Fast Track Your Order Updates with WhatsApp

Order confirmations and shipping updates have become pretty smooth, haven’t they??

You place an order, and soon, your phone buzzes with a WhatsApp message giving you the details. A few days later, another message arrives:?

“Your order is on the way and will be with you super soon!”?

Technology, right??

But surprisingly, many brands still aren’t leveraging WhatsApp properly for order updates.

Side note: The platform literally has over 3 billion users now.?

And this Wednesday morning, we’re here to change that (or at least make our case for it).?

Let’s get chatting.?

Timely Order Updates: The Why ??

Ever hit “Place Order” and then anxiously wait for confirmation? We’ve all been there.?

Timely order confirmations and shipping updates make all the difference, easing that post-purchase worry.

And you need to make your customers worry-free.?

Here’s why they matter.?

• Instant Trust: A quick confirmation reassures customers that their order went through smoothly and is on its way. It’s the first step in building trust.

• Fewer Questions: Clear updates reduce the need for customers to ask, “Where’s my order?” Happy customers mean less strain on your support team.

• Boosting Satisfaction: In a world of instant gratification, quick updates keep customers happy and loyal.

• Transparency Matters: Keeping customers in the loop with timely updates helps manage expectations and keeps complaints at bay.

• Loyalty Boost: When customers feel valued and informed, they’re more likely to return for more.

• Standing Out: In a crowded market, exceptional service—like timely updates—sets your brand apart and builds loyalty.

Why WhatsApp Stands Out for Order Updates ??

But why WhatsApp? Can’t I just use emails or SMS?”

Fair question.?

Let’s break down why WhatsApp is perfect for automating order confirmations and shipping updates.?

A. Reach and Engagement

• Global Reach: With over 3 billion active users, WhatsApp is a platform your customers already use daily, making it a familiar and accessible choice.

• User-Friendly: WhatsApp’s intuitive design appeals to all ages, ensuring your messages are easy to read and respond to.

• High Engagement: WhatsApp messages have a staggering 98% open rate, meaning your updates are almost guaranteed to be seen—unlike emails that often go unread.

B. Business Benefits

• Instant Communication: WhatsApp delivers order confirmations and shipping updates instantly, keeping customers informed in real time and reducing shopping anxiety.

• Cost-Effective: Unlike SMS, WhatsApp is a budget-friendly way to communicate, using the internet to reduce costs.

• Personalized Experience: WhatsApp allows for personalized communication, addressing customers by name and even incorporating multimedia for a richer experience.

• Seamless Integration: Integrating WhatsApp with your CRM ensures automated, timely, and consistent updates, streamlining your customer communications.?

Recent Stats & Trends ??

• Akulaku experienced a 50% boost in customer satisfaction scores after they started using WhatsApp as their messaging platform (WhatsApp, 2023).??

• In 2023, WhatsApp Business is estimated to have generated over $382 million in revenue (WhatsApp, 2023).?

• WhatsApp is projected to have over 3.20 billion users by 2025 (Analyzify, 2024).?

Automating Order Confirmations ?

Let’s dive into the essentials of automating order confirmations via WhatsApp.

a. Crafting Order Confirmation Messages

A good order confirmation message should be clear and friendly. Here’s a simple structure.?

• Greeting: Start with a warm welcome.

• Order Details: Clearly state the order number and summary to confirm the purchase.

• Next Steps: Inform the customer about what’s next, like shipping timelines.

• Contact Info: Provide a way for customers to reach out with any questions.

b. Automating the Process

1. Connecting to Your E-Commerce Platform?

Integrate the WhatsApp Business API with your e-commerce platform for seamless communication. Many platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce offer easy plugins to help with this.

2. Using a Business Solution Provider (BSP)?

Partnering with a BSP can simplify the integration. They provide API access and support and help set up WhatsApp automation templates.

3. Setting Up Automation Workflows

Automate your order confirmations by setting up workflows triggered by specific events:

• Order Placed: Automatically send a confirmation message.

• Payment Received: Follow up with a payment confirmation message.

• Order Shipped: Send tracking info and delivery dates when the order ships.

Setting Up WhatsApp Business API for Order Confirmation ??

While the WhatsApp Business App allows for basic automation, the WhatsApp Business API is a game-changer for medium to large businesses.?

It’s built to handle high volumes of messages, offers analytics, and supports automated workflows—making it ideal for scaling customer communication.

Setting up the WhatsApp Business API might seem daunting, but it’s a smart investment for better customer service.?

Here’s how to get started.?

1. Sign Up with a Business Solution Provider (BSP)

To access the WhatsApp Business API, you’ll need to partner with a BSP. WhatsApp authorizes these providers to help you set up the API.

2. Create a WhatsApp Business Account

After choosing a BSP, create your WhatsApp Business Account.?

This involves verifying your business details and phone number. Your BSP will guide you through this simple process.

3. Configure Your API

Next, integrate the API with your existing systems, like your CRM or e-commerce platform.?

Your BSP will provide the necessary documentation and support.

4. Set Up Automated Messages

Create message templates for order confirmations and shipping updates.

These templates will automatically send updates to your customers at key stages in their order journey.

5. Test Your Setup

Before going live, send test messages to ensure everything is functioning correctly.?

This step ensures that your customers receive accurate and timely information.

6. Go Live and Monitor

Once testing is complete, go live with your WhatsApp Business API.?

Keep an eye on performance and adjust based on customer feedback and message delivery rates.

Here’s What We’re Saying ??

Automating order confirmations and shipping updates with WhatsApp isn’t just about keeping customers in the loop—it’s about elevating their entire shopping experience.?

With WhatsApp’s extensive reach, interactive features, and ability to deliver personalized communication, businesses can strengthen customer relationships and streamline operations.

To fully harness WhatsApp’s potential, you need a reliable solution. That’s where Wati comes in.?

As a leading CPaaS platform, Wati revolutionizes business-customer communication. Our advanced software, powered by WhatsApp’s Business API, allows businesses to have personalized conversations, stay easily accessible, and connect with customers in real time.

With Wati, setting up automated order confirmations and shipping updates is simple, and the service offers excellent customization and top-notch support.

We hope you’ll take away a thing or two from this Wati Insights.?

See you next week! ??