Using WhatsApp Business for E-Commerce Promotion

October 23, 2024
, Oleh
Arianti
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In 2023, Indonesia had 112 million active WhatsApp users, with its WhatsApp Business features enabling e-commerce players to more effectively promote their products.

Indonesia WhatsApp collaboration runs parallel to the e-commerce landscape that has become increasingly competitive, prompting promotional activities to move online, with Telco WhatsApp Business becoming an effective, promotional tool throughout the business world

The following article will discuss how your e-commerce businesses in Indonesia can use WhatsApp Business as a promotional tool to the third largest WhatsApp-connected nation globally.  

Steps to Use WhatsApp Business for E-Commerce Promotion

Promosi E-commerce untuk meningkatkan penjualan bisnis
Illustration: Purchase of Products Due to E-commerce Promotions // Image: Freepik.com

The following highlights some of the key uses of and strategies that, businesses can employ using their WhatsApp Business application to promotionally and strategically develop their business, by implementing the following steps:

1. Download and Set Up WhatsApp Business

The first step to undertake is to download the WhatsApp Business app from the App Store or Google Play.

Create a Business Account using a phone number directly associated with your business, and then ensure that you complete your business profile with its details, such as an address, a brief overview of your business, its operational hours, a website, and links to social media. 

2. Utilize the Product Catalog Feature

WhatsApp Business has a Product Catalog feature that allows you to directly showcase your products in the app.

Additionally, the feature enables you to add product descriptions, images, prices, and purchase links, making it easier for your customers to view and purchase products without switching apps. 

3. Use Quick Replies for Fast Responses

Utilizing the Quick Replies feature simplifies how you respond to commonly asked inquiries.

The feature enables you to create messaging templates for questions - about payment methods, prices, or product availability, speeding up communication between your business and your customer. 

4. Broadcast List for Special Promotions

The Broadcast List feature allows you to send promotional messages to many customers at once without creating a group.

This is an effective tool for announcing promotions, discounts, or new product launches, however, you mustn't spam your client base with too many messages, rather, provide them with attractive and relevant offers to maintain their engagement with your business. 

5. Use WhatsApp Stories for Visual Content

WhatsApp Stories is similar to Instagram Stories, whereby WhatsApp Stories can be used to display engaging visual content, post updates about new products, provide customer testimonials, or give behind-the-scenes snapshots of your business.

This is because authentic, personal content is often preferred by your customers. 

6. Integrate with Website and Social Media

WhatsApp Business is integrated with your e-commerce website, instantly expanding your reach and attracting more customers by promoting your WhatsApp Business number on social media to attract more customers.

By placing a WhatsApp button on your checkout or product page, customers can easily make purchases or ask questions on the checkout page.

READ ALSO: How to Optimize Your E-Commerce Business Operations

E-Commerce Promotion Strategies with WhatsApp Business

Once you are set up and ready to use WhatsApp Business, the following highlights some promotional strategies that your business can implement for your e-commerce business

1. Personalized Marketing

One advantage of WhatsApp Business is its ability to enable personalization, enabling you to send personalized messages based on your customer's preferences.

For example, WhatsApp Business can send your customers personalized recommendations based on their interests or purchasing histories. 

2. Provide Responsive Customer Service

Using the WhatsApp Business platform allows you to have real-time interaction with your customers, providing them with fast and responsive support, prompt and efficient service that fosters customer loyalty, and helps build and develop long-term relationships. 

3. Host Flash Sales

WhatsApp Business can be leveraged to hold exclusive Flash Sales for those customers connected to WhatsApp, by offering them limited-time deals that encourage impulsive purchases, by regularly notifying them during the Flash Sale. 

4. Customer Testimonials

WhatsApp Stories is a tool that asks your customers to provide testimonials after purchasing your products.

Subsequently, they use those testimonials to broadcast messages, and testimonials from them as effective social proof to convince potential new customers. 

The Benefits of Using WhatsApp Business for E-Commerce

WhatsApp Business offers various advantages for e-commerce businesses, such as:

  • Personal Communication: WhatsApp allows businesses to directly and personally communicate with customers, making it easier to build trust;
  • Cost Savings: WhatsApp Business enables direct promotions to customers without additional costs which traditional paid advertising fails to do; and  
  • Easy Order Management: Features such as product catalogs and quick replies, customer inquiries, and order management become more efficient and effective.

Utilizing WhatsApp Business for e-commerce promotions is beneficial for your business, whether it be providing personalized marketing to real-time interactions with customers, to leveraging features such as broadcast lists and product catalogs.

WhatsApp Stories helps you increase sales conversions and implement marketing strategies.

However, for your e-commerce business to thrive, ensure that you provide responsive and relevant customer service to your customers.

Arianti
SEO content writer dengan pengalaman sejak 2019 yang menguasai berbagai topik khususnya di bidang bisnis, lifestyle, dan lain-lain.
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