Build a Successful WhatsApp E-commerce in 2022: Step-by-Step Guide

Integrating WhatsApp into your e-commerce platform is important for increasing sales.

Finally, the heyday of e-commerce has arrived! 

The global e-commerce market is expected to reach $16,215.6 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 22.9% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report by Meticulous Market Research.

Because online buying is secure, practical, and time-saving, its popularity exploded during the pandemic. 

Despite all the benefits, it has certain drawbacks, including the absence of client interaction.

Numerous social media sites have intervened to close the communication gap in recent years. 

There was WhatsApp among them. To aid businesses in connecting with their clients, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business API were introduced in 2018.

Shortly after, the messaging app unveiled a few additional features to improve its corporate editions' functionality and e-commerce friendliness.

Why then should you utilize WhatsApp for online shopping? What advantages does WhatsApp marketing have for online shopping? Whatsapp Business or WhatsApp Business API eCommerce is required? 

Your inquiries are all addressed in this post.

What is WhatsApp's business API for online shopping? How Does It Operate?

Whatsapp Business was just launched to aid small business marketers in reaching more clients and users.

Since then, Facebook has advanced the situation by introducing WhatsApp Business API for large corporations.

Thanks to the WhatsApp Business API, companies now have the opportunity to communicate directly with their customers using WhatsApp.

Businesses now have a completely new avenue to win over customers.

Businesses will be able to respond to client inquiries and provide other requested information by using the API.

An app or front-end interface is not provided because it is an API.

It is intended that businesses will make use of the WhatsApp API endpoint and incorporate it into IT infrastructure.

WhatsApp unveiled two new e-commerce services in April 2021. The first will provide greater desktop support for WhatsApp Catalogs. 

The second will provide users the option to temporarily hide out-of-stock items.

The Shops on WhatsApp feature was one of three new e-commerce products that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled on June 22, 2021. 

The function allows customers to communicate with businesses before making any purchases when they come across shops on the messaging network.

Leveraging the power of the popular messaging platform is one of the best things you can do if you run an online store or are intending to open one soon to improve the shopping experience for your clients.

The advantages of WhatsApp for eCommerce

In India, WhatsApp users surpassed 400 million (40 crores) in 2019. 

Therefore, there is a significant probability that your consumers may use WhatsApp as well, and even regularly depending on the nature of your business. 

As a result, business owners can benefit from adopting WhatsApp for eCommerce in several ways.

Customer Experience Streamlined

Your client experience can be improved using WhatsApp marketing for eCommerce.

The ChatDaddy-provided WhatsApp Business API has several features, including abandoned cart recovery, which raises recovery rates by automatically sending customers persuading message copy, automatic updates regarding customers' purchases, shipping, payments, deliveries, etc. sent directly to their WhatsApp accounts, etc.

Simply, utilizing WhatsApp Business API eCommerce improves your customers' overall shopping experience by making it simpler, more convenient, and more engaging.

stronger ties with customers

You must determine your consumers' preferred communication channels as a business because WhatsApp has altered how people communicate.

Compared to calling or sending emails, individuals are more used to messaging each other on WhatsApp in 2022.

They might therefore favor using the same language while discussing their orders and/or purchases.

In a Meta poll, 67% of consumers stated that they intend to spend more on brands who engage with them using conversational platforms like WhatsApp, while 53% stated that they are more likely to buy from companies they can speak with directly.

Your clients may message your company directly through WhatsApp for eCommerce and get tailored responses. 

They might feel appreciated as a result, which could strengthen your brand's interactions with customers and increase client retention.

Increased accessibility and convenience

The process of communicating with your merchant or brand shouldn't be onerous.

Using WhatsApp for eCommerce makes it simpler for your customers to contact you regarding their purchases because the majority of people use it for daily conversations.

For buyers to inquire about their shipment, it is more convenient to send a WhatsApp message as opposed to sending an email or dialing an IVR number.

As a result, moving to WhatsApp for eCommerce increases customer access to your company's customer care.

Ensure the privacy of customers

End-to-end encryption is offered by WhatsApp, protecting your client's information from unauthorized parties.

When payment or transaction-related information is shared across the channel, this is especially crucial.

Additionally, your clients may prefer speaking with you over a secure connection to protect their data.

How to maximize WhatsApp Business as an e-commerce business

WhatsApp Business can be used in a variety of ways. Some businesses only use it to respond to client questions and stop there.

Others go a step further and make the channel fully functional for e-commerce. from the first product browsing and advice-seeking through the actual purchase and after-service.

Here's how to accomplish the same goal.

Embrace WhatsApp on your website.

Getting your (possible) clients to know you're on WhatsApp is the first step.

