Leading and Retaining the Millennial Generation
29 July 2014Seven Key Tips to Help Choose E-Commerce Solutions
31 July 2014With 450 million users on its platform, WhatsApp has gone from an instant messaging service to a force in networking. The platform has changed the way messaging is conceived across the globe. With a wealth of useful features such as content sharing, automatic contact updates, and Wi-Fi based operation, it is quite popular with the masses. It became the focus of attention when it was acquired by Social Media behemoth Facebook.
Notably, the success of WhatsApp has been fueled by its relative simplicity. With no more than a smartphone and access to internet, anyone can use this application across all the major mobile operating system platforms to connect across the globe.
WhatsApp in Business
WhatsApp is simple, powerful, and versatile making it a powerful tool for businesses. Small and medium sized enterprises are benefiting from using this platform to increase customer engagement and market visibility. Customer service delivery, increased interaction, sales and marketing are some of the areas businesses are seeing benefit from using WhatsApp. Here are five business hacks that your business can employ too.
Improve Customer Service Delivery and Loyalty Programs
Businesses can leverage the massive user base on WhatsApp for customer service delivery and loyalty programs. WhatsApp offers a perfect platform for mobile promotions with customer targeting in place. The platform combines everything needed for customer service delivery; instant response, ability to share information as well as content, ability to target the customers. Use the platform to share information and content on promotions, offers, and even discount coupons via image share to repeat customers. The customer service delivery is instantaneous and personalized, and best of all accessible from anywhere at the customer’s convenience.
Digitize your marketing while retaining customer engagement
Digital marketing revolutionized digital marketing until bulk messaging became a reality. Bulk messaging is seen as nothing more than a portal for spamming customers with little or no value created. WhatsApp changes the paradigm by allowing you to create personalized communication with a target consumer base. The end result is increased profitability since the potential customer is identified and targeted. WhatsApp enables businesses to leverage the power of viral sharing. Well-crafted messages and content infused with useful business knowledge is shared across the platform and consumer interest is sparked. The platform enables enthusiastic engagement, informative discussion, and information sharing with a visible return. Remember, engagement leads to increased conversion as well as a notable return on investment.
Internal Communications Solution
Few companies have seen the potential that WhatsApp offers as an internal communication solution. The platform is perfectly suited for internal team communications. It allows for cost effective instantaneous communication over existent Wi-Fi networks, without geographical limitations. Teams can form groups on the platform allowing them to interact, share, and discuss. It is better than calls since it is cheaper and eliminates the need for multiple lengthy conversations. It is also better than email since notification is instantaneous, it is short and to the point, and is optimized for mobile devices. Furthermore, the platform allows for semi-formal engagement hence can be used for motivation, team strengthening, and employee bonding. It is as simple as it is effective.
Mobile Customer Relationship Management
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is the backbone of any business. In the past it has taken the form of business applications designed for the computing interface. However, WhatsApp can be used as a mobile CRM application. Its instant messaging capabilities make it perfectly suited for lead follow-up, customer query delivery and response, and quick updates. WhatsApp’s voice functionality allows sending of voice messages as well as audio files. This means that it is now possible to talk to your clients at no cost.
Closing track opportunities, deals, and collaboration between team members enabling deal closing on a much faster pace, as well exchange of information is easier. Customer feedback on important matters such as requirements and managing leads and conversion is also much simplified on this platform.
Managing your Brand
As a small to medium sized enterprise it is a fact that you will be working with a limited budget for online marketing and branding. However, with the WhatsApp platform, these are easy matters to handle. Creating an effective and efficient end user experience whereby the consumer can easily stay in touch with the company is so much easier. Simple yet interactive messaging that allows for surveys and monitoring of performance of marketing campaigns can be managed from the platform. WhatsApp platform allows for integration of service delivery with effective brand creation and management of brand positioning.
Furthermore, it is possible to use the platform to monitor the competition and ensure that you stay ahead of them.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is a feature rich platform that enables a business to unify its strategies on a single platform. It boasts potential for developing and maintaining customer relationships that are beneficial and profitable. Regardless of the size or stature of your business, these hacks enable you to leverage the platform for increased business growth and unlocking immense potential.