WhatsApp Marketing Strategy: 19 Practical Strategies You Can Use in Your Business

In a world where pixels paint the new reality and connections are forged with the tap of a finger, a silent revolution has been sweeping the sales market. 

Its WhatsApp – the virtual genie granting businesses access to an enchanted realm of marketing possibilities.

Imagine a modern-day Aladdin, armed not with a magical lamp but a smartphone, discovers a treasure trove of marketing wonders within the depths of WhatsApp's mystical realm. With a single touch, he unveils a whole new dimension where customer engagement soars, conversions multiply, and brand loyalty becomes an unwavering genie at his command.

Today, we embark on a quest to unleash the power of this extraordinary platform, where, according to 2024 whatsapp business statistics, 2 billion active monthly users converge to redefine the rules of business.

In this blog, we invite you to join our vibrant caravan of digital marketers, entrepreneurs, and dream-weavers as we unveil 19 practical strategies that will transform your business's fate forever. 

This is not your ordinary marketing adventure. We won't simply preach the gospel of WhatsApp. We will navigate how to wield the power of WhatsApp, where personalization reigns supreme and the ancient art of storytelling weaves its magic.

What is WhatsApp marketing?

WhatsApp marketing is the use of WhatsApp as a strategic tool for your businesses to promote products or services, engage with target audience, and drive conversions. It involves leveraging the features and capabilities of WhatsApp to establish meaningful connections, customer centric selling, providing personalized communication, and ultimately achieving marketing goals.

In simpler terms, it's like having a direct line of communication with your customers, where you can send them relevant messages, offer exclusive deals, and provide customer support in real-time, all within the WhatsApp platform using tools for WhatsApp marketing. It's an effective way to reach your audience directly, as most people have their smartphones glued to their hands and are frequently checking their WhatsApp messages.

WhatsApp marketing is all about building relationships and providing value to your audience. So, be mindful of sending relevant and personalized messages, respecting privacy, and avoiding spam tactics. When executed strategically, WhatsApp marketing can be a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal.

What WhatsApp marketing strategies should you adopt?

Now, since you are aware about the concept of WhatsApp marketing, the question arises - which WhatsApp marketing strategy should your business adopt to impress your sales prospect and stand out from the crowd? 

Will it be the power of personalized promotions that entice customers to click that ‘Subscribe Now’ button? 

Or perhaps it's the magic of exclusive content that keeps your audience eagerly awaiting your next message.

Below mentioned are the 19 practical strategies that will set your business apart, transforming WhatsApp from a mere messaging app into a powerhouse of growth and success. 

Create a business profile

Creating a business profile on WhatsApp is a crucial WhatsApp marketing strategy that can significantly benefit your business. It allows you to present a professional image, establish credibility, build rapport in the eyes of prospects, and make it easier for users to recognize and connect with your brand. 

Let's explore how you can create a business profile and the benefits it brings.

How to create a WhatsApp business profile?

To create a business profile on WhatsApp, you need to follow these steps:

• Download the WhatsApp Business app or convert your existing WhatsApp account into a business account.
• Go to the ‘Settings’ section of the app and select ‘Business Settings.’
• Tap on ‘Profile’ and fill in your business details, including your business name, description, contact information, and address if applicable. You can also add a captivating profile picture that represents your brand effectively.
• Once you've filled in all the necessary information, save your profile, and it will become visible to anyone who interacts with your business on WhatsApp.

Why create a WhatsApp business profile?

Now, let's delve into the benefits of creating a business profile:

Professional Image

A well-crafted business profile enhances your professionalism and credibility. It shows that you take your business seriously and are committed to providing quality products or services. When potential customers come across your business profile, they are more likely to perceive you as a reliable and trustworthy brand.

Easy Contact Information

By including your contact information in your business profile, such as your phone number, email address, and website, you make it convenient for users to get in touch with you. This streamlines the communication process, allowing interested customers to engage with your business, thereby increasing your sales.

Brand Recognition

A captivating profile picture and a clear business description help users recognize and remember your brand. Consistency in branding across all platforms, including your WhatsApp business profile, reinforces brand recognition and strengthens your overall marketing efforts.

