Using WhatsApp for Business

In this article you will learn:

• How to get the most out of WhatsApp Business

• Why use WhatsApp Business as a sales channel

• Best tips and practices

• What to avoid

• How to register

How to get the most out of WhatsApp Business

• Connect with your customers using WhatsApp Business

• Instant messaging is already the natural way people communicate with their friends, so why shouldn’t have a place in your business too?

• An easy way to chat to your customers, WhatsApp Business means you can get back to customers quicker with updates and support. With different messaging tools to automate responses such as ‘quick replies’ for frequently asked questions or ‘away messages’ for out of office hours, you’ll never miss an interaction again.

Why use WhatsApp Business as a sales channel?

• It’s completely free!

• Different audiences: You can create groups for different customer types and business partners to help segment your audience.

• Get creative with format: You can send images, videos, audio and links to web pages to help embellish your messages.

• Accessibility: You can download it onto any modern device, regardless of its model, brand or operating system. You can also use WhatsApp on your computer – making message management just as easy as email.

• Quick answers: Do you find your customers asking the same questions? WhatsApp Business lets you set up quick responses to common enquires, so you don't have to type the same answer every time – things like "Received" and "The order has already gone out".

• Automatic messages: WhatsApp Business allows you to send an automated message, if you cannot reply, or create a welcome message to introduce your company to new customers.

• Tag your contacts: You can tag your customers in various groups, such as separating those who have paid, those who have outstanding orders and even those who have food allergies. You can then send separate messaging out to each group.

• Statistics: Not only can you see how many messages you’ve sent, but also how many have been delivered and, above all, been read. From there, you can improve your marketing strategies and see which messages are most effective.

Now we’ve established the benefits of using WhatsApp Business, here are some of the ways you can implement it across your business.

WhatsApp tips and best practices

• Processing orders or managing appointments: Your customers can send you their shopping list through WhatsApp or request an appointment.

• Provide updates on orders: Once an order has been made, you can notify your customers when it’s been sent and when they can expect to have it delivered.

• Profile photo: To make a good impression, it’s essential that you choose an appropriate photo – preferably one with your brand logo.

• Profile information: Use simple, direct language, and state what your customers are able to do by messaging you (whether it be to order food, make a reservation or ask general questions).

• WhatsApp status updates: Ideally, you should use status updates when you have news to communicate to all customers – for example, new stock or promotions. But remember that statuses disappear within 24 hours.

What to avoid

• WhatsApp is a great way to be in contact with your customers directly. Keep in mind that, the larger you business gets, the harder it will be to manage this communication channel (unless you employ someone to look after this for you). You could consider email marketing and automation if this platform no longer fits the size of your business. To find out more, watch our Masterclass on email marketing for business growth.

• Keep it professional - remember that you are representing your business brand. Use formal language and make sure not to have any personal conversation on this account.

• Automation is limited on this social media platform and not all questions can be answered. Ensure that 'wait-time' is kept to a minimum for more detailed requests to avoid loss of sales/ interest. It may help for you to give an estimated time for a human response to avoid customer frustration.

To get started, register for a WhatsApp Business account here.