Ultimate Guide to Octopods-Intercom Integration

Boost your customer communication with Octopods + Intercom. Here's what you need to know:

• Connect Intercom to 18+ messaging platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Manage all customer chats in one place
• Engage customers proactively and reactively

Key benefits:

1. Reach more people on popular messaging apps
2. Handle all chats in Intercom's inbox
3. Get richer customer insights
4. Start conversations before customers reach out
5. See all customer interactions across channels

Quick Comparison:

Setting up is easy:

1. Sign up for Octopods
2. Connect to Intercom
3. Add more channels
4. Install Inbox App
5. Set up Chrome Extension (optional)

With Octopods and Intercom, you'll streamline support, boost efficiency, and keep customers happy across all their favorite platforms.

Related video from YouTube

Octopods + Intercom: 5 Key Benefits

1. Reach More People: Tap into WhatsApp's 1.6 billion users (and other platforms)
2. One Inbox to Rule Them All: Handle all customer chats in Intercom
3. Know Your Customers Better: Get richer insights with custom attributes
4. Start Conversations: Reach out to customers before they contact you
5. See the Big Picture: Get a complete view of customer interactions across channels

Intercom vs. Intercom + Octopods

What is Octopods?

Octopods is a SaaS tool that connects your Intercom setup with social messaging platforms. It's like a Swiss Army knife for customer support, bringing all your communication channels into one place.

Octopods Basics

Think of Octopods as a bridge between Intercom and popular messaging apps. It lets you manage multiple channels from a single inbox. The best part? You don't need to be a tech wizard to set it up. It's quick and easy, even if you're not an engineer.

Main Features

Here's what Octopods brings to the table:

• Connects with 18+ messaging platforms
• Links user profiles across different channels
• Manages all messages in one place
• Gives you more context for customer chats
• Makes tracking multiple channels a breeze

One happy user said: "Amazing for centralising your support channels." That pretty much sums it up.

Supported Message Channels

Octopods works with a ton of messaging platforms. Here's a quick look:

With Octopods, you can chat with your customers wherever they hang out online. It's all about making support easier for you and more comfortable for them.

Understanding Intercom

Intercom isn't your average help desk. It's a customer communication powerhouse that takes engagement to the next level.

What Intercom Does

Think of Intercom as your customer interaction hub. It's got:

• Live chat support
• Automated messages
• Self-service help center
• Team inbox
• Smart chatbots
• Product tours

All these work together to create a smooth customer experience. You can handle questions fast and still keep things personal.

Main Intercom Tools

Intercom's toolkit is built to boost your support game:

These tools don't just work side by side - they work together. Live chat can hand off tricky questions to humans, while the help center tackles common queries.

This setup is perfect for growing businesses. You can handle tons of questions without sacrificing quality.

"We've made it immeasurably better than the experience offered by traditional email-based ticketing systems." - Intercom Team

Intercom's not about tickets. It's about conversations.

Plus, with over 300 app integrations, you can connect Intercom to your existing tools. Your support team's workflow just got a whole lot smoother.

Pricing starts at $74/month for the basic plan, with fancier features in the Pro and Premium tiers. It might cost more than some alternatives, but if you're all about customer relationships, Intercom's comprehensive toolkit could be worth every penny.

How Octopods and Intercom Work Together

Octopods and Intercom team up to supercharge customer communication. This combo lets businesses chat with customers across platforms, all from one spot.

Improved Customer Communication

With Octopods and Intercom, you can:

• Talk to customers on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, and Telegram
• Manage all chats in one place
• Switch between channels without losing the conversation thread

Now you can chat with customers where they hang out. No more app-hopping or missed messages.

Why Multi-Channel Support Matters

Supporting customers across platforms isn't just nice - it's smart. Here's why:

How to Set Up Octopods with Intercom

Setting up Octopods with Intercom is easy. Here's how to do it:

Before You Start

You'll need:

• An Intercom account
• Email for Octopods
• Access to your company's social media
• Fixed IP for Launcher machine (if needed)

Setup Steps

1. Sign up for Octopods

Go to www.octopods.io, click "Get Started", fill out the form, and confirm your email.