Trust and Accessibility

Having a business profile on WhatsApp signifies that you are accessible to customers and open to communication. This accessibility fosters trust and encourages potential customers to engage with your business, ask questions, and seek support when needed. It also helps in building strong customer relationships, which are vital for long-term success.

Utilize broadcast lists

Are you aware of the WhatsApp broadcast list?

What is WhatsApp's broadcast list?

WhatsApp broadcast lists are a feature within the WhatsApp messaging app that enables you to send a single message to multiple recipients simultaneously, while maintaining individualized and personalized communication.

It is a kind of sales automation tool which allows you to create a list of contacts and send messages to them without revealing the recipients' identities to each other, ensuring privacy and a more personal messaging experience.

Is the broadcast list beneficial for you?

Definitely yes.

Here is how you can effectively utilize WhatsApp broadcast lists as a WhatsApp marketing strategy:

Create targeted lists

Segment your audience based on their interests, demographics, or purchase behavior, and create specific broadcast lists for each segment. For instance, if you run an e-commerce store selling clothing, you can have separate broadcast lists for men's wear, women's wear, and children's wear. This allows you to send tailored messages and offers that resonate with each group.

Send relevant updates

Utilize the broadcast list to keep your audience informed about relevant updates, such as new product launches, upcoming events, or industry news via newsletter on WhatsApp messenger. For example, if you operate a travel agency, you can send a broadcast message to your adventure-seeking customers about a newly added destination or a special discount on a group tour.

Exclusive offers and promotions

Engage your audience and drive sales by offering exclusive discounts or promotions through the broadcast list. This makes the recipients feel valued and encourages them to take action. For instance, if you have a restaurant, you can send a broadcast message offering a limited-time discount on a particular meal or a free dessert with a main course.

Content Sharing and Education

Use the broadcast list to share valuable content, such as blog posts, videos, or tutorials, that align with your audience's interests. For instance, if you are a digital marketing agency, you can send a list of best sales CRM software to engage your customers.

Remember to obtain consent from your recipients and allow them to opt in or out of the broadcast list to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and to respect their preferences.

Leverage whatsapp groups

In today’s digital era, who doesn't know about WhatsApp groups. But have you ever wondered if you can use these groups for your business marketing?

Here is how you can do so.

Offer exclusive content and benefits

Provide exclusive content, sneak peeks, early access to promotions, or special discounts to group members. This makes them feel valued and encourages their active participation. For instance, if you have a fashion brand, you can offer group members a first look at new collections or exclusive discounts on limited-edition items.

Conduct Q&A sessions and webinars

Utilize WhatsApp groups to host live Q&A sessions or webinars where group members can ask questions, get expert advice, or learn from industry professionals. This interaction creates a sense of authenticity and strengthens the relationship between your brand and its audience for relationship selling.

Gather customer feedback

Use WhatsApp groups as a platform for gathering customer feedback and insights. Ask group members for their opinions on product ideas, new features, or potential improvements. Their feedback can help shape your offerings and make your customers feel valued and involved in the decision-making process.

Announce exclusive events or contests

Use WhatsApp groups to announce exclusive events, contests, or giveaways. For instance, if you have a travel agency, you can organize a group-only contest where members have a chance to win a free trip or a special travel voucher. This not only boosts engagement but also generates excitement and encourages word-of-mouth referrals.

Remember to set clear guidelines for group members to maintain a positive and respectful environment. Avoid excessive self-promotion or spamming, and focus on providing value and fostering meaningful interactions.

Integrate whatsapp with your business

Integrating WhatsApp with your business as a WhatsApp marketing strategy can enhance customer communication, streamline processes, provide a seamless experience, and improve your sales process.

Here's how you can effectively integrate WhatsApp with your business and some examples of how it can benefit your marketing efforts:

Click-to-chat on your website

Integrate WhatsApp's click-to-chat feature on your website, allowing visitors to initiate a conversation with you directly through WhatsApp. This makes it convenient for potential customers to reach out, ask questions, or request assistance. For instance, if you have an e-commerce store, a customer browsing your website can click on a WhatsApp icon and instantly inquire about product availability or shipping options.

