WhatsApp , a popular chat app, is also putting in effort to make money beyond targeted ads.
The massively popular messaging app has over two billion active users.
Most businesses want to reach this mammoth audience. For business use, WhatsApp offers two options, the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API.
The size of the business decides which would be the suitable business to use.
Given below are some strategies that can be adopted while using the tools to maximize business opportunities.
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Utilize Features
WhatsApp Business offers a number of useful features such as business profiles, away messaging, quick replies, greetings, and labels among others.
A publicly-visible business profile can be created using relevant information about the business such as, email address, hours, business location, working hours and others.
A default greeting message can be set up for potential customers with whom one would like to start a conversation. Beyond working hours they can be pre-set messages to send to customers.
Create Groups
The WhatsApp Group Messaging can be used to connect with a larger audience. An unlimited number of groups can be created and group chats are more collaborative as a larger number of people can interact.
From the phone’s contact list, 256 people can be added to a group. Groups can be created on the basis of interest, location, etc.
For instance, if the business is an online store selling garments, there can be different groups formed on the basis of color preferences and unique styles.
Quick Replies
WhatsApp can be used for customer service and for that quick replies are necessary. Most customers, who text brands, expect a response within an hour.
According to a study, the quicker businesses respond, the more customers are willing to pay for their products and services. Customers can also be kept updated on their order status.
Since message history is stored, customers can also pick up a chat whenever it is convenient for them.
With secure, end-to-end encryption being a feature, customers know that their chat through the app is safe.
Use Different Message Formats
There are many features available on Whatsapp that make communication easier. Since there are different types of formats available for messages, businesses do not have to restrict themselves to use texts only when responding to clients.
Voice recordings, photos, PDFs,hyperlinks, videos, and GIFs can also be sent. Companies can send video tutorials to guide customers and customers can send photos and screenshots of problems that they are facing.
For a peppy business experience, companies can send funny emojis whenever appropriate.
Use Chatbots
If a business uses Whatsapp Business API, it will be able to utilize chatbots.
Chatbots can answer common questions and it will be possible to respond to customers within 24 hours.
Chatbots can also show products and categories to customers when asked.
They will be able to assist customers in non-working hours and save the expenses of hiring multiple agents. Unlike humans, chatbots can also handle multiple chats at a single time.
Matthew Caiola serves as Co-CEO at 5W Public Relations, managing the overall growth, direction and day-to-day business of the Corporate & Technology Communications Divisions and Digital Marketing.
With more than 17 years of PR experience, Matthew leads teams in launching and building high-growth tech companies, disrupting industries, building global brand resonance through thought leadership, C-Suite profiling, and speakers’ programs, as well as crisis communications across a variety of industries.
