With more than 3 billion users globally, WhatsApp is no longer just a messaging platform. It represents a unique opportunity for brands to connect with their target audience on a more personal and conversational level.
People no longer use WhatsApp solely for personal chats; they also use it to communicate with their favorite brands. This messaging platform boasts an open rate of 98%, ensuring that messages are not only received but also opened. Now, you wouldn’t want to miss out on reaching these potential customers, right?
One effective way to use WhatsApp for marketing is through Click-to-WhatsApp ads. These ads can drive traffic from Facebook and Instagram directly to your WhatsApp Business account, creating a seamless path for customer interaction.
This guide will provide you with the lowdown on WhatsApp Business Ads—including their benefits, how to set them up, and tips for optimizing your WhatsApp marketing campaigns.
What are WhatsApp Ads?
WhatsApp Ads, also known as Click-to-WhatsApp Ads, are a powerful marketing tool that uses the massive user base of Facebook and Instagram. But here’s the twist: instead of sending users to a website, these ads open a direct chat within your Whatsapp Business account.
WhatsApp ads make it easy for potential customers to connect with you. No more hunting for contact details or filling out forms. They can simply click the ad, ask questions, and learn more about your products or services, all in a familiar and convenient setting.
These ads can appear as images, videos, or even as a carousel, giving you flexibility in how you present your message.
How Can WhatsApp Ads Help Your Businesses?
There are several compelling reasons to incorporate Click-to-WhatsApp Ads into your marketing strategy. Here are some key advantages to consider:
Direct Communication: WhatsApp ads create a direct line of communication between your business and potential customers. With just a click, users can connect with you directly, leading to higher engagement and more meaningful conversations.
Improved Conversion Rates: WhatsApp Ads make it easy for customers to reach out to you with questions right away. This allows you to address their concerns and clear any doubts as and when they arrive, significantly boosting your conversion rate. In fact, many brands have seen an increase in conversion after using Click-to-WhatsApp Ads.
Increased Engagement: Click-to-WhatsApp Ads remove the barrier of lengthy forms or website navigation. Also, unlike traditional ads, users are more likely to open and interact with your message on a platform they already use and trust. This opens doors for higher engagement and meaningful conversations. Pairing these efforts with responsive search ads further helps your campaigns adapt to user behavior, boosting both reach and interaction.
Cost-Effective: WhatsApp ads can be a cost-effective marketing tool, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. They allow them to reach a targeted audience without a large financial investment.
Measurement and Analytics: WhatsApp provides valuable data and analytics for your ads. You can track metrics like click-through rates, conversion rates, and engagement levels. This data helps you understand what’s working and what’s not, allowing you to optimize your campaigns for better results in the future.
Global Reach: WhatsApp has a massive user base worldwide. Click-to-WhatsApp Ads can connect you with potential customers anywhere in the world who use WhatsApp, allowing you to tap into both local and international markets.
Integration with E-commerce Platforms: WhatsApp Business API can integrate with e-commerce platforms. This lets you showcase products, accept payments, and track orders all within the WhatsApp chat, providing a seamless buying journey that keeps customers happy and conversions high.
Improved Customer Support: Using WhatsApp, you can offfer real-time assistance. Click-to-WhatsApp Ads allow you to address customer concerns promptly and efficiently, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
Also Read: WhatsApp Marketing Campaigns: 8 Examples That Got Results
These are a few reasons why you should consider Click-to-WhatsApp Ads. Now, let’s talk about setting them up.
How to Create WhatsApp Ads via Facebook?
Before diving into ad creation, ensure you have the following in place:
- A regular WhatsApp account won’t work. You’ll need to create a WhatsApp Business account specifically designed for businesses to interact with customers.
- Link your WhatsApp Business account to your Facebook Page or Instagram profile. This will allow you to create and manage WhatsApp Ads directly through Facebook Ads Manager. Otherwise, you can also connect your WhatsApp number to Facebook Business Manager.
Once you’ve completed these prerequisites, you can proceed to the ad creation steps outlined below.
Part 1: Linking Your Accounts and Creating Ads
Connect your WhatsApp Business account to your Facebook Page.
- Log in to your Facebook account that’s associated with your business page.
- If you haven’t already, create a Facebook page for your business. This is crucial for running WhatsApp ads through Facebook Ads Manager.
- Once your account is ready, navigate to your Facebook Page.
