There’s a deadline on the horizon that affects and requires action by Facebook Page admins. Starting Jan. 1, 2019, Facebook is requiring page-level subscription messaging permissions.
What this means is that if you want to do Facebook Messenger marketing, your Facebook business page has to be approved to do so.
Before the end of the year, Facebook Messenger marketers need to act to apply for subscription messaging. It’s an important change from the current system of Facebook messaging permissions.
If not, they won’t be able to send the free messaging type called non-promotional subscription messaging.
If you’re a Page admin and this news sounds like it affects you, read on for everything you need to know about the change, how to apply, and tips for getting approved.
What’s Subscription Messaging for Facebook?
Subscription messaging gives a Facebook Page the option of sending regular content to a person on Messenger.
Here’s what Facebook’s documentation says on subscription messaging
Examples of promotional messages that Facebook gives are daily deals, coupons and discounts, or sale announcements.
What’s the Benefit to Sending Subscription Messages?
Facebook Messenger marketing is the marketing channel with the highest engagement today.
The 2018 Stats are: A 70% open rate and 20% click-through rate in Messenger far exceeds the 15% open rate and 2% click-through rate in email.
Facebook Messenger is where the Money is at!
When people opt into subscription updates from your Page, they’re a highly engaged member of your audience who’s raising their hand and saying, “Let’s stay in touch, please keep me in the know.”
Through regular content updates, your Page can become a trusted source of information that helps your subscribers learn new things, stay informed, and get more from life.
Staying in contact with your Messenger audience is a great way to maintain awareness and nurture relationships.
Sound good? Now you’re going to have to apply.
How do I Apply for Facebook Subscription Messaging?
Here’s a quick run-down. Applying is easy and quick.
1. Get to the application from Page settings.
2. Click “Messenger Platform” and then click the link “Request” under Advanced Messaging Features.
3. Fill out the Application which has 3 parts:
- Select the type of messages your Page will send from the three options: news, productivity or personal tracker.
- Provide additional details, describing the information and update services your chatbot provides.
- Give atleast two examples of subscription messages your Page will send.
It’s the examples of subscription messages your Page will send, that stumps most people.
THINGS TO KNOW
- The subscription messaging application is reviewed by a real human.
- Your examples should fit the type of message. Most of Pages will be applying to send news updates.
- If you’re applying to send news updates, make sure that the examples you give are news updates!
Download this subscription messaging approval cheat sheet for examples of bad, good and better message examples.
What If Your Subscription Messaging Application Isn’t Approved?
First, don’t fret.
There have been lots of Page Admins reporting that their application was denied and seeking advice for what to do next.
So you might ASK: what are the options for Facebook Messenger messaging if my Page is not approved for subscription messaging?
So please relax! As far as we know, there’s no limit to how many times you can apply.
So just apply again! And again!
What Will Happen If I Don’t Apply for Subscription Messaging?
If you don’t apply for subscription messaging, then on Jan. 1, 2019, you won’t be able to send non-promotional subscription messages for your Business Page.
It’s important that you apply for subscription messaging in order to get the advantages of Facebook Messenger’s 1.3 billion active users, mobile-friendly conversational interface, push notifications and unicorn-level engagement.
So if application is rejected. Just apply again.
Of course, if you need some help fast just Private Message Us at our Facebook Messenger link.
We love to help you grow and scale your business through smart online marketing strategies so you can have a bigger impact and thus a better life.
So don’t be a dummy apply for Facebook Subscription Messaging before its too late.
Talk Soon,
Nicky & Dave