WhatsApp is the world leader and ranks first among instant messengers. The application can be installed on various OSes, even including platforms such as S40 and Tizen. You don't just get chats, WhatsApp offers voice and video calls, group communication, sending and receiving documents, videos or photos. It is one of the most private and secure applications and is therefore an excellent choice for personal or commercial use.
The main advantages of this application are the following:
- Share any content.
- No annoying ads.
- Shows when the interlocutor appeared online.
- Setting a new status is available for 24 hours.
- Simple settings for notifications and privacy.
- It is possible to create thematic groups or corporate chats.
WhatsApp is often used by small and medium business owners, marketers, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs. They may conveniently communicate with customers due to the automation, triage, and quick message response tools. There are two types of WhatsApp: WhatsApp Business version and WhatsApp API Business. The first variant is a program for small businesses where mailings and communication are done manually. The second application was created for large and medium organizations because it has the ability to automate all communication processes with clients.
What are WhatsApp newsletters?
The special feature – WhatsApp Broadcast List, allows your company to send a message to multiple contacts at the same time. Mailing lists are saved lists of recipients that you can send messages to without selecting them again every time. If we consider this from a commercial perspective, the convenience is obvious. A WhatsApp account is a showcase of your brand; mailings are sent to your customer base. The WhatsApp Business version offers the ability to create a company profile, add a catalog or product cards, organize chats using shortcuts, add a welcome message, and set up automatic quick replies for customers.
Unlike the standard application, the business version allows you to create a company profile and specify all your data. To work with the WhatsApp Business API, you will need the help of a programmer to enter the code and set the parameters. Find a reliable agency (like ChatArchitect) that will help you set up this application. This version of WhatsApp will help you create your own chatbot and offer your products/services, respond to dialogues, and send newsletters using templates.
Unlike the personal messages you write to your friends, business content is significantly different. To build trust with your audience using WhatsApp campaigns, you need to pay attention to the content of the message. There are certain template layouts. For example, it is only text or only image. It can also be text plus a button or an image plus a button.
Benefits of using WhatsApp newsletters
The main advantage of using mailings, for example, through WhatsApp Business API, is the high level of message open rates. It is also important to highlight the instant delivery of communications, personalization, feedback, and targeting. Other advantages of such mailings:
- There is a choice of templates for setting up chatbots that will then send out your messages.
- Status and trust with the client. A green checkmark on your company profile says a lot.
- At this point, we can note the mass character. You can specify a mailing list for at least 1000 people at once.
- CRM systems and chatbots will take on important tasks: greeting, FAQ, data collection, and analysis.
You will be able to divide your audience into segments according to certain parameters and launch targeted types of mailings. Store all client data so as not to lose it. All client data will be in his personal card. Quick access buttons and attached buttons in messages will save your time and eliminate unnecessary risks when communicating with unfriendly clients.
How to start using WhatsApp newsletters
To connect to the API, you must submit a request through the WhatsApp marketing platform. Once the request is approved, the number in the dialog box will be replaced with your company name, and a gray check mark will appear. Next, you need to regularly pay for your subscription and try not to get caught by spam filters.
- Almost all messenger marketing platforms have a similar algorithm for setting up WhatsApp mailings.
- Agreeing on the message template. This is the main text and variable values that will then be sent to clients.
- Preparation of a database of telephone numbers. You will need to upload phone numbers; do this in the Analytics section.
- Prepare files for distribution. You will have columns where you need to insert patterns and numbers. The file is saved in CSV format, delimited by semicolons.
- Adding messages that will be sent to WhatsApp after clicking a button. Here, you can configure the chatbot to launch.
- Sending mailings. Complete all steps and click Submit.
When you create a message template, add SMS buttons to increase the likelihood of a response from the client. If he presses the button, you may send him messages without the approval of a WhatsApp moderator.
Selecting a platform to automate WhatsApp API mailling is not difficult. There are several selection criteria:
- Registration process. This could be an email or phone number.
- Mailing channels. We are interested in WhatsApp, but it may be another messenger.
- Integration. This could be ZOHO, Hubspot, Saleforce and others. Better check this with support.
- Additional services. This could be mailing all over the world, detailed reports and statistics of shipments, checking the database with contacts.
- Rates. Of course, pricing policy is of interest to any company. Is there a trial period, what tariffs does the platform offer?
- Support. Is it open 24 hours a day? Is there a video guide with instructions, an FAQ, or a blog with useful articles?
If you plan to work with WhatsApp Business API, then it supports multi-user mode for one account; you can work simultaneously from several devices. Tools include a text answering machine, a catalog of goods and services, a shopping cart, quick replies, and group chats.
Best practices and recommendations
According to Spectrm, 69% of respondents are more likely to purchase from a brand that offers WhatsApp as a communication tool. Your task is to create an attractive offer that will interest your audience and push the client to purchase. To WhatsApp API send mailling, it is important to segment your audience. In simple terms, you need to segment it by purchasing behavior or demographics. This is to ensure that you send more relevant and targeted messages to each segment to increase their engagement levels.
For your message to be effective, its essence must be reflected in the first two lines. Rest assured: the user is not sitting waiting for messages; he is constantly busy. Therefore, short messages have a better chance of being read. Long, witty lines or metaphors are good for television. WhatsApp newsletters should contain maximum usefulness and a minimum of characters. If you need to write an abbreviation or abbreviation, then they must be generally accepted. Don't turn your message into a spy code; the client is unlikely to want to figure it out.
It is important to follow the rules so that your company is not banned. According to the rules of this messenger, businesses can write only to those clients who have previously agreed to communicate. Therefore, you will not be able to send a mass mailing to people who have never purchased from your store or users who have never interacted with your service. Users must give permission, and the most popular way is to confirm consent to the processing of personal data and sending personalized offers.
Examples of successful WhatsApp campaigns
Marketing triggers are used to make the mailing message more effective. Let's name a few of them and give examples of the most interesting ones.
- Credibility. “Hello, Julia! I'm Emily, the children's pool manager. Did you know that swimming strengthens children’s immunity and promotes correct posture?” And details of your proposal.
- Working with imagination. “Just imagine how our cosmetic procedure will help rejuvenate your face and restore youth!”
- Satisfaction guaranteed. “If you don’t like our product, we will refund your money.”
- Emotions. Offer services for cleaning fur from furniture, add a cute image with a cat.
- Logics. “Rent a gazebo near the lake from our base and save $150. This is a great offer because, with this money, you can buy food and drinks.”
If the client has already bought something from you, use associations. “You bought pillows from us. Has your sleep become more comfortable?” The best personalization is to use the recipient's name. But if you don’t have this, then distribute your product by category of people. For example, young parents, dog lovers, and so on.
Conclusion
Attract more customers and increase conversion with WhatsApp mailings. By using this method of presenting your product, you will notice significant changes. Study your user audience and give what they need in a format that is convenient and understandable for them.