Order updates and delivery tracking

If you operate an online store or offer delivery services, utilize WhatsApp to provide real-time updates to customers about their orders. You can leverage automation feature for WhatsApp marketing and send automated messages with order confirmations, shipping updates, or delivery tracking links. This keeps customers informed and enhances their overall shopping experience. 

Customer support and helpdesk

Leverage WhatsApp as a customer support channel, allowing customers to reach out for assistance, ask questions, or report issues. You can integrate WhatsApp automation with a helpdesk system or customer support software to manage and track conversations efficiently. This ensures prompt and personalized support. For instance, a software company can integrate WhatsApp with their support platform and assign tickets to specific agents for faster resolution.

Use whatsapp business API

WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool that allows you to integrate WhatsApp's messaging capabilities into their existing customer relationship management (CRM) systems, communication platforms, or custom applications. It provides a sales automation solution for businesses to manage their WhatsApp communication, campaigns, support, and leverage it as part of their marketing strategy.

How to utilize WhatsApp business API?

Here's how you can utilize WhatsApp Business API as a WhatsApp marketing strategy:

Seamless CRM integration

With WhatsApp Business API, you can integrate WhatsApp messaging directly into your CRM system. This enables you to access customer information, transaction history, and previous interactions, allowing for personalized and contextual messaging. For instance, a retail brand can integrate WhatsApp Business API with its CRM system to send targeted product recommendations based on customer preferences and purchase history.

Automated notifications and reminders

Utilize WhatsApp Business API to send automated notifications and reminders to your customers. For example, an airline can send automated flight updates, gate changes, or check-in reminders via WhatsApp, providing a convenient and real-time communication channel for passengers.

Transactional messaging

Businesses can send transactional messages through WhatsApp Business API, such as order confirmations, shipping updates, or appointment reminders. This ensures that customers receive important information directly through WhatsApp, increasing transparency and customer satisfaction. WhatsApp Business API empowers e-commerce platforms to send order status updates, including shipment tracking details, to customers.

Chatbot integration

By combining WhatsApp Business API with chatbot for lead generation, you can provide instant responses and handle common queries efficiently. Chatbots can be programmed to answer frequently asked questions, provide basic support, and even initiate conversational marketing. Run targeted ad campaigns

Offer exclusive deals and promotions

Offering exclusive deals and promotions through WhatsApp can create a sense of exclusivity, strengthen customer relationships, and drive sales. 

Remember to ensure that the offers and promotions you provide are relevant, valuable, and align with your brand strategy. Avoid overwhelming recipients with too many messages and maintain a balance between promotional content and other valuable information.

Here's how you can effectively implement these strategies:

Limited-time discounts

Create a sense of urgency by offering time-limited discounts exclusively through WhatsApp. This motivates recipients to take immediate action, increasing the chances of a conversion. For example, a restaurant can send a WhatsApp message offering a ‘Flash Sale’ discount on a specific day or time, encouraging customers to make a reservation or place an order within a limited window.

Early access and previews

Reward your loyal WhatsApp subscribers by providing early access to new products, collections, or services. This makes them feel valued and privileged, encouraging them to engage and make purchases. For example, if you have an online bookstore, you can send a WhatsApp message to your subscribers, offering them a sneak peek at upcoming book releases or allowing them to pre-order before the general public.

Exclusive contest and giveaways

Organize contests or giveaways exclusively for your WhatsApp audience. Encourage recipients to participate by sharing the promotion with their contacts or completing specific tasks. This increases sales engagement, expands your reach, and generates buzz around your brand. For instance, a fitness brand can run a WhatsApp-exclusive contest where participants have a chance to win a fitness tracker or a free personal training session by referring friends or sharing their fitness journey.

Loyalty rewards

Use WhatsApp to communicate and deliver loyalty rewards to your customers. Provide exclusive discounts, freebies, or loyalty points for their continued support. For example, a coffee shop can send a WhatsApp message to loyal customers, offering a free upgrade to a larger cup size or an extra shot of espresso as a thank you gesture.

Share engaging content

Sharing engaging content on WhatsApp as a WhatsApp marketing strategy is an effective way to captivate your audience, spark conversations, and build brand awareness. Content that is informative, entertaining, and valuable can help establish your business as an authority in your industry. 