2. Connect to Intercom

In Octopods:

• Click "Connect"
• Pick your Intercom workspace
• Give access

3. Add More Channels

Want to reach customers on more platforms?

• Go to "Billing"
• Start a trial
• Pick "Octopods Omnichannel Plan"
• Connect channels you want

4. Install Inbox App

In your Intercom inbox:

• Click "Customize"
• Add "Octopods Omnichannel" to sidebar

5. Set Up Chrome Extension

For extra features:

• Install Octopods Chrome extension
• Lets you send proactive messages and listen to WhatsApp voice notes

Stuck? Just click "Need Help?" on any channel page for a step-by-step guide.

Main Features of the Combined Tools

Octopods and Intercom together? It's like giving your customer communication a superpower boost. Here's what you get:

Central Communication Hub

Picture this: ALL your customer chats in ONE place. That's what Octopods + Intercom does:

• 18+ messaging platforms in your Intercom inbox
• No more jumping between tools
• Faster customer replies

Check out how Octopods beefs up Intercom:

Proactive Messaging and Custom Data

With this combo, you're not just sitting around waiting for customers. You can:

• Send proactive messages based on behavior or custom data
• Use Message Templates to keep customers in the loop
• Leverage Custom Data Attributes (CDAs) for better user segmentation

For instance, you could set up a workflow to auto-send a WhatsApp welcome message when someone signs up on your site.

Channel Compatibility

Not all features play nice with every channel. Here's the lowdown:

✅ Fully supported | ⚠️ Partially supported | ❌ Not supported

Pro tip: Create separate workflows for email. It's a bit limited compared to other channels.

Using WhatsApp Business API

WhatsApp Business API can transform your customer communication. Here's how to set it up and use it with Octopods and Intercom:

WhatsApp Setup

To get started with WhatsApp Business API:

1. Prerequisites

You'll need:

• Facebook Business Manager account
• Verified business on Facebook
• Dedicated phone number
• Tech team access

2. Setup Steps

• Create a Facebook Business Manager account
• Verify your business
• Access WhatsApp Business API page
• Create a WhatsApp Business Account
• Add and verify your phone number
• Pick a solution provider (like Twilio or MessageBird)
• Follow their API setup instructions
• Test your setup

Why bother? WhatsApp has over 2 billion active users. And users respond to 40% of brand messages on WhatsApp. That's huge.

"WhatsApp Business API helps businesses organize interactions better, improve service efficiency, and boost customer satisfaction." - Paras Kela, Content Writer

WhatsApp Tips

1. Smart automation: Set up auto-replies for common questions, but keep it human.
2. Use visuals: Send images, videos, and docs to spice up your messages.
3. 24-hour rule: After 24 hours of silence, you can only send template messages.
4. Link to your CRM: This lets you personalize based on customer history.
5. Check your stats: Keep an eye on delivery, read receipts, and response times.
6. Ask first: Always get permission before messaging customers.

Here's how WhatsApp features compare:

Adding Instagram Business

Instagram's huge user base is perfect for connecting with customers. Here's how to link Instagram to Intercom using Octopods:

Instagram Messaging Features

Instagram gives businesses a few ways to chat with customers:

• DMs: Private chats
• Story Replies: Talk to people who respond to your Stories
• Comment Replies: Take public comments private

Setting up Instagram messaging is easy:

1. Link your Instagram Business Account to your Facebook Page

2. Turn on Business Messaging in the Instagram app

3. In Octopods, click "Instagram" then "Connect Instagram Accounts"

4. Pick all your Pages and Accounts during setup

Now you can handle Instagram DMs right from your Intercom inbox.

Tips for Instagram Engagement

1. Use autoresponders: Set up quick replies for common questions. It shows you got the message and someone will respond soon.
2. Keep it short and friendly: Instagram users like fast, casual chats. Throw in some emojis and images to spice things up.
3. Make an FAQ Highlights album: J.Crew does this well. It lets customers find answers on their own.
4. Set up Quick Replies: Answer common questions fast with pre-written messages.
5. Watch brand mentions: Stay in the loop by turning on Instagram notifications.
6. Tell customers: Let people know they can reach you on Instagram for support.