- Click on Settings and then Click on WhatsApp.
- Select Add and choose your country/region.
- Enter your WhatsApp Business phone number and click Send Code.
- Verify the code received on your phone and click on Confirm.
Part 2: Access Facebook Ads Manager
Log in to your Facebook account and access the Ads Manager. This is your control center for creating and managing ads.
Part 3: Create a New Ad Campaign
- Go to Facebook Ads Manager and click the Create Campaign.
- Select your marketing objective. Since you want users to message you on WhatsApp, choose Messages.
- Give your campaign a clear and descriptive name for easy reference later.
Part 4: Set Up Your Ad Set
- Define Your Audience: Define your target audience. Specify details like demographics (age, location, interests) and behaviors relevant to your ideal customer.
- Set Your Budget and Schedule: Decide how much you want to spend daily or over the lifetime of your campaign and schedule when you want your ads to run.
Part 5: Design Your Ad
Choose from formats like a single image, video, or carousel, depending on what best showcases your message. Then follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Choose Ad Placement: You can let Facebook automatically place your ads for optimal performance or manually select where your ads will appear.
- Write Compelling Ad Copy: This is where you craft your message. You can add up to 5 primary headings, a detailed description of your offer, and a clear call to action (CTA) prompting users to click and chat.
- Preview Your Ad: Before publishing, take a moment to preview how your ad will look in Facebook and Instagram feeds.
- Direct to WhatsApp: In the ad setup, make sure to select WhatsApp as the destination when users click your ad.
- Personalize the Chat Experience (Optional): Click on “Message Template” to customize an automated message based on your target audience.
Part 6: Specify Your WhatsApp Connection
- Under Ad type, select WhatsApp.
- You’ll be asked to choose a page connected with WhatsApp. If you haven’t already, select Connect WhatsApp to link your Facebook page to your WhatsApp Business account.
Part 7: Review and Launch:
- Double-check all ad details (content, audience, budget, duration).
- Select your preferred payment method.
- Once satisfied, click on Save and Finish.
- Then, hit the Publish button to launch your ad campaign.
Facebook will then review your ad. Once it is approved, it will go live based on your campaign details.
You can monitor the performance of your ad campaign in Facebook Ads Manager. You can track metrics like impressions, clicks, and cost-per-message to see what’s working and adjust your strategy if needed.
Additional Note: Facebook Ads Manager offers various campaign bid strategies. These determine how you pay for your ad impressions. While not essential for the core setup, exploring these options can help you optimize your campaign for specific goals. You can learn more about bid strategies in the Facebook Ads Documentation.
For businesses looking to maximize their advertising efforts, partnering with Facebook Ads agencies can be highly beneficial. These agencies specialize in creating and managing effective ad campaigns, ensuring that businesses achieve the best possible results from their Facebook advertising efforts.
If you are wondering how you can create an ad on the WhatsApp Business app without a Facebook account, read the next section.
How to Create WhatsApp Ads Using WhatsApp Business App?
Note: This feature is currently available on Android devices in select regions. Keep checking for updates if it’s unavailable in your area.
Find the Ads Feature
- Open your WhatsApp Business App and tap the “More options” menu (three dots).
- Navigate to “Advertise” and then “Get Started” to begin the ad creation process.
Choose Your Ad Content
Choose the media for your ad: a photo or video from your gallery, a product from your pre-approved catalog, or even a compelling status update you want to promote.
Tip: You can also advertise multiple photos or catalog items at once.
Craft a Compelling Description
Briefly describe your ad in the designated field and then click on “Next” to proceed. Keep it concise and informative to capture attention.
Set Budget & Targeting
- Determine your daily spending limit for the ad campaign.
- Choose the duration you want your ad to run.
- Define your target audience demographics to reach the right people.
Review, Verify, and Launch
- Review and accept Facebook’s non-discrimination policy.
- Double-check your ad details for accuracy, then tap “Next” to continue.
- Verify your email address using the code sent to your email inbox.
- Set up your preferred payment method and provide the necessary details.
- Briefly describe your business and tap “Save.”
Final Review & Launch
- Once you’ve reviewed everything and clicked “Create Ad,” your ad will be submitted for approval.
- Upon approval, you’ll find your ad displayed under the “MANAGE” section within the Ads section of the app.
