Conversational commerce is a powerful force, with 91% of consumers wanting real-time assistance during their buying journey. That's why chat-based messaging is so advantageous, boosting conversions and providing superior customer experiences. WhatsApp has solidified its status as the world's leading messaging app with over 2 billion monthly users, with India alone boasting a user base of 487 million. To meet the needs of businesses, WhatsApp Business (available as both an app and API) offers a wealth of marketing and customer service benefits.
What is WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp Business is a free messaging app specifically designed for small businesses. It allows businesses to create an enhanced profile, automate responses, set up catalogues and labels, and streamline customer conversations. WhatsApp Business API offers further advantages for medium to large businesses, such as customisable message templates and chatbot integration.
How to Get Started with WhatsApp Business
Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Create your business account (you can convert your existing WhatsApp Messenger account if desired).
Fill in your business details, including name, category, and profile picture.
Explore and configure the business tools provided within the app's settings.
Key Features of WhatsApp Business
Business profile: Showcase your company information, website, hours, and more.
Quick replies: Save time with pre-written responses to common questions.
Catalogues: Display your products or services with images and details.
Payments (India): Enable in-app payments with WhatsApp Pay for convenient transactions.
Labels: Segment your customer base for targeted communications.
The Benefits of WhatsApp Business for Online Stores
Global, seamless communication: Reach and engage with customers worldwide.
Free for businesses and customers: Enjoy a cost-effective communication channel.
API integration: Connect WhatsApp Business to your website via API for chatbots and click-to-WhatsApp features (use third-party apps from the Shopify marketplace for easy integration).
Direct payments: Facilitate frictionless transactions with WhatsApp Pay.
Simplified onboarding: Onboard customers swiftly with quick registration processes.
Sales and marketing boost: Send promotions, abandoned cart reminders, and personalized offers to drive conversions.
WhatsApp Business Marketing Strategies
Broadcast new product launches to large audiences instantly.
Deliver personalized recommendations based on customer history.
Drive engagement with opt-in campaigns sharing your brand story and updates.
Execute upselling campaigns to encourage higher-value purchases.
Share trackable promotion codes to measure WhatsApp marketing ROI.
Real-World WhatsApp Business Successes
Companies across industries are experiencing wins with WhatsApp Business:
MakeMyTrip (Travel): Provides ticket confirmations, promotional deals, and web check-in options.
Nykaa (Beauty): Offers order/shipping updates and sale notifications via a chatbot.
Netflix (Streaming): Recommends new content and sends reminders.
How to Integrate WhatsApp Business with Your Online Store
Utilize third-party apps available on platforms like Shopify to easily integrate WhatsApp Business API. These tools simplify the process, enabling you to customize WhatsApp for personalized customer support, order updates, and live tracking all within the popular messaging platform.
Recommended Shopify Apps for Enhanced WhatsApp Marketing
The Future of WhatsApp Business
The success of WhatsApp Business has not gone unnoticed. With its ease of use, global reach, and marketing potential, brands have adopted it enthusiastically. Meta (Facebook) continues to introduce new features, with exciting developments like a local business directory on the way. Explore how this powerful tool can enhance your multi-channel marketing strategy!