Summary
Good news! Just like WhatsApp and Instagram, you can now create a chatbot for your Facebook account to handle automated replies and streamline user or team assignments. This guide will walk you through creating your first chatbot on Facebook Messenger using WATI's dashboard.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your first Facebook Messenger Chatbot
Log in to your WATI Dashboard Go to your WATI dashboard and navigate to the Automation section.
Access Chatbots In the Automation menu, click on Chatbots.
Add a New Chatbot Click the Add Chatbot button to start creating your bot.
Select Facebook Messenger In the next screen, click the Facebook Messenger menu button (this is where you can set up your Messenger chatbot). Then, start adding the nodes (functions) that are available for Messenger chatbots.
Messenger vs. WhatsApp Chatbot Compatibility
If you see the Messenger icon next to a chatbot's name, it means the bot is compatible with Facebook Messenger. If not, the bot can only be used on WhatsApp.
While editing your chatbot, a separate tab will display only the Messenger-compatible functions. Any nodes that are not compatible with Messenger will appear greyed out.
How to build your Chatbot
Creating the chatbot is simple. You just need to:
Drag and Drop Nodes Drag the available nodes from the left panel and connect them in the flow. This is how you build the chatbot's functionality.
Save and Test Once you're done building your chatbot, make sure to save it. Then, start testing it to ensure everything works as expected.
Setting up trigger rules for Messenger Chatbots
To trigger the chatbot for Facebook Messenger, you'll need to create a Keyword Rule. This will help start the chatbot when the set keyword is mentioned.
Available Chatbot features for Facebook Messenger
Here’s a list of chatbot nodes and functions available based on your WATI plan:
Growth Plan Features:
Send a Message
Ask a Question
Set a Condition
Pro & Business Plan Features:
Set Tags
Assign Team
Assign User
Update Chat Status
Time Delay
Webhook
Google Spreadsheet Integration
Limitations for Messenger Chatbots
Some functions may not be supported on Facebook Messenger. This is due to differences in the types of messages that are supported on Messenger and WhatsApp.
For example, template messages, catalog messages, and WhatsApp Flows are not compatible with Messenger.
Additionally, the Trigger Chatbot node is disabled for Messenger as it may not be compatible with your next chatbot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General setup
1. Can I create a chatbot for Facebook Messenger using WATI?
Yes. WATI allows you to create chatbots for Facebook Messenger, similar to WhatsApp and Instagram, to automate replies and manage assignments.
2. Where do I start creating a Facebook Messenger chatbot?
Log in to your WATI dashboard, go to Automation, click Chatbots, and then select Add Chatbot to begin.
Messenger chatbot configuration
3. How do I make sure my chatbot works with Facebook Messenger?
When creating or editing a chatbot, select Facebook Messenger from the menu. Chatbots with a Messenger icon are compatible with Facebook Messenger.
4. Why are some chatbot nodes greyed out?
Greyed-out nodes are not supported on Facebook Messenger. Only Messenger-compatible functions can be used when building a Messenger chatbot.
Building and triggering the chatbot
5. How do I build the chatbot flow?
Drag and drop the available nodes from the left panel, connect them to create the flow, then save and test the chatbot.
6. How do I trigger a chatbot on Facebook Messenger?
Messenger chatbots are triggered using Keyword Rules. The chatbot starts when a user sends a message that matches the defined keyword.
Features and limitations
7. What chatbot features are available for Facebook Messenger?
Available features depend on your plan. Growth plans support basic messaging and questions, while Pro and Business plans include advanced options like tagging, assignment, delays, webhooks, and integrations.
8. Are there any limitations for Messenger chatbots?
Yes. Some WhatsApp-specific features such as template messages, catalog messages, WhatsApp Flows, and the Trigger Chatbot node are not supported on Facebook Messenger.