So, you’ve got your ads up and running. Let’s look at some use cases for WhatsApp Ads.
What Are Some Use Cases for WhatsApp Ads?
WhatsApp Ads offer a versatile platform for businesses to connect with their audience in innovative ways. Here are some practical use cases:
Growing Your Community
Run Cick-to-WhatsApp Ads to encourage users to sign up for your newsletter. Offer exclusive content or discounts in exchange for their contact information, building a loyal subscriber base.
Enhancing Customer Support
WhatsApp ads can direct users to start a chat with your support team instantly. This allows customers to get help in real time, enhancing their overall experience. For example, a tech company can use WhatsApp ads to offer instant troubleshooting for their products.
Offering Virtual Guides
Use WhatsApp ads to offer virtual guides or tutorials. For example, a travel agency can provide a virtual tour guide for a destination and help customers plan their trips more effectively.
Showcasing New Products
WhatsApp ads are an excellent way to showcase new products. When users click on the ad, they can be directed to a chat where they can ask questions about the new product and get instant answers. This personalized approach helps create excitement and nudge them closer to a purchase.
Enabling Direct Ordering
Restaurants and retail stores can use WhatsApp ads to encourage direct ordering. Customers can click the ad, browse a catalog, and place orders without leaving the chat. This seamless experience will keep the customers coming back for more.
Also, you can use WhatsApp to send automated real-time order order updates. Imagine the convenience!
Simplifying Appointment Booking
Service-based businesses, such as salons, clinics, or fitness centers, can use WhatsApp ads to streamline the appointment booking process. Customers can click on the ad and instantly schedule an appointment via chat. For example, a gym business plan can incorporate this feature to enhance customer convenience and boost membership sign-ups.
Generating Leads
WhatsApp ads can be an excellent tool for generating leads. For example, a real estate agency can use these ads to attract potential buyers. When users click the ad, they can instantly chat with an agent to learn more about available properties, schedule viewings, and discuss their needs.
Collecting Event Registrations
If you are hosting an event, you can use WhatsApp ads to simplify the registration process. Users can click the ad to register for the event directly through WhatsApp. This is particularly useful for webinars, workshops, and conferences.
Having covered these interesting use cases, let’s talk about crafting the perfect WhatsApp Ad.
How to Craft the Perfect WhatsApp Ad?
A perfect WhatsApp ad is generally a blend of strategic planning, creative design, and targeted messaging. Here are a few things that you have to ensure while crafting your ad:
Choosing the Right Visuals and Crafting Compelling Ad Messages
The visuals on your ad play a huge role in capturing the attention of your target audience. Select high-quality images or videos that are relevant to your brand and resonate with your audience’s preferences or needs. Understanding how to design ads that combine compelling visuals with persuasive messaging is crucial for standing out in crowded social feeds.
When crafting your ad message, keep it concise, clear, and compelling. Highlight the unique value proposition of your product or service. What problem does it solve? What craving does it satisfy? Speak directly to your audience’s needs and desires.
Writing a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
A strong CTA is clear, compelling, and always related to the ad’s goal. This is where you tell your audience exactly what you want them to do – “Learn More,” “Shop Now,” or “Chat with Us.”
Make your CTA clear, strong, and visually distinct. Use contrasting colors or a prominent button to grab attention.
Utilizing Catalog Items and Ensuring They Meet Approval Requirements
For businesses that sell products, WhatsApp’s catalog feature is a powerful tool to showcase your offerings directly within the app.
When creating ads that link to your catalog, ensure that each item is presented with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and accurate pricing. This not only creates a great user experience but also ensures your ad gets approved.
How to Optimize WhatsApp Ads for Success?
Let’s talk about a few things that you can do to maximize your results with WhatsApp Ads.
Monitor and Refine: Success comes with tracking and tweaking. Analyze metrics like click-through rates and chat initiation to see what resonates with your audience. Refine your targeting, visuals, or messaging based on the data to improve results.
Versatile Applications: The beauty of WhatsApp Ads lies in its diverse uses. Want to showcase new products? Create visually appealing ads with click-to-chat functionality. Need to promote special offers? Craft time-sensitive campaigns that drive sales conversations.
Remember, it’s crucial to follow up on these leads promptly. Consider using a platform like TimelinesAI to manage the influx of inquiries and ensure a seamless customer experience.
