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WhatsApp marketing involves leveraging the platform to reach customers directly through messages, groups, and broadcast lists. With over 487 million WhatsApp users in India, it’s a highly effective tool for brands to engage with their audience. 70% of consumers prefer interacting with businesses via WhatsApp, making it an essential channel for driving sales and customer engagement.
Kartik Mittal
Digital Marketing Trainer
Updated on: Jan 11, 2025
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What is Whatsapp Marketing?
WhatsApp marketing is nothing but promoting your products/services and engaging with your audience through the popular messenger app “WhatsApp”. We widely use Whatsapp to communicate with our friends and family regularly.
Thus, when you use this app to market/promote your products and reply to your consumers’ queries, it becomes the most personalized form of communication and shopping experience.
Let’s see why so many brands are already using Whatsapp marketing and why you should use it too!
What Are WhatsApp Channels?
WhatsApp Channels, also known as WhatsApp Broadcast Channels, function similarly to large WhatsApp groups but with a key difference: only the admin has the ability to broadcast messages, announcements, updates, and other content. These channels are a powerful tool for WhatsApp marketing, offering a unique way to build a personal and private community that benefits both businesses and their followers.
For example, if you’re a food blogger, you can create a WhatsApp Channel to keep your followers updated on your latest videos on YouTube, share important updates, or discuss your culinary experiences. Followers who share your passion for food can subscribe to your channel, ensuring they never miss your content. Unlike traditional WhatsApp groups, responses in WhatsApp Channels are limited to emoji reactions, which helps maintain a focused and streamlined communication environment.
WhatsApp marketing for business becomes more effective through these channels as they allow for direct and consistent engagement with your audience. Whether you’re learning how to use WhatsApp for business promotion or exploring how to do WhatsApp marketing for free, WhatsApp Channels offer a valuable platform to connect with your audience and promote your content seamlessly. This ensures that your subscribers stay informed and engaged, helping you to build a loyal community around your brand.
For those looking to refine their marketing strategies, pursuing an MBA in digital marketing or enrolling in a digital marketing course can provide deeper insights into how to effectively use tools like WhatsApp Channels to grow your business.
Is WhatsApp Marketing Beneficial?
YES! WhatsApp marketing has proven to be an incredibly effective and beneficial tool for businesses of all sizes. Below are some key reasons why using WhatsApp Business for your WhatsApp marketing strategy can significantly enhance your business operations:
1. Helps Keep Your Business Separate from Your Personal Life
WhatsApp is widely known as a social app, often used for personal interactions. There is a risk that you might inadvertently share personal content, such as family moments or casual profile pictures, which could potentially deter clients. However, with WhatsApp Business marketing, you can clearly delineate between your personal and professional personas.
The WhatsApp Business app allows you to project a more formal and professional image while still maintaining a personalised touch. This separation is crucial for building credibility and trust with your clients, ensuring that your business communications remain distinct from your personal life.
2. Set Up a Complete Business Profile
The WhatsApp Business app offers several additional features that allow you to create a comprehensive business profile. This profile can include your business name, logo, address (with a map), category, description, operating hours, email address, and up to two website links.
Having such detailed information readily available is invaluable for both current and potential customers, as it establishes your business’s credibility and makes it easy for clients to contact you. When you message people through the business app, they will see that your contact belongs to a business account, further reinforcing your professional image.
If you’re new to setting up your business on digital platforms, consider exploring an online digital marketing course to strengthen your online presence. These courses can provide insights into effective digital strategies, including how to use WhatsApp for marketing and how to promote your business on WhatsApp.
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3. A Plethora of Business Options Available
Beyond setting up a unique business profile, the WhatsApp Business app offers various useful features. For instance, you can access message statistics, such as the number of messages sent, delivered, read, and received, giving you valuable insights into your communication effectiveness.
The app also allows you to set up “Away Messages,” “Greeting Messages,” and “Quick Replies,” enabling you to automate responses and maintain consistent communication with your customers. Additionally, you can label every chat with tags like “New Customer,” “New Order,” “Pending Payment,” “Paid,” and “Order Complete,” among others. These labels help you stay organised and streamline your interactions.
Learning how to do WhatsApp marketing effectively can be greatly enhanced by leveraging these features. For those seeking to master these tools, courses on digital marketing online could offer advanced knowledge and strategies tailored to your business needs.
4. As Seamless as Regular WhatsApp
If you’re concerned about managing a new app, rest assured that WhatsApp Business is just as user-friendly as the regular WhatsApp. It features the same interface, options, and accessibility, ensuring a smooth transition.
