WhatsApp can be an efficient lead generation tool when used right, contrary to popular opinion. And we mean that literally, as the number of marketers using WhatsApp for business is a measly 7%. Keep in mind though, that WhatsApp offers free-of-charge international call and messaging options. It's also got no spam folder to permanently misplace your messages and outreach attempts. Moreover, WhatsApp has a familiar interface, one that people use on a daily basis to stay in touch with family and friends.
With its many positive attributes in mind, the small percentage of usage in the business world looks like an anomaly. Still, you can be a champion of leveraging this useful communication and lead generation tool! Read on to find out how!
What's Up with WhatsApp?
WhatsApp's numerous qualifications for the ultimate messaging app, such as being a cross-platform freeware with centralized instant messaging (IM) and voice-over-IP, raise two chief questions.
1. If it's so beneficial, why is it so seldom used?
The wide range of platforms that are currently accessible and are thought to be superior lead generators include email, SMS, and social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and Tiktok. WhatsApp, however, stands out above these platforms in terms of ease of use and adaptability. As a marketer, you should always choose the channel on which your potential customers feel the most at ease.
2. How can businesses make sure they do not overwhelm consumers by intruding upon a space that is otherwise reserved for their personal lives?
WhatsApp did take certain precautions to protect its users, as well as to avoid annoying them. One big step was letting the users take the wheel: allowing them to choose whether or not they want to communicate with companies using WhatsApp. Besides, the convenience of having your favorite business readily available at your fingertips by far surpasses the privacy hassle.
With over 2 billion users globally, WhatsApp is one of the busiest messaging apps. Most users are fervent devotees of its services, with no intention of switching platforms.
Tips to Generate Leads with WhatsApp for Business
Creating leads could be easier if your WhatsApp for Business icon is set up. You might attempt the following interesting lead creation techniques. Let's start now.
Put That WhatsApp Icon on Your Homepage
If you are an experienced marketer, you presumably already have an email list with your prospects’ contact information. All you need to do is use this list wisely so you can start WhatsApp chats with these prospects. Including a link to your WhatsApp automated messages/human support can be a clever strategy to attract prospects.
Alternatively, the click-to-call or click-to-chat WhatsApp icon can lead users to actual, human customer support. Many leads will prefer this to a bot. If you have readily available human customer support, make sure to only display the WhatsApp icon on certain days, during working hours.
This is a tried-and-true method of attracting prospects to your company's operations. It also helps to use your WhatsApp link as a Call To Action (CTA) button. These are some of the methods you can use to invite users to add you on WhatsApp.
Attract Prospects With a QR Code!
WhatsApp QR Codes are another way you can facilitate lead generation, as well as convert leads into sales. Creating your own WhatsApp QR code is something you should consider, and a clever marketer will attach products/service images to this QR code.
How does it work? The QR code needs to have proper commands installed in order to redirect your prospects to the WhatsApp icon. By scanning your QR code, a user would land on your sales page with certain products or services. Some brands also release printed advertisements with these QR codes.
Triggers for WhatsApp Marketing
It's not unusual for one to completely forget about an important exchange they were having just several minutes before zoning out. One of WhatsApp's most important features curbs our enthusiasm for task-hopping. The WhatsApp icon automates the delivery of frequent triggers to prospects. This way, they can pick up where they left off with any conversation they might be having with your company.
With WhatsApp for Business support, you can do the same with prospects, leads, and customers. Your prospects will return to finish a task or to pick up a conversation if you remind them of the most recent messages they forgot about, etc. This is a clever way of increasing lead generation.
Highly Personalized WhatsApp Messages Combat Social Anxiety
How does WhatsApp make money for your business? By addressing every single prospect/lead/client as an individual. Picture this: you’re browsing a tech website for some top gear, and you click on a WhatsApp icon: it leads you to a default message that matches what you’ve been interested in beforehand. This is how close technology is to the ultimate marketer’s dream, of reading their audience’s minds.
For instance, if a future college student is looking around for opportunities on the website of an educational institution, WhatsApp will pick up on their preferences. A default message waiting for them would go something like this:
“Hello, I would like to access more information on your Law studies courses, please get back to me when you have the time. Thank you. [link to the page where the user has sent the message from].”
This way, the user is more likely to actually send the message, since you're doing a part of the work for them.
Market your WhatsApp Icon on Various Channels
Once you have a verified WhatsApp Business account, share it on your website, online profiles, and other marketing materials.
If you’re already sending marketing emails to prospective candidates, include a link to your WhatsApp Business support in your email signature to give your email recipients a way to connect with you in a second location. Position the support link as a call to action (CTA) by using copy like “Connect with us on WhatsApp.”
Image 1: Whatsapp Mobile Messaging App
eCommerce and How to Adjust your WhatsApp Customer Service to Different Contexts
Currently, WhatsApp users are sending around 7 billion voice messages on WhatsApp on a daily basis. Today, eCommerce websites are especially prone to tapping into this sea of traffic in order to increase their conversions.
For instance, an eCommerce manager can decide to hide the WhatsApp button, and only show it to some visitors. Maybe the ones who surpass a certain amount of cash in their shopping cart. Or to users who have already started a purchase process twice, without completing the checkout. An automated message such as the one mentioned above might give them that final nudge towards converting.
You could also have users open a different WhatsApp number per context. A real estate website, for instance, might display different WhatsApp numbers to users planning to sell, rent, or buy.
Final Words
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to create leads is to use a popup generation firm like Zoom Engage. Lead generation and WhatsApp marketing are still underappreciated, and you can be a pioneer in this type of communication.
Generating leads and turning them into dependable clients won't be a major concern if you know how to use the proper WhatsApp marketing methods at the right time. Address your prospects' pain points and try to be as personalized as you can.
Are you still uncertain about WhatsApp's effectiveness as a lead generator? Make a Demo appointment with Zoom Engage. We're here to help you every step of the way!