Discover the 7 reasons why your business should use a WhatsApp chatbot to generate leads, sales, and automate customer support. It’s a brand new marketing strategy for 2021 and beyond.
#1: Over 2 Billion Active Users In 133 Countries
With over 2 billion active users, WhatsApp is the standout leader of messaging apps. It’s the most popular messaging app in 133 countries worldwide.
Whether you want to connect with your customers or generate new leads, this is a channel that should get your attention.
#2: Guarantee An Instant Response To Your Customers
Through the WhatsApp Business API, you can use software to start building a WhatsApp bot and automate messages to your customers or prospects.
This can save you significant time and expense as without an automated WhatsApp solution, you’d need to manually reply to each customer. It also allows you to instantly reply to your customers in real time. Without a bot, you’d need to invest significant resources in live chat to reply to your customers as quickly as possible.
#3: Build A Chatbot From Scratch In 30 Minutes With No Coding
With bot building software, you can build your first bot in as little as 30 minutes. You shouldn’t need any coding skills if you’re using a bot platform with an intuitive interface.
Here at ConvertoBot, we’ve designed our WhatsApp bot interface with that 30-minute goal in mind. You don’t need any special skills or technical knowledge for integrating chatbot in WhatsApp.
#4: Drive Down The Cost Of Your Facebook Advertising
A relatively new strategy is to use Facebook advertising to send traffic directly to WhatsApp. This can be a lot cheaper than using Facebook ads to send traffic to your website. The user becomes your subscriber on WhatsApp. Use a WhatsApp bot to send an automated promotional message after they’ve opted-in. This strategy can massively drive down the cost of your ads and therefore boost your ROI.
You can also use Google ads, Facebook ads, or any other paid advertising method to send traffic to a website bot landing page. The purpose of the website bot is to get your visitors to opt-in to your WhatsApp channel.
After they have opted-in, you have 24 hours to send them a promotional message. The 24-hour window resets when they reply to you. Outside of the 24-hour window, you can use “HSM templates” to contact them. These are messages that need to be approved by WhatsApp.
This strategy can lead to a high ROI because there isn’t as much competition on WhatsApp as other channels. For example, email, Facebook Messenger, and SMS are all relatively saturated. That means there is potential for remarkably high message open rates on WhatsApp.
#5: WhatsApp Chatbot Templates & Examples Make Your Life Easier.
Ready-made bot templates can help you get started faster. A good bot platform should provide these as part of the service.
Here at ConvertoBot, we have chatbot examples that are built specifically for WhatsApp. They are designed by our chatbot experts and are rigorously tested. You can easily clone and customize them without needing any special skills or coding.
#6: Multiple Use Cases To Support And Grow Your Business
There are many ways in which you can use WhatsApp bots to grow and support your business.
These include:
- growing a list of highly responsive subscribers outside of email, SMS, Messenger, and other channels
- automating certain aspects of customer support
- sending notifications for orders or bookings
- nurturing relationships with current and inactive customers or contacts
- generating leads through quizzes, giveaways, or lead magnets
#7: Message Open Rates As High As 98%
Open rates are currently as high as 98%, so you can expect to generate a highly responsive list of contacts on WhatsApp. This is because very few of your competitors, if any, are using this channel right now. They are even less likely to be using bots to automate messages.
Get Started With A WhatsApp Chatbot For Free
You can open a free account with ConvertoBot. That allows you to use our WhatsApp testing channel to build and test a bot for free. You don’t even need API approval to do this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of WhatsApp marketing?
WhatsApp currently has over 2 billion active users, making it the runaway leader of all messaging apps. It’s the most popular app for messaging in 133 countries around the world. Its users send over 65 billion messages every single day.
It’s the ideal channel to strengthen relationships with your customers or generate new leads.
What is the difference between a WhatsApp Business account (or number) and the WhatsApp Business API?
With a WhatsApp Business number, you can manually respond to customers and chat with them. With the Business API, you can automatically reply and send messages to customers by creating a WhatsApp bot.
What is the purpose of WhatsApp marketing software?
With WhatsApp Business API, you can use software to create a WhatsApp bot and automate messages with your prospects or customers.
It’s a massive time-saver, as otherwise, you’d need to manually reply to each customer. It also means you can guarantee an instant reply to your customers when they reach out to you on WhatsApp. To do this manually would be expensive and time-intensive.
