In a world dominated by instant channels of communication, WhatsApp is fast emerging as a major marketing tool for businesses of any size. Additionally, with more than 2 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp can provide a direct and personal means of contacting customers. Nonetheless, if you want to use WhatsApp effectively, you need to choose the right WhatsApp marketing service. Below is a complete guide on picking the best service for your business.
1. Identify Your Business Needs
Before you choose a WhatsApp marketing service, it is important to identify your business needs. Specifically, you want to determine whether your business requires:
- Bulk messaging?
- Automated replies?
- Real-time customer service?
- Promotional campaigns?
Depending on your business size, audience, and marketing objectives, you could need either a basic bulk messaging service or a full WhatsApp Business API service.
2. Check for WhatsApp API Authorization
Make sure that any service that you are considering is officially authorized by WhatsApp. Unauthorized messaging services can infringe upon WhatsApp’s terms of service and could lead to your number being banned. Official services provide secure, scalable, and compliant messaging strategies and will deliver better and more supported delivery rates as well.
3. Easy-to-Navigate Dashboard & Automation Tools
An effective WhatsApp marketing can provide an easy-to-navigate platform that enables you to manage:
- Contacts and campaigns
- Scheduling messages
- Chatbot and autoresponder creation
- Messaging funnel segmentation for targeted messaging
When effective marketing automation is employed, the valuable time it provides enables you to send regular and consistent communications with your customers without having to do it all manually.
4. Messaging Personalization & Templates
Incorporating personalization can exponentially improve engagement rates. The best WhatsApp marketing services will allow you to:
Personalize messaging with names, order, and personalization details, and where to send offers.
Use a company-endorsed messaging template.
Personalize replies based on customer behavior or questions.
Messaging templates should all be reasonably modifiable and quickly reviewed and approved by WhatsApp.
5. Integrations with CRM & Other Tools
Make sure you choose a WhatsApp service that integrates well with your existing Customer Relationship Management Software, e-commerce platforms, or customer service software. Integration means you can:
- Automatically send order confirmations, reminders, or shipping updates.
- Customer interaction tracking
- Efficiently manage leads given follow-up triggers.
- Improve workflow, prioritization, and customer experience.
6. Reporting & Analytics
Quality, detailed reporting and analytics will make fact-based decisions about marketing a clearer, more specific option. Look for reporting features on the following:
- Delivery rates
- Open and Response Rates
- Campaign reports
In reporting and analytics usage, you can refine your approach and, in turn, improve your ROI.
7. Data Security and Compliance
Data privacy is crucial. Make sure the provider is compliant with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR) and has message encryption. Your customers trust you with their information, so you have to make security a priority.
8. Customer Support and Training
Even the best platform is not much use without support (i.e., when things go wrong). Choose a provider that offers an institute or provides:
- 24/7 support
- Help with onboarding
- Training materials
- Technical assistance
With large campaigns or urgent problems, reliable customer support can go a long way.
9. Pricing and Scalability
Make sure you understand their pricing model: pay-per-message, subscription-based price, or custom approach to pricing. You will also want to ensure you will be able to scale with your business. Start off with a basic plan, and build as your customer base expands.
10. Reputation and Reviews
Lastly, do a bit of digging. Look for reviews, ask for references, or read case studies. A reputable WhatsApp marketing provider should have lots of empirical evidence you can rely on to make your decision, for your type of business.
Conclusion
When it comes to rapidly engaging with your customers and expanding your business, choosing a WhatsApp marketing service provider is very important. Look for a service that strengthens your overall marketing objectives, allows for automation and integration, ensures data is kept secure, and offers a level of support that a small business can rely on.
If you’re looking for a stable partner, SDGM Technologies offers fully customizable WhatsApp marketing solutions.
