Facebook PH exec says online messaging ‘critical’ in business promotion

MANILA,Philippines — Facebook Philippines Country Director John Rubio on Friday said online messaging is “critical” for businesses, noting its role on showcasing products directly to customers.

“Messaging has become critical for people around the world […] on messaging, you can see what good product is out there, what kind of offers are they giving,” Rubio told reporters at the Facebook Philippines Office in Taguig City.

Rubio also advised that businesses must use online messaging because it helps build trust as it allows personal interactions with customers.

“That circle of trust because of how messaging is used, moves over because it gets associated with people who have messaging relationship as well even when it is a business,” Rubio said.

When asked if online messaging could be “unprofessional” in businesses, Rubio said personal interactions allow an instant connection with customers.

“A lot of your personal messaging has moved to these channels as well. The trust you go over that goes to that companies. I think companies need to think through: Do you want to be above a consumer or do you want to have an interaction with them?” he said.

“Do you want to think through or have an instant relationship like you have with your friend?” Rubio added.

Facebook Philippines cited that businesses such as Globe and Sephora turned to Facebook’s Messenger in creating “better client experiences.”

In a September 2018 Facebook data, Facebook Messenger is used by people and businesses worldwide and exchanged for over 10 billion messages each month. /jpv