For all those complaining just how hard is was to hitch a ride from your phone, stop worrying. Facebook has made it incredibly easy to hail a Lyft ride using Messenger. Necessary? Probably not, but like most things, more convenience doesn’t hurt.
LYFT USES FACEBOOK TO COMPETE FOR UBER
Despite the popularity of Lyft, Uber is confidently in control of their rival. In order for them to remain in the race, Lyft thought it was appropriate to step up their game. They are doing this in the way of Facebook Messenger. Yes, Uber already started using this technology back in December, but that is beside the point. Now, Lyft can do it. Users can hail a ride from the comfort of their Facebook app. Previously, leaving messenger to go to a ride-share app was just too difficult. Thankfully it’s now all condensed. We really dodged a bullet there guys.
BESIDES MESSENGER, API PROGRAM GETS A REBOOT
The addition of this support is not the only trick the ride share service had up its sleeve. They are also expanding their API program. Developers can now use the application program interface to embed a button in their apps to hail a car. Besides Facebook Messenger, users may soon hail a ride from Twitter or better yet, Tinder. It’s a match made in heaven really. Aside from the API program adding convenience to users, it’s also a very clever marketing ploy.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS
This API integration by Lyft is a uniquely clever way of marketing. Sure, teaming up with Facebook Messenger gets users to call for rides easier, but more importantly, it places their images in a populated marketplace. This API integration will place their logo within a third party app for virtually nothing. It won’t just be plain old marketing, but it will be seen as a way to better user experience. Users trying to reserve a spot on OpenTable, find directions on Google Maps or find sex on Tinder will now be exposed to advertising in the disguise of their convenience. Customers won’t be annoyed and the folks at the company will be raking in the dough. Don’t you love the smell of capitalism in the morning?
