It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
A feature in WhatsApp that could excite Business owners!
WhatsApp has been a successful functional messaging platform. Now, it has introduced a new feature called “Status.” This could make the app an entertainment platform too! But, there is another group that will be excited due to this new feature. I am talking about the brands that use WhatsApp for the purpose of marketing. Certain brands use WhatsApp for providing customer service more faster. Let’s see what this new feature is all about and how it can be used by businesses.
All about the “Status” feature:
WhatsApp has been continuously trying to keep its users enticed by introducing various features like read receipts, tagging etc. but this new status feature is something that is too cool! Launched on February 20, 2017 this feature is developed to allow users to share statuses with photos, videos, GIFs, and scribbles with time limits. Thanks to WhatsApp’s competitors! Your content will be displayed for 24 hours and the duration can be up to 45 seconds. You can make your content into a reel and display an array of updates throughout the day. It is available for iOS and Android users.
A platform for Businesses to reach out to prospects and customers:
WhatsApp has billion users and what more does a marketer need? Relate it to Snapchat campaigns and you might understand better. In Snapchat, you can share photos or videos that will be displayed for a stipulated period of time to the users. This is a popular marketing strategy used by digital marketers these days. Similarly, using the status feature on WhatsApp, you can keep your customers updated using statuses. You can add GIFs, videos, photos, sketches and what not! Pieces of useful stuffs in between status updates can be eye-catching and engaging.
How to use the WhatsApp status feature? – A note to Businesses
Customer engagement and customer retention are a piece of cake with this new feature. Marketing through this is as simple as inserting plugs as well as product-placements to engage the users. Similar to Snapchat and Instagram, full-screen advertisements can be inserted between the statuses. You can also update your existing customers on the new products or services introduced in your business. For example, you own a company that produces coatings for buildings and with summer around the corner, you have introduced a coating that can keep your building cool. You can inform your existing and regular customers about such an introduction using the status tool on WhatsApp. This way you can market your new product.
How can B2C businesses use this feature?
When we take B2C businesses into consideration, the channels of social media marketing are wide spread. Facebook, twitter, instagram, and Snapchat are a few of them. WhatsApp, after the introduction of the status feature can now be used by these businesses to promote their brand. With eye-catching photos, videos, and GIFs you can be in close contact with customers. For example, if a dress boutique has a set of regular customers, they can update their status with details of their new products using WhatsApp.
How can B2B businesses use this feature?
In the case of B2B businesses however, Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook are widely used. Account Managers could use the WhatsApp Status message to communicate any announcement that they would like to share with their client community. This could be related to an Award, Press Release or an Event. When you are at an Event, the feature could be used to invite customers and give them details of the stall. A Product Manager could use the feature to communicate a tip of how to effectively use his product to his clients. If sponsored ads concept is introduced in the future, it may be beneficial to many businesses. However, that is a matter of future concern.
In conclusion, this cool feature is a gift to businesses as it provides a platform for connecting with customers/prospects and engaging them. Have Fun with WhatsApp Status! Let us know how you intend to use it innovatively.
