While some athletic organizations have been trying to keep up with the latest trends in social media and fan engagement, others have been leading the way. One of those teams is Manchester City FC, who has recently become the first club in the world to launch on Facebook Messenger.
That same app you use to talk with friends and family will now also keep you updated with the latest news from Manchester City through messenger bots. The messages will include things like breaking news, exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes videos, smartphone wallpapers, match highlights and more.
“Messaging apps are on the path to becoming one of the most important ways of delivering content directly into fans’ hands, as seen already in China with WeChat, and we wanted City fans to be the first to benefit from this experience on Facebook Messenger. We are committed to experimenting with new ways of engaging with our increasingly global, digital and mobile fan base and Facebook Messenger is yet another example of this,” said Senior Vice President of Media and Innovation at City Football Marketing, Diego Gigliani.
To start receiving these messages, all fans need to do is search for Manchester City and click on ‘Get Started’. Also keep in mind that one thing this bot isn’t programed to do is answer questions, just send out information.
We’re on @messenger! Open the app, find #mcfc and click ‘Get Started!’
https://t.co/fUt0G3ObSq pic.twitter.com/QYIgrN073Z
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 23, 2016
Some other ways Manchester City FC has been keeping one step ahead of the rest is by being the first Premier League club with a GIPHY page and to broadcast a game in virtual reality.