There are several ways to accomplish this:

• through a QR code
• through a click-to-chat link
• via a widget on a website

Although the first two solutions are simple to carry out, they are not the most advantageous or appealing. 

You must incorporate a WhatsApp conversation into your website widget if you want to present a professional image.

The ability to continue the conversation after a customer leaves your website is the main benefit of adding a WhatsApp chat to your website. 

This is not possible when utilizing a standard live chat. 

Both your consumer (who won't have to wait around) and your team (who won't have to move as quickly) will benefit from this.

Get a WhatsApp account from a licensed BSP that has been approved by the API.

The first step in integrating WhatsApp with your e-commerce website is to obtain a business account that has been approved by the WhatsApp API from a trusted and recognized business service provider (BSP), like BotSpace.

You won't need to pay anything upfront when using BotSpace's pre-approved WhatsApp Business API, which has a verified green checkmark. 

You must provide the following three things:

• Company Display Name
• An authentic Facebook Business Manager id
• a phone number without an installed WhatsApp account (both personal and business, you can deactivate if it has)

You can set up WhatsApp Business API using the comprehensive blog that we have posted.

Automate the tedious tasks

If you engage in client contact for e-commerce, you probably have some knowledge of frequently asked questions.

 You probably remember most of them at this point:

• "When will my package arrive?"
• What's the format of your return policy?
• "Are there any left of product x in stock?"
• "What are your hours of operation?"

While they are relevant and significant inquiries, they also take up a lot of your time. 

You should therefore aim to automate as much as you can. Here are a few possibilities:

• Quick responses

Both the API and the WhatsApp Business app allow quick replies to be configured.

They facilitate quicker reaction times, saving you from repeatedly typing the same responses, and make it much simpler for your team to maintain a constant tone of voice.

• Auto-replies

Both the application and the API allow for the configuration of auto-replies.

These are particularly helpful in ensuring that your consumers always receive prompt responses to their messages regardless of whether you're busy or if they're contacting you after business hours.

Rules

Small life hacks called rules enable you to automate manual tasks in your email. 

Using rules, the following processes can be automated:

• Send emails including the phrase "return policy" to customer support.
• When a customer uses the word "complaint," mark messages as "urgent."
• After designating a communication as "sales," forward it to the sales staff.
• Only while using the WhatsApp Business API are rules possible.

Chatbots

A chatbot streamlines communications with your clients. 

It can compile leads, respond to frequently asked questions, and send messages to the appropriate teams.

The standard chatbot mimics a dialogue with your customer. 

It can respond to queries with pre-populated answers after identifying keywords.

By posing multiple-choice questions, a flow bot mimics a conversation. 

This makes it simple to provide fundamental information and route conversations to the appropriate individuals or groups.

Use labels to arrange.

It becomes harder to keep organized the more messages your team receives. 

Who is collecting what?

Your team can maintain an accurate overview by using labels. 

Here are a few examples of labels you might employ:

• Customer 
• Service Sales 
• Complaints

Additionally, you can classify your customers using labels, which makes it simpler to comprehend who they are and what motivates them.

Users of the WhatsApp Business app and API can utilize labels.

Connect WhatsApp to your e-commerce software.

You may incorporate WhatsApp with your current e-commerce solutions by utilizing the WhatsApp Business API through a company like ChatDaddy. This creates the optimal work environment for WhatsApp e-commerce.

Your team will be able to manage customer communications in a single view as a result of not having to constantly switch between all of their applications.

For instance, you may quickly check up on a customer's order number within this Platform if you're trying to assist them in a WhatsApp chat and need to. 

This improves the experience for both your employees and your consumer.

Showcase your goods in a catalog.

Next, make sure that individuals who communicate with you on WhatsApp don't have to switch back and forth between WhatsApp and your website to make a purchase. You want to make it possible for them to purchase without breaking off the conversation.

Establishing a WhatsApp product portfolio is the first stage. 

You can use this function to advertise and sell your goods on WhatsApp.

Currently, 500 goods can be added.

A customer will first see some basic information about your business when they click on your WhatsApp Business profile. 

They'll see your stuff as they scroll down further.

The following are a few excellent practices to have in mind when you build up your catalog:

• Select images that are appealing and clear.
• Keep the descriptions brief; exclude the price there.
• A product code should be added to track sales.
• Observe the WhatsApp Commerce policy strictly.

It's time to start using the catalog in discussions with product messaging once you've finished setting it all up.

How to Include a WhatsApp Opt-In Form on Your Website

There are various methods you might request that your customers accept your WhatsApp communications:

Create a form-filled opt-in landing page for your business.

Include a pop-up inviting site visitors to enter their WhatsApp numbers on your webpage.

Using a discussion you already have with them on WhatsApp (note that this is only if they have taken the initiative to reach out to you on WhatsApp, for instance, via the WhatsApp chatbot).