Your existing contact list will be available on the app, and you can continue setting up statuses for promotion, deleting sent messages, and even using WhatsApp Web on your PC. This familiarity makes how to start WhatsApp marketing and managing your business operations more intuitive.
5: Auto-Reply Options
One of the standout features of WhatsApp Business is the auto-reply option. This feature is particularly useful when you’re unavailable, such as during sleep or on vacation. You can set up pre-written replies that are automatically sent based on user inputs, ensuring that your business remains responsive even when you’re not around.
Understanding how to use WhatsApp Business for marketing with auto-reply options can keep your business running smoothly and maintain customer satisfaction.
6: Hassle-Free Payments
You can send and receive payments via Whatsapp! How cool is that? You can generate a lead, convert them into a consumer and receive payments all through your Whatsapp Business app.This feature is particularly beneficial for small businesses, as it streamlines the customer journey from lead generation to conversion and payment, all within the same platform. As a safe and trusted payment method, WhatsApp Payments can help reduce consumer hesitation, making it an excellent tool for how to promote business on WhatsApp.
7. Most Importantly, It’s Free
For small business owners who often operate on tight budgets, the fact that WhatsApp Business is free is a significant advantage. Despite its zero cost, the app offers a multitude of powerful business features that can greatly enhance your marketing efforts.
Benefits of Using WhatsApp as a Marketing Channel
In addition to the numerous benefits already mentioned, there are several other compelling reasons to incorporate WhatsApp into your WhatsApp marketing strategy. Below are five more advantages that can enhance your marketing efforts and help you reach your business goals.
1. Direct and Personal Communication
WhatsApp allows for direct, one-on-one communication with your customers, which can significantly enhance the personal connection between your brand and its audience. Unlike email or social media platforms where messages can get lost in a sea of content, WhatsApp messages are more likely to be noticed and read promptly. This direct line of communication can be crucial for businesses looking to establish trust and foster strong relationships with their customers.
Understanding how to use WhatsApp for marketing effectively can help you craft personalised messages that resonate with your audience, making it easier to promote your business on WhatsApp. Whether you’re looking to implement WhatsApp business marketing or exploring how to do WhatsApp marketing for free, this platform offers a unique way to engage with your customers on a personal level.
2. High Engagement Rates
WhatsApp boasts some of the highest engagement rates among messaging apps, with message open rates often exceeding 90%. This makes it an incredibly effective platform for businesses looking to engage with their customers and drive action. Whether you’re sending out promotional offers, updates, or reminders, you can be confident that your messages will reach and engage your audience.
By understanding how to start WhatsApp marketing, you can create a strategy that takes full advantage of these high engagement rates. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses that rely on strong customer relationships and repeat business. For those interested in broader marketing strategies, enrolling in a free top paying skills course or a digital marketing course can provide additional insights into maximising engagement through WhatsApp.
3. Efficient Marketing Approach
One of the standout benefits of WhatsApp marketing is its efficiency. The platform’s features allow you to reach a large audience with minimal resources, making it an ideal tool for businesses of all sizes. This efficiency is particularly advantageous for small businesses and startups that need to maximise their marketing efforts while managing their time and resources effectively.
For those wondering how to do WhatsApp marketing for free, the platform’s built-in tools like broadcast lists, groups, and automated messaging make it easy to communicate with your audience without incurring additional expenses. To further enhance your efficient marketing strategies, consider participating in a make money from home free masterclass to explore additional ways to grow your business without breaking the bank.
4. Rich Media Support
WhatsApp supports a wide range of media formats, including text, images, videos, and documents. This flexibility allows you to create engaging and dynamic marketing content that can cater to different audience preferences. Whether you want to share product images, promotional videos, or PDF brochures, WhatsApp enables you to deliver rich content that captures your audience’s attention.
Learning how to use WhatsApp business for marketing effectively involves leveraging these rich media capabilities to create compelling content that drives customer engagement and conversions. For those new to digital content creation, a free LinkedIn essentials masterclass could offer valuable tips on how to present your brand effectively across various platforms, including WhatsApp.
5. Global Reach
WhatsApp’s extensive global user base makes it an ideal platform for businesses looking to reach international markets. Whether you’re targeting local customers or looking to expand your reach globally, WhatsApp provides a straightforward way to connect with a diverse audience. With features like multilingual support and the ability to send messages across borders without additional charges, WhatsApp is a versatile tool for international marketing.
