In the current digital era, businesses must harness all available tools to communicate effectively with their customers. In this article, we will explore the use of WhatsApp Business app as a powerful business tool. It’s important to note that WhatsApp Business app is different from the standard WhatsApp application, as it’s specifically designed for businesses.
According to data from Hootsuite, mobile device users generate a conversation rate via WhatsApp that nearly doubles that of sending emails through traditional forms, overshadowing phone contact. WhatsApp Business is a popular service, especially among younger generations, with approximately 1.3 billion users worldwide. It is used in 128 countries, and statistics show that it handles over 60 billion messages and 1.6 billion photos each day, second only to Facebook. 80% of Asians, Europeans, and Latin Americans are regular WhatsApp users daily as their main means of communication, according to marketing firm Baum Digital. It’s a simpler and more direct way of communicating, and the average user is more responsive to this type of notification than to email.
Next, we will discuss key recommendations for the effective use of this digital tool:
- WhatsApp Business is not a standalone sales channel. It’s a part of the sales channel and should be supported by other marketing strategies.
- Never spam. Like any other modern messaging service, it detects and blocks those who engage in mass advertising. If you send generic texts, flashy promotions, or any unwanted messages to your customers, you will be blocked for spam.
- Avoid being seen as a robot. Chats are informal and transparent communication tools. The best way to do this is to talk to the customer as you would with any of your contacts, but with respect. Be friendly, but not informal.
- Do not use WhatsApp or your personal profile as that of your business or company. Create a separate business profile.
- Avoid using sustained capitalization, as it is perceived as aggressive to the reader.
- Use emojis correctly and positively in messages for a friendly tone.
- Respond as quickly as possible and in a personalized manner.
- Configure service hours tailored to each country. Complete your profile with hours, services, products, address, and website.
- Create broadcast lists and generate relevant information for your customers, not just to sell products or services, but also to generate brand recall.
- Do not send messages without prior customer authorization.
- Keep track of conversations conducted through this medium.
These are some of the key recommendations for the correct use of WhatsApp Business app as part of your business strategy. By implementing them, you can make the most of this powerful instant messaging tool to communicate effectively with your customers, improve your customer service, and potentially increase your sales. We wish you success in implementing WhatsApp Business in your business.
