Founded in the year 2009, WhatsApp has revolutionized the concept of messaging services. Offering a rich set of features that include instant messaging and sharing, automatic contact addition, and Wi-Fi operations, WhatsApp alone has 500 million monthly active users. Purchased by Facebook for $19 billion dollars last year, WhatsApp has made it as the most discussed – about mobile app across the globe.
In this WhatsApp era, you can also manage your inventory with some handy tools like bizmanager and sell products by sharing your products/items to your Whatsapp contact list or group. Even if members of your groups aren’t interested in buying your product or services, they might mention you in conversations on WhatsApp or other social media channels.
One of the greatest advantages, is this app does not interfere users with irrelevant ads – hence can prove to be an effective tool to promote your small business. In fact, a lot of marketers include WhatsApp marketing as an essential component in their digital marketing mix. Let me tell you how?
Below are a few WhatsApp features that will help anyone promote their small business, effectively.
It’s not about only Messaging
If you think WhatsApp is limited to only sending text messages, then you are still in the dark. Considered to be the quickest means to introduce new products, offers and promotions directly to relevant users, WhatsApp allows marketers to run promotions through visuals, mp3 audio also known as voice notes, and videos. You can also target relevant audience in large mass through WhatsApp broadcasts feature.
WhatsApp promotion. Image-WhatappMarketing
Do branding using the Profile picture
Visuals have proved to create an everlasting impression and through WhatsApp Profile Picture, marketers can promote their brand, latest product, new offer, the possibilities are endless. For example, an apparel store can put up its best selling products as a profile picture. Before you upload your next profile picture, ensure you come up with the one that would draw attention and encourage the audience to engage with your brand.
About Me
As a business, leaving your profile status as: Hey there! I am using WhatsApp (we can see that) or Available – will not help you divert audience. Instead, use the status space to get creative with short messages that can draw attention and increase curiosity amongst your audience. You can either announce your new offerings or be loud about your sales or promotional offers. Or you can just add a quote like ‘I made 6 figures last week- are you willing to add your contribution to it?’
Status
You can also employ the disappearing pictures on a daily basis to promote your business there. Let your contacts know when you have something new or unique item in your inventory. One can share offers, discounts and break news about their businesses on the status section now. This works great when you employ an influencer to market your business through their WhatsApp profile.
Whatsapp Status
Group targeting
Group targeting is the best way to segment and targets your customers. WhatsApp allows marketers an ability to create groups of similar interests and start discussions. This way you get better insights by other business owners adding them to group chat room that you create. Another advantage of this feature, there are more chances of your message to go viral when the participant shares the content with their friends.
Campaigns
WhatsApp allows marketers the ability to run a campaign. This means you can encourage recipients to send images of them using your product, posing in front of your store billboards, etc. And, in return offer discount coupon codes that will make it easy for your small business acquire relevant contacts and grow your business.
In Closing
With millions of people using WhatsApp, it is becoming an affordable, mass communication tool that small businesses can creatively and innovatively use. Offering the above features and new ones to roll-out in the near future, WhatsApp can surely be an effective tool to promote your small business.
