Summary
Just like WhatsApp and Instagram, you can now set up a chatbot for your Facebook Messenger account to automate replies and efficiently route conversations to the right user or team. This guide walks you step by step through creating your first Facebook Messenger chatbot using the Wati dashboard.
Instructions
How to create your first Facebook Messenger Chatbot
Follow these steps to create your first Facebook Messenger Chatbot
Log in to your Wati dashboard: Sign in to your Wati account and open the dashboard.
Go to automation: From the main menu, navigate to the Automation section.
Open chatbots: Click Chatbots in the Automation menu.
Create a new chatbot: Select Add chatbot to start building your bot.
Select Facebook Messenger: In the next screen, click the Facebook Messenger icon. 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 cannot be used on Messenger.
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, buttons & lists in Ask a question node, 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.
Note: Review these limitations when designing your chatbot flow to ensure it works smoothly on Messenger.
Trigger a chatbot on Messenger
To activate your chatbot, set up a keyword rule:
Go to Automation in your Wati dashboard
Select Rules and create a new Keyword-based filtering rule
Enter the keyword(s) that should trigger the chatbot
Link the rule to your Messenger chatbot
Save and enable the rule
Once enabled, the chatbot will automatically respond whenever a user sends a message that contains the selected keyword.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General questions
1. What is a Facebook Messenger chatbot in Wati?
It is a chatbot that works on your Facebook Messenger account to automate replies and route conversations to the right user or team.
2. How do I create my first Messenger chatbot?
Log in to your Wati dashboard, go to Automation → Chatbots, click Add chatbot, select Facebook Messenger, and start building your flow with the available nodes.
3. How do I build the chatbot flow?
Drag and drop nodes from the left panel, connect them to design the conversation, then save and test the chatbot.
Compatibility and setup
4. How can I check if a chatbot supports Facebook Messenger?
If a chatbot shows the Messenger icon next to its name, it is compatible. In the editor, only Messenger-supported functions appear active, while unsupported ones are greyed out.
5. Do Messenger chatbots have different features from WhatsApp chatbots?
Yes, some features differ due to platform limitations, and only Messenger-supported nodes can be used.
Features by plan
6. What features are available on the Growth plan?
Growth plan users can send messages, ask questions, and set conditions.
7. What additional features are available on Pro and Business plans?
These plans include advanced tools such as setting tags, assigning teams or users, updating chat status, adding time delays, using webhooks, and integrating with Google Sheets.
Triggers and limitations
8. How do I trigger a Messenger chatbot?
Create a keyword-based rule so the chatbot starts automatically when a user sends a message containing the selected keyword.
9. Are there any limitations for Messenger chatbots?
Yes, features like buttons and lists in the Ask a question node, template messages, catalog messages, WhatsApp flows, and the Trigger Chatbot node are not supported on Messenger.