Social Media

5 unique ways people are using WhatsApp

Written by Abdul Wahab ·  2 min read >

WhatsApp has gained unprecedented popularity ever since its introduction, the uber-popular messaging app is currently the most-used app in the world with over 1.5 billion active users. WhatsApp as a platform holds immense potential for various activities. From normal messaging and group texting to marketing advertisement and other corporate work, the messaging app provides a plethora of features and possibilities with which the app can be used without spending a dime.

Here are the top 5 unique ways people are using WhatsApp for marketing and other mass communication purposes in 2019:

1. For office communication between remote teams

A widely used communication tool in the corporate and the freelance sector, the option to use WhatsApp for internal team communication (by creating a group) holds paramount importance in the business industry. Perhaps the biggest reason for its popularity in this sector is that it does not require any learning since people are generally reluctant to learn new things. Another massive advantage it provides is that everyone already has the app pre-installed in their smartphones so communication via the app becomes much easier and quicker.

Finally, the ultra-useful “Reply Feature” is the biggest reason why Team communication on the Facebook Messenger isn’t as popular as it is on WhatsApp, the feature allows the user to respond to a particular message in the group which ads context and clarity to the reply instead of creating confusion.

2. A cross-platform between the biggest social media networks

Perhaps the biggest advantage the app provides is its ability to provide a seamless connection with social media giants such as Facebook and Instagram. Several online businesses use other social media networks to advertise their brand and leave a WhatsApp number where consumers can chat with the seller and remove any ambiguity. It should be mentioned that other messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram’s messaging portal also provide this option, however, due WhatsApp’s much simpler UI and better features, people prefer to communicate through this platform.

3. For selling stuff through mass marketing

Unlike the traditional method of mass marketing, where the buyer sends messages and emails to the consumers, WhatsApp ads another layer of finesse and nuance where it provides the option to send images, audio files, short video clips of your products and text messages to users across the world. Unlike SMS or Email, there is less restriction on the format and delivery chances are higher.

4. For communication with clients and customers

WhatsApp has also proven to be a great tool for customer support, simply because of its wide customer reach. A customer will always prefer to send a message on WhatsApp (since it is much faster, easier and less time consuming) instead of having to call a helpline number and many companies especially online business are now following this method of communication with their customers.

5. For activism and campaigns

In the last few years, WhatsApp has become an increasingly powerful and influential tool for political campaigns across the world. A few reasons why this platform is specifically used over others are:

  • Allows creation of a group to up to 256 people
  • The message comes directly to the user’s phone from known contacts
  • Allows political groups to mobilize supporters
  • It is free
  • Communication is encrypted

6. For business calls, personal calls and for over the seas calls

Another ultra-useful feature this platform provides is the ability to call, that call can be a personal call in the local vicinity or an overseas business/private call. However, the best part is that it is free of cost. Traditionally overseas calls have always been expensive with local phone caries charging a premium rate, but the introduction of WhatsApp has almost overtaken all other carriers and is the primary option for overseas calls.