Generating and converting leads is the main objective for any business. As such, marketers and business owners constantly search for new and innovative ways to generate leads and expand their customer base. This can be tough as consumer behaviours change all the time.

WhatsApp Business has become an increasingly popular tool to engage customers but many businesses still don't know how to generate leads using WhatsApp.

In this post, we will explore how using the WhatsApp API can be leveraged to generate and convert leads at scale. We will unpack how to make sure that potential customers see your WhatsApp line and provide tips for optimizing your WhatsApp lead generation process.

Whether you are a business owner, sales director or marketing professional, this post will provide valuable insights on how to leverage WhatsApp Business to grow your business.

Make sure customers see your WhatsApp chat

Use a click-to-chat button on your site

Including a click-to-chat button on your website can be a powerful tool to connect with customers. This feature allows website visitors to immediately engage in a conversation with your company. By providing a direct line of communication, businesses can address customer queries, provide support, and offer personalized recommendations more efficiently.

Using a click-to-chat button provides a seamless customer experience. Customers can receive immediate assistance without having to navigate through multiple web pages or wait for a response via email.

This leads to increased customer satisfaction as well as higher conversion rates. Additionally, by monitoring the conversations through the click-to-chat feature, businesses can gain valuable customer insights, which can inform future marketing and sales strategies.

QR codes

You can add a QR code to your physical location, such as your storefront or business card, or include it on your online channels, such as your contact page, social media banners, or email signatures.

When a customer scans the code with their smartphone, it will connect them to your WhatsApp conversation, where they can start a conversation with your business.

Using a QR code is a convenient and efficient way to connect with customers on WhatsApp. Customers can easily scan the code without having to manually enter your phone number or search for your contact details.

Create a Google Ads campaign

If you're looking to drive more leads and sales through WhatsApp, you can create a Google Ads campaign that encourages customers to chat with a sales representative on WhatsApp.

With a Google Ads campaign, you can target customers who are searching for products or services that your business offers and direct them to your WhatsApp conversation.

To create a Google Ads campaign that encourages customers to start a conversation on WhatsApp, you'll need to create an ad that includes a call-to-action that directs customers to your WhatsApp. The ad can be displayed on Google search results, YouTube, or other websites that display Google Ads.

When creating your ad, make sure to include a clear and compelling CTA that encourages customers to start a conversation. For example, you could use phrases like "Message us on WhatsApp to learn more," "Get personalized support on WhatsApp," or "Chat with us on WhatsApp for fast and easy communication."

Creating a Google Ads campaign that directs customers to your WhatsApp conversation can help to increase engagement and drive more leads and sales.

Use a WhatsApp button on Facebook

You can make it easy for customers to start a conversation on WhatsApp by adding a WhatsApp button to your page. The WhatsApp button will appear on your profile home page, and customers can click it to start a conversation on WhatsApp.

Any business that wants to use the WhatsApp Business API needs a verified Facebook page.

To add a WhatsApp button to your Facebook page, you'll need to follow a few simple steps:

1. Make sure your WhatsApp Business account is live and configured

2. Go to your Facebook page and click on the "Add a Button" option

3. Select the "Contact You" option, and choose "WhatsApp" as the contact method

4. Finally, enter your WhatsApp number, and your WhatsApp button will be added to your Facebook page.

Adding a WhatsApp button to your Facebook page provides customers with another convenient way to connect with your business. It also allows you to leverage your Facebook presence to drive conversations on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp marketing best practice tips

• Opt-in requirements: Before businesses can start marketing to customers using the WhatsApp Business API, they must obtain explicit consent from customers. Businesses must also provide customers with an easy way to opt out of receiving messages anytime.

• Message types: The WhatsApp Business API offers several message types, each with its own set of rules and restrictions. Businesses can send transactional messages, such as order confirmations or appointment reminders, which are sent in response to a customer's action. Promotional messages can also be sent, but only to customers who have opted-in to receive them. Additionally, businesses can send support messages, such as customer service inquiries.

• Frequency limitations: Businesses must be mindful of how often they send messages to customers. While WhatsApp does not have a set limit on the number of messages that can be sent, businesses should be mindful of how frequently they message customers to avoid becoming spammy.

• Personalisation: The WhatsApp Business API lets businesses personalize their messages with customer data, such as names and order details. However, businesses must be careful not to use personalization in a way that violates customer privacy or makes customers feel uncomfortable.

• Content restrictions: Businesses must also be mindful of the content of their messages. Messages must be professional, appropriate, and not contain any spammy or offensive content. Businesses must also avoid using WhatsApp to send unsolicited messages or to promote illegal or fraudulent activities.

How WhatsApp works to generate leads at scale

We've unpacked ways to get leads to chat with your business on WhatsApp as well as the best practices for WhatsApp marketing. But how do businesses optimise the lead qualification and conversion process using WhatsApp? Read on to find out...

Automate lead generation with AI chatbots

By integrating a chatbot with the WhatsApp Business API, businesses can create an automated lead-generation process that engages customers and collects their contact information. Chatbots can be programmed to ask questions and provide information about products or services, enabling valuable insights into customer preferences and interests.

Moreover, AI-powered chatbots can analyze the collected data and provide businesses with actionable insights that can help optimize their lead-generation efforts. For example, by analyzing customer responses, chatbots can identify patterns and trends that can be used to create targeted marketing campaigns.

Send instant quotes

WhatsApp allows businesses to send multimedia messages including text, video, audio, and PDF documents. This makes it possible for businesses to send instant quotation documents via WhatsApp.

All that a lead has to do is answer a few qualifying questions that a live chat agent or AI chatbot can use to generate a quote. Providing quotes on the fly greatly reduces the time a lead has to wait for relevant pricing information, leading to a faster and more optimised sales cycle.

Re-engage leads on WhatsApp

Businesses often face the challenge of re-engaging cold leads and turning them into customers. Using the WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to re-engage cold leads and incentivize them to take action.

Businesses can send personalized messages to cold leads, reminding them of their interest in a product or service and offering them a discount or promotion. This personalized approach can be more effective than generic emails or advertisements, as it creates a sense of exclusivity and personalization that resonates with customers.

Some businesses offer a promotional campaign with a prize to incentivize leads to engage them on WhatsApp. These campaigns have produced great results for our clients in the UK and South Africa.

Moreover, businesses can use AI-powered chatbots to analyze customer responses and behaviour to optimize their promotional campaigns. By analyzing customer responses, chatbots can identify the most effective messaging and promotions, allowing businesses to tailor their campaigns for maximum impact.

Conversational commerce with Live Chat

Using live chat with sales representatives on WhatsApp can be an effective way for businesses to provide personalized support and assistance to customers, while also driving sales and revenue.

By integrating live chat into WhatsApp, businesses can provide customers with a seamless and convenient shopping experience, while also providing human interaction and expertise.

Customers can easily ask questions, get product recommendations, and receive shopping assistance, all through the same WhatsApp conversation. Sales agents can instantly respond to customer questions. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as increased sales and profits.

The Cue Conclusion

Making it easy for customers to start a conversation with your business on WhatsApp is essential for driving engagement, building relationships, and increasing sales. By using a click-to-chat button on your website, QR codes in physical locations or online, a WhatsApp button on Facebook, or a Google Ads campaign, you can make it easy for customers to reach out to you on WhatsApp and provide a seamless customer experience. Implementing these strategies can help your business reach and sell to more customers.