In recent years, the popularity of messaging apps has grown exponentially. Largely due to the convenience they offer users in terms of communication, instant messaging has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms.
This popularity has not gone unnoticed by businesses and marketing professionals, who are eager to find new ways to reach and engage their target audience. And what better way to do it than through instant messages?
What is the purpose of instant messaging in marketing?
Here’s why businesses should consider using instant messages as a marketing strategy:
Instant messages are personal
One of the main advantages of using instant messaging as a marketing strategy is that it offers a more personal way to communicate with your target audience. Unlike other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where messages are often public, instant messages—even on these same social networks—are private and personal.
This allows businesses to build closer relationships with their audience, as they can reach them directly without worrying about their messages being seen by everyone.
Instant messages are immediate
Another major advantage of using instant messaging as a social media marketing strategy is that it allows businesses to communicate with their audience quickly and efficiently. This is especially useful for providing real-time customer support, engaging in two-way conversations with your audience, and leveraging marketing opportunities as they arise. Additionally, it allows businesses to segment and personalize their messages for different groups, improving the effectiveness of social media marketing campaigns.
Instant messages are interactive
Another key advantage of using instant messaging for marketing is its high interactivity. Unlike other forms of communication such as email or even social media posts, instant messaging enables two-way conversations. This means businesses can easily gather feedback from their audience and respond to any questions they may have. Additionally, businesses can use instant messaging to conduct surveys and polls, which can be a great way to collect valuable insights.
Instant messages are cost-effective
Another great advantage of using instant messaging as a marketing strategy is that it is highly cost-effective. Unlike other marketing channels, such as TV or radio, you don’t need to pay for ad space or airtime.
All you need is a messaging app and an internet connection. Additionally, many messaging apps offer businesses a range of features and tools that can optimize marketing efforts, all at a very reasonable cost.
So there you have it: four reasons why businesses should consider using instant messaging as a marketing strategy. If you’re looking for a more personal, immediate, and interactive way to reach and engage your audience, messaging apps are definitely worth considering.
How to use instant messaging as a marketing strategy
Instant messaging is an invaluable marketing tool, as it allows brands to establish a direct and personal connection with their customers. Through instant messaging, brands can send personalized messages, offer exclusive discounts and promotions, and respond to questions and feedback quickly and efficiently. To maximize instant messaging as a marketing strategy, consider the following tips:
Use instant messaging to send personalized messages
Personalization is a key trend in marketing, and instant messaging allows you to take full advantage of this trend. You can send messages based on customer purchase history, interests, preferences, and more.
Offer exclusive discounts and promotions
It also allows you to offer exclusive discounts and promotions to your customers, helping to foster interest and loyalty to your brand.
Respond to customer questions and feedback quickly
Instant messaging allows you to establish a direct, personal connection with your customers, enabling fast and efficient responses to their questions and comments.
Use automation tools
Automation is key to maximizing instant messaging as a marketing strategy. There are many automation tools available, from virtual business cards to chatbots.
Content strategy
Instant messaging allows you to establish a direct connection with your customers and share relevant, high-quality content.
To fully leverage this strategy, carefully consider the type of content, the timing, and the appropriate channel to share it.
Most popular instant messaging apps
Instant messaging apps are essential for most smartphone users, allowing us to stay in touch with friends and family anytime, anywhere. But which instant messaging apps are the most used worldwide? Here’s the breakdown:
Undoubtedly the most used instant messaging app in the world. According to Statista, in 2020 WhatsApp had 2 billion monthly active users, a 9% increase from 2019, confirming its global popularity.
Facebook Messenger
The second most used messaging app globally. Some users prefer WhatsApp, while others remain loyal to Facebook Messenger. In 2020, it had 1.3 billion monthly active users, a 3% increase from 2019.
The third most used instant messaging app globally. Although more popular in China, it is increasingly used worldwide. In 2020, WeChat had 1.2 billion monthly active users.
QQ Messenger
The fourth most used messaging app globally. Popular mainly in China but increasingly used elsewhere. In 2020, QQ Messenger had 889 million monthly active users.
Viber
The fifth most used instant messaging app worldwide. Although not as popular as the others, its usage is growing globally. In 2020, Viber had 260 million monthly active users.
