Setting Up a Messaging Campaign in Meta Ads Manager
Before connecting your chatbot flow, create an ad campaign with the messaging objective in Meta Ads Manager.1
Select the Engagement campaign objective
In Meta Ads Manager, click the create campaign button. Keep the buying type as Auction. Under campaign objective, select Engagement and click Continue.
2
Configure the ad set
At the Ad Set level, set the conversion location to Messaging apps. Under the app selection, check Messenger and choose the Facebook Page connected to your ChatbotX workspace.
3
Set the Call to Action to Send Message
Navigate to the Ad level, upload your ad creative, and enter your primary text and headline. In the Call to Action dropdown, select Send message.
Designing the Welcome Flow in ChatbotX
To automate responses when users tap your ad, build a dedicated flow in ChatbotX.1
Create a new flow
From the main navigation menu in ChatbotX, go to Automation and select Flows. Click + Create Flow to start a new flow tailored for your ad campaign.
2
Configure the starting message step
Craft the content for the initial message block (Send Message #1). Keep the message concise and welcoming, and use the
{{first_name}} system variable to personalize the greeting.The initial message block must contain Buttons or Quick Replies. Under Meta platform policies, an ad click only creates a new Contact and opens the standard 24-hour customer service window once the user actively taps a button or sends a reply.
3
Connect follow-up steps
Connect buttons from the first block to subsequent message blocks or actions (Send Message #2) to answer questions, collect contact details, or add segmentation tags.
4
Publish the flow
Click the Publish button in the top right corner of the canvas.
Three Methods to Connect Flows to Meta Ads
Once your flow is published in ChatbotX, you can choose from three methods to link it to your Meta ad template.Partner App Selection
Recommended for most campaigns. Fastest, fully automated via ChatConnectX with zero manual code handling.
Paste JSON Code
Ideal for copying ad templates across different ad accounts or storing standalone code snippets.
Postback Payload ID
Use Meta’s native conversation templates while triggering ChatbotX flows when users click buttons.
Method 1: Select the ChatConnectX Partner App Template
This is the fastest and most reliable method recommended by ChatbotX.1
Open Saved templates
At the Ad level in Meta Ads Manager, scroll down to the Conversations section. Click the Saved templates tab.
2
Select the synced flow template
Click the ChatConnectX folder and choose the flow template you published in ChatbotX.
Method 2: Paste JSON Code Directly
If you prefer to manage templates manually or use them across accounts that are not directly connected, you can copy the raw JSON code directly from your ChatbotX flow.1
Open the flow options menu
In the ChatbotX flow builder, click the three-dots menu icon (
...) in the top right corner next to the Publish button. Select Get JSON for Messenger Ads.2
Copy the JSON snippet
The Get JSON for Messenger Ads modal displays the full structured JSON code for the starting step. Click the Copy button to copy the code to your clipboard.
You only need to generate a new JSON code if you modify the starting message block. Changes in subsequent blocks take effect automatically without updating this JSON code.
3
Create a new template in Meta
In Meta Ads Manager under Conversations, click the + Create template button.
4
Select the JSON template option
In the Select a template modal, scroll to the Advanced section, select JSON (Customize your own template with JSON in our code editor), and click Next >.
5
Paste the JSON code and save
Delete the default sample code in the JSON editor and paste the code copied from ChatbotX. Check the live mobile preview on the right to verify message display. Enter a name in the Template name field and click Save.
Method 3: Use Postback Payload IDs
This method allows you to use Meta’s native Start conversations template while attaching a postback payload to trigger your ChatbotX flow when the user taps a button.1
Get the Payload ID in ChatbotX
In the ChatbotX flow builder, click the three-dots menu icon (
...) in the top right corner and select Get payload for Messenger Ads.2
Copy the Payload ID
The Get payload for Messenger Ads modal displays your flow’s unique payload ID. Click Copy to save the ID to your clipboard.
3
Create a template in Meta
In the Conversations section of Meta Ads Manager, click + Create template.
4
Select Start conversations
In the Select a template modal, choose Start conversations (Suggest prompts for people to tap to encourage them to start conversations with your business) and click Next >.
5
Configure the button action and paste the payload
Under Customer actions, set the format to Buttons.Configure the button:
- Enter a button label.
- Set the Action dropdown to Send a postback.
- In the Bot payload field, paste the Payload ID copied from ChatbotX.
Comparing Connection Methods
Choose the method that best aligns with your team’s workflow and campaign requirements:Best Practices for Maximizing Ad Conversions
Follow these practical guidelines to maximize conversation rates and ROI from Click to Messenger ads:Optimize First-Button Call to Action
Users who click an ad expect immediate relevance. Use clear, value-driven button text such as claiming a discount, viewing pricing, or requesting a free consultation rather than generic phrases.Respect the Meta 24-Hour Messaging Window
Meta enforces a 24-hour messaging policy for business communication. When a user taps a button on your ad greeting, this interaction officially opens the standard 24-hour window, enabling your chatbot to send automated follow-up messages at no additional messaging cost.Track Campaign Attribution with Custom Fields
Add an Add Tag or Set Custom Field action in the subsequent steps of your ChatbotX flow to record which ad campaign or offer brought in the contact. This helps your sales team tailor their conversations and gives marketing clear attribution data.Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does a published flow appear in Meta Ads Manager?
How quickly does a published flow appear in Meta Ads Manager?
The template appears almost immediately in the Saved templates folder under ChatConnectX. If you do not see it right away, simply refresh your Meta Ads Manager browser tab.
Why hasn't the bot triggered follow-up steps after someone clicked my ad?
Why hasn't the bot triggered follow-up steps after someone clicked my ad?
This is Meta’s standard policy to prevent spam. When a user clicks an ad, they only see the opening greeting and buttons. The chatbot flow only continues once the user actively taps a button or sends a reply message.
Do I need to update my ad if I edit later blocks in my flow?
Do I need to update my ad if I edit later blocks in my flow?
No. You only need to re-sync or update your ad template if you modify the first message block. Any changes made to subsequent steps update automatically in real time whenever you click Publish in ChatbotX.
Can I use the same flow for multiple ads?
Can I use the same flow for multiple ads?
Yes. You can select the same ChatConnectX template or paste the same JSON code across multiple campaigns, ad sets, and ads within the same Facebook Page.