What is a WhatsApp bot? (also known as an API WhatsApp Bot)
It’s a chatbot service powered by rules and sometimes artificial intelligence that runs on the WhatsApp platform. Users have conversations with a bot through the chat interface, like talking to a real person. To use a bot, you need to be connected with the Business API.
How do I apply for WhatsApp business API access?
There are two steps to applying for API access. Firstly, you need to verify your business on Facebook. That’s because Facebook owns WhatsApp. You can find out more about how to confirm your business on Facebook here.
Secondly, you need to apply for API access through a third-party approved vendor. We work closely with Twilio. You can find out more about Twilio’s application process here.
Please note that at ConvertoBot, a customer success manager will guide you through the whole process, step-by-step.
Will you help me apply for API access?
Yes! Once you sign up for a free ConvertoBot account, we’ll guide you on how to apply for WhatsApp Business API access. We’ll also help you through the entire journey of going live with your first official WhatsApp chatbot.
How long does it take to get official WhatsApp business API access?
It usually takes up to two weeks to get official WhatsApp Business API access.
Can I use my current WhatsApp number?
Yes. Once your business is approved, you can use any of your current numbers with the official API.
Please note that the API is not compatible with iPhone, Android, or Business applications of Whatsapp. That means you can’t use your account on your phone once it’s migrated to the official API.
What if I need to change my phone?
That’s not a problem. You can change your phone and use your WhatsApp Business number on your new phone.
Does my phone need to be on all the time?
No, even if your phone is switched off, the bot will still send and receive messages.
Is it possible to have more than one WhatsApp chatbot number?
Yes, you can have multiple numbers and use one chatbot for each number.
Does it work on WhatsApp Web?
No, you can’t use WhatsApp Web through the API.
Can I make or receive calls on my WhatsApp number?
No, you can’t make or receive calls on WhatsApp when your number is integrated with the official API.
What is the “green tick,” and how do I get it?
The “green tick” means that your account is officially recognized by WhatsApp. It’s a level above standard verification. It has several advantages, such as preventing users from reporting you as spam.
To get the green tick, you need to be an internationally well-known brand or send 500+ messages a day through the API. You need to make an official request to WhatsApp. We can help guide you through this process.
Contact us to learn more.
How long does it take to make a WhatsApp bot?
That depends on how complex your bot needs to be. With our no-coding interface, you can build a bot in under 30 minutes. However, the more sophisticated you want your bot to be, the more time you need to invest.
We provide step-by-step training, which accelerates the process.
We provide step-by-step training which accelerates the process. We also have templates for popular WhatsApp bots that you can customize in minutes without needing any special skills.
Can I use artificial intelligence to build an AI WhatsApp bot with ConvertoBot?
Yes. With our Dialogflow integration, you can use artificial intelligence to build an AI WhatsApp bot with ConvertoBot. Our AI chatbots use natural language processing (NLP) to simulate real conversations.
Do I need any coding skills when integrating chatbot in WhatsApp?
You don’t need any coding skills or technical knowledge for integrating chatbot in WhatsApp. Our newbie-friendly interface is easy to follow.
Can I create a chatbot before my WhatsApp Business API access is approved?
You can create a chatbot before you get access to the official Business API. You need to set up a free ConvertoBot account and use our testing feature. It will allow you to hit the ground running once you’re approved.
I’ve just built a WhatsApp bot. How do I test my integration?
Firstly, you need to add the number you’re using for WhatsApp API in your contacts. Even if it’s your own phone number, you need to register it in your contacts.
You can then test your WhatsApp business chatbot integration by sending a WhatsApp message (text anything) to that number.
Can I use buttons or quick replies in a bot?
At this stage, WhatsApp doesn’t allow you to use buttons in a bot. However, there is a workaround that we show you in our free training videos. For example, you can ask the user to enter the number “1” to choose a quick reply to a bot question.
Can I use buttons or quick replies in a bot?
At this stage, WhatsApp doesn’t allow you to use buttons in a bot. However, there is a workaround that we show you in our free training videos. For example, you can ask the user to enter the number “1” to choose a quick reply to a bot question.
Our bot building interface is simple to use. It’s literally drag-and-drop and involves connecting blocks.
Can I keep my contacts and conversations when I switch to API?
You cannot keep your contacts and conversations if you use the same number for the Business API. You’d need to use a different number.
Can I import a list of subscribers?
This is not allowed. You need to have the explicit permission of your users before they can become subscribers.
How do I get the users’ consent?
