WhatsApp is a credible platform for selling your products and connecting with customers in real-time.
But before you dive into the nitty-gritty, let us ask a question.
Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a never-ending cycle of trying to sell your products, only to be met with crickets?
Well, fear not!
With the rise of messaging apps like WhatsApp, you now have a direct line to your customer's pockets. And what's more, you can sell Shopify products on WhatsApp in a way that's as seamless as a hot knife through butter.
We understand that there may be numerous inquiries regarding the significance of WhatsApp and the techniques to sell Shopify products through this platform.
This blog is all about that.
Why use WhatsApp with Shopify to sell products online?
WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging platform that offers two advanced versions to cater to the needs of businesses - WhatsApp Business for small to medium-sized businesses and WhatsApp Business API for medium to large-scale enterprises.
WhatsApp Business is a free messaging application aimed at small businesses. It allows businesses to create a professional business profile featuring essential information such as business descriptions, contact details, and website URLs. It provides limited messaging capabilities such as automated messages, away messages, and quick replies.
On the other hand, WhatsApp Business API is a paid service designed for medium to large businesses. It provides advanced messaging capabilities, including chatbots, automated messaging, and integration with other systems. It also offers detailed metrics and analytics, a 24-hour session message window, and message scheduling features. Additionally, businesses can create a product and service catalog to showcase their offerings to customers.
Utilizing WhatsApp in conjunction with the Shopify store to sell products online is essential for businesses due to three critical reasons:
- Firstly, WhatsApp has over 2 billion active users, which means that there is an established market that businesses can target.
- Secondly, the WhatsApp Business API has an incredible messaging open rate of 99%, which increases effectiveness by ensuring that messages are reaching the target audience.
- Finally, more than 50 million businesses worldwide are already leveraging WhatsApp Business to boost their sales and support and create success stories, making it a proven and reliable tool for e-commerce businesses.
Hence, setting up a Shopify store on WhatsApp can be a great way to enhance your sales and workflow.
What is the Shopify WhatsApp Business API integration?
The Shopify WhatsApp Business API integration is a service that enables businesses to integrate their Shopify online store with WhatsApp Business API.
To use the WhatsApp Business API, businesses must be approved by WhatsApp and comply with their policies and guidelines. This is a paid service with different pricing models, including message-based and subscription-based.
WhatsApp Business API integration allows businesses to communicate with their customers through WhatsApp, enabling them to send automated messages, provide customer service, and share product information and updates.
Businesses must use the Shopify WhatsApp Business API integration for several reasons.
- By integrating with the WhatsApp Business API, Shopify merchants can leverage the messaging platform's advanced features, including chatbots, automated messaging, and detailed analytics. This integration helps businesses to provide better customer service, streamline communications, and ultimately, increase sales.
- Some of the key benefits of the Shopify WhatsApp Business API integration include the ability to send order updates, confirmations, and delivery notifications, offer personalized recommendations, and share product catalogs. Additionally, businesses can use WhatsApp to handle customer inquiries, provide support, and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
- WhatsApp Business API integration also provides better data collection and analysis, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions to improve customer interactions and optimize messaging strategies.
- Finally, the Shopify WhatsApp Business API integration provides increased security through end-to-end encryption and business verification, ensuring that messaging interactions are safe and protected.
Overall, the Shopify WhatsApp Business API integration provides businesses with a range of benefits that can lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and revenue.
How to Integrate WhatsApp API With Shopify?
WhatsApp Business API is a restricted platform and can only be accessed through a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider. These providers are third-party companies authorized by WhatsApp to provide businesses with access to the API, tools, and support necessary to interact with customers on the WhatsApp platform.
To access the WhatsApp API, businesses must apply for approval from WhatsApp, meet their eligibility requirements, and comply with their policies and guidelines. Additionally, the WhatsApp API is a paid service with different pricing models, so businesses must also have the necessary budget to use the service.
There are multiple methods available for businesses to access the WhatsApp API, including the On-Premises API Method, Sign-up Methods, and Cloud Method.
The most convenient way to obtain WhatsApp API is through a conversational commerce platform, which not only grants easy access to the API but also provides additional features and support for the WhatsApp platform.
BiteSpeed not only provides easy access to WhatsApp API by applying for it on your behalf but also offers a comprehensive ecosystem of support, expertise, and best practices to help your business grow. Additionally, BiteSpeed helps your store obtain the official WhatsApp green tick.
