10 Reasons Why WhatsApp is Great for Small Businesses in Australia
Disclosure
Small businesses in Australia are constantly searching for new ways to reach and engage with customers. One platform that has gained popularity in recent years is WhatsApp. This messaging app, which was acquired by Facebook in 2014, now boasts over 2 billion active users worldwide and has become a popular communication tool for small businesses.
So whether you're a small business owner or a marketer looking to expand your reach, read on to discover how WhatsApp can help you improve your communication, engagement, and efficiency.
What is Whatsapp?
WhatsApp is a messaging app that allows users to send and receive text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, documents, and location information over the internet. It was launched in 2009 and has since become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users as of 2021.
Why is WhatsApp so popular in Australia since its launch?
WhatsApp has become a very popular messaging app in many countries around the world, including Australia, since its launch. One of the main reasons for this is its low cost of use, as phone providers in many countries used to charge per text message, or place limits on how many messages users could send.
In Australia, WhatsApp is particularly popular among younger people who want a more affordable and convenient way to communicate with their friends and family. It has also become popular in the business world as a tool for secure and efficient communication with customers, suppliers, and colleagues.
Another reason for WhatsApp's popularity in Australia is its ease of use and its many features, such as the ability to send photos, videos, and voice messages. This makes it an attractive alternative to traditional SMS messaging, which is often limited in terms of its features and capabilities.
10 reasons why WhatsApp is a great platform for small businesses
WhatsApp for Business and WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp for Business is a free app that allows businesses to communicate with customers easily. It provides a range of features including automated messages, labels, and quick replies. WhatsApp Business API, on the other hand, is a paid service that allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp with their existing systems, such as CRMs, and automate their customer communication.
Customer Support
Customers prefer to contact businesses through messaging apps like WhatsApp because it is convenient and fast. Businesses can use WhatsApp to offer real-time support, answer frequently asked questions, and resolve customer issues quickly. This leads to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
WhatsApp Payments
WhatsApp Payments is a feature that allows users to send and receive money through the app. This is a great feature for small businesses that want to offer a quick and secure payment option to their customers.
WhatsApp for eCommerce
WhatsApp can be used as a sales channel for eCommerce businesses. It allows businesses to showcase their products, provide product information, and take orders through the app. This makes it easier for customers to shop and purchase products without leaving the app.
WhatsApp Marketing
WhatsApp is a great marketing tool for small businesses. Businesses can use WhatsApp to send personalized messages to their customers, offer exclusive promotions, and engage with customers in a more personal way. This can lead to higher customer engagement and increased revenue.
WhatsApp Groups for Customer Engagement
WhatsApp Groups can be used to engage with customers and build a community around the brand. Businesses can create groups based on their customer interests and preferences, and share relevant content and information to keep them engaged.
WhatsApp Broadcasts for Personalized Messages
WhatsApp Broadcasts can be used to send personalized messages to a group of customers. Businesses can use broadcasts to send exclusive promotions, updates, and personalized messages to their customers. This can lead to higher customer engagement and loyalty.
WhatsApp for Internal Communication
WhatsApp can be used for internal communication within a small business. It provides a quick and easy way for team members to communicate with each other, share information, and collaborate on projects. This can increase productivity and efficiency within the business.
WhatsApp Web and Desktop WhatsApp
Web and Desktop allow users to access their WhatsApp account on their computer. This is a great feature for small businesses that want to manage their WhatsApp account on a larger screen and easily switch between devices.
WhatsApp Privacy and Security
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, which means that messages are only visible to the sender and recipient. This provides a high level of privacy and security for businesses that want to protect their sensitive information and customer data.
Latest Statistics on WhatsApp Usage in Australia
According to the latest data published by the Digital 2022 Australia report, as of January 2022, there are 21.97 million active social media users in Australia, and WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps used in the country. The report also indicates that WhatsApp is used by approximately 8.1 million Australians, making it the third most popular social media platform after Facebook and Instagram.
Additionally, a survey conducted by Roy Morgan in 2021 found that WhatsApp is the second most popular messaging app in Australia, with a usage rate of 35% among Australians aged 14 and over. The survey also indicates that WhatsApp is more popular among younger age groups, with a usage rate of 45% among those aged 14-24.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is a powerful tool for small businesses in Australia. It offers a range of features for business communication, customer support, eCommerce, marketing, and internal communication. By using WhatsApp, businesses can increase their revenue, engage with customers, and improve their overall efficiency. If you haven't already, it's time to give WhatsApp a try for your small business.
FAQ’s
Is WhatsApp a good marketing tool?
WhatsApp can be a good marketing tool for businesses, especially those that have a customer base that uses the app regularly. WhatsApp allows businesses to communicate directly with their customers and offer them personalized promotions, updates, and support.
One of the main benefits of using WhatsApp for marketing is its high open rate. According to studies, WhatsApp messages have an open rate of up to 98%, which is significantly higher than other marketing channels such as email.
In addition, WhatsApp allows businesses to send multimedia messages such as images, videos, and audio recordings, which can be more engaging than plain text. Businesses can also use WhatsApp to provide customer support, answer questions, and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
However, it's important to note that WhatsApp has strict guidelines for businesses using the app for marketing purposes. For example, businesses are not allowed to send unsolicited messages, and they must obtain users' consent before sending promotional messages. Failure to comply with these guidelines can result in penalties, including account suspension.
Overall, if used correctly and in compliance with the guidelines, WhatsApp can be an effective marketing tool for businesses to connect with their customers and build strong relationships.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp Business is a messaging platform designed specifically for businesses to interact with their customers. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using WhatsApp Business:
Advantages:
Direct communication: WhatsApp Business allows businesses to communicate directly with their customers in a quick and convenient way. This can improve customer satisfaction and build stronger relationships.
Cost-effective: Unlike traditional communication channels like phone calls and SMS, WhatsApp Business is a free messaging service. This can save businesses a lot of money on their communication expenses.
Efficient customer service: WhatsApp Business enables businesses to provide faster and more efficient customer service. Businesses can easily respond to customer queries, complaints, and feedback in real-time, which can improve customer satisfaction.
Personalisation: WhatsApp Business allows businesses to personalise their interactions with customers by sending targeted messages based on their interests and preferences.
Disadvantages:
Limited functionality: WhatsApp Business has limited functionality compared to other communication channels. It doesn't offer features like voice calls, video calls, and group chats, which can be a disadvantage for businesses that require these features.
Privacy concerns: WhatsApp has come under fire in recent years over privacy concerns. This can be a concern for businesses that handle sensitive customer data and need to ensure that their communication channels are secure.
Dependency on mobile phones: WhatsApp Business is primarily a mobile app, which means businesses are dependent on mobile phones for communication. This can be a disadvantage for businesses that prefer to use desktop applications for their communication needs.
Limited analytics: WhatsApp Business doesn't offer advanced analytics tools to measure the effectiveness of your communication campaigns. This can make it difficult for businesses to measure the ROI of their WhatsApp Business activities.
What are two features of a WhatsApp Business account?
Two features of a WhatsApp Business account are:
Business Profile: A WhatsApp Business account allows businesses to create a dedicated profile with important information like their address, business description, website URL, and contact details. This helps customers to identify the business and connect with them easily.
Automated Messages: WhatsApp Business provides automated messaging features that allow businesses to send quick replies, greetings, and away messages to customers. This helps businesses to respond to customer queries promptly, even when they are not available to respond manually.