What has a bigger user base than Messenger and Instagram?
WhatsApp!
Which platform was bought by Facebook for $19 billion?
WhatsApp!
What messaging app is the most popular in the world, with over 1.5 billion users across 180 countries and 60 billion messages sent daily?
All together now: WhatsApp!
Yes, WhatsApp seems in every way to be Facebook’s newest darling acquisition and the platform for marketers to watch in the near future.
The introduction of the WhatsApp Business API was just one step in the right direction for those looking to advertise on WhatsApp.
Then in August, Facebook introduced ads that open up a pre-loaded message on WhatsApp.
Similar to their Messenger ads, these let users communicate directly with businesses from Facebook to WhatsApp.
Now it’s your turn to reach the massive audience on WhatsApp with your Facebook ads.
We’re explaining why you should care about WhatsApp advertising.
We’ll also describe how to connect Facebook with WhatsApp and launch these types of Facebook ads.
When you’re able to expand your reach to the engaged and international user base on WhatsApp through direct communication, you’ll see a boost to your bottom line.
Additionally, you’ll be better prepared when even more opportunities for advertising on WhatsApp inevitably emerge.
Why WhatsApp Matters for Businesses
WhatsApp is the leading messaging platform in all but 25 countries in the world.
This makes it an excellent tool for reaching international customers and any that are not already using other popular apps like WeChat and Messenger.
Some major markets that prefer WhatsApp include India, the UK, and the APAC region.
In India alone, WhatsApp is the first choice for messaging for 96% of people that own a smartphone (an impressive 97% of the total population).
Though the U.S. still hasn’t adopted WhatsApp to the same extent, Facebook’s acquisition of the app in 2014 is helping to change that.
In the meantime, it’s clear that the messaging platform has an impressive international audience.
These users have also proven to be engaged.
For marketers considering Facebook WhatsApp advertising, these engagement statistics matter:
- 55 billion messages are sent per day.
- The SMS-based platform boats a 98% open rate.
- By 2016, WhatsApp users were already making over 100 million phone calls each day.
For any business looking to go global (or already is), WhatsApp is an essential piece of the marketing puzzle.
Between the active user base, international reach, and now new opportunities for WhatsApp Facebook ads, the time has come to tap into this audience.
So let’s explore how to do that.
How to Get Your WhatsApp Facebook Ads Set Up
Advertising on WhatsApp with Facebook ads is a great way to get your brand in front of potential customers using the platform.
With WhatsApp Facebook ads, users can start a conversation directly with your brand.
This can benefit customer service, boost brand loyalty, and encourage sales right from the messaging app.
For anyone familiar with Messenger ads, the process of setting up WhatsApp and your Facebook is similar.
First, though you need to create a WhatsApp Business profile.
Create a WhatsApp Business Account and Connect It to Facebook
Over 3 million people have opened and are actively using WhatsApp Business profiles.
You have two options when creating a business account.
Download the App
The first is to download the standalone WhatsApp Business app for Android.
An SMS message is sent to your phone upon signup in order to verify your number.
Then, you just fill in your business name and profile.
With all this in place, don’t forget to connect your WhatsApp to your Facebook page.
Use the API
Alternatively, you can create an account using the WhatsApp Business API.
Start by creating a WhatsApp account under Business Manager on Facebook.
From there, navigate to Accounts and select Add a WhatsApp Account.
On the Create WhatsApp Business Account page, fill in the relevant information.
Once you’ve completed the account creation steps, save your changes.
At this point, your profile should be all set to go and you are now able to create WhatsApp Facebook ads.
Set Up Your Facebook WhatsApp Campaign
Now that you’ve connected your WhatsApp and Facebook, you can begin creating ads.
Begin by entering Ads Manager and going to Ads Creation.
Then, select WhatsApp as the Message Destination.
Fill in your campaign’s audience, placement, and budget details.
Keep in mind that you cannot target people under 18 years old with Facebook WhatsApp ads.
Under Ad Setup, choose the images, text, and and headline you’d like to use.
Review all of the details then click “Confirm” to complete setup and launch your ad.
Get Ready for WhatsApp Advertising
Facebook WhatsApp ads are just the beginning of what will be a bright future for marketing on this platform.
The best way to prepare your business for WhatsApp advertising is to get acquainted with the features of the messaging app today.
Launching WhatsApp Facebook ads is a great start.
You can get to know your audience on the platform and the best ways to reach them.
Then, you’ll be ready to scale your campaign when advertising on WhatsApp inevitably becomes the next biggest marketing trend.
