FaceBook announced Messenger is rolling out two new features for businesses: lead generation templates and an appointment booking interface that will integrate with calendar platforms. 

But, should you care?

You're probably thinking 'my clients and prospects aren't on Facebook', well think again;

Image Source: Data Reportal 

Both new features offer brands the opportunity to close the communication gap with potential customers, giving them a personalized experience via Messenger. Facebook reports General Motors was able to generate 3,000 leads in eight weeks time via the lead gen template they created with their development partner Smarters.

Sephora had early access to the appointment book feature in Messenger and worked with Assist to build its booking experience. The beauty company saw a 50 percent increase for in-store bookings compared to other channels using the new Messenger feature.

Image Source: www.visualcapitalist.com

We talk quite a lot about the way social media continues to disrupt the traditional buying process, this is yet another example of why a cohesive, internally aligned 'Social Selling' transformation strategy is vital for the survival of your business over that of your competitor.

These new functions continue to put your potential prospects directly in the driving seat when it comes to 'inbound' lead generation.

We know that over 68% of prospects are already performing their own due diligence on potential vendors via social media, we know that today there are between 8-10 internal stakeholders involved in that process, and we know that they invest over 40+ hours doing that research, primarily by social media.

So, it's no longer about what you and your website say you are, prospects are looking for social proof and authentic validation from other folks on social networks, and if your not there, and your competitor is, well, its goodnight.

At DLA Ignite we specialise in helping companies and the internal 'Change Makers' deliver on many of these points, and I'm pretty sure we can help you as well. 

We have a tried and tested methodology, we hold you and your colleagues hand throughout, ensuring we not only 'teach' you what to do, we also make sure its firmly embedded into your firms and employees DNA.

We don't do retainers, we are not an agency that creates and produces copy/content or sells ads for you.

We are active 'practitioners' of what we do, we already know and can evidence the ROI of a robust and internally aligned 'Social' strategy.

Part of that evidence it that you are reading this blog, just like many others - including your competitor!

We also don't do outbound pushy, salesy marketing, so if you would like to explore more, please contact the author of this blog.