Remember to mix up the content you share to keep it varied and interesting. Analyze the engagement and response from your audience to determine what type of content resonates best with them. This will help you refine your WhatsApp marketing strategy and provide content that truly engages and adds value to your audience's WhatsApp experience.

“The best marketing doesn't feel like marketing." - Tom Fishburne

Here are few kind of content for sales engagement that you can share on Whatsapp:

Educational content

Share informative content that educates and enlightens your audience about relevant topics related to your industry. This can include articles, blog posts, infographics, or how-to guides. For example, if you run a digital marketing agency, you can share a WhatsApp message with a quote from a well-known marketing expert along with a link to a blog post about the latest social media trends.

Entertaining content

Keep your audience engaged by sharing entertaining and light-hearted content. This can include funny videos, memes, or GIFs that align with your brand's tone and values. Humor can create a positive association with your business and encourage sharing among WhatsApp users. For example, if you have a pet store, you can share a humorous video of animals doing funny tricks along with a witty caption.

User-generated content

Encourage your audience to create and share their own content related to your brand. This can include testimonials, product reviews, or creative uses of your products. You can request permission from customers to share their content within your WhatsApp groups or broadcasts, giving them recognition and fostering a sense of community. For example, if you sell handmade jewelry, you can share a customer's photo of them wearing one of your pieces along with their testimonial. You could even follow a few collage making tips and put together a combination of user-sourced images of your products to share, demonstrating different styling options while also reinforcing your brand’s popularity.

Thought-provoking questions

Share thought-provoking questions that encourage your audience to engage in discussions. This can help create a sense of community engagement for increasing sales. You can ask open-ended questions related to your industry, current events, or trends. For example, if you're a fitness coach, you can send a WhatsApp message asking your audience about their favorite workout routines or their go-to healthy snack ideas.

Provide customer support

Providing customer support on WhatsApp as a WhatsApp marketing strategy is a proactive approach to building strong customer relationships and enhancing brand loyalty. 

Remember to train your customer support team to handle WhatsApp inquiries effectively, maintain professionalism in all interactions, and ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations.

Here's how you can effectively provide customer support on WhatsApp:

Enable direct communication

Make it easy for customers to reach out to you by prominently displaying your WhatsApp contact information on your website, social media profiles, and other customer touchpoints. For example, an e-commerce store can have a ‘Contact Us on WhatsApp’ button on its website.

Prompt response

Aim to respond to customer inquiries and messages on WhatsApp promptly. Provide an estimated response time to impress customers. For example, you can set an automated WhatsApp greeting template message stating that you will respond within a specific timeframe, such as ‘Thank you for contacting us. We'll get back to you within 24 hours.’

Multi-media support

Leverage WhatsApp's multimedia capabilities to provide visual support to customers. This can include sharing product images, videos, or screenshots to clarify instructions or demonstrate troubleshooting steps. For example, a technology company can share a video tutorial via WhatsApp to help a customer set up a new device.

Escalation process

Establish an escalation process for more complex issues or situations that require further attention. Provide clear instructions on how customers can escalate their concerns and ensure that they are promptly addressed. This demonstrates your commitment to resolving customer issues. For example, a software company can have a dedicated WhatsApp contact for technical support escalations.

Conduct surveys and polls

Conducting surveys and polls on WhatsApp is a powerful WhatsApp marketing strategy that allows businesses to gather valuable insights, engage with their audience, and make data-driven decisions. By leveraging the interactive nature of WhatsApp, you can conduct surveys and polls to collect feedback, understand preferences, and gauge customer opinions. 

Specify the duration of the survey or poll to create a sense of urgency and encourage timely responses. Consider sending a follow-up message to thank participants for their input and provide an overview of the results, showcasing how their feedback influenced decision-making. You can use sales cadence to automate your follow up strategy.

Once you've collected the responses, analyze the data to identify trends, patterns, and customer preferences. Use the insights to inform your product development, marketing strategies, or customer service enhancements. Consider addressing any concerns or suggestions raised during the survey or poll.

Use whatsapp status updates

The Status feature on WhatsApp provides a dynamic way for users to express themselves, share moments, and engage with their contacts in a more visual and interactive manner.

What is WhatsApp status update?

