Facebook announced a huge change to its Messenger policy for broadcasting messages.
What’s changing?
Pages not approved for subscription-based messages will no longer be able to send message broadcasts. They will have to stick to the route of sending sponsored messages, which is a paid ad format.
This will come into effect from 31st July.
What’s not changing?
24+1 Rule. Page are allowed to message new contacts for free during the first 24 hours. After that, only one promotional message can be sent out to them for free.
Broadcasting or Subscription Messages. Pages approved for subscription messaging can continue sending out unlimited, non-promotional Messenger conversations with their contacts for free.
Non-promotional messages. Sending out promotional content over broadcasts is not allowed. Previous violations of this rule is why Pages now have to specifically get approval for that.
What can you do about it?
Simple – Get your Page approved for subscription messaging.
Another work around is to get permission from your subscribers to contact them over a different channel (email or phone/SMS).
If your Page is already approved for subscription messaging but you would like to send a promotional message, send it as a sponsored message (Although remember that you gotta pay for it!)
Here’s how to get approved for subscription messaging.
- From your Facebook Page, go to Settings.
- Click on Messenger Platform.
- Under Advanced Messaging Features, click on “Request” button next to Subscription messaging.
- Complete the 3-step process application process.
- Wait for approval.
PS: You will be asked to select a category to describe the nature of your chatbot. Go with “News” category.
You will be asked to share examples of messages your page will send, share some of the most helpful, value-oriented messages your bot has previously sent out.
Want to get into the nitty-gritty of things, MobileMonkey has a helpful resource on this here.
Other automation features find here.