BiteSpeed is an omnichannel WhatsApp marketing platform that offers dynamic product images and unique discount codes for retargeting messages. It provides engagement and conversion tools without being intrusive, along with integrations to collect photo reviews and upsell similar products to increase average order value.
BiteSpeed also allows for cross-selling of more products two weeks after a customer purchase to increase lifetime value.
Regardless of the integration method chosen, businesses must fulfill the following prerequisite requirements for WhatsApp API integration:
- A Facebook Business Manager account
- A verified business
- A WhatsApp business account
- A line of credit for the WhatsApp business account.
Here is how to Integrate WhatsApp API with Shopify using BiteSpeed.
STEP 1 - Business & Facebook Account Details
- In the first step, you need to share your details about your Facebook Business account and your website here.
Schedule a demo with BiteSpeed to learn how they can handle WhatsApp API approval for your business on your behalf.
- Facebook will verify your website and approve or reject your application, depending on whether or not your business meets the WhatsApp Terms of Service.
- WhatsApp only allows certain types of businesses to request API access. You can read their policy to see if you are eligible here.
- You should also check if your display name and phone number adhere to WhatsApp's guidelines or not here and here.
STEP 2
- BiteSpeed will reach out to you in some time on your personal WhatsApp number provided by you in the form mentioned in STEP 1 to inform you about a request that you'll need to approve in your Facebook business manager account.
STEP 3
- You will need to verify the ownership of the phone number using an OTP / verification code sent to your number via SMS. BiteSpeed will again reach out to you during this step.
- The overall process should take anywhere from 2-5 business days.
How to Increase your Shopify store Sales through WhatsApp
To increase sales through WhatsApp, it is important to:
- Avoid being too intrusive:
Be careful not to send spam or too insistent messages, as it can be counterproductive and drive away potential customers. Instead, maintain engaging communication and give users the incentive to interact.
- Leverage automation for handling multiple chats:
As the default interface of WhatsApp Business does not allow users from multiple devices at the same time, you will need to use an external platform that allows the management of WhatsApp accounts from multiple locations.
This will optimize collaboration and chat management from a sales or support team. With automation, you can set up automatic replies and tagging contacts, allowing you to better organize your sales processes.
- Use integration for more enhanced functionality:
You can integrate WhatsApp with your Shopify store and make your products even more visible by adding a catalog to your WhatsApp Business account. This will create a showcase available to all users parallel to the Shopify store. You can also use WhatsApp to request feedback on products or assistance offered, so you can receive important evaluations on the progress of your business and carry out corrective measures.
- Integrate the WhatsApp chat button on your website:
You can add a WhatsApp chat button on your website to enable customers to contact you directly through WhatsApp. This can be done by using a WhatsApp chat button plugin or by using WhatsApp's Click-to-Chat feature.
Integrating the WhatsApp chat button on your website can provide your customers with a quick and easy way to communicate with your business in real time. This can help to improve customer engagement, build stronger relationships, and increase conversions.
- Personalize customer communication:
By addressing customers by name, providing personalized product recommendations, and sending personalized messages based on their preferences and previous interactions, businesses can create a more engaging and meaningful communication experience that resonates with customers and makes them feel valued. This can ultimately lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Create a product catalog:
You can create a product catalog on WhatsApp to showcase your products and services. This will enable customers to browse and purchase products directly from WhatsApp.
Creating a product catalog on WhatsApp can help increase sales by providing customers with an easy way to view and purchase products directly through the messaging app. It allows businesses to showcase their products and services in a visual and organized manner, making it easier for customers to find what they are looking for. Additionally, customers can make purchases without having to leave the app, providing a convenient and seamless shopping experience.
- Provide enhanced customer support:
Providing enhanced customer support on WhatsApp can benefit businesses by offering quick and personalized assistance to customers. With WhatsApp, businesses can address customer queries, concerns, and complaints in real time, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
WhatsApp's features like multimedia messaging and group chat can also enable businesses to provide comprehensive support and improve customer engagement. Overall, providing enhanced customer support on WhatsApp can help businesses build strong relationships with customers and increase their trust in the brand.
- Utilize WhatsApp analytics for better outcomes:
By utilizing WhatsApp analytics, businesses can gain valuable insights into their customer interactions, such as message open rates, response rates, and response times. This data can help businesses understand their customers better and improve their messaging strategies to provide a more personalized experience.
With this information, businesses can optimize their WhatsApp marketing efforts and achieve better outcomes, such as increased customer engagement, improved conversion rates, and higher sales.