To fully harness this global reach, understanding how to use WhatsApp for business promotion on an international scale is essential. Developing a comprehensive WhatsApp marketing strategy can help you navigate different markets and tailor your approach to suit diverse customer bases. For more in-depth strategies on international marketing, exploring digital marketing blogs and participating in relevant masterclasses can provide the guidance needed to succeed on a global scale.
How to Get Started and Set Up WhatsApp Marketing to Promote Your Business
Getting started with WhatsApp marketing involves setting up a WhatsApp Business account, which is now available for both Android and iOS users. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you download and set up your WhatsApp Business account effectively:
Step 1: Download the WhatsApp Business App
Begin by searching for ‘WhatsApp Business’ on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and download the app. This app is specifically designed for businesses, offering features that can enhance your WhatsApp marketing strategy.
Step 2: Accept the Terms and Conditions
After downloading the app, you’ll need to accept the terms and conditions. Whether you choose to read them or not, this step is necessary to proceed with the setup.
Step 3: Register Your Business Mobile Number
To register on the app, you must use a mobile number that is different from the one linked to your personal WhatsApp account. If you have a dual-SIM phone, consider using a separate SIM card for your business. Alternatively, you may need to acquire a new phone and SIM card if your current device does not support dual-SIM functionality.
Another option is to use your existing number; however, doing so will convert your personal WhatsApp profile into a business profile. You will only be able to use the WhatsApp Business app with this number thereafter. Once registered, the app will send you an OTP to verify your number. If WhatsApp detects the OTP automatically, you’ll receive a pop-up option for added convenience.
Step 4: Add Your Business Information
Next, it’s time to personalise your account by adding your business name and image. It’s advisable to use your official logo and business name to maintain a professional appearance.
Note: Although WhatsApp states that you cannot change your business name once it’s set, there’s a workaround. Simply uninstall the app and reinstall it, then follow steps 1-3 again to change your business name in step 4.
Step 5: Explore and Set Up Business Settings
WhatsApp Business offers a variety of features that allow you to make your business appear more professional. Explore the business settings and fill in the necessary information, such as your business address, description, and hours of operation. Additionally, you can set up automated messages like greeting messages and away messages, which are essential for managing WhatsApp marketing for business efficiently.
To further enhance your knowledge in digital marketing, consider enrolling in digital marketing courses in Delhi or digital marketing courses in South Delhi to learn more about effective strategies for using WhatsApp and other platforms.
Step 6: Set Up WhatsApp Pay
If you wish to send and receive payments via WhatsApp, here’s how to do it. Click on the three dots or the settings option, and navigate to the ‘Payments’ section. Select ‘Add Payment Method,’ then accept the WhatsApp Payment policies.
Choose your bank from the list, enter the required details, and provide the registered mobile number linked to your bank account. You will receive an OTP to verify the information. Once verified, set a UPI PIN for future transactions. With your WhatsApp UPI ID, anyone can send you payments, even if they don’t have a WhatsApp Pay account.
Understanding how to use WhatsApp business for marketing effectively includes leveraging this payment feature, which can streamline transactions and improve customer convenience.
Step 7: Notify Your Existing Business Contacts
Once your account is set up, it’s a good idea to notify your existing business contacts about your new WhatsApp Business number. You can use a template like the one below:
“Good morning! This is Amanda from Confectionery Treats. We have shifted to WhatsApp Business to manage all business-related queries and messages. Please save this number and use it to get in touch with us. You can also view our business details here. Looking forward to continuing our business relationship. Have a great day!
Getting Started with WhatsApp Marketing
After setting up your business account, you can start exploring different strategies to promote your business using WhatsApp. Consider incorporating these techniques into your WhatsApp marketing strategy:
- Broadcast Lists and Groups: Use these features to segment your audience and send targeted messages, making your WhatsApp marketing for business more effective.
- Rich Media Content: Share images, videos, and documents to engage your audience visually and convey your message more effectively. Understanding how to use WhatsApp for business promotion through rich media can enhance your marketing efforts.
- Automation: Leverage automated messages to maintain consistent communication with your customers, especially when you’re unavailable.
- Engagement Metrics: Monitor engagement metrics like message open rates and response times to refine your approach. For further insights, consider reading digital marketing case studies to see how other businesses have successfully implemented WhatsApp marketing.
- Educational Resources: To expand your digital marketing expertise, enrolling in digital marketing courses in Mulund can provide you with the skills needed to excel in WhatsApp marketing and other online marketing strategies.
