arrangement or format, so a user can learn everything they need to know about your offer.

- **Landing pages tend to convert qualified traffic.** A landing-page form with several fields to fill in can be intimidating to a user. In general, the more information you ask for, the fewer submissions you’ll receive overall. However, the users you *do* convert are likely to be warm leads more valuable to your business, as a longer form will tend to weed out unqualified traffic.

- **Landing pages can help with SEO.** It depends on the content of your landing page, but some can help with your website’s search-engine rankings. If the page you designed includes long-form, useful content on a certain topic, you may be able to gain some SEO benefits from it.


<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e/xs_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e/sm_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e/md_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e/lg_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e/xl_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e.webp 2000w" width="2000" height="1154" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e/original_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_1_3cb226b82e.webp" alt="The advantages of landing pages for Facebook ads"><figcaption>A successful landing page is aesthetically pleasing, easy to read and navigate, and offers a clear next step.</figcaption></figure>

## What is a Facebook Messenger bot?

A bot is a piece of software that can interact with customers or prospects in a conversational way via a chat platform like Facebook Messenger. You can equip your chatbot to answer specific questions or complete certain actions based on what users ask of them. They act as friendly virtual assistants that provide a guided, engaging experience. They’re easy and pleasant to interact with because they offer help and information in a humanlike way: in bite-sized pieces, message by message.

<figure><img width="378" height="576" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/chatbots_vs_landing_pages_2_a6d57a63b5/chatbots_vs_landing_pages_2_a6d57a63b5.gif" alt="chatbot messenger"><figcaption>Interacting with a bot is similar to a Messenger conversation with a human.</figcaption></figure>

You can connect a Facebook ad to a chatbot. That way, when prospects click on your ad, they can simply be redirected to your bot in Messenger instead of to a landing page. From there, the bot can do everything from answering FAQs and making product recommendations to accepting sale payments or event sign-ups — and the user won’t have to leave the Messenger app.

Plus, it’s all done in an instant, conversational style that’s proven to promote high engagement and retention rates. Finally, if the bot runs into an issue or question that it doesn’t know how to resolve, it can easily [**notify a human on your team to take over**](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/849315-live-chat/).

<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2/xs_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2/sm_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2/md_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2/lg_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2/xl_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2.webp 1000w" width="1000" height="691" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2/original_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_3_70897dfaa2.webp" alt="What is a Facebook Messenger bot for Facebook ads"><figcaption><a href="https://chatfuel.com/blog/hellofresh-reduces-support-wait-times-with-chatfuel-messenger-bot">HelloFresh,</a> a Chatfuel client, is a great example of a brand that successfully uses a Messenger bot in conjunction with Facebook ads.</figcaption></figure>

## The advantages of Messenger bots for Facebook ads

Messenger bots are a compelling answer to the question of how to convert more users who click on your ads. Some key benefits of using a Messenger bot as a Facebook-ads destination include:

- **Bots are instant.** In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, people expect answers and assistance almost instantly. Bots can provide this speed of service. As soon as a user engages with a [**click-to-Messenger ad**](https://chatfuel.com/blog/create-click-to-messenger-ads-to-drive-traffic-to-your-bot/), they’re directed to the bot and a conversation begins immediately. That way, there’s no lull or waiting period where the prospect can lose interest.

- **Bots can provide a personalized experience.** Of course, sending all prospects from an ad to the same, single landing page doesn’t make for a very customized experience. Bots, however, can be set up to **greet the prospect by name**, and ask questions to get to know their needs or tastes. That way, the bot can provide more tailored information, or show products and offers that relate to the user specifically.

- **Bots exist in a familiar, simple interface.** The Messenger interface where these bots exist always offers the same, easy-to-navigate experience—one which most users are already familiar with. Plus, Messenger is exceedingly mobile friendly. You’ll never have to worry about slow load times or jumbled layouts when your bot is accessed from a smartphone. Finally, a Messenger bot means fewer creative factors to worry about. Since you don’t have to choose fonts, layout, and colors, you can put all your focus on creating quality content.

- **Bots gather user data easily.** First, bots automatically have access to basic information from a subscriber’s Facebook profile. For any additional details your business needs, the bot can gather it in an engaging way using questions sent one by one. This method generally offers less friction in the conversion process—and less of a chance for user overwhelm than if you asked them to enter details into a form themselves.