How to Use Auto Sync Shopify Products on WhatsApp
If you're a Shopify store owner who wants to streamline your sales process and connect with customers through their preferred messaging app, integrating WhatsApp with your store is a smart move.
With the help of auto-syncing tools, you can seamlessly sync your Shopify products with your WhatsApp account and offer your customers a smooth shopping experience.
Here is how to do it-
Step 1: Go to your BiteSpeed Dashboard
Step 2: Select “Auto Campaign” under “WhatsApp”
Step 3: Pick your choice of Auto Campaign
Step 4: Select “Product Recommendation Settings”
Step 5: Select the “Automatic” mode and save the changes.
With automatic recommendations, BiteSpeed would automatically recommend Products to your customers using the Shopify recommendations system.
Tips for Selling Your Products on WhatsApp-
Selling your products on WhatsApp is like setting up a virtual lemonade stand in the digital world. You have to grab the attention of potential customers, showcase your products in the best possible way, and provide a delightful experience that will leave them coming back for more.
WhatsApp can be a goldmine for your business if you know how to leverage its features. So, let's squeeze the most out of this sweet opportunity and learn some tips to sell your products on WhatsApp.
- Optimize your WhatsApp Business Profile
To optimize your WhatsApp Business Profile and boost your presence, it's essential to set up a professional virtual storefront that matches your brand tone and visibility. This includes filling out all relevant information about your business, such as your business hours and a description of what you offer. This will help potential customers understand your business better and give them a clear idea of what to expect from you.
- Prompt visitors to chat-
One effective way to increase sales with WhatsApp is by prompting site visitors to start a chat instead of leaving the website empty-handed.
This can be done by placing a WhatsApp chat button on your website or by setting up an automated message that pops up when a user navigates away from your website without making a purchase.
By encouraging users to start a chat, you can provide them with personalized support and answer any questions they may have about your products or services. This can help build trust with potential customers and increase the likelihood that they will make a purchase.
- Create a buzz among customers-
Showcasing your most popular or profitable products on your WhatsApp business profile is a great way to boost sales. With easy access to your products and the ability to inquire about them through WhatsApp, customers are more likely to make a purchase.
Product demonstrations can also help generate excitement and provide a better understanding of your products. By promptly responding to customers' inquiries, you can build trust and increase your chances of making a sale. Overall, this approach can help you drive sales and grow your business.
- Segment your customers-
Segmenting your WhatsApp contacts means dividing them into different groups based on specific criteria such as demographics, purchasing behavior, or interests. By doing so, you can create more targeted marketing campaigns and engage with your customers more effectively.
For instance, you could create a group for customers who have previously purchased from your store, another group for those who have shown interest in a particular product, and another group for those who have yet to make a purchase.
With this approach, you can send personalized messages to each group, such as special offers, promotions, or new product announcements that are most relevant to them.
Segmentation also allows you to streamline your communication and avoid sending irrelevant messages to customers who may not be interested in them. Additionally, it can help you identify which groups are more responsive to your messages and adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.
- Create an attractive catalog to showcase your product or service on WhatsApp:
Creating an attractive catalog on WhatsApp is a great way to showcase your products or services and make it easy for customers to view and purchase them. A well-designed catalog can increase customer engagement and help drive sales by providing customers with an easy way to browse your offerings.
Catalogs can also provide customers with more detailed information about your products, such as pricing, size options, and product descriptions. This can help reduce the number of questions customers have about your products, making it easier for you to manage customer inquiries. Additionally, catalogs can be shared with potential customers, making it easier to reach new audiences and drive traffic to your WhatsApp business profile.
Conclusion-
In conclusion, WhatsApp is an effective platform for selling products and connecting with customers in real time.
With over 2 billion active users and a messaging open rate of 99%, WhatsApp is a proven and reliable tool for e-commerce businesses.
By using a service like BiteSpeed, you can make it even easier to manage your chats and reach more potential customers. To increase sales through WhatsApp, businesses should avoid being too intrusive, leverage automation for handling multiple chats, use integration for enhanced functionality, and create a product catalog to showcase their products and services.
With these tips, businesses can successfully sell their Shopify products on WhatsApp and reach a wider audience.
BiteSpeed offers a comprehensive solution for recovering abandoned carts, segmenting bulk messages, and creating a WhatsApp shop and chatbot. With its omnichannel inbox, you can also respond to inquiries from Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram to generate more sales.