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How to Create WhatsApp Broadcast Channels
Creating a WhatsApp Broadcast Channel is an effective way to enhance your WhatsApp marketing strategy. These channels allow you to broadcast messages, updates, and other content to a large audience, making them a valuable tool for businesses. Follow these steps to set up your channel:
Step 1: Ensure WhatsApp is Updated
Before you begin, make sure that your WhatsApp is updated to the latest version. This step is crucial as new features, including broadcast channels, are only available in the most recent updates. You can start your channel using the WhatsApp Business app, which is designed specifically for businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts.
Step 2: Navigate to the Channels Icon
Once your app is updated, open WhatsApp and navigate to the channels icon. This icon is typically found within the app’s main menu. Clicking on it will take you to the section where you can manage and create channels.
Step 3: Click on “Create Channel”
After accessing the channels section, select the option to “create channel.” This will initiate the process of setting up your WhatsApp Broadcast Channel.
Step 4: Agree to Terms and Conditions
Before proceeding, you’ll need to agree to WhatsApp’s terms and conditions. Once you’ve reviewed them, click “continue” to move forward.
Step 5: Name Your Channel
Next, you’ll be prompted to enter the name of your channel along with other necessary details. While it’s important to choose a name that reflects your brand or purpose, don’t worry if you need to make changes later—WhatsApp allows you to edit the channel name as needed.
Step 6: Personalise Your WhatsApp Channel
To make your channel stand out, personalise it by adding a display picture, description, and any other relevant details. These elements are essential for how to use WhatsApp for marketing effectively, as they help convey your brand identity and attract subscribers. You can always update or change these details later.
Step 7: Finalise and Create Your Channel
Once you’ve filled in all the necessary information, click on “create channel.” Your WhatsApp Broadcast Channel is now ready, and you can begin your journey in WhatsApp business marketing.
Step 8: Share the Channel Link to Invite Subscribers
To grow your channel, share the link with potential subscribers. You can find the shareable link in your channel’s page info. Distributing this link across your various marketing platforms is an excellent way to promote your business on WhatsApp.
Please Note: Since the WhatsApp Broadcast Channel feature was launched recently in 2023, and it’s still in its early stages, the costs associated with this feature are currently uncertain.
Incorporating WhatsApp Broadcast Channels into your WhatsApp marketing for business can greatly enhance your ability to communicate with your audience. Whether you’re exploring how to do WhatsApp marketing for free or looking for innovative ways to use the platform, these channels offer a dynamic method of reaching your audience.
For those interested in expanding their income streams while utilising WhatsApp marketing, considering passive income ideas or deciding to start freelancing could provide additional opportunities for business growth. Additionally, understanding how to start WhatsApp marketing and how to use WhatsApp for business promotion can complement your broader marketing efforts, ensuring you stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape.
WhatsApp Marketing Strategies and Tips to Get Started
1. Create a Resonating Brand Persona
The first and foremost strategy is to create a brand persona that resonates with your audience on WhatsApp. Develop a character or voice that reflects your brand values and connects with your customers on a personal level. This approach ensures that interactions feel genuine and human, rather than automated or robotic.
By focusing on how to use WhatsApp for marketing, you can make customers feel like they are engaging directly with your brand, fostering stronger connections and loyalty.
2. Build and Leverage Your Contact Database
A critical component of any WhatsApp marketing strategy is building a robust database of contacts. Encourage customers to share their phone numbers by offering incentives, such as discounts or exclusive content. Once you have a substantial contact list, you can send targeted promotional messages directly to your audience, increasing the effectiveness of your campaigns.
If you’re looking for how to do WhatsApp marketing for free, this strategy allows you to grow your contact list organically and run cost-effective marketing campaigns.
3. Keep Customers Updated on Their Product Journey
Transparency and communication are key to customer satisfaction. Keep your customers informed about their product journey, from order placement to shipment updates and delivery notifications. Providing options for cancellation or exchange further enhances the user experience, making your service more convenient and customer-friendly.
Understanding how to use WhatsApp business for marketing in this way can help streamline customer interactions and build trust in your brand.
4. Set Up Your Business Profile Correctly
To maximise the potential of WhatsApp business marketing, it’s essential to set up your business profile with all relevant information. Start with a professional profile picture, preferably your logo, and include your business hours, website, email address, and location. Don’t forget to add your business category and a concise description.
A well-structured profile legitimises your business and signals to customers that you are serious and professional. This is a crucial step in how to start WhatsApp marketing effectively.
5. Utilise Messaging Tools
WhatsApp offers various messaging tools like “Away Messages,” “Greeting Messages,” and “Quick Replies” that are invaluable for maintaining customer relationships.