WhatsApp Status update is a feature within the WhatsApp messaging app that allows users to share photos, videos, text, and other multimedia content with their contacts for a duration of 24 hours. It provides a platform for users to share updates, moments, and engage with their contacts in a more visual and interactive manner. You can use WhatsApp Status in a similar manner as the ‘stories’ feature is used by businesses on social media platforms to increase sales.

How to add WhatsApp status updates?

Here is the step-by-step guide to add a WhatsApp status update:

Access the status section

After opening WhatsApp, tap on the ‘Status’ tab located at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to the Status section where you can view and create your own updates.

Create your status

Tap on the ‘Add Status’ button or the ‘+’ icon to create a new status update. You can choose to capture a photo/video using your camera, select one from your gallery, or write a text update.

Customize your status

Use the available tools to add text, emojis, drawings, filters, or other creative elements to your status update. This allows you to customize and enhance the visual appeal of your content.

Set privacy options

Choose the privacy settings for your status update. You can select whether to share it with all your contacts, specific contacts, or exclude certain contacts. This allows you to target your marketing messages for WhatsApp to specific groups or individuals.

Post your status

Once you have created and customized your status update, tap the ‘Send’ or ‘Post’ button to make it live. Your status update will be visible to the chosen contacts for the next 24 hours.

Run contest and giveaways

Running contests and giveaways as a WhatsApp marketing strategy involves organizing promotional activities that encourage user participation, generate buzz, and attract new customers. This approach leverages the popularity and widespread usage of WhatsApp as a sales engagement platform to the target audience.

Decide on the type of contest or giveaway you want to run. Some common examples includes:

Lucky draw

Participants enter the contest, and winners are randomly selected. For instance, a clothing brand may offer a chance to win a free outfit by simply joining a WhatsApp group and sharing a specific message with friends.

Trivia quiz

Conduct a quiz related to your product or industry and award prizes to participants with correct answers. A smartphone manufacturer might run a WhatsApp quiz asking users to identify various phone models, with winners receiving discount vouchers.

User-generated content

Encourage users to submit creative content such as photos, videos, or slogans related to your brand. A travel agency could ask customers to share their best vacation pictures, with the most captivating image winning a holiday package.

Remember to comply with WhatsApp's terms of service, as well as local regulations and guidelines for contests and giveaways.

By executing a well-planned contest or giveaway on WhatsApp, you can generate excitement, build brand loyalty, and attract new customers, all while leveraging the popularity and convenience of the platform.

Provide personalized recommendations

By offering personalized recommendations on WhatsApp, you can demonstrate your understanding of each customer's needs, enhance their shopping experience, and increase the likelihood of conversion. This approach fosters customer loyalty, drives repeat purchases, and helps to build rapport in sales. 

Craft tailored messages for each customer segment. Use WhatsApp's messaging capabilities to address customers by their names and create personalized greetings. For instance, a beauty brand could send a WhatsApp message like, ‘Hi Sarah, we've selected some skincare products just for you based on your previous purchases!’

Share user generated content

By encouraging users to generate content and sharing it via WhatsApp, you can tap into the power of authentic, peer-to-peer recommendations and experiences. This strategy helps build brand loyalty, expand your reach, and ultimately drive business growth.

Here is an explanation of how it works:

Hashtags or keywords

Create a unique hashtag or keyword that customers can use when sharing their content. This makes it easier for you to track and organize the user-generated content associated with your brand.

Testimonials and reviews

Encourage customers to provide testimonials and reviews about their experiences with your brand. Share these positive testimonials via WhatsApp with your existing customers or potential leads to build trust and credibility. These testimonials also help in overcoming various sales objections.

Behind-the-scenes sneak peeks

Share behind-the-scenes content that offers a glimpse into your brand's operations, product development, or events. This can include photos, videos, or live streams. By providing exclusive content, you make customers feel involved and connected to your brand.

User spotlight

Highlight individual customers or their content on your WhatsApp broadcasts, social media channels, or website. This can be done through customer features, interviews, or dedicated posts that showcase their content and stories.

Offer pre and post sales support

By offering pre and post-sales support through WhatsApp, you create a seamless and customer-centric experience. This strategy fosters customer satisfaction, builds loyalty, contributes to business growth, and boosts sales engagement process.

