WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world, with more than 2 billion users across 180 countries. It is also a powerful tool for businesses to communicate with their customers, prospects, and partners. But is it a professional platform to conduct business for a designer or not?

In this blog post, we will explore WhatsApp for business: pros, cons, and alternatives for designers.

Pros of using WhatsApp for business as a designer

Reach and engagement:

According to Statista, WhatsApp users are very active and responsive, sending and reading over 100 billion messages daily.

whatsapp statistics — WhatsApp 2013 survey according to statista.com

Whatsapp Security and privacy:

WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, calls, and media, meaning that only you and the person you are communicating with can see the content.This means WhatsApp protects your conversations and data from unauthorized access.

Multimedia and interactive content:

WhatsApp allows you to send and receive multimedia, such as text, images, videos, audio, documents, stickers, emojis, and more. You can also use interactive features such as polls, surveys, QR codes, catalogs, and payment links. For example, you can showcase your portfolio, collect feedback, send invoices, and receive payments all within WhatsApp.

WhatsApp Business Platform:

If you are a medium enterprise that communicates with customers regularly, you can use WhatsApp Business App, which offers strategic access to WhatsApp through APIs. You can integrate WhatsApp with your existing systems and platforms, such as CRM, ERP, or e-commerce. Furthermore, also automate workflows, optimize customer service, and increase conversions.

Cons of using WhatsApp for business as a designer

WhatsApp Business App:

The WhatsApp Business App, is a free-to-download and lets you create a business profile with your contact information, website, location, and more. You can use business messaging tools, such as away messages, greeting messages, and quick replies, to be more responsive and professional with your customers. Moreover, use labels to organize your chats and contacts, and access metrics to track your performance.

Lack of customization:

At the time of publishing this article, WhatsApp has a simple and minimalist user interface that does not allow much customization. You cannot change the color scheme, font size, or layout of the app. You also cannot create branded templates or signatures for your messages. This might limit your ability to express your brand identity and personality through WhatsApp.

Lack of analytics:

WhatsApp does not provide much data or insights on your communication performance. Additionally, you can only see basic metrics such as sent, delivered, read, and received messages. You cannot see how many people clicked on your links, viewed your media, or took action on your calls-to-action. You also cannot segment your audience based on their behavior or preferences. This might make it hard for you to measure the effectiveness of your communication and optimize your strategy.

Lack of integration:

WhatsApp does not integrate well with other popular platforms or tools that designers use. For example, you cannot sync your contacts with Gmail or Outlook. You cannot edit or annotate images or videos within WhatsApp. You are unable to collaborate with other designers or clients on projects using tools like Figma or Adobe Creative Cloud. You also cannot export or backup your chats or media easily.

Alternatives to WhatsApp for business as a designer

If you are looking for alternatives to WhatsApp for business as a designer, here are some options that might suit your needs better:

Instagram:

Instagram is a social media platform that allows you to share photos and videos with your followers. Also, use Instagram Direct to send private messages to anyone who follows you or accepts your request. Instagram is great for showcasing your work, building your brand awareness, and attracting new clients. Plus, you can use Instagram Stories to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your projects, polls to collect feedback, and stickers to add fun elements to your messages.

Facebook Messenger:

Facebook Messenger is a messaging app that lets you chat with anyone who has a Facebook account. You can create groups to chat with multiple people at once. Facebook Messenger is good for staying in touch with your existing clients, providing customer support, and sending updates on your projects. In addition, use Messenger Rooms to host video calls with up to 50 people at once.

Google Business Messages:

Google Business Messages is a feature that allows customers to message businesses directly from Google Search or Maps. You can this feature to provide convenient and personalized customer service, such as answering questions, booking appointments, confirming orders, and more. You can also use rich features such as carousels, suggested replies, and photos to enhance your communication and engagement. Google Business Messages is a great way to connect with your customers where they already are, and drive business outcomes.

Conclusion

WhatsApp is not perfect. However, as it is now part of Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, which owns other popular products such as Instagram, Messenger, and Oculus. Meta is constantly developing and improving WhatsApp, as it aims to create a more connected and immersive online world. Meta has recently announced some new features and updates for WhatsApp, such as message editing, multi-device support, and stickers. These are expected to make the app more convenient and fun for users.

Therefore, WhatsApp is still a valuable tool for designers in business, and it will likely become even better in the future. If you want to stay updated on the latest news and developments about WhatsApp, you can follow them on social media platforms such as Twitter, where they regularly post announcements and tips for users. You can also share your feedback and suggestions with them, as they are always listening to their users’ needs and preferences.

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Image credit: Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
Image by jannoon028 on Freepik

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