You can incorporate it by giving WhatsApp as an option for getting in touch with them when creating an account.

Notifications to WhatsApp Business are sent.

You can notify customers about their orders after they've made a purchase. 

Businesses still frequently send these by email or SMS.

By sending WhatsApp Business message templates, you can deliver notifications. 

Only the API can be used for this, and WhatsApp must accept it. 

Only messages that are formatted following their commerce policy will be accepted.

Because WhatsApp wants to stop companies from spamming its clients, you must utilize a message template.

Fortunately, you can alter these templates. 

Click-to-WhatsApp ads on Facebook

If you utilize Facebook as your main marketing channel, you can integrate WhatsApp into your online store by placing click-to-WhatsApp adverts (that is if you sell using Facebook Shop or a Facebook Business page without a website).

This is a great way to convert Facebook ad traffic into WhatsApp conversations to improve communication.

Adding the WhatsApp API to your e-commerce store

The WhatsApp Business API's purpose and benefits are now clear to us.

Think about whether you are ready to start extending your client service on WhatsApp Yugasabot.

Registering for the WhatsApp Business API is the first step toward using WhatsApp for your e-commerce business.

The WhatsApp Business app has several limitations despite being free to download and use, thus you cannot use it to carry out the aforementioned e-commerce integrations.

Setting up WhatsApp for e-commerce

If you're a small seller who doesn't need automation and limitless message handling capabilities, WhatsApp Business may be what you need. 

If you do, WhatsApp Business API (WhatsApp API) may be what you need.

Setting up a WhatsApp Business profile is option one.

As was previously mentioned, WhatsApp Business is the best choice for you if your company does not require extensive notification and response automation or has small message volumes.

A WhatsApp Business Profile is straightforward and cost-free to create. 

To do the same, adhere to the guidelines below.

1. Depending on your smartphone OS, download the WhatsApp Business app from the Google Play Store or Apple AppStore.

2. Using the received OTP, confirm your mobile number with WhatsApp. 

Make sure the smartphone with your business number SIM card inserted also has WhatsApp Business loaded.

3. On your WhatsApp Business chat screen, hit the three vertical dots to access Settings.

4. Include your company name and logo as displayed below.

Then select "Business Tools."

5. Tap on "Business Profile" to enter the necessary data.

6. Complete the fields as shown in the list below. 

Set "opening hours" to "always open" and "category" to "shopping and retail" given that you have an internet store. 

You can simply indicate the state in which your company is based when referring to the location. 

Add your company's email and, if applicable, website address.

7. Return to "Business Tools," then select "Catalogue" to add your goods and/or services.

You are now ready to go. 

Greeting/Away messages can also be added, depending on your needs.

Concluding Remarks | How to Build A Perfect WhatsApp Ecommerce

The e-commerce sector is expanding and is anticipated to grow rapidly in the years to come. The way people shop has been revolutionized, but it has also widened the divide between buyers and sellers that didn't exist in the conventional market. 

Many e-commerce players use personal communication tools like WhatsApp to assist firms to close the communication gap. 

If you own an online store, utilizing WhatsApp will help you give it a more personal touch. Get the WhatsApp Business API from a recognized BSP if you're thinking about incorporating WhatsApp into your website.

You may start your e-commerce business with all the connectors you need thanks to BotSpace, an official and authorized BSP. 

Contact the knowledgeable team at ChatDaddy right away to learn how we can assist you.

FAQs | How to Build A Perfect WhatsApp Ecommerce

Q: How do I put up my WhatsApp eCommerce store?

A: E-commerce with WhatsApp integration build a WhatsApp Business account

To register, dial your company's phone number.

Settings > Business Settings > Profile Add your company's address, contact information, operating hours, website and social network connections, and other facts.

Q: Is WhatsApp a website for online shopping?

A: With WhatsApp's "tap and chat" feature, users may order groceries with no minimum order value and free delivery. Customers can add items to their shopping baskets and pay using JioMart or cash on delivery within the app.

Q: How WhatsApp marketing benefits online stores?

A: With a 98% open rate on text messages, WhatsApp marketing or WhatsApp advertising effectively maintains in touch with customers. Additionally, customers trust you more when you engage with them through a chat app like WhatsApp.

Q: What are WhatsApp's business policies?

A: Businesses must adhere to the Commerce Policy to sell their goods and services in the catalog, message threads, business profiles, and message templates.

Q: What does WhatsApp's chatbot mean?

image outcome

A: A WhatsApp chatbot is an automated piece of software that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) or rules. Through the chat interface, users may communicate with the WhatsApp chatbot just like they would with a real person. It's a series of automated WhatsApp responses that mimic human conversation.