Key Changes:

• One-Time Notification (OTN): No longer available after December 16th, even for existing OTNs.
• Growth Tools: All growth tools, including web plugins, will no longer function.
• User Data: Custom audience information, live chat agent details, and other user data will no longer be available.
• Media Attachments: Only images will be allowed, no more videos, audio, GIFs, or file uploads.
• Buttons: Will only work on mobile devices, not on desktop.
• Customer Chat: Will work with limitations, details still unclear.

Recommended Solutions:

1. Diversify Channels: Shift focus to other platforms like email, SMS, and Facebook groups to reach your audience.
2. Simplify Bots: Keep your messenger bot flows simple and focused, as complex features may no longer be viable.
3. Leverage Existing Tools: Utilize tools like Bot Tools, which offer solutions to navigate the changes.
4. Prepare for December 16th: Start transitioning your existing subscribers to alternative channels before the deadline.
5. Stay Informed: Continuously monitor updates from Facebook, ManyChatand other industry sources, as the situation is rapidly evolving.

Remember, these changes are a result of compliance with GDPR regulations, not a failure of the platform. Adapt your strategies, stay flexible, and focus on providing value to your audience across multiple channels.

The upcoming changes on December 16th will discontinue several key features for Facebook Messenger bots in the EU:

• One-Time Notification (OTN): This feature that allowed you to re-engage users outside the 24-hour window will no longer function, even for existing OTNs.
• Growth Tools: Tools like ref URLs, custom audiences, and web plugins that were used to grow your Messenger audience will no longer work.
• User Information: You will no longer have access to subscriber information like name, age, location, time zone, and gender.
• Media Attachments: Sending files, videos, audio, and GIFs will no longer be possible - you'll be limited to just images.
• Persistent and Dynamic Menus: These interactive menu features will no longer be available.
• Sponsored Messages and Messenger Destination Ads: These ad formats were already deprecated as of November 16th.

The changes aim to comply with GDPR regulations in the EU, limiting the data collection and messaging capabilities of Messenger bots. While frustrating, it's important to adapt and find alternative solutions to continue engaging your audience effectively.

Some potential workarounds discussed include:

• Transitioning subscribers to SMS, email, or Facebook groups instead of relying solely on Messenger.
• Utilizing push notifications through platforms like Warely.
• Exploring no-code tools like Video Ask to create interactive experiences outside of Messenger.
• Focusing on simple, compliant features that still work like quick replies, keyword triggers, and the handover protocol.

The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, so flexibility and diversification are key. By exploring alternative channels and solutions, you can continue to effectively reach and engage your audience, even with the restrictions on Messenger.

With the upcoming changes to the Facebook Messenger platform, there are several key capabilities that will be affected:

Buttons:

• Buttons will only work on mobile devices, not on desktop. This means you'll need to rely more on quick replies for your interactions.

Customer Chat:

• Customer chat will continue to work, but with some limitations. The exact details are still being clarified, so you'll need to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

Message Tags:

• Message tags, also known as content types, will still be fully functional. This means you can continue to use them for things like order updates, shipping notifications, etc.

To adapt to these changes, some key strategies include:

• Focusing more on quick replies rather than static buttons
• Exploring alternative channels like SMS, email, and push notifications to reach your audience
• Leveraging message tags to maintain important transactional communications
• Staying flexible and ready to adjust as the situation continues to evolve

The Facebook Messenger landscape is changing, but there are still ways to effectively engage your audience. By understanding the revised capabilities and planning accordingly, you can navigate these updates and continue to provide value to your customers.

With the upcoming changes to the Facebook Messenger platform, marketers and bot builders need to explore alternative solutions to reach their audience. Here are some key points discussed:

SMS

• SMS is seen as a viable alternative to Messenger, as it provides a more instant and personal communication channel.
• Services like MessageBird and Twilio can be used to integrate SMS into your bot or marketing strategy.
• However, there may be challenges in getting European users to share their phone numbers.

Push Notifications

• Push notifications through platforms like Waffle can be used to stay connected with your audience outside of the Messenger ecosystem.
• The challenge is finding ways to direct users back into Messenger conversations within the 24-hour window.

Diversification

• Relying solely on Messenger is risky, so diversifying your marketing channels is crucial.
• Explore options like email, Facebook groups, and other platforms to reach your audience.
• Keep your solutions simple and focus on the core goals of your business.
• Be prepared to adapt and pivot as the digital landscape continues to evolve.

The key takeaway is to not panic, but rather to explore alternative solutions and diversify your marketing efforts. Stay flexible, keep your solutions simple, and be ready to adapt as the situation continues to unfold.

In light of the upcoming changes to the Facebook Messenger platform, the panelists emphasized the importance of adapting and adopting a flexible approach. Some key strategies discussed include:

Keep it Simple (KISS)

The panelists advised against trying to build complex bots or funnels. Instead, they recommended keeping solutions simple and focused on the core goals of the business. This means leveraging basic features like quick replies, conversation starters, and keyword triggers to maintain functionality.

Personalize the Experience

Even with the loss of certain user data, the panelists stressed the importance of personalizing the user experience. Techniques like capturing names or nicknames through video introductions or other creative methods can help maintain a personal touch.

Leverage Device Detection

With the limitation of buttons only working on mobile, the panelists highlighted the value of implementing device detection. This allows you to serve the appropriate experience based on whether the user is on desktop or mobile. Using deep links or link shortening tools can facilitate this.

Diversify Channels

Rather than relying solely on Messenger, the panelists advised diversifying to other channels like email, SMS, and Facebook groups. This helps ensure you can still effectively reach and engage your audience, even with the restrictions on Messenger.

The overall message was one of adaptability and resilience. While the changes may seem daunting, the panelists encouraged focusing on simple, personalized solutions that leverage the remaining functionality of the Messenger platform, while also exploring alternative channels to maintain connection with your audience.

As the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve, it's important to stay adaptable and resilient. The changes happening with Facebook Messenger and the GDPR regulations in the EU are just the latest challenges that marketers must navigate.

The key takeaways from this discussion are:

1. Diversify Your Channels: Don't rely solely on one platform like Messenger. Expand your reach across email, SMS, Facebook groups, and other channels to connect with your audience.

2. Keep it Simple: With the restrictions on Messenger features, focus on creating simple, streamlined bot experiences that still provide value to your users.

3. Stay Informed and Adaptable: Keep up with the latest updates and be prepared to pivot your strategies as needed. The industry is moving fast, so be ready to change course.

4. Leverage Expert Resources: Utilize the knowledge and tools provided by experts in the space, like the panelists in this discussion. Join relevant Facebook groups and stay connected with the community.

5. Don't Panic: While the changes may seem daunting, remember that the digital marketing industry is resilient. With the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate these challenges and come out stronger.

The most important thing is to keep moving forward, experimenting, and finding new ways to connect with your audience. This is just the latest hurdle, and the industry will continue to evolve. Embrace the change, stay flexible, and you'll be well-positioned for success.