Advanced Setup Options

Ready to level up your Octopods-Intercom game? Let's explore some advanced tricks.

Customization Ideas

1. Webhook Block Placement

Put your Webhook Block at the end of your Intercom Series. Why? It ensures you've got all the data you need before sending it to Octopods.

2. Dynamic Content with Intercom Attributes

Spice up your messages with Intercom attributes:

{
  "to": "{{user.phone}}",
  "message": "Hey {{user.name}}, thanks for checking out our {{product.name}}!"
}

3. Compassionate Macros

Ditch the robot talk. Write messages that sound human. For example, when a payment fails, don't just say "Payment failed." Show some empathy and offer help.

Automating Tasks

1. Proactive Outreach

Set up workflows that kick in based on what users do. Here's how:

1. Get Octopods' Omnichannel or WhatsApp plan
2. Hook up SMS or WhatsApp
3. Create quick replies for common chats
4. Set up workflows based on user actions

2. AI-Powered Support

Use Fin AI to boost self-service. One company saw their self-service jump from 35% to 75-80% in just two months.

3. Custom Bots

Use Intercom's Custom Bots for simple tasks. Like qualifying leads before a human jumps in.

4. WhatsApp Integration

Add Intercom's WhatsApp integration (starts at $9/month). Use this URL to send folks to your WhatsApp:

https://wa.me/PHONENUMBER

Throw a WhatsApp button in your Intercom Messenger to boost chats.

Tracking Performance

Let's look at how to measure the impact of using Octopods and Intercom together. Tracking the right metrics helps you understand if your integration is working and where to improve.

Key Metrics to Watch

Here are the numbers you should focus on:

Using Analytics Tools

To get the most from your Octopods-Intercom setup, use these tools:

1. Intercom's Built-in Analytics

Use Intercom's basic metrics to track response times and customer satisfaction.

2. Databox Integration

Combine data from multiple sources, including Intercom. Create custom dashboards for your key KPIs.

3. Numerics for Mobile Tracking

Need metrics on the go? Try Numerics:

• Pick Intercom from the integrations list
• Choose a KPI template
• Connect your Intercom account
• Customize your widget

4. Custom Reports

Use Intercom's conversations dataset for deeper insights. It includes:

• Conversation ID
• Current state
• Communication channel
• Assignee

This data helps create detailed custom reports.

Wrap-Up

Let's recap the key points about using Octopods with Intercom:

Main Takeaways

1. Supercharged Communication

Octopods connects Intercom to 18 messaging channels, including WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. This means:

• One place for all customer chats
• Faster responses
• Access to WhatsApp's massive user base

2. Streamlined Workflow

3. Track Your Success

Measure your Octopods-Intercom integration with:

• Intercom's built-in analytics
• Databox for custom dashboards
• Numerics for on-the-go tracking
• Custom reports from Intercom's data

4. Numbers That Matter

5. Real Results

Companies are seeing the difference:

• Bank Mandiri: Smoother payment and credit card processes
• Modanisa: Quick, multilingual support
• Omay Foods: Personal touch at scale

FAQs

What channels are supported by Intercom?

Intercom supports 18 messaging channels. Here's a quick look:

For WhatsApp Business, you can use Twilio, 360dialog, or Messagebird as your provider.

This variety lets you connect with customers on their preferred platforms. Got customers in Russia? Use Vkontakte.

Here's a heads-up: Once you link a phone number to Intercom for WhatsApp, you can't use it with the WhatsApp mobile app or WhatsApp Business mobile app. Choose wisely!

To set up channels, go to Settings > Channels in your Intercom workspace.

With over 2 billion active WhatsApp users, adding WhatsApp to Intercom can be a game-changer. Many businesses see faster responses and better customer engagement after integrating WhatsApp.

Related posts

• 5 Ways Octopods Enhances Intercom Integration
• Octopods SMS Integration: Pros and Cons
• 10 Benefits of Using Octopods with Intercom
• WhatsApp Template Setup in Intercom: Guide