An effective WhatsApp Business account provides businesses with numerous features for improving customer relations - from dedicated greeting messages and quick responses, catalog management tools and more.
WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi for communication, but users have the option of changing their settings to use cellular data instead - saving overage charges and data roaming fees.
How does it work?
WhatsApp is an instant messaging application that allows you to send text and voice messages, make video calls, share files and receive location sharing services - as well as providing other features like group chats and stickers - providing secure communication amongst friends and family across the world.
To use WhatsApp, it's necessary to verify your phone number and create a profile with name and picture. From here, you have the choice between keeping this information private or sharing it publicly - you may even choose which users to block/unblock from your list - as well as setting automatic backup of conversations to either Google Drive or your device.
This app also offers simple options for searching your messages. You can search keywords within specific conversations or by contact's name; and set data usage so media such as photos, videos, and documents only download when connected to Wi-Fi.
Marketing on WhatsApp can be an excellent way to engage with your customers and build brand recognition, but it's essential to remember that messaging is a two-way platform; any negative experience could drive customers away just as fast. Furthermore, it's vital that your goals for this form of promotion are clear; for example if using WhatsApp for sales or support activities then metrics such as average reply time and customer service satisfaction should be prioritized accordingly.
Does it have a subscription model?
Original WhatsApp was initially free for download; however, an annual fee of $1 was collected from users to help cover operating costs. This model existed from 2009 to 2014 when WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook. When acquired by Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg promised the founders they wouldn't feel pressured to monetize it but shortly thereafter WhatsApp CEO Sheryl Sandberg began pressuring them into adding targeted advertisements into the app; something Brian Acton and Jan Koum were strongly opposed to due to their dislike for advertising and desire for an ad-free app experience.
WhatsApp recently unveiled new Business features as a sure sign it's shifting towards becoming more revenue-oriented. They are testing a payment system which may generate direct revenue streams from users while businesses will also soon be allowed to leverage WhatsApp Status' 24 hour sharing capability as a marketing channel.
Click-to-WhatsApp ads can be an effective way of driving leads and increasing conversions for your business. They're easy to create and manage using the Ads Manager website; all it requires to get started is having both a Facebook and WhatsApp business account linked together; once created, simply choose an Ad Objective and Audience that best suit your requirements and select your Ad Objective/Audience when creating it.
Does it have a business model?
WhatsApp, the free instant messaging app with over 180 million active users worldwide, boasts a zero-ad policy, secure end-to-end encryption, and customer support that have made it an integral component of daily life - for both people and businesses alike. Like any free product available to download, however, WhatsApp must ensure a sustainable business model in order to remain successful and remain free.
WhatsApp provides several avenues of monetization, including its Business API tool and P2P payment system as well as using data collected from its business users to monetize. In addition, they have begun testing ads in their status section which may serve as additional revenue drivers.
WhatsApp provides an unparalleled opportunity for ecommerce businesses to directly reach potential customers, using its business tools to assist shoppers on their shopping journey, such as providing shopping assistance, sending abandoned cart reminders and running broadcast promotions - and WhatsApp's powerful targeting options can only aid these efforts further.
Lidl, an international food retailer, has taken advantage of WhatsApp Business API by developing the "Quiet Time" chatbot which enables users to check store capacity before heading over. Powered by both artificial intelligence and human agents, this chatbot provides customers with information regarding stores, products, delivery times and much more - helping drive a significant uptick in sales and engagement across WhatsApp.
Does it have an advertising platform?
WhatsApp, owned by Facebook and currently used by over two billion users worldwide, offers businesses many features to reach their target audiences on this messaging app - from broadcast messages and catalogs creation, to engaging customers directly in two-way dialogue.
As the first step of using WhatsApp for business, creating a WhatsApp Business account should be the top priority. You can either do this directly through WhatsApp itself, or register with one of Interakt's or Zoko's third-party solution providers such as Interakt or Zoko. A WhatsApp Business account differs from regular phone numbers in that it provides additional features such as adding business names, addresses, URLs and catalogs - it even allows ads that direct consumers directly into your WhatsApp chat!
Once your WhatsApp Business account has been set up, it's essential that a light awareness campaign be conducted in order to make your target audience aware that customer care services will now be offered via this platform. This may involve an email campaign sent directly to existing customers, social media promotions, or simply adding it as an option on your contact page website.
Click-to-WhatsApp ads are CTA buttons integrated into Facebook and Instagram ads which lead people directly into your WhatsApp chat, providing an effective way of generating qualified leads while engaging your target audience throughout their purchasing journey.
Read also: Automated Email Campaigns That Work Best
