It was not long ago when businesses had to chase leads with endless phone calls, yet a maximum number of those calls returned with the receiver slammed down.
But, in 2024, that concept is as outdated as a rotary phone.
In the ever-evolving landscape of business via digital means, WhatsApp continues to be a trailblazer! As per a survey by Deloitte, in 2023, 77% of Indian consumers prefer brands reachable on Whatsapp
WhatsApp is a platform which has over 2 billion active users, and doing business on the platform means having access to the target customer 24/7. For a famous indian e-commerce site, with WhatsApp Business they had 10x greater ROI than email, in-app push notifications, and SMS messages
As we enter 2024, WhatsApp Business has introduced features to transform how businesses interact with their customers. These features range from improved customer service capabilities to advanced marketing tools.
In this blog, we will look at the WhatsApp Business features you should use in the coming year.
Whatsapp Business Features To Try In 2024
- AI-Powered Customer Support
More than 61% of people say messaging is the easiest, most convenient way to contact a company. In 2024, the WhatsApp Business experience will revolve around incorporating artificial intelligence into customer service. This integration will allow businesses to employ advanced AI chatbots that promptly respond to customer queries, streamlining communication and improving efficiency. As a result, the overall customer service experience will be enhanced, facilitating more meaningful interactions.
- Interactive Product Catalogs
This feature allows to showcase products in a visually captivating format, enabling users to browse, access detailed information, and even make purchases without leaving the app. This feature promises to elevate the shopping experience for businesses and customers, transforming WhatsApp Business into a comprehensive, seamless, convenient shopping experience. Also, brands do not have to worry about open rates, as the open rate of WhatsApp messages is at 98%!
- Secure Business Transactions
Security is paramount for financial transactions. WhatsApp Business enhances its security protocols for in-app transactions. With end-to-end encryption, businesses can facilitate secure payments and transactions directly through the platform. Subsequently, you can also connect your CRM, e-commerce platform, and other business tools to create a unified customer journey. This streamlined experience reduces friction and boosts sales.
- Decisions Backed By Data
With advanced analytics tools, you can unlock the secrets of your customer interactions and gain a deeper understanding of your customers. Analyzing this data can help you identify what resonates with your customers, and these insights can help optimize your communication strategies and drive tangible results, leading to stronger customer relationships, increased engagement, and improved business outcomes. As per a survey by facebook, Over 50% of customers believe they will get better responses, and faster advice on WhatsApp.
- Two Way Communication
Unlike one-way communication, interactive messages allow you to engage in dynamic conversations with your customers. With added buttons for quick replies, menus for navigation, and quick links for completing actions like scheduling appointments or placing orders, you can create a personalized experience that will satisfy your customers.
As per the insider intelligence, whatsapp is becoming a Key Driver of Mobile Messaging Growth. So brands, keep a sharp eye on whatsapp business.
Tips And Tricks To Optimize Your Whatsapp Business Profile
It is really important to have an optimized Whatsapp Business Profile for your business, in order for consumers to have a good first impression of your brand.
Profile Picture
– Use a clear and recognizable business logo as your profile picture.
– Ensure that the logo is square and high-resolution for a professional look.
Business Information
– Fill out your business information, including your address, business hours, and website.
– Provide accurate contact details, including email and phone number.
Business Description
– Use the “Business description” field to describe your business and its offerings succinctly.
– Highlight key products or services to give users a quick overview.
Categories and Labels
– Choose the most relevant business category and subcategories to help users understand your industry.
– Use labels to categorize your chats for better organization.
Short Business Name:
– Create a short and easily recognizable business name.
– Consider a concise and memorable variation if your official business name is long.
Use Keywords
– Incorporate keywords relevant to your business description to improve discoverability.
Contact Buttons
– Take advantage of the contact buttons to make it easy for customers to get in touch. You can add buttons for calls, emails, and website links.
Business Hours
– Set accurate business hours to manage customer expectations regarding response times.
