Leading conversational AI platform, Heyday by Hootsuite, has integrated Instagram Direct Messages and Facebook Messenger within its ecommerce Shopify chatbot app, creating more opportunities for merchants to connect with customers.

Three-quarters of internet users aged between 16 and 64 use social networks to find brands, services or products, according to Hootsuite’s Digital 2022 statshot.

This integration provides access to conversational AI features across Instagram Direct Messages and Facebook Messenger, ensuring chats are operating 24/7 to both sell products and answer FAQs in real-time, any time of day.

Heyday by Hootsuite co-founder and vice president of conversational AI, Steve Desjarlais said, “Businesses are under pressure to deliver exceptional experiences that meet consumers’ demands for real-time, authentic communication. This announcement enables businesses to bridge this gap by meeting customers where they are – Instagram and Facebook Messenger.”

Shopify senior product lead for messaging, Ellen Dunne added, “Shopify research has shown that customers are close to 70% more likely to make a purchase from a business that responds to their chat inquiry within a few minutes.  

“This immediacy, combined with having insight-driven conversations with customers, have proven to be key drivers of more ecommerce conversions for Shopify merchants. We know that customers who initiate a chat are extremely high-intent, and merchants can capitalise on that to make the first sale and start building a lasting customer relationship.”