- Away Messages: Automatically notify customers when you’re unavailable.
- Greeting Messages: Welcome new contacts or re-engage with customers after a period of inactivity.
- Quick Replies: Save time by creating predefined responses for common queries.
These tools are essential for how to promote business on WhatsApp as they help maintain consistent communication without the need for constant manual input.
6. Label Your Chats for Better Tracking
Organisation is key when managing numerous customer interactions. Use labels to categorise your chats based on the nature of the conversation or customer type. For example, you can create labels like “New Orders,” “High-Value Customers,” or “Support Requests.”
Labelling is particularly useful for tracking and managing different customer segments, ensuring that your WhatsApp marketing for business remains efficient and effective.
7. Use Stories to Engage Your Audience
WhatsApp Stories can be a powerful tool for sharing updates and engaging with your audience. Use stories to announce new products, share behind-the-scenes content, highlight popular items back in stock, or celebrate awards and recognitions.
By regularly updating your stories, you can keep your brand top-of-mind for your customers, making how to use WhatsApp for business promotion more dynamic and engaging.
8. Create Groups for Targeted Marketing
Segment your audience by creating different groups based on customer interests or purchase history. Offer high-value customers special discounts or early access to new products to maintain loyalty. You can also use these groups to gather feedback, test new ideas, and foster a sense of community.
This targeted approach is an excellent way to explore how to do WhatsApp marketing in a more personalised and effective manner.
9. Broadcast Greetings and Important Information
On special occasions such as Diwali, Christmas, or New Year, broadcast greetings to your customers and suppliers to strengthen your relationships and increase brand recall. Additionally, broadcasts can be used to relay important information, such as new product launches or temporary business closures.
This approach not only enhances customer engagement but also ensures that your audience stays informed about key updates, making your WhatsApp marketing strategy more comprehensive.
10. Use a CRM for WhatsApp Business
Integrating a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system with WhatsApp Business can significantly enhance your ability to manage interactions with customers. A CRM helps you keep track of conversations, follow up on leads, and personalise communication based on customer history.
This level of organisation and personalisation is crucial for businesses aiming to optimise their WhatsApp marketing for business efforts and deliver a seamless customer experience.
Some Examples of WhatsApp Marketing Strategies are
1. Netflix
This campaign was launched by Netflix in 2017 that would permit its customers to stay in touch with this platform by using WhatsApp as the medium of communication. Netflix would personalize its movie recommendations based on their previous watches.
This facilitated them to engage and interact with their audience including those who had unsubscribed from the audience. The main motive behind this strategy is to retain existing customers as well as persuade unsubscribed customers to resubscribe for this platform.
2. Saffola
Saffola launched a very unique and different WhatsApp marketing strategy called, “Beat the Crave”. The main intent of this campaign was to provide a distraction to the people who were at the threshold of craving or indulging in unhealthy food.
Users would use Saffola’s Chatbot to distract themselves whenever they craved something unhealthy in order to strengthen their willpower to follow their diet.
The chatbot tried to promote a healthy lifestyle by interacting with its users through pre-recorded messages, puzzles, etc. that would help them achieve their fitness goals.
3. BookMyShow
In this campaign in addition to SMS notifications and emails, BookMyShow leveraged WhatsApp to share an M-ticket containing a QR code that would allow the audience to enter the theatre.
BookMyShow used these data to indulge in cross-selling activities by sharing its partner’s company’s discount coupons along with other products and services.
No matter the size of your business, a CRM is an ideal tool for WhatsApp marketing and boosting the visibility of your business.
These were just a few strategies that can help you offer a smooth process to your customers. Learn how you can use digital marketing for WhatsApp Marketing and make the most of it.
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Digital Marketing Trainer
Kartik is a certified digital marketer and an experienced marketing trainer with a strong passion for imparting knowledge in the field of digital marketing. As a marketing leader, he brings expertise in SEO (Search Engine Optimization), ASO (App Store Optimization), Website Development & much more. His curiosity and commitment to staying updated with industry trends have made him a dedicated digital marketing educator.
Kartik's dedication to teaching has led him to train over 35,000 students globally. His students range from engineers, MBA graduates, start-up entrepreneurs, marketing managers, and even those new to the world of digital marketing. His sessions have reached learners across India, Canada, Dubai, the USA, and other parts of the globe.
Kartik is committed to helping students and professionals alike understand the complexities of digital marketing, empowering them to advance their careers and businesses in this dynamic industry. His deep knowledge and practical approach have earned him a reputation as top 1% digital marketing trainer.