– If your business hours change, then update them accordingly.
Location
– If your business has a physical location, use the map feature to share your address.
Verified Business Account:
– If applicable, go through the verification process to get a green checkmark badge for added credibility.
– A verified account helps users trust that they are interacting with a legitimate business.
Manage Away Messages
– Set up messages for times when you cannot respond immediately. Communicate when customers can expect a reply.
– Customize away messages to include relevant information or provide alternative contact methods.
Advanced Tools and Tricks
– WhatsApp Business API: Consider using the API for advanced features like chatbots, automation, and analytics.
– Integration with Other Platforms: Connect your WhatsApp Business profile with your CRM or website for seamless data flow.
– WhatsApp Payments: Enable WhatsApp payments if applicable to your business for a convenient buying experience.
According to Gartner, Inc, by 2025, 80% of customer service organizations will have abandoned native mobile apps in favor of messaging for a better customer experience.
WhatsApp Business Desktop Version
WhatsApp Business offers a desktop version just like the traditional WhatsApp. The desktop version has a more spacious layout, making managing and replying to messages easier. You can access WhatsApp Business on your desktop browser by following these four simple steps:
- Go to: https://web.whatsapp.com/
- Open WhatsApp and go to “Paired devices” under settings.
- Click the blue button that says “Pair a device”.
- Scan the QR code in your browser to link your account.
There are two versions of WhatsApp Business: the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business platform. The app is ideal for small businesses that want to communicate with customers personally through the mobile app. On the other hand, the platform allows companies to integrate WhatsApp with their applications and workflows to connect with customers worldwide.
WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool that can help larger businesses and enterprises communicate with their customers on the WhatsApp platform more streamlined and efficiently. It enables businesses to integrate WhatsApp into their existing systems, allowing them to send
and receive messages, provide customer support, and engage with users on a larger scale.
The WhatsApp Business API can be used for various business purposes and is constructive for businesses with a large customer base, which requires automated and scalable communication.
Messages sent through the WhatsApp Business API must adhere to specific templates defined by WhatsApp. These templates must be pre-approved by WhatsApp, and they can include dynamic variables for personalized content.
Using the WhatsApp Business API involves costs, including a combination of setup fees, message fees, and potentially ongoing service fees from the chosen WhatsApp Business Solution Provider. Costs can vary based on the number of messages sent, geographical location, and other factors.
The API allows businesses to undergo a verification process similar to the standard WhatsApp Business account. Verified businesses receive a green checkmark badge, enhancing their credibility.
The API also gives businesses access to analytics and insights, allowing them to track the performance of their messages, user engagement, and other relevant metrics.
This can help businesses optimize their communication strategy and improve their customer experience.
It is essential to note that the availability and features of the WhatsApp Business API may evolve, and businesses should refer to the official WhatsApp Business API documentation for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, companies interested in using the API should work with approved WhatsApp Business Solution Providers to facilitate the integration process.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Business is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes that can help attract and retain customers. It is a free app that allows businesses to communicate with customers on their preferred platform.
Companies can use it to send broadcast messages, create groups and communities, and respond to customer inquiries. Additionally, businesses can use several advanced tools and tricks to get the most out of WhatsApp Business, such as the WhatsApp Business API, integrations with other platforms, and WhatsApp Payments.
As we enter 2024, WhatsApp Business emerges as a potent customer magnet for businesses. The platform’s dynamic features and widespread popularity make it a crucial tool for customer engagement, support, and streamlined communication.
If you want to outsource the digital marketing of your business, then DMC is the right digital marketing agency for you. DMC is a well-known digital marketing agency based out of Hyderabad. We have worked with more than 800+ businesses from all genres and have helped improve their online business presence by driving traffic through both social and local marketing channels with our trusted, time-tested, and skillfully planned Digital Marketing strategies garnering businesses more revenues and leads.
You can fill in the details at digitalmarketingconsulting.in/contact-us.php, and our team will get back to you.