Stop spending your marketing budget on outdated lead-gen tactics that just don't cut it anymore. Smart marketers are turning to WhatsApp to capture and convert more leads. In fact, businesses have reported a 7x increase in conversions since switching from channels like SMS and Facebook to WhatsApp.  

In this comprehensive guide, we'll unlock the massive potential of using WhatsApp for lead generation. From chatbots to focused ad campaigns, we’ll show you how to get more customers using WhatsApp.

Lead generation fundamentals

Before we dive into WhatsApp lead-gen tactics, let's quickly go over the core principles of effective lead generation. You need to guide prospective customers through the lead generation funnel. 

This is the customer’s journey, from when they give you their information to when they make a purchase - you need to walk them through it. 50% of qualified leads aren’t ready to purchase at first contact, so your funnel acts as the roadmap to get them there. Here are a few fundamentals to consider:

• Define your target customer profile and figure out where they spend their time online. You need to know who they are, when they’re active, and how often you should message them.

• Create interest and awareness through engaging content and advertising. No one likes boring content. Actually, interactive content generates 52.6% more engagement compared to static content.

• Provide value upfront before capturing contact information. Give potential customers a reason to opt in. 

• Build trust and nurture those fresh leads until they're ready to purchase. Follow them up, personalise messages and offer exclusives.

• Quality over quantity, always. Low-quality leads waste your sales team’s time. Focus your attention on high-quality leads who are more likely to generate revenue.

• Review your approach. Understand that audiences and markets change, so it’s important to review and improve your lead generation plan periodically.

• Cater for every stage of the buying cycle and customer journey. Don’t just tailor your content for one part of the funnel, create content for every stage.

The challenge? Today's customers are incredibly advertising-averse. They can sniff out salesy, AI-generated gimmicks from a mile away. To truly connect, brands must meet modern buyers on their turf using their preferred communication channels. Enter WhatsApp lead generation.

Why WhatsApp for lead generation?

Here's the simple truth - if you're not using WhatsApp as a lead generation channel, you're missing out big time. The numbers don’t lie:

• 50 million companies worldwide use WhatsApp for marketing purposes.

• More and more people are adopting WhatsApp. Currently, WhatsApp has 3 billion active users and that number is expected to increase by 7% in June 2024.

• 54% of users prefer receiving marketing communication and order updates through WhatsApp.

• Businesses have increased engagement by 13% since adopting WhatsApp.

• Adopting WhatsApp reduces customer service costs by up to 73%.

To put it simply, customers practically expect their favourite brands to have an active WhatsApp presence. It's prime virtual real estate for capturing leads authentically, building rapport, and turning window shoppers into actual buyers. When it comes to other channels like email, 67% of customers report feeling overwhelmed by their inboxes. Using WhatsApp allows you to stand out from the crowd.

How to generate and close leads with WhatsApp

WhatsApp chatbots

Kick things off by deploying an easy-to-use, no-code WhatsApp chatbot. This is your trusted virtual assistant available 24/7 that can instantly qualify leads, gather key information, provide relevant feedback, and even schedule test drives, demos, or tours automatically, depending on your business.

Car dealerships can use WhatsApp chatbot flows to capture lead information, priming a human sales rep with the context they need to close the deal. Even better, the lead data captured can integrate directly into your existing automotive dealer management systems, ensuring a smooth and streamlined process from initial inquiry to final sale.

Click-to-WhatsApp ads

Combining the power of paid social ads with WhatsApp's familiar chat experience is a lead-capturing machine. With click-to-chat ad campaigns, your customers can instantly connect with your business on WhatsApp at the click of a button!

And just like that, with just a simple tap, your prospect is engaged one-on-one through WhatsApp to complete their registration, get event info, make a purchase, and even share details with their friends.

WhatsApp web widgets

What if visitors landing on your website wanted to chat with a human the moment they arrived? That's the power of embedding free WhatsApp web widgets on your website! Allow customers to navigate from your site to WhatsApp and immediately start a chat with you.

Thanks to web widgets, website visitors can instantly connect to WhatsApp and get personalised advice, view available rooms, receive special package offers, get quotes and more. It creates a boutique-level experience that keeps leads engaged until the reservation is made.

WhatsApp QR codes & chat links

Wouldn’t it be cool if you had the ability to drive WhatsApp conversations from literally anywhere - in ads, email signatures, in-store signage, restaurant menus, you name it.