Best Practices for Engaging Customers with WhatsApp Ads
Here are a few ideas you can follow that can help you leverage the benefits of running WhatsApp ads:
Target by Funnel Stage: Use data and analytics to identify where customers are in the buying journey (awareness, consideration, decision). Tailor your WhatsApp ads accordingly. For instance, highlight your brand at the awareness stage and then offer demos at the consideration stage.
Create Upsell and Cross-Sell Opportunities Through Targeted Messaging: WhatsApp helps businesses strengthen customer relationships and boost sales through targeted messaging.
For example, if a customer just bought a pair of sneakers from your shoe store, you can send a message that says, “Looking to keep those new kicks fresh? Check out our care essentials!”
Use AI Chatbot for 24/7 Communication: Chatbot can answer customer questions anytime, day or night, ensuring your brand stays accessible. They can handle basic inquiries and pre-qualify leads by asking relevant questions. This frees up your live agents to focus on more complex issues, improving overall efficiency.
Success Stories: How Click-to-WhatsApp Ads Drive Results
Here’s a glimpse into how these interactive ads are creating success stories across diverse industries:
The Little Farm Co., a producer of family-inspired pickles from India, used Click-to-WhatsApp Ads to reach new customers and reduce acquisition costs. They achieved a 46% increase in customer messages at a 32% lower cost. This strategy fostered direct communication and ultimately boosted sales.
Good News Maternity, a maternity gown rental service, turned to Click-to-WhatsApp Ads to reach expecting mothers across India. This strategy resulted in a 3x increase in qualified leads at a 76% lower cost. By using clear CTAs and effective ad creatives, they connected directly with their target audience on their preferred platform, WhatsApp.
EcoWorld, a Malaysian property developer, achieved a 6.5x return on ad spend by using Click-to-WhatsApp Ads. This innovative approach not only generated 15,000 chat leads but also yielded a high-quality audience, with 69% expressing interest and 21% categorized for follow-up.
Conclusion
In essence, WhatsApp Ads offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between businesses and their target audience. It uses the familiarity and convenience of WhatsApp to foster personal communication. By strategically crafting ad content, optimizing campaigns, and prioritizing prompt customer service, businesses can truly enjoy the benefits of this marketing tool.
Generating leads through WhatsApp Ads is a great start, but managing those inquiries requires a strategic approach. Platforms like TimelinesAI can help you here. TimelinesAI streamlines communication by providing a shared inbox for your team to manage inquiries efficiently. Try TimelinesAI’s free trial today to get an idea about how it can help you with your communication strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions: WhatsApp Ads FAQs
Q: Can I run ads directly on WhatsApp?
A: Not quite. WhatsApp itself is ad-free. However, you can utilize Click-to-WhatsApp Ads through Facebook Ads Manager. When clicked, these ads open a chat window directly with your WhatsApp Business account.
Q. Does WhatsApp have ads?
A. No, WhatsApp chats remain ad-free. You won’t encounter disruptive ads interrupting your chats. Businesses can connect with users directly through messages, but only with prior opt-in. Click-to-WhatsApp Ads exist as a separate strategy to use the power of WhatsApp for business promotion.
Q. Is WhatsApp marketing legal?
A: Yes, WhatsApp marketing through Click-to-WhatsApp Ads is legal. However, remember to comply with Facebook’s advertising policies and obtain user consent before sending marketing communications.
Q. What are the different types of WhatsApp ads?
A. With WhatsApp Ads, you can choose from text-based, media-rich, or even interactive formats to captivate your audience.
- Text-based Ads: Craft clear and concise text messages that grab attention and encourage users to chat with you on WhatsApp.
- Image and video ads: Showcase your products or services with high-quality images or captivating videos that entice users to learn more through WhatsApp chat.
- Interactive Ads: Click-to-WhatsApp ads can be springboards for interactive experiences within the WhatsApp chat. You can run contests, organize quizzes, and design questionnaires to promote your products or services.
Q. What is an example of a WhatsApp Ad message?
A: Imagine a clothing store advertising its new summer collection. The ad can include an image of a stunning summer dress with the text:
“Style on point this season! Chat with us for outfit inspiration.”
Q. Are WhatsApp Ads effective for businesses?
A. Yes, WhatsApp Ads can be very effective for businesses. They offer high engagement rates due to the familiarity of the platform and allow for real-time communication with potential customers.
