WhatsApp has undoubtedly become a go-to channel for businesses to market their products, deals, discounts, and offers, and engage customers on a one-on-one basis. While you can see them exploring WhatsApp broadcasts for the same, there are other features of the app that often go unused but have the potential to further boost up the numbers.
Case in point – WhatsApp Stories!
In this post, we’re going to walk you through some of the ways in which brands can use WhatsApp Business Stories to drive more engagement in their campaigns.
What are WhatsApp Story?
WhatsApp Stories, also known as Whatsapp Status, is a feature of the WhatsApp application that allows users to share photos, videos, and text-based updates for 24 hours. When a user posts a story, it appears on a separate tab within the app’s interface. Contacts with the WhatsApp user’s phone number can view them. The stories are displayed chronologically, with the most recent updates at the top.
When it comes to small businesses, WhatsApp Stories can be a valuable tool for reaching and engaging with customers when they are not actively checking the messages in their inboxes.
From sharing behind the scenes to time-sensitive deals and discounts or launching new products, brands can use WhatsApp Business Stories to engage their subscribers – and even drive them to check the messages sent as WhatsApp broadcasts.
5 Steps to Setup WhatsApp Story
WhatsApp Stories work in a much similar way as Stories on Instagram do. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Open WhatsApp and go to the Status Tab.
2. Tap the Add to My Status button, represented by a + or camera icon on your screen.
3. Your camera interface will open. Capture a photo, record a short video, or select an existing image/video from your gallery.
4. Add text, emojis, and filters to enhance your uploaded content.
5. Click the link icon and enter the URL to add a link to the WhatsApp story. The link will direct users to the concerned webpage.
Once you include all relevant information, click the Share or Send button to upload your story.
Your story will be visible to your selected contacts or those who have connected with your business on WhatsApp.
6 Ways To Use WhatsApp Story
WhatsApp stories can be used in as many creative ways as social media stories. Let’s look at some of our favorite tactics being used by brands:
1. Give a sneak peak into new launches
Use WhatsApp Business Stories to upload a photo or short video giving a teaser of an upcoming product or service. Such stories work great at creating curiosity among your audience.
For instance, if you are launching a new smartphone model, create a story asking customers to guess the enhanced features you are about to introduce. It will not only generate curiosity but also increase your WhatsApp engagement. Just ensure that you’re uploading captivating visuals!
2. Announce a new discount or offer
Create a visually appealing image with details of a new discount or limited-period offer. Remember that WhatsApp Business stories are perfect for sharing time-sensitive deals.
For example, identify your best-selling items and create a 20% off weekend sale on those select items. Or running a flash sale for 24 hours that perfectly fits how long WhatsApp Stories live for as well!
3. Launch an exclusive offer for your WhatsApp list
Provide an exclusive offer or discounts on the most-loved products specifically for your WhatsApp contacts. It will make them feel valued and create a sense of exclusivity, giving them a reason to stay subscribed to your WhatsApp list.
For example, you can provide a discount code like “WHATSAPP20” for a 20% discount exclusively for WhatsApp subscribers.
4. Showcase a product
Use a short and engaging video to show a product from different angles or highlight its unique selling points in your WhatsApp Stories. This can nudge your subscribers to contact you on the messaging app itself if they’re interested in knowing more about it.
For instance, if you’re promoting a bag, create a short video that rotates it, giving viewers a complete view of its design and features. You can also include a link to a video or the product page on your site.
5. Ask questions
WhatsApp Stories are also excellent for asking questions about your business, product, or services. Ask for opinions, feedback, or suggestions on specific aspects that can help you improve. Ensure you invite them in with phrases like “We would love to have your opinion” or “Tell us what you think.”
When you start getting responses, engage in a conversation that shows you value their opinions.
6. Promote content
Share links to your latest blog posts, media mentions, videos, or any other content that provides value to your audience. Add the link to your WhatsApp Business Story and give a glimpse of the content to entice viewers to click on it for the full story, blog, video, etc.
Ready to boost engagement with WhatsApp Stories?
In conclusion, WhatsApp Business Stories are a great way to get noticed by your audience.
Eye-catching visuals and interactive content help you stand out and easily engage your audience – especially as more and more brands start to run campaigns on the messaging platform.
But remember, if the idea is to engage your customers, ensure it is two-way in nature and you never fall behind in conversing proactively.
