The Facebook chat plugin allows website owners to integrate Facebook messaging functionality directly into their websites. This enables visitors to the website to chat with the website owner or customer service representatives directly through Facebook Messenger without having to leave the site.
How does the Facebook chat plugin work?
The Facebook chat plugin works by embedding a snippet of JavaScript code provided by Facebook onto the website. This code connects to the Facebook platform and renders the chat window interface on the site.
When a visitor clicks on the chat icon or window, it will open up a messaging thread with the connected Facebook page. The website owner or admin can then respond directly through Messenger on their Facebook account or Facebook Business Manager.
Some key things to know about how the chat plugin works:
- The chat window can be customized with color, size and positioning options
- It requires the Facebook page to be linked to a Facebook business account
- The chat is powered completely by Facebook Messenger
- Conversations are encrypted end-to-end
- It enables quick responses to be set up to automate initial messaging
Overall, the plugin provides an easy way to leverage Messenger for customer service and engagement directly on a website.
Benefits of using the Facebook chat plugin
There are several key benefits to using the Facebook chat plugin:
- Increased Customer Engagement – The chat functionality enables real-time conversations and connections with customers on your website.
- Enhanced Customer Service – Chat provides an instant channel for customers to get questions answered or issues resolved.
- Expanded Brand Reach – integrate your website messaging with your Facebook presence and followers.
- Valuable Customer Insights – Conversations can provide useful feedback and data about customers and their needs.
- Boosted Sales – Chat opens opportunities to provide personalized assistance that can lead to more conversions.
The plugin ultimately makes it easier to engage and support prospects and customers on your website in real-time.
Key features of the Facebook chat plugin
The Facebook chat plugin comes with a robust set of features to customize the experience:
- Customizable look and feel – choose color theme, size, and position
- Proactive chat invitations
- Quick reply buttons for common questions
- Welcome messages
- Email notifications when users message
- Chat history and transcripts
- Tagging colleagues to take over chats
- Canned responses for common questions
- Chatbot integration
- Customer feedback options
- Messenger platform integration
These features allow businesses to customize chat based on their needs and optimize the customer experience.
How to add the Facebook chat plugin to your website
Here are the basic steps to add the Facebook chat plugin to your website:
- Get a Facebook page and business account set up if you don’t have one already.
- In your Facebook business settings, add Messenger to your Facebook page.
- Generate the chat plugin code snippet in the Messenger settings.
- Copy and paste the code on your website where you want the chat to appear.
- Customize the look, positioning and settings of the plugin as desired.
- Start chatting with visitors to your site through Messenger!
It’s a very quick and easy process that only takes a few minutes to complete. More advanced configuration is also available, such as setting up a chat bot or canned responses.
Facebook chat plugin security
Security and privacy are critical when implementing live chat on your website. Here are some key things to know about security with the Facebook chat plugin:
- Encrypted messaging – conversations are encrypted end-to-end.
- Moderation tools – blacklist keywords, ban users, and mute conversations.
- Page vetting – Facebook verifies pages using the plugin are authentic.
- User blocking – prevent specific users from chatting with your page.
- Data access controls – limit Facebook team access to conversations.
- Compliance programs – Facebook is EU-U.S. Privacy Shield certified.
Overall the chat plugin leverages the security infrastructure and protocols of Messenger to enable safe messaging. Proper precautions should still be taken when collecting and storing user data.
Facebook chat plugin alternatives
Some alternative chat plugins and tools to consider beyond Facebook Messenger include:
| Chat Plugin | Key Features |
|---|---|
| LiveChat | Chat widget, canned responses, visitors tracking, CRM integrations |
| Zendesk Chat | Team collaboration, customer data, advanced analytics |
| Intercom | AI chatbot, lead generation, messaging platform |
| Olark | Real-time monitoring, customizable widget, integrations |
| Drift Chatbot | Chatbot conversational marketing, lead scoring |
Each platform has its own pros and cons based on features, pricing, and ease of use. Key factors to consider are the level of messaging customization needed, data integration with other tools, and the size of customer service team.
Conclusion
The Facebook chat plugin provides a quick, easy way to add live chat capabilities to a website. The seamless integration with Facebook Messenger enables engaging with website visitors in real-time.
Key benefits include improved customer service, increased engagement and sales opportunities. With robust customization options and top notch security, the Messenger chat plugin is a leading chat solution for many businesses looking to optimize their website experience.
Comparing all the options and evaluating unique business needs is important when choosing the best live chat platform. But for many, the Facebook chat plugin presents an appealing turnkey way to leverage Messenger chatting right on their website.