You can do this through an opt-in widget, or chatbot, on your website, or through Facebook ads. You cannot do it through WhatsApp. It needs to be done through a third-party channel.
When can I reach out to subscribers?
Once someone becomes your subscriber, you can contact them at any time. If they started the conversation, you have 24 hours to provide a reply. If you want to start the conversation, you need to use a message approved by WhatsApp. These are known as “HSM templates” (highly structured message templates).
How to use WhatsApp for advertising: why can a bot generate high ROI?
You can use Facebook ads to send people directly into WhatsApp. This is significantly cheaper than using Facebook ads to drive traffic to a website. If you combine this strategy with a WhatsApp bot, it can generate a high ROI.
You can also use other forms of paid advertising to direct traffic to a website bot landing page. You can use a lead magnet on that landing page to encourage your visitors to opt-in to your WhatsApp channel. Once they have opted-in, they become your subscribers.
You then have a 24-hour window to send them a message that, for example, promotes an offer. Outside of the 24 hours, you can use HSM templates to message them on WhatsApp.
This strategy can lead to a high ROI because there isn’t much competition on WhatsApp. That results in significantly higher open rates than other channels such as email, Facebook Messenger, SMS, etc.
What kind of support can I expect from you if I need a chatbot integration with WhatsApp?
We will assign a dedicated customer success manager to you. They will help you step-by-step with the entire process. The first step is to get approval for Business API access, and the final step is to launch your first WhatsApp chatbot.
Do you offer WhatsApp chatbot templates?
Yes, we have templates that are built specifically for WhatsApp. They are designed by our chatbot experts and are rigorously tested. You can easily clone and customize them without needing any special skills or coding.
We also offer examples of HSM templates that you can apply to be approved by WhatsApp. They are messages that you can send to your subscribers at any time to proactively start a conversation.
Can I create a WhatsApp chatbot for free?
Yes, you can open a free account with ConvertoBot. That allows you to use our WhatsApp testing channel to build and test a bot, even before getting API approval.
Do I need to install a WhatsApp chatbot app?
No, you don’t need to install any app. You can create a free account to use ConvertoBot, our cloud-based bot platform. That allows you to clone or build your own bots without downloading or installing anything.
If you have a website, you can promote your WhatsApp bot by adding a widget to your webpage. This is as simple as copying and pasting a line of code on your website.
Can I use ConvertoBot to sell WhatsApp chatbot marketing services as an agency?
Yes, you can! You can use our services to build multiple bots for different clients without them seeing our branding.
Check out our bot service pricing plans to see the different options available. We recommend our Business/Agency plan if you’re selling bot services to clients. It will make managing your clients a lot easier.
Are there any strategies for WhatsApp lead generation?
We have free training videos on how to generate leads with WhatsApp. There are many ways you can promote your bot through free traffic or paid advertising. Open a free account with ConvertoBot to watch our training.
Your leads become your subscribers on your WhatsApp channel. That means you can contact them in the future. It’s effectively a list outside of email, Messenger, or SMS that currently has 98% open rates.
What kind of use cases are there?
There are many ways in which you can use WhatsApp bots to grow and support your business.
These include:
- growing a list of highly responsive subscribers outside of email, SMS, Messenger, and other channels
- automating certain aspects of customer support
- sending notifications for orders or bookings
- nurturing relationships with current and inactive customers or contacts
- generating leads through quizzes, giveaways, or lead magnets
You can get a significantly higher ROI from this channel because your competitors are unlikely to be active there. Or perhaps they are using it but not taking advantage of automation through bots.
Why should I use ConvertoBot’s service?
We are a multi-channel bot platform. If you use our service, you can easily clone or build bots for websites, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp. You’re not restricted to any one channel.
We also offer a wide range of native integrations, as well as a Zapier integration. Our customer service is second to none. You will be assigned a dedicated customer success manager.
We have the best chatbot WhatsApp tutorial that include a range of strategies suitable for all levels of experience. Our team of bot-building experts has built over 200 bot templates that you can easily clone and edit or get inspiration from.
You’ll also find our pricing highly competitive. Open a free account to use ConvertoBot and get started with your first WhatsApp bot immediately.
Suppose you’re an agency providing bot services. In that case, you can create unlimited sub-user accounts to manage clients or team members with our Business/Agency plan. See our bot service pricing page for more details.
You’ll find our pricing highly competitive no matter what plan you choose. Open a free account to use ConvertoBot and get started with your first WhatsApp bot immediately.
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