How to Increase Sales Using WhatsApp Business API for Ecommerce

Are you also looking at “How to increase sales using WhatsApp Business API for E-commerce?” If yes, then the best reason to use WhatsApp for the eCommerce industry is that most customers love to spend all their time on WhatsApp to connect with their friends, family, and business. 

What is more, now, 53% of businesses say that customers are most likely to buy with a company that can message them directly. Let’s understand this: only 2.86% of website visitors who come to visit your eCommerce site are shopping. 

In today’s competitive market and high cart abandonment rates (talking about an average of 51%), it is a tough pill to consume. But the important thing is that WhatsApp can raise those numbers. That means this channel has a 98% message open rate and a 45-60% click-through rate. For e-commerce, WhatsApp is an underutilized secret asset for growing both leads and messages. 

So, this article is a one-stop guide for you, including benefits, strategies, and uses of WhatsApp Business API for e-commerce to grow leads and conversations by 7x. Let’s play with it. 

What is WhatsApp for E-commerce?

WhatsApp for e-commerce is to create official business accounts and engage with clients in a very professional and structured way. For instance, by integrating WhatsApp Business API for eCommerce, online companies can frame engaging and creative marketing strategies by sharing promotional messages, special deals, and product updates directly with their clients. 

Integrating WhatsApp Business API for eCommerce can simplify the method of receiving and processing orders, managing customer inquiries, and giving real-time support. The feature of this channel flourishes overall efficiency by assuring companies can serve their consumer’s requirements instantly. 

From small businesses to large companies, retail, healthcare, finance, and hospitality are nourishing the convenience of WhatsApp Business API for eCommerce to promote their online presence, enable business growth, and maintain customer loyalty. 

The creativity of WhatsApp for eCommerce is an exhaustive way to reshape the options industries can operate, making it an important factor in multiple sectors.

But this time, you must integrate WhatsApp into your eCommerce industry plan because millions of businesses are already using it. 

7 Key Benefits of Using WhatsApp for E-commerce

We’re here to list the key benefits of using WhatsApp Business API for the eCommerce industry. 

1. Improve customer engagement

WhatsApp for eCommerce provides a wide range of functionalities to improve customer interaction with your business. This involves welcome messages and quick automated replies. On top of that, you can also share personalized alerts and exclusive offers. 

You can utilize the features in very multiple ways. For instance, cart abandonment reminders and personalized deals can slightly boost conversion rates.

2. Timely replies

Timely automated replies in WhatsApp enable you to provide timely responses to clients without having 24/7 customer support. This can enhance engagement and conversion rates. This functionality can be important for your business if you are serving clients in various time zones.

3. Sell on WhatsApp

WhatsApp for eCommerce transforms the platform into a sales channel. Adopting the inherent capacity to assist sales efforts, eCommerce business providers have already coined the term WhatsApp commerce. With WhatsApp Business API, you do not look for customers to find your platform; you carry it to them. 

eCommerce providers have the chance to display their popular product SKUs, which are associated with free-flowing communication and service recommendations. 

4. Wide reach

WhatsApp has one of the greatest market penetrations of any instant messaging program. This gives you direct access to a vast market. More significantly, the user has a smooth experience because the app is already loaded on their smartphone.

This is particularly true in markets such as India (97.1% market penetration) and Brazil (98.9% market penetration). If you want to reach markets like the United States (41.2% market penetration) or Australia (32.9% market penetration), you should consider different choices.

5. Cost-effective

The well-maintained and designed feature or interface of WhatsApp results in notable cost savings; you are not required to create a standalone website for displaying products and accepting orders on WhatsApp. It also offers some hard-to-integrated features, such as automated replies and a chatbot. 

Always remember that having your own eCommerce website is still required. The best technique for using WhatsApp for eCommerce is to include it as a complement. That being said, WhatsApp for eCommerce offers a simple website and drives the resource-intensive features of WhatsApp.

6. Simplify notifications and alerts.

WhatsApp Business API for eCommerce converts customer notifications and alerts from a time-taken method to a seamless customer engagement technique. This is because you can design WhatsApp message templates for generally asked questions back-in-stock alerts and broadcast them to various clients. 

7. Update post-purchase customer experience.

For multiple eCommerce businesses, post-purchase is the trademark of customer satisfaction. More than 70% of customers think that some e-commerce industries need to include satisfactory post-purchase conversations. 

How to Use WhatsApp Business API for eCommerce?

WhatsApp Business API for eCommerce offers various effective features that help industries streamline their business process. Let’s have a look at them closely:

1. Use instant replies

You can automate WhatsApp responses to the most frequently requested questions. This may be utilized as an interactive FAQ part, reducing the effort for your customer care personnel. Real-time responses will help increase consumer engagement.