For insurance providers, this could mean using QR codes and WhatsApp buttons on social media to direct customers to WhatsApp. When prospects scan it, they're met with an AI chatbot walking them through getting an instant quote and kicking off the purchase process immediately.

WhatsApp broadcasts and newsletters

When it comes to nurturing your leads, nothing beats WhatsApp broadcasts and newsletters. Create lead generation resources such as checklists, cheat sheets, and guides - then share them automatically with your WhatsApp subscriber list.

Everyone who opts in to your WhatsApp newsletter becomes a hyper-qualified lead you can nurture toward registration through automated WhatsApp sequences and exclusive offers.

WhatsApp templates and buttons

Pre-approved WhatsApp message templates allow you to create consistent and efficient communication with leads. You can make it more engaging with interactive WhatsApp buttons to guide leads down the conversion path. 

Retail stores can use a marketing template with a media header to send a WhatsApp broadcast highlighting a new product line and include a "Shop Now" button that directs leads directly to their online store.

3ere's how WhatsApp templates and buttons work together

• WhatsApp templates: Create pre-written marketing messages with placeholders for personalisation (e.g, customer name, product details). This saves time and ensures consistent messaging.

• Quick reply buttons: Offer customers up to three pre-defined responses within the template itself. Leads can simply tap a button like “shop now" or "check availability" to show their interest.

• Use call-to-action buttons: These buttons encourage leads to take specific actions, like visiting your website, location or calling your business.

Pro tip: Combining WhatsApp templates with chatbots is a powerful lead generation duo. Chatbots can leverage templates to deliver consistent information and use buttons to capture lead details or direct them to relevant resources.

Bonus point: How to nurture leads on WhatsApp

Okay, so we've covered all the different ways to generate qualified hot leads through WhatsApp. But what's the point of all that effort if those leads go stale? That's where nurturing comes into play - the not-so-secret sauce that'll keep your prospects engaged and primed for conversion.

Think of it like a dance - you've grabbed their attention and scored that important first interaction. But now, you need to keep them interested, build that rapport, and guide them smoothly towards the final purchase. 

Thanks to WhatsApp's intimate, conversational nature, you've got a direct line to your leads' pockets (yeah, we went there - don’t make it weird), making it the perfect nurturing playground.

So, how can you nurture those fresh WhatsApp leads into loyal customers? Glad you asked!

1. Automated sequences: Schedule WhatsApp messages and set up automated WhatsApp sequences that keep the conversation flowing. Share helpful tips, exclusive offers, and relevant content that adds value at every stage of the buyer's journey.

2. Keep it personal: Nobody likes a cold, generic message. With WhatsApp, you can easily personalise your communication using details you've already captured, like names, preferences, and past interactions. It's a great way to make your leads feel valued and understood.

3. Two-way engagement: Unlike some other channels, WhatsApp allows for real-time, two-way conversations. Encourage your leads to ask questions, provide feedback, and engage with your business directly. This human touch is a great way to build trust and rapport.

4. Timely follow-ups: Don't let those leads grow cold. Set reminders to follow up at convenient times, whether it's circling back after sending a quote, checking in after a demo, or providing a friendly nudge when a lead has gone silent.

5. Exclusive offers: Who doesn't love feeling like a VIP? Treat your leads to exclusive discounts, early-bird access to new products or services, and other special perks. 

When you nurture your WhatsApp leads with personalised, valuable, and timely communication, you’re more likely to convert those window shoppers into loyal customers. And the best part? You'll be doing it all through a channel they enjoy interacting with. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

How Richfield generated and converted leads with WhatsApp

Richfield heavily relied on SMS and Facebook to collect potential students’ information but found it difficult to convert them. With a low answer rate and frustrated staff, Richfield decided to switch from phone calling prospects to using a Cue-powered broadcast and live chat solution on WhatsApp, leading to a 7x conversion rate increase! Learn more about Richfield’s WhatsApp solution.

Get started with WhatsApp marketing in 2024 

Don't leave leads and revenue on the table. The numbers speak for themselves - using WhatsApp as a lead gen tool is a guaranteed way to increase revenue. From paid ad campaigns to chatbots and widgets, WhatsApp meets your customers on their turf. Get in touch with Cue for a demo!