For a long time, it was hard to imagine using WhatsApp for Blogging and for business. It has changed now. Now you can use Whatsapp for anything.
In our previous blog, we saw what are the top social media sites and how Instagram helps you to grow your blog.
Facebook is the Dady for WhatsApp now. Facebook acquired WhatsApp for US$19 billion in February 2014, which made this is the biggest deal made by a tech company to date.
For a While, Facebook is pushing WhatsApp payments and business accounts. And this paid off. Now after Facebook, Whatsapp is the 2nd most valuable part of the Facebook portfolio. And they are betting more on it now.
As it is a Mobile focused app, the users are more likely to visit your site, and 70% likely they will open your message within 5 Minutes. For Small business, the conversion rate is high, compared with Facebook itself.
Okay if your new to this stuff, then stick with me.
What is WhatsApp? and why does it matter?
WhatsApp is a free mobile app that uses your phone’s internet connection to let you chat with other WhatsApp users, without SMS text message charges.
The app also lets you share files and images, and supports free voice and video calls.
Its support for a wide range of phones has made it especially popular in areas with high SMS charges, including Brazil, Mexico, the USA, and India. In fact, it’s the most popular alternative to SMS in 109 countries or 55.6 percent of the world.
Why is does it matter?
I don't have to say that at all. But I've to. If your new and don't know what is WhatsApp is, then check this out. it is a messenger platform that helps to share text, video, and more between person to person and between groups.
WhatsApp is a cross-platform instant messenger service for smartphones that relies on the internet for the transmission of the message.
WhatsApp is one of the best and cheap alternatives to billed text messages via SMS, especially for international or group messenger and the popularity has increased rapidly due to high internet penetration.
Here is the list of top Social messenger apps, on the internet. Source
You see the number of active users on WhatsApp is growing rapidly. and the Facebook parent company is trying to include payment and market platforms as well.
Where ever there are people there is a scope for Marketing rite. Yes, it is true. It may be a Market place or on the internet.
Here are some of the interesting facts on Whatsapp.
As of March 2020, WhatsApp had 2 billion monthly active users.
The service is one of the most popular mobile Messenger apps worldwide and was acquired by Facebook for 19 billion U.S. dollars in February 2014. (Source)
The mobile Messenger app enables users to share text, images, and video messages.
In the United States, the WhatsApp audience amounted to 68.1 million users in 2019 and is set to grow to 85.8 million users by the end of 2023.
USA, India, and Brazile account for the bulk of users on whats app. It is the most popular in these countries.
Now you know WhatsApp is a bigger deal. In the portfolio of Facebook, it is the second-most populous app. Just have a look at these stats.
compared with Instagram Whatsapp is the 2nd biggest in the facebook toolbox. Its like bread and butter for Facebook. Source
Whatsapp user base around the world.
Below are the most popular messaging apps around the world, based on their rank in the Google Play Store. WhatsApp is the dominant messaging app around the world.
Especially if you are living in India and the USA and in Brazile 99% you may be using Whatsapp.
According to these figures, WhatsApp is the leading messenger app in Asia and in America.
Now you know why is it important to leverage WhatsApp. rite. For more stats like this check this out.
Let's get into the business.
Whatsapp for Bloggers
1. Intro
First, try to have a Business account, that will help you to better understand what your customers and readers are looking for.
WhatsApp Business account
It is very simple to set up a business account. Simply download the app from the play store and use it as your using personal app. It is much easier than logging in to an email account.
Now that you have everything set up on the app, it's time to use it productively.
You can use WhatsApp Business in several ways. It could be something as simple as offering support to your customers or send them timely updates. The possibilities are nearly endless.
I. Labels
One of the biggest things you'll need to consider while using WhatsApp Business is keeping a track of your customers. Rite.
While you'll need to manually add them to your contacts list, you'll also be able to assign labels to your conversations. These are helpful while interacting with a large number of users.
You can set up labels for your customers and then label your chat conversations using them. For example, You may want to label a conversation as 'Old/New Customer.
This way when your customer replies after some time you'll still be able to make out who this person is.
II. "One-on-one" Personalized support
One of the primary advantages of using the WhatsApp Business app is being able to offer one-on-one support to your customers.