This may be done natively on WhatsApp or by integrating an external service using the WhatsApp Business API. Automating chats with an external service is always advised for more accurate and engaged interactions. You should also provide the option of speaking with a customer service representative as necessary.

2. Offer post-purchase support and notification.

Once you place an order, it is essential to offer timely notifications and updates to your clients. The WhatsApp Business API largely simplifies the procedure. You can easily implement your shipping support to WhatsApp using API and offer real-time notifications. 

This is a better approach to notify you of the major shipping milestones. You might also share post-purchase support if required. As we speak last, such parts can be automated.

3. Simplify checkout process

During WhatsApp customer support till checkout, you need to manage payment and order confirmation on your own. To lower cart abandonment, making the process as easy and hassle-free as possible is important. 

It would help if you shifted the clients to your website to approve the payment and order. If you are maintaining this over WhatsApp only, confirm you have the right integrations to make the procedure seamless. 

4. Implement specialized service with WhatsApp for E-commerce.

WhatsApp for eCommerce gives access to the most basic eCommerce functionality.

While they are generally sufficient for simple activities like presenting items and receiving orders, specialist services are required for order fulfillment. Fortunately, the WhatsApp Business API makes this a snap.

Using the WhatsApp Business API to link specialized services with WhatsApp might help you create an efficient order fulfillment funnel. You may also link your logistics partner with WhatsApp to deliver real-time notifications and order updates, resulting in an outstanding shopping experience.

While your carrier may not offer this service, it is rather simple to add using logistics intelligence tools. Additionally, WhatsApp may be integrated with a CRM platform to provide tailored offers and services.

Strategies Used By E-commerce Business to Use WhatsApp

There are steps in which eCommerce businesses can use the features offered by WhatsApp Business API with the help of tools like Getgabs.

1. Make Broadcast Lists –

WhatsApp Broadcasting lists offer you, the seller, a target directly to your clients, conversing with the value you offer. This is an ideal technique on two levels: one, a private and also a direct way.

To improve communication with trusted customers, design interactive and targeted one-way messages with broadcast lists. Having specific WhatsApp broadcast lists offers invitations, links to your products, details of your ongoing/upcoming big deals and sales, and everything you can tell the people.

2. Create premier group chats –

WhatsApp group chat functionality is used to make the opposite outcome of broadcast lists. The details you want to forward target a selected group of people together rather than reaching every customer privately. 

The message you share or the one sent is open to read, creating an interactive medium. For loyal customers, businesses can create exclusive group chats. By doing so, you establish a brand-loyal inner group.

You will be able to provide unique offers and discounts for this exclusive group. Being in close contact with such a group allows you to monitor market trends and adjust your methods to attract repeat clients.

What more? You may also utilize this group to solicit input from your current consumers before introducing new goods, collections, or discounts.

You can only establish a WhatsApp group with 256 people. So, while this is a fine technique for small businesses, as you develop, you’ll need to employ client segmentation and WhatsApp broadcast messaging to implement the same plan. 

3. Encourage your buyers –

Create and forward informative details about your products so consumers can make the shopping fit their requirements. Let your customers know that you care about their experience with the service. Encouraging the buyer with informative detail and good product information develops the personality of your business. 

The purpose is to allow a great post-purchase experience by confirming customers are capable of placing their shopping to optimal use. 

4. Creative messages to improve interaction –

WhatsApp’s Interactive Message feature may be used for easy, rapid, and effective communication. These messages let you tag rapid reply alternatives that consumers may send with a single press.

Include call-to-action buttons in your interactive messaging to boost user engagement and enlighten them. Well-crafted interactive messaging may make the entire process easier for consumers who are short on time and want a quick and easy experience.

When interaction is the key to marketing success, you want it to be as simple as possible. Links are no longer the go-to!

5. Develop a feedback system –

Usually, feedback methods across platforms, such as email, need more answers. Use the WhatsApp Business API as customer support to obtain more feedback. Create a one-touch interactive feedback system that allows customers to review your products and services.

It is critical to have a robust feedback system in place to generate goodwill (and subsequently higher sales) by demonstrating that you are truly concerned about your customers’ experiences and care about every one of your consumers.

Conversational channels such as WhatsApp mimic actual, one-on-one interactions across a virtual medium, making feedback appear more genuine.

6. Shopping assistant and support –

In eCommerce, nothing says ‘reliability’ and ‘integrity’ like a good customer care system. This is where WhatsApp customer care comes in. Logging in from a desktop or laptop gives you access to strong customer support software, which you can combine with WhatsApp to provide immediate assistance and services.

