Thanks to the internet, entrepreneurs now have a plethora of platforms to sell their services and products and reach consumers online. We currently have e-commerce websites, social media, and online market platforms.
WhatsApp is one of the biggest marketing and business platforms today. According to Statista, WhatsApp ranked first as the most used instant messaging app globally as of January 2022, garnering two billion users.
It is not surprising why small to medium enterprises are scrambling on how to create a WhatsApp business accountto utilise its audience reach. If you are still new to WhatsApp, this article is for you.
WhatsApp Business For Marketing: The Must-Have Platform For Entrepreneurs This 2022
WhatsApp is an instant messaging application that is downloaded to your smartphone. Similar to other messenger apps, WhatsApp allows users to send messages, images, audio, and videos using the internet, making it more cost-effective than traditional texting. You can also download the app to your laptop and tablet.
WhatsApp has different versions, too. Besides being a communication tool for individuals, the WhatsApp Business version helps entrepreneurs to connect and foster a great relationship with their consumers through a WhatsApp chatbot.
WhatsApp VS WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business share tons of similarities. Among the similarities are the design and platform. What sets the two applications apart is their purposes. WhatsApp is for personal use, whilstWhatsApp Business is for marketing and business purposes.
1.) MESSAGING CAPABILITIES
WhatsApp users can send unlimited messages, images, videos, and audio files for free as long as they have an internet connection. Users can also make group chats with multiple users.
WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business has the messaging capabilities of the regular WhatsApp application; however, the former has extra features.
WhatsApp chatbot allows the entrepreneurs to set automatic replies as if the customer is speaking with an actual person interactively. Also, the WhatsApp chatbotgives quick responses to inquiries.
Additionally, the WhatsApp chatbothelps entrepreneurs redirect consumers to web pages with minimal intervention.
2.) CONTACT LABELS
Contact labels allow users to sort all contacts according to categories. The regular WhatsApp messenger app lacks this feature.
WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business allows entrepreneurs to sort their contacts categorically, such as “new customer”, “new order”, and more. These labels can be personalised.
This feature is effective for WhatsApp marketing and broadcaststrategies. The WhatsApp Broadcast allows entrepreneurs to send particular messages, such as promotions, to the contacts in the broadcast list. Entrepreneurs can remove or add recipients to the broadcast list.
3.) APP SECURITY
Both WhatsApp versions are protected by end-to-end message encryption. The WhatsApp messenger app does not read the content of messages, open file attachments, and hear calls. It means that the exchange of information remains private on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Business
Similar to the WhatsApp messenger app, WhatsApp Business has end-to-end message encryptions. However, the app can collect some information for business and WhatsApp marketing purposes.
4.) PROFILE
Creating a user profile on the WhatsApp messenger app is quite simple. You only need to fill out basic information, such as name, phone number, and image.
WhatsApp Business
Creating a business profile on the WhatsApp Business is quite complex. Besides the business name and logo, entrepreneurs have to provide other details such as business description, business category, office address or location, website URL, email address and other contact information, business hours and schedules, and your product and service catalogue.
Building a business profile is an integral part of how to create a WhatsApp business account.
How To Create A WhatsApp Business Account
STEP 1: Download the app
The first step is to download the app from the app store. Both apps, the WhatsApp messenger app andWhatsApp Business and marketingare free of charge.
Once you have installed and opened the app on your device, the Terms and Agreements and Privacy Policy will prompt your screen. Read and review the terms before clicking continue.
If you have an existing WhatsApp messaging app, you can migrate your personal account to the business account. It is also possible to have both app versions installed on your device as long as the applications use different phone numbers.
STEP 2: Number verification and permissions
You have to enter the phone number you will link to the app. A code will be sent to the number you have entered for verification.
The app needs permission to access your files, such as your contacts and media files, to function better. You can choose which files the app can access.
STEP 3: Create your business profile
Here is the information you need to fill out:
● Business Name
Make sure to put your official business name so the customers will not have a difficult time finding yourWhatsApp Business profile for marketing.
● Display Picture
Do not use your portrait or image of your product. Use your business logo as a display picture.
The recommended size for WhatsApp Business and marketing display pictures is 500px by 500px for the best quality, but not lower than 192px by 192px. The image file should be PNG and JPG.
● Business Category
WhatsApp provides a list of business categories for you; choose one that fits your business.
● Company Description
● Business Address
● Links
You can put your website’s URL, email address, social media handles, and contact numbers.
● Business Catalogue
You can create a list of your products and services in the catalogue.
STEP 4: Set Up Your WhatsApp Chatbot
The WhatsApp Business has unique messaging features you need to utilise.
● Label
You can categorise all your contacts by assigning different labels. It keeps your contacts well-organised.
● Greeting Message
You can pre-set a greeting message on yourWhatsApp chatbot. It appears whenever a customer opens your chat box.
● Quick Replies
You can pre-set quick replies that answer common queries from customers.
● Away messages
You can pre-set an “away message” to your WhatsApp chatbot that tells the customer you are unavailable at the moment. You can activate and disable this feature anytime.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Business account is a helpful tool for entrepreneurs. It is easy to use and navigate, but the challenge is: can you maintain your connection with your consumer consistently?
Sleekflow Technologies
Sleekflow Technologies is committed to helping you grow your business by staying connected with your audience using WhatsApp Business for marketing! Visit Sleekflow Technologies today.
