Digitalisation is taking over the globe in a whirlwind. And owing to this rapid change, the line between social communication and commerce is blurring. Modern consumers are always in a hurry and avoid engaging in a complex ordering process. To cope with this changing consumer perspective, businesses need to start taking WhatsApp orders and meet customers where they already are. This blog provides a comprehensive guide on how to start taking WhatsApp orders and set up a WhatsApp store to streamline your ordering process.
Why sell over WhatsApp
WhatsApp is where customers already chat. Allowing them to explore the catalogue, add to cart, place order, and make payment on WhatsApp reduces the friction and shortens the buying path, enhancing repeat orders and customer retention. Moreover, selling on WhatsApp offers the following benefits:
- Vast user base
- Cost-effective marketplace
- Personalised and direct communication
- No website requirement
- Easy catalog building and browsing
- 24/7 availability
- Easy optimisation for SEO and Discoverability
How to Create a Free Online Store and Start taking WhatsApp orders
The process of creating the WhatsApp Store is an easy one. Follow these simple steps and create your online store in a few clicks.
Set up a WhatsApp Business Account
If you do not already have a WhatsApp Business account, download the free WhatsApp Business application and create a WhatsApp Business Account by registering the business name, other details, and creating a catchy profile. Register and set up the WhatsApp API to commercialize your WhatsApp business account and avail the best and premium features.
Create a digital catalog
Use the built-in WhatsApp Catalog feature and upload the pictures and details of all your products. While preparing a catalog, keep in mind the following points:
- Upload Square photos
- Keep the title short and SEO optimized for better visibility
- Add product description with dimensions and all the relevant details
- Save 3-5 images for bestselling products
Sign up for the WhatsApp store builder
Select a WhatsApp store builder that supports WhatsApp flows. Go through the features of each software and select the one that best suits your requirements, and link it with your Business account. Here’s a list of some of the best WhatsApp store builders:
Integrate with payment gateways
Link your business account to the payment gateways like Instamojo to streamline the ordering process and collect payments easily via WhatsApp itself.
Share your WhatsApp link
Once you have streamlined and integrated your WhatsApp workflow, share your account details with peers and on social media platforms to expand your reach and start selling on WhatsApp.
Real-life Use Cases
- Small retail shops can upload their catalog and offer flash sales using the free WhatsApp store, starting to take WhatsApp orders easily and quickly.
- Restaurant owners can utilise the power of WhatsApp e-commerce stores to share menus, take reservations, send invoices, collect payments, and get feedback
- Brand owners can use the platform for exclusive product launches, launching campaigns, and sending reminders about abandoned carts
- Service providers can take advantage of the free store to send service updates and feedback requests
How Waakif helps in building a WhatsApp e-commerce store
WhatsApp Business itself provides a good start for your store; however, platforms like Waakif take your store to new heights. Waakif is an AI-powered platform that streamlines your business process and enhances your WhatsApp ecommerce store by providing the following features:
- AI-powered WhatsApp marketing automation to enhance customer engagement
- Simplified WhatsApp API integration
- Automated bulk messaging features to send offers and personalised messages
- Automated chatbot to interact with customers in real time
- Seamless CRM integration
- Automated follow-up messages to track the order progress
- Loyalty programs to assist in customer retention
- Easy feedback collection
- Effective online store creation
- Multi-user access for the owner and the team
- Free online store + Product pages
- Integrate online orders and Walk-in orders in one dashboard through POS software
- Smart WhatsApp order management system
- AI-powered insights to know the store performance
- Real-time inventory sync that automatically marks the product as unavailable and hides it to ensure a smooth customer experience
Unlock the full potential of your business with Waakif! Go beyond mere messaging and dive into the world of conversational commerce. With a free online store that showcases your brand, you can connect with your customers like never before. Imagine WhatsApp as your personal hotline, allowing for direct and meaningful interactions, all backed by Waakif’s powerful infrastructure.
Elevate your customer experience, make every conversation count, and start taking WhatsApp orders TODAY!
