Everyone working in advertising or trying to get more feet through their front door is always looking eagerly for the next best thing.
The truth is that you never quite know which form of advertising will work best for you (or your client) until you have at the very least experimented with them all.
There is no doubt that online advertising is the preferred marketing method for most businesses because it is so cheap and so darn effective, but even it has its limitations, especially as consumers grow tired of being targeted consistently by adverts that are often not even meant for them!
So while established platforms like Facebook and Instagram continue to be powerhouses, there is another method, that one could even say is somewhat untapped, that is rising from the ranks, and that method is WhatsApp advertising.
For the uninitiated, WhatsApp advertising takes advantage of not only the immense popularity of WhatsApp (it boasts well over 2 billion monthly active users) but also the fact that since so few marketers are currently using the app to connect businesses directly with their target audience, you could be among the first to perfect it, giving you a profitable head start on your competition.
But what makes this platform such a useful advertising option in 2024? And what reasons could possibly compel you to include WhatsApp in your advertising tool kit? Let’s look at the benefits:
- Engagement on the App is Unlike Anything you’ve Experienced Before
Gone are the days of banner ads getting lost in the increasingly noisy ad spaces of the internet.
WhatsApp has an impressive 98% open rate, meaning your message has an incredibly high chance of being at the very least seen by your target customer.
The personal, one-on-one communication channel that WhatsApp opens up can create a sense of immediacy and it can also build trust, leading to a more engaged audience.
- You can Experiment with Rich Media Storytelling
While content is also king on WhatsApp, businesses can play around with multimedia content to create highly engaging and exceptionally unique ad experiences.
Images, videos, and even product catalogues can all be incorporated into your ads, allowing you to showcase your offerings in a visually compelling way.
And remember, when you are able to incorporate catalogues and prices into your ads, you are in a better position to get feedback and orders from your new clients, making media-rich storytelling so much more than just a happy creative expression of your company.
- With WhatsApp, you can Build Stronger Relationships
WhatsApp advertising isn’t just about driving sales; it’s about building long-term customer relationships, something clients actually want, especially as society moves away from faceless, nameless consumerism and more towards the desire to be a part of a community.
The ability to create a relationship is made possible through the app being able to facilitate two-way communication. This, in turn, allows businesses to answer questions, address concerns, and even provide personalised support, all within the familiar and convenient environment of WhatsApp.
And now, a word of caution, to balance out all those benefits.
WhatsApp is great for creating quick and convenient communication, but you might want to consider creating an account that is in no way connected to your personal phone or phone number.
Most people simply use WhatsApp to chat with friends and family and as a result, they are used to sending messages at all hours of the day, meaning WhatsApp messages don’t necessarily adhere to the principle of business hours.
The last thing you want is for customers to be sending you messages in the middle of the night requesting support, only for them to get annoyed when you don’t immediately respond.
You should also consider setting up automated messages to ensure that your business can respond to messages immediately, even if it is just to automatically send the client your working hours.
The Takeaway
In 2024, consumers are desperate for personal connections and immediate gratification. WhatsApp advertising delivers on both fronts, making it a powerful tool for businesses looking to engage their audience, drive conversions, and build lasting relationships this year.
And as the platform continues to evolve, one thing’s for sure: WhatsApp advertising is here to stay and it’s an opportunity no business should miss.
Want to learn more? Contact us today and let’s chat about your WhatsApp advertising ideas.