- **Bots are innovative tools.** Chatbots are still relatively new on the scene of Facebook marketing. The incorrect perception that they can only be built from scratch, with code, is unfortunately widespread, and prevents many businesses from trying them out. So by offering a pleasant, easy interaction with your prospects through a bot, you’ll stand out as an innovative company dedicated to providing the best customer experience possible.


## How to choose between a landing page and a Messenger bot

When it comes to selecting a destination for your Facebook ads, both landing pages and bots can produce impressive results when used correctly. Here are a few ideas to help you decide which is right for your brand.

**Landing pages** work well for businesses that sell complex or especially technical products and services. In cases like these, it’s your job to educate the visitor about the problem and the details of your solution before they take an action like booking a demo or making a more expensive purchase. Landing pages allow you to present a large amount of information in a clear and coherent way, since you can control all elements of the design and layout.

**Chatbots** work well for any business case where the information the prospect needs to know before opting in or signing up can be clearly conveyed in a succinct, conversational style. For a newsletter opt-in, event registration, or a giveaway, for example, sending a user to a bot rather than a static landing page will make the transaction simpler and much quicker. Whereas there may be a delay between when a user fills out a landing-page form and when the business reaches out to them, a bot can provide service instantly. Plus, thanks to buttons and quick replies, gathering information is easy—the user may not even need to type at all. Finally, once the user responds to the bot, they’re considered a subscriber. This means your business can message them again [**within a 24-hour window**](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/5627483-types-of-reengage-messages#h_b8201a2718), or at any time in the future using [**sponsored messages**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQsmvmRCjXw).

<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7/xs_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7/sm_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7/md_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7/lg_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7/xl_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7.webp 1920w" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7/original_chatbots_vs_landing_pages_4_69543058e7.webp" alt="Landing pages vs. Facebook Messenger chatbots"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the end, it’s up to you to carefully consider your unique use case and choose the right Facebook ads destination for your brand. As with most business tools, experimentation is crucial to discovering which will work best for your specific situation. That’s why it’s generally a good idea to split test your next campaign to see which ads destination performs better. You can use Chatfuel’s A/B testing plugin for this. Simply divide the flow so that A leads customers to a landing page, and B leads them to a flow within a chatbot. Then, you can focus on whichever method produced the most conversions.

Or, it could be that both solutions have a place in your Facebook ads strategy, depending on the campaign and the stage. For example, you could use a landing page to explain the benefits of and sell a certain product.

## How to build a landing page

There’s a huge amount of helpful resources out there on how to create a landing page for Facebook ads. Learn about the elements of high-converting landing pages, or find a template and a step-by-step guide for building one yourself.

## How to build a Facebook Messenger bot

If you decide a Messenger bot is the right ads destination for your brand, but have never built one yourself, don’t worry! Some businesses haven’t yet explored bots because they may seem too intimidating or complicated. The truth is, however, that it takes no more technical knowledge to create a simple bot than it does a simple landing page. With the right platform, #AnyoneCanBuildABot!

To help you start building your first bot for free with Chatfuel, we offer lots of helpful resources:

- Take [**our free Udemy course**](https://www.udemy.com/course/chatfuel-complete-guide-messenger-bots) to learn everything you need to know about building your first bot.

- Get a head start with a [**template**](https://chatfuel.com/templates) to help you design a bot for a specific use case, or take advantage of a **pre-built flow** to help you create its content.

- Find detailed information on how to set up various bot features in our [**help documentation**](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en).

- Get tips and advice from fellow bot builders across industries in our [**Facebook community**](https://www.facebook.com/groups/chatfuel).


## Ready to dive in?

If you’ve decided that a chatbot is the right destination for your business’s Facebook ads, get started today! [**Sign up with Chatfuel for free**](https://dashboard.chatfuel.com) and build a chatbot for your business.

Decide between a landing page or a chatbot as the destination for your business's Facebook ads. You’ve created an engaging Facebook ad for your business,.

Chatbots vs Landing Pages for Facebook Ads

As a chatbot automation platform trusted by 7m+ businesses, we know how to keep customers engaged. But unfortunately, complex automation puzzles them, and elaborate algorithms annoy them. As a result, they tend to leave unless they feel a connection. So we’ve asked three Chatfuel bot builders to share some basic rules to win your shoppers’ attention and take them further down the funnel.

