USING WHATSAPP FOR BUSINESS

In today's world, WhatsApp has made it as part of life's convenient necessities, making it easier and convenient to maintain communication wherever we are with whoever we want.

Since its emergence, WhatsApp has seen success, becoming one of the most popular and widely used apps for socializing, but in 2017, WhatsApp business was introduced. It accommodated businesses and business owners who want to make it easier for stakeholders to communicate directly to them. Before we get into the spicy details, we will first look at the WhatsApp user statistics. WhatsApp currently has more than 2 billion WhatsApp users around the world (Lin 2020).  In 2018 there were over 1.5 billion WhatsApp users with 1.6 billion people accessing WhatsApp on a monthly basis (Statista, 2019). 

What does this mean for brands? The higher number of WhatsApp users means greater customer reach for brands.

Let’s get to it, why should you use WhatsApp for your business?

WhatsApp Business makes it easier for brands to communicate with stakeholders (internal and external), it is not country restricted, it is private, simple, convenient, available 24/7, fast and usable for a wide variety of target markets. The quick handling time and lower costs attribute of WhatsApp Business allows brands to save and facilitate business at a lower budget. Quick replies are automated and rescue companies from sending the same messages countless times, which saves the companies' time. The app can be used across industries, Health Industry, Education industry, you name it.

Communication on WhatsApp business should be kept professional, use the right tone of messaging and, refrain from using inappropriate emoticons in order to build trust with stakeholders. The good part about WhatsApp business is that it can be used by a wide range of businesses, whether small, medium or large businesses. It is important to always ensure that communication is initiated by customers to avoid invading the customers’ space. Brands should therefore, conduct research about their target audience, to know how to run campaigns and brand stories on WhatsApp business.

We have shifted from the times where businesses have a person sitting behind the counter, answering calls and helping customers with inquiries concerning brands. WhatsApp Business offers an element of direct marketing which offers direct communication with the brand. Customers seek one-on-one conversations, two –way communication with their favorite brands and WhatsApp business offers just that. It gives an opportunity to understand your audience on a much deeper level which makes them feel valued.  

Using WhatsApp business prevents customers from airing out their grievances on public social media, which taints the image of brands. Doing so on WhatsApp business decreases the chances of tainting the image of the brand and it facilitates useful, confidential feedback and it helps the brand to improve constructively.

WhatsApp Business can be used as a turn- around strategy for any brand, all you have to do is download the app and create a strategic brand profile, TRY IT OUT !!