It’s a drizzly morning and you are sipping your coffee or chai while checking WhatsApp for important business updates or messages. Suddenly, your phone buzzes with a notification. But it’s just another “Good morning!” message from that enthusiastic uncle. WhatsApp has become our go-to app for chatting and sharing everything. But hold on, did you know that WhatsApp can be a powerhouse for marketing too? If you are a business owner, especially one running a small or medium enterprise or an e-commerce store, you should consider marketing on WhatsApp. Let’s dive into the world of WhatsApp marketing and uncover some game-changing WhatsApp marketing ideas to help your business soar.
Table of Contents
- What is WhatsApp Marketing?
- Why Should Businesses Use Whatsapp Marketing?
- 10 Whatsapp Marketing Strategies to Boost Engagement?
- Things to Take Care of
- In Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is WhatsApp Marketing?
WhatsApp marketing is all about using WhatsApp as a medium to promote your products or services, connect with your customers and ultimately boost your sales. It’s a direct and personal way to engage with your audience. Unlike other social media platforms, WhatsApp allows you to send messages directly to your customers’ phones, making it a more personalised form of communication.
Why Should Businesses Use Whatsapp Marketing?
You might be wondering, “Why should I use WhatsApp for business?” “How will it benefit my business”? Think about it this way. When a friend recommends a great restaurant, you are more likely to try it, right? That’s the power of personal connections. WhatsApp marketing allows you to bypass the noise and establish a direct line of communication with your customers. Well, let us break down the benefits for you.
Low-cost marketing
Business owners have to manage a lot and are always looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. WhatsApp is an excellent tool for low-cost marketing. Unlike traditional advertising channels, WhatsApp marketing is budget-friendly. You only need a smartphone and a WhatsApp Business account to get started.
High open rate
Did you know that WhatsApp messages have an open rate of over 98%? Yes, you read that right. People are more likely to open and read WhatsApp messages compared to emails or social media posts. That’s a goldmine of opportunity to get your message across!
Engaging multimedia content
People are more likely to stop and pay attention to visuals. With WhatsApp, you can share images, videos, and even voice notes to capture their interest and keep them engaged.
10 Whatsapp Marketing Strategies to Boost Engagement?
Remember that time you spent hours crafting the perfect email campaign, only to receive a handful of replies? Frustrating, right? Well, let’s change that with smart WhatsApp marketing. Here are some creative ways to turn your WhatsApp followers into loyal fans. Here are ten WhatsApp marketing strategies that can help you grow your business and boost engagement:
1. Create Broadcast Lists
Instead of spamming everyone with the same message, segment your audience based on interests and create targeted broadcast lists. This allows you to send more relevant content that resonates with each group. For example, if you run a clothing store, you can create a broadcast list for customers who are interested in summer wear and send them updates about your latest summer collection.
2. Make use of Group Chats
Create exclusive WhatsApp groups for loyal customers or those interested in specific products. This way you can keep them engaged with exclusive offers, behind-the-scenes content and more. Just make sure not to spam them with too many messages. This allows for two-way communication, where you can answer questions and address concerns in real time.
3. Use Automated Messages
We all get busy. Thankfully, WhatsApp offers automation features that can be a lifesaver for business owners. Schedule welcome messages for new subscribers, send automated order updates or even set up reminders for abandoned carts.
4. Offer First Purchase Discount
Who doesn’t love a good discount? Entice first-time buyers with exclusive offers and coupons delivered directly through WhatsApp. This sweetens the deal and encourages them to take a step towards their first purchase.
5. Broadcast Sales and Discounts
Keep your customers informed about upcoming sales, flash deals and special offers. This creates a sense of urgency and drives them to your website or store.
6. Keep Customers in The Loop with Order Tracking Messages
There’s nothing more frustrating than silence after placing an order. Use WhatsApp to keep customers updated on their order status, estimated delivery times and any other relevant information. Order tracking is a great way to keep your customers informed and reduce anxiety about their purchases.
7. Show and Send Product Catalogues
Don’t just tell, show! Showcase your products with high-quality images and even short video clips within WhatsApp. You can even create a digital catalogue for easy browsing.
8. Send Back-in Stock Alerts
We’ve all been there – missing out on a loved item because it sold out. Use WhatsApp to send back-in-stock alerts for popular products. This keeps customers engaged and ensures they don’t miss out next time. If you have too many things on your plate as a business owner, you can outsource the scheduling of messages to a social media marketing company. You can also outsource your WhatsApp marketing strategy to them, which will be a great benefit for you.
9. Personalise the messages
Address your customers by name, tailor your messages to their past purchases or browsing history, and offer recommendations based on their preferences. This shows you care and makes them feel valued.
10. Create WhatsApp Newsletters
Design regular WhatsApp newsletters packed with valuable content. This could include industry news, product tutorials, early access to new arrivals, or behind-the-scenes glimpses. Provide value and keep your audience engaged between purchases.
Things to Take Care of
Remember, while WhatsApp marketing offers a wealth of benefits, it’s crucial to use it responsibly:
1. Don’t spam
Bombarding your audience with messages will backfire and they will start hitting that “unsubscribe. Button. Space out your messages and only send valuable content.
2. Quality Over Quantity
Focus on sending high-quality content that adds value to your customer’s lives. Informative articles, exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses or even polls to gauge their preferences – all these work wonders.
3. Respect Boundaries
Nobody enjoys unsolicited messages at odd hours. Set clear communication guidelines and stick to them.
In Conclusion
WhatsApp marketing is a great tool to connect with your customers. However, building a successful WhatsApp marketing strategy takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see overnight results. Be patient, experiment with different strategies and continue providing value to your audience. The rewards will surely follow.
If you are looking to elevate your digital marketing strategy and explore a wider range of platforms and tools, consider partnering with a digital marketing company. These companies have teams of experts who can help you craft a comprehensive digital marketing plan that integrates WhatsApp marketing.
Contact us at hello@florafountain.com and get started today to unlock the potential of WhatsApp marketing for your business and watch your business take flight!
Frequently Asked Questions
Vasim Samadji is a partner at Flora Fountain, where he leads the Business and Marketing Strategy divisions. He is a seasoned professional with an MBA in marketing and over a decade of experience working with multiple MNCs. Vasim is a firm believer in the power of creation and he is...
