WhatsApp for Businesses: How to Use it to Boost your Business?

If you thought that WhatsApp was a messaging application just for individuals, you are mistaken! This app is a real treasure trove for businesses. Discover how to get closer to your customers and boost your sales with WhatsApp.

Why use WhatsApp messages for business: some data

WhatsApp is becoming the indispensable, fast, and free messaging tool to reach a broad audience interested in your products or services. Here are the three main reasons why the app is so successful among businesses in all industries:

N° 1: WhatsApp is a Popular and Familiar Communication Channel

Did you know…?

… that WhatsApp is the most used messaging app in the world? It has 2 billion active users per month!

… that WhatsApp is the most used messaging app in the world? It has 2 billion active users per month!

This first figure already sets the tone: by using WhatsApp, businesses join a communication channel that is already massively used.

According to a YourBusinessNumber study, 68% of WhatsApp users say that the app is the easiest way to contact a business. Worldwide, 175 million people contact businesses via this channel every day! Most users are familiar with WhatsApp and already include it in their habits, making them immediately willing to use it. It would have been much more complex to convince them to download a new application!

N° 2: A Real Impact on Your Sales and Conversions

WhatsApp users massively use this channel to contact businesses. What’s more, a large portion of them do so for a specific purpose: to discover new products.

Indeed, YourBusinessNumber estimates that 40 million internet users use WhatsApp to search for information about products or services. There is a real intention to purchase behind the use of this application!

Furthermore, 75% of respondents say that their discussion with a brand on WhatsApp has already resulted in a purchase!

N° 3: It’s an Effective Way to Reach Your Potential Customers 

Finally, note that 80% of WhatsApp messages are read in less than 5 minutes. Say goodbye to emails that end up in spam or in the trash, and say welcome to WhatsApp messages!

Still hesitant between WhatsApp messages and emails?

These figures should convince you: the average opening rate for business emails is 23%. For WhatsApp messages, it rises to 98%!

And that’s not all: the email conversion rate barely reaches 10%. WhatsApp messages, on the other hand, offer an excellent conversion rate of nearly 60%!

These figures should convince you: the average opening rate for business emails is 23%. For WhatsApp messages, it rises to 98%!

And that’s not all: the email conversion rate barely reaches 10%. WhatsApp messages, on the other hand, offer an excellent conversion rate of nearly 60%!

4 Ways to Use WhatsApp for Businesses 

WhatsApp is not just an excellent communication tool! Besides being a valuable asset for your marketing and communication teams, the tool serves all of your services.

1) WhatsApp to Support Your Sales

Did you know that you can create product catalogs on WhatsApp, so that your customers can browse and purchase your products easily through the platform?

Indeed, a professional version of WhatsApp, called WhatsApp Business, allows you to manage your business in a new way. This tool is particularly suitable for small businesses.

Note

WhatsApp Business is a separate application from the classic WhatsApp.

WhatsApp Business is a separate application from the classic WhatsApp.

If you haven’t already, you can download the WhatsApp Business app and create an account, which will be directly linked to your mobile phone number. You can then create your business profile, where you can provide information such as the name of your point of sale, your address, and your opening hours.

You can then create your product catalog by following the steps below:

Note

It is currently not possible to pay or to receive payments on WhatsApp, which means that you must use a third-party platform for this.

It is currently not possible to pay or to receive payments on WhatsApp, which means that you must use a third-party platform for this.

2) Simplify Your Customer Service Work

Did you know that you can use quick replies on WhatsApp Business?

Thanks to pre-established responses, your teams will be able to quickly address recurring questions they receive.

By preparing and saving standard responses for common questions, your teams can swiftly select the appropriate reply and send it to customers with just one click, helping them save a lot of time. The quick reply feature allows the customer service team to focus on more complex queries, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of your customer support.

Note

It is also possible to automate certain messages (welcome messages, thank you messages, out-of-office messages) to further save time for your teams!

It is also possible to automate certain messages (welcome messages, thank you messages, out-of-office messages) to further save time for your teams!

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3) Using WhatsApp for Personalised Customer Relationships

By using this messaging channel, businesses can interact with their customers in a more personal and informal manner. WhatsApp offers the opportunity to address individual queries and provide personalised recommendations based on customer needs.

Furthermore, note that there is a WhatsApp Business API. Specifically designed for SMEs, it allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp into their CRM or e-shop. This API offers new options for greater customisation of interactions: for instance, it is possible to segment communications according to customer types.

4) Using WhatsApp to Enhance Your Marketing and Your Communications 

In addition to individual conversations with customers, businesses can create “WhatsApp Channels” to broadcast promotional messages, special offers, product updates, and other relevant content to a list of subscribers.

Similar to the broadcasting channels launched on Instagram, WhatsApp Channels, available in France since autumn 2023, allow businesses to directly reach their target audience. Indeed, recipients of these messages have deliberately chosen to subscribe to the channel, making them receptive to the communications sent.

Sending offers and communications via WhatsApp Channels strengthens the proximity with your customers and promotes their loyalty!

Luxury giant Balmain engages its clients by broadcasting exclusive content on its WhatsApp Channel – customer loyalty assured!

How to Boost your Sales with WhatsApp (Without Using WhatsApp Business)? 

As we have seen, it is essential to maintain an active presence on the platform along with regular interactions with your potential customers if you wish to boost your sales through WhatsApp. While the WhatsApp application and WhatsApp Business API are remarkably effective in giving your business a boost, note that the standard version of WhatsApp offers just as many opportunities for growth.

Here are some other ideas that you can implement to support your sales (both physical and digital) through your WhatsApp account:

1. Display Your WhatsApp QR Code in Your Physical Stores: Multiplying entry points is crucial to have a sufficient audience on WhatsApp. Unlike Instagram or Facebook where users can stumble upon your business by chance (or by typing your business name), it is not that likely that customers will find you on WhatsApp by themselves. Therefore, you need to guide them to your account by sharing your link, your number, or your QR code as much as possible.

Inform visitors to your physical stores that you use WhatsApp via posters, stickers, or signs. You can print your WhatsApp account QR code to streamline the contact process.

2. Offer Exclusive Deals for Your WhatsApp Channel Subscribers.  Why not send special discounts to your subscribers? These offers will encourage customers to subscribe to your channel and purchase your products or services

3. Implement a Product Reservation System for SMEs. Allow your customers to reserve products in-store via WhatsApp! They can share with you the items they wish to purchase and schedule their visit. This will simplify their customer journey and increase your sales.

4. Organise Special Events. Announce exclusive events, flash sales, or promotional days in-store via WhatsApp. These exclusive events will encourage customers to visit your store and increase their engagement with your brand.