To implement these tips in your bot-building process, open your Chatfuel account or [create a new one](https://dashboard.chatfuel.com). It’s quick and free.

## Personalize your bot

> “It’s impossible to operate without a human touch at times. With automation, your business can set up rules to funnel high-priority conversations to the live agent. For instance, if your customer has a specific question or needs some thorough guidance.” — says Nick, the Head of Product.

Create a warm atmosphere for users. Here’s how you can make your conversation friendly:

- Address to users by name. Having the first name personalization increases your click-through rate from 5.8% to 7%. Chatfuel allows you to do that via [User Attributes](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/5573554-attributes).

- Speak in customers' language. [Set the user’s language](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/2931038-multiple-languages) automatically based on their \[locale\] attribute or let them pick it on their own with buttons or quick replies.

- Be cool. If that corresponds to your brand voice, break the ice with emojis, gifs, and images.


Remember to monitor your bot performance. Сheck your ideas from time to time and improve your communication to know your customers better. With [Analyze Tab](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/838404-tracking-performance), you’ll be able to understand their needs, questions, and concerns to provide personalized answers.

## Keep it simple for users

The users should understand what they need to do from the start. Otherwise, [they’ll leave](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41233-020-00033-2), and you won’t be able to engage them in your activities. According to Quality and User Experience journal 2020, customers had to adapt their way of expressing themselves to be understood by the chatbot or stop using it.

> “Contemplate on the first and the last steps. Think of what a user might ponder about in this journey and give them coherent answers.Then, invent the algorithm the user should follow and lay out all the tools they would require.” — Katie, the Content Team Lead, recommends

- Provide quick replies, buttons, galleries, and Save User Input plugins.

- Add a button to redirect users to your website, the bot’s main menu, or FAQs at your discretion.

- Give instructions for newbies. The first time your bot offers options like buttons or quick replies, instruct them on how to choose one. Add a message for a user that they can select one of the pre-filled responses instead of typing in. Something simple like “Tap one of the buttons below”.

- Create a menu that users can always come back to. For example, if your bot opens with a helpful main menu, make sure you have created an [AI rule](https://docs.chatfuel.com/en/articles/828883-keywords) that will allow this. Or, set up a Persistent Menu at the bottom of the Messenger chat window. It has shortcuts to different parts of your bot.


<figure><img width="888" height="1920" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_0_1c294e7147/bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_0_1c294e7147.gif" alt="Simple navigation example"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Turn monologues into interactions

> “If you’re chatting with someone who carries on the conversation by rambling on and on, you don’t feel heard or valued. If your chatbot drones on like this, users might feel uninvolved, unimportant, and will likely leave.” — shares Nat, the Product Marketing Manager

The conversation should feel more like two friends texting each other rather than a robot returning a query. Otherwise, a chatbot conversation loses its power and becomes nothing more than boring marketing material. For conversational marketing to work, there must be a proper conversation.

<figure><img srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xs_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300/xs_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300.webp 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/sm_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300/sm_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300.webp 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/md_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300/md_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300.webp 1280w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/lg_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300/lg_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300.webp 1920w, https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/xl_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300/xl_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300.webp 2080w" width="2080" height="1168" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/chatfuel-cms-staging/pic/original_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300/original_bot_building_time_saving_tips_and_tricks_1_c8bf062300.webp" alt="No more monologues"><figcaption>Short inquiries and pictures make the chatbot experience more interactive</figcaption></figure>

- Avoid large texts that require no input from the user. Your Messenger chatbot should encourage frequent user participation. Use Buttons and Quick Replies to promote user interaction and show that you value their information in this dialogue. The point is to give users an easy way to stay engaged. Save bigger blocks of text for your blog or landing page.

- Stick to the point. Texts in your bot should be concise, engaging, and eye-catching.

- Keep it going. Offer your bot’s users options for engagement.


If you think that’s difficult — we’ve got you covered. With Chatfuel, you’ll access free templates, Help Center, and expert advice for the best experience with automation. [Sign up](https://dashboard.chatfuel.com) today and watch your conversion rate skyrocket.

Looking to build better bots more efficiently? We’ve asked three Chatfuel bot builders to share some basic rules. As a chatbot automation platform trusted by.