If you're running a small business or a blog, you'd want to stay on top of your customers' queries.
WhatsApp Business app also lets you send photos, videos, and other attachments to your customers, and vice-versa. This can help your customers explain their issues more clearly. Source
III. Sending out updates quickly
WhatsApp Business can also help you send out timely updates related to your business.
Be it a new product or a new blog you're about to launch, it's always perfect to let your existing and prospective customers know about it first.
IV. Grouping the contacts
Just like in your personal WhatsApp account you can group the contacts. Group chats are the best way to interact with the large mass of audiences.
There is no much difference but this is the best option.
V. Desktop and Web app
Just like your personal WhatsApp account, you can use WhatsApp Business mobile app with the desktop variant too. This makes it much easier to interact with a large number of customers.
The setup process for the desktop variant is the same as the regular WhatsApp app.
Go to Settings > WhatsApp Web and scan the given QR code.
Or you can also download the app. This way it will be easy to interact fastly.
2. Both Customer Service and Support in Real-time
Companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon spend Billions of Dollars just to support their customer Q&As.
But here you don't have to spend one Dollar also. Whatsapp is 100% free. And there are no charges in between.
You can help your customers in realtime. It may be service "Virtual service" or customer support, via video call or via phone.
If your a small business owner with a shop online WhatsApp is the go-to place to resolve your customer's problems.
If you are a Blogger like my focus on building a brand around it and success will follow you later on.
3. Creating and Targeting Groups in your niche
Right now you may be a small organization. But you should think your better than any other in your niche, only then you'll exceed.
Your blog probably specializes in a particular niche, and by creating or targeting groups in WhatsApp that are interested in related topics, you can increase your reader base.
If you have created video content and provide live-support, members will share it with contacts that are outside of the group.
This can lead to more users consuming the content, joining the group, and eventually even becoming customers.
4. Share Promotional Codes, Flash Sales, and Coupons
If you are selling any products online you mush post coupons in the WhatsApp group this will help the audience that you're taking care of them and they will be more engaging.
If your a Blogger then promote your ebook or course. Or offer coupons.
According to the Facebook owner of WhatsApp, people who are active in your business group are more likely will be the first to buy something in your store.
5. Feedback and Testmonieals
Feedback and testimonials are the keys to increase your sales or your ranking on google. You and I both know that.
How to do that, ask your closest customer or reader about that and tell them to promote the page where you mentioned them.
The other important thing is Feedback. on average WhatsApp messages open rate is 70%. With the feedback you receive from your customers, you can respond to their requests and improve the quality of the content.
By developing creative and entertaining questionnaires, you can interact with your customers in a way that is not interfering in-between.
6. Demonstrate your next big thing, and create Curiosity among your readers.
Creating curiosity among your readers or customers is the best way to make them look into their website.
Whether you make your own products or creating a New Blog, you can demo them on Status and let your group.
This kind of demonstration drives more traffic than you think. Mainly because of curiosity.
7. Giveaways and Freebies
Freebies and giveaways are the best way to attract a larger customer base. It is a well-known fact.
Even if you are into blogging, you can also give freebies like a free user guide to start a blog or how to do keyword research.
You can have weekly, monthly, or even daily giveaways to bring foot traffic to your store, or visitors to your website. Since
WhatsApp and Status are free, the only cost of such promotions is the promotional products or services you give away. This considerably lowers the overhead of any marketing venture.
8. Collaboration and Contribution and Constant Communication
If you're into Digital products and services you shouldn't forget these 3 C's. at any cost
"Collaboration and Contribution and Constant Communication"
If you're a Blogger then you should provide more value than you do your blog. By collaborating with anyone who needs help you have to focus on them too.
They don’t have to be in the same industry/Niche. But with Status, you can become part of all these conversations.
Even if members of the other groups aren’t interested in your product or services, they might mention you in conversations on WhatsApp or other social media platforms. Rite.
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Recommended resource get started with WhatsApp business account
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If you which to know more about Instagram for bloggers my previous Blog check this out. Link
Now it's your turn. What are your plans and what are you think to do with Whatsapp. Do let me know in the comments.
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