Pre-sales support

Here are some pre-sales support that you can provide on WhatsApp to your customers:

Product information

Provide detailed information about your products or services through WhatsApp. This can include specifications, features, pricing, and any other relevant details. For instance, a smartphone brand could share WhatsApp product catalogs with customers, showcasing different models, specifications, and pricing options.

Answering queries

Respond promptly to customer queries and concerns on WhatsApp. This can include inquiries about product availability, shipping options, return policies, or any other pre-sales questions. By providing quick and accurate responses, you help customers make informed purchasing decisions.

Visual content

Share visuals such as images or videos that highlight the key features or benefits of your products. This visual content can be sent via WhatsApp to engage customers and assist them in understanding your offerings more effectively. For example, a furniture store could send images of different furniture arrangements or a video showcasing the durability of their products.

Post-sales support

Order updates

Keep customers informed about the status of their orders through WhatsApp. Send regular updates regarding order processing, shipping, and delivery. This proactive communication helps customers track their purchases and reduces anxiety. For instance, an online retailer could send WhatsApp messages with tracking links and estimated delivery dates.

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Troubleshooting and technical assistance

Offer technical support and troubleshooting guidance to customers who encounter issues with your products or services. This can be done through WhatsApp by providing step-by-step instructions, video tutorials, or even arranging remote assistance if required. 

Conduct webinars and training sessions

Conducting webinars and training sessions as a WhatsApp marketing strategy is an effective way to boost business growth by educating, engaging, and establishing expertise with your target audience. By offering valuable insights and practical knowledge, you can position yourself as a trusted authority in your industry. 

For example, a software company could conduct webinars on the latest trends in technology, providing training sessions on their software's advanced features. Through WhatsApp, participants can register for the sessions, receive reminders and session materials, and engage in real-time discussions. 

By delivering valuable content and fostering a sense of community, you can generate different types of leads, build brand loyalty, and drive business growth.

Monitor analytics and refine strategies

Monitoring whatsapp business analytics and refining strategies is a crucial WhatsApp marketing strategy for boosting business growth. By consistently analyzing data and metrics related to your WhatsApp marketing campaigns, you can gain insights into the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and make informed decisions to optimize your strategies. 

For example, a fashion retailer can track metrics such as message open rates, click-through rates on promotional links, and customer engagement levels within WhatsApp groups. 

By monitoring these analytics, the retailer can identify which campaigns or messages resonate most with their audience and refine their future strategies accordingly. 

This data-driven approach allows businesses to target their marketing efforts more effectively, improve customer engagement, and ultimately drive business growth by maximizing the impact of their WhatsApp marketing activities.

Collaborate with influencers

Collaborating with sales influencers as a WhatsApp marketing strategy can significantly boost your business growth by leveraging their reach, credibility, and influence over their dedicated followers. By partnering with relevant influencers in your industry, you can tap into their established audience base and benefit from their recommendations and endorsements. 

For example, a fitness brand could collaborate with a renowned fitness influencer who shares workout routines, nutrition tips, and product recommendations with their followers via WhatsApp. 

Through exclusive promotions, sponsored content, or influencer-hosted events, the brand can effectively reach a wider audience and drive engagement and sales. This strategy allows businesses to tap into the trust and authority that influencers have built with their followers, resulting in increased brand visibility, credibility, and ultimately business growth.

Grow your business with WhatsApp

WhatsApp has emerged as a powerful marketing platform that businesses can leverage to drive growth and engage with their target audience effectively. This blog explored 19 practical WhatsApp marketing strategies that can be implemented to boost your business. From personalized messaging and conducting webinars to user-generated content and influencer collaborations, each strategy offers unique opportunities to enhance customer experience, build brand loyalty, and drive sales. Combine that with some productivity-enhancing Whatsapp automation hacks and you’re good to go.

It's important to remember that successful WhatsApp marketing requires careful planning, consistent engagement, and the use of data analytics to refine strategies. 

By harnessing the potential of WhatsApp as a marketing tool, you can unlock new avenues for growth, increase customer engagement, and ultimately achieve their business objectives in today's digital landscape.