WhatsApp for e-commerce allows clients to contact businesses instantaneously while also providing a venue for companies to handle customer complaints quietly.

Consider the following scenario: an online shopper is ready to make a purchase but is still determining if the goods will be delivered on time. They can utilize WhatsApp to reach out to you, gaining precise responses that will place their pre-purchase.

7. Storytelling WhatsApp status update –

The Status functionality offers a unique chance for the eCommerce industry to share their brand story visually.

Apart from traditional marketing, businesses can implement this feature to send dynamic information related to product demonstrations, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the company environment. This supports developing a more personal touch with the audience and displaying the human side of the company. 

8. WhatsApp Ads –

WhatsApp ads help businesses to expand their customer reach to a wider audience. This kind of ad can be pointed out to the customers depending on their demographics, interests, and user nature, as well as to confirm that the content is completely relatable to the audience.

By using the extensive user data available, industries can develop more targeted and effective advertising campaigns. This merges a layer of precision with marketing efforts, enhancing the likelihood of communication.

9. Referral programs –

Running referral programs on WhatsApp wipes into the power of word-of-mouth marketing techniques. By motivating old customers to share the business with their friends, relatives, and colleagues, a company can grow its customer base organically.

Providing incentives or exclusive discounts offers motivation for clients to become advocates. This strategy optimizes existing relationships to create trust, resulting in a network effect where satisfied customers enter new ventures.

WhatsApp Message Templates for E-commerce

E-commerce businesses can use these WhatsApp message templates to communicate with their customers. Let’s have a look at the examples below:

1. New product launch

Hey [Dear Customer],

The long-awaited cloth sale is now live! Don’t stop yourself from buying your favorite clothes. Only a limited offer today – hurry!

Place your order today!

2. Free shipping offer

Hello Stephen, 

Get free shipping on orders above 499/- this weekend! Shop now with us. Limited-time offer only!

3.  Loyalty discount offer

Dear [Name], 

Get up to 25% off on your next deal with the given code [new12]! Valid for today only. We’re available to guide you anytime!

4. Discount on new products

Hey Johnny, 

We’ve introduced new skincare items! Try our lemon face wash and use the code to grab a deal for 20% off! 

Give your skin fostering care. Shop today!

5. Limited period promotion

Hey [customer], 

The top brands offer their lowest deal and 15% off for 24 hours only! Capture your favorite deal before it expires!

Shop with us!

6. Availability alert

Hey Tina, 

Your favorite blue top saved in your wishlist is back in stock! So, what are you waiting for? Come back and order before stocks run out!

Order Now!

7. Future discount incentive

Hurray! The big brands give a chance to grab discount incentives. Yes, refer the app to your friend and get 10% off your next order! Visit us today and get the best deal for you! Shop Now

8. Limited period promo code

Hello dear, 

Looking for a promo code. Add items worth 399 and get 30% off. Offer valid for 2 days only. Buy now! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is WhatsApp for eCommerce?

A. WhatsApp’s purpose for e-commerce is to create official business accounts and engage with clients in a very professional and structured way.

Q2. How can WhatsApp Business API improve my sales?

A. WhatsApp Business API offers advanced features such as automated notifications, targeted marketing, and abandoned cart reminders that collectively can improve customer satisfaction and bring sales. 

Q3. Can businesses directly sell over WhatsApp?

A. Businesses can directly sell over WhatsApp. They can send product details, images, and costs to the clients and also complete translation details within the app. This removes the requirement of visiting an individual website or store. 

Q4. What types of companies can benefit from using WhatsApp for eCommerce?

A. Any company that has an online selling model can benefit from WhatsApp, whether it is a small retailer, a big brand company with a large product range, or a service-based business such as a marketing consulting firm or travel agency. 

Q5. Is it critical to set up the WhatsApp Business API?

A. The integration of WhatsApp Business API into your eCommerce business is relatively easy if you consult with an expert WhatsApp provider like Getgabs. The process of eCommerce business can be streamlined and managed effectively. 

Conclusion

A comprehensive guide on using WhatsApp Business API for e-commerce businesses, replete with actionable tactics, insider tips, and firsthand experiences. The future is digital, and it is happening on platforms such as WhatsApp. Stay caught up.

Businesses may achieve extraordinary sales growth by using WhatsApp’s eCommerce capability and integrating Getgabs seamlessly. This powerful combination allows for direct contact, individualized interactions, and faster procedures, paving the way for increased sales and consumer satisfaction in the digital marketplace.

So there you have it. In today’s fast-changing E-commerce world, utilizing technologies like WhatsApp isn’t a choice; it’s a must. WhatsApp Business API might be the game changer you’ve been searching for, thanks to its ability to personalize, communicate quickly, and automate tasks.