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WhatsApp in customer service - everything you need to know [November 2023]

Information and tips from WhatsApp in customer service
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WhatsApp has evolved from a simple messaging app to an indispensable communication tool in our daily lives. With over two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become a popular communication platform not only in the private sphere, but also in the business environment. WhatsApp has become a popular tool for customer communication. In customer service in particular, WhatsApp offers enormous potential for communicating with customers efficiently and on a personal level. In this article, you will learn what exactly makes WhatsApp a powerful tool for customer service and how you too can use WhatsApp.

WhatsApp as a communication tool in customer service - these are the advantages

WhatsApp has established itself as a leading communication tool far beyond the private sphere, especially in the business sector. Its user-friendliness and worldwide popularity predestine WhatsApp for use in customer service. The advantages are manifold:

Broad user base
With over two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has an enormous reach. This high user base means that the majority of your customers are already familiar with the platform and use it regularly. In Germany in particular, over 60 million people use WhatsApp, which enables you to reach a wide range of customers.

Direct and efficient communication
WhatsApp's direct and personal communication method ensures fast responses. Messages are generally read and answered much more quickly than emails, which speeds up the communication process considerably and increases customer satisfaction. There are also no waiting times, as is often the case with telephone calls.

Multimedia interaction options
Companies can use WhatsApp to send a wide range of content such as text, images, videos and voice messages. This function makes it possible to respond flexibly and creatively to customer inquiries and convey information in an appealing way.

Simple and intuitive operation
The user-friendliness of WhatsApp makes communication easier for both customers and customer service employees. The intuitive user interface reduces training times and promotes efficient use.

Increase customer loyalty
The personal atmosphere and direct interaction on WhatsApp strengthen customer loyalty. Customers feel valued through communication tailored to their needs, which leads to increased brand loyalty.

Competitive advantage and brand presence
Compared to other companies that do not yet use WhatsApp for customer service, you can stand out through this channel. This unique selling point leaves a lasting impression on customers and can be decisive for their purchasing decisions.

Increase efficiency and reduce costs
Automated responses and predefined message templates on WhatsApp speed up the communication process and reduce the workload for your customer service team. This leads to the optimization of work processes and can reduce costs.

Reliable delivery and personalized communication
Unlike emails, which can end up in the spam folder, WhatsApp messages reach the recipient reliably. The platform also enables a personalized approach, for example by using text modules such as the recipient's first name.

These features make WhatsApp an essential tool in modern customer service that both meets the needs of customers and optimizes operational processes within the company.

Key functions of the WhatsApp Business API for customer service

With WhatsApp, customers can contact your company quickly and easily and make inquiries without having to wait on the phone or wait for emails. The advantage for you: With the right WhatsApp API provider such as Mateo, WhatsApp has numerous useful functions integrated that make your customer service highly efficient.

Functions and advantages of WhatsApp in customer service
The WhatsApp Business API turns the messenger into an effective tool for customer service.

Videos, photos, files, voice memos, etc... - Share everything that matters with your customers

You are no doubt familiar with the practical sending of media from private WhatsApp use: all kinds of files can also be sent with a WhatsApp business account. Be it dozens of photos, the latest invoice or even a video with which customers can easily explain a complex technical problem to you. You and your customers can share all important files with each other via WhatsApp. Without the typical email error messages from attachments that are too large.

‍Integrationsof other software applications

If your WhatsApp API provider makes this function available, you can integrate other software applications into WhatsApp and send fully automated messages such as invitations, order confirmations, shipping information, invoices or reminders or perform automated actions in your CRM system for incoming WhatsApp messages. With Mateo's WhatsApp API interface, you can integrate over 6,000 software programs.

Message templates and automatic replies

The message templates, text modules and automated responses available with WhatsApp are a great help in customer service. This reduces your response time and workload and allows you to process customer concerns highly efficiently.

Automated dispatch of important customer information

With the WhatsApp API, automated sending of messages such as invoices, collection confirmations, appointments and other important customer information is possible. All functions are available for efficient and personal communication.

Screenshot of an order confirmation via WhatsApp
Mateo can of course also be used to send automated messages about orders. Messages like these are not advertising messages, but important customer information and therefore do not require opt-in.

Unlimited number of devices and users per account

With the WhatsApp API, there are no technical limits to the number of users and devices per account. How many devices/users are actually possible differs depending on the API provider. With Mateo, there are few limits. We make sure that each of your employees has access to WhatsApp if you wish. With Mateo, it is also possible to connect multiple phone numbers to the WhatsApp API. Even your existing landline number!

Best practices for the use of WhatsApp in customer service

For a successful integration of WhatsApp into customer service, companies should follow certain best practices to maximize efficiency while ensuring compliance with data protection guidelines:

  1. Compliance with data protection guidelines: Data protection is of paramount importance when using WhatsApp for business purposes. Companies must ensure that the processing of customer data complies with the applicable data protection laws, in particular the GDPR. This also includes obtaining the necessary consent for data processing.
  2. Integration into existing CRM systems: The integration of WhatsApp into existing customer relationship management (CRM) systems can optimize customer service. Customer data can be managed efficiently and inquiries processed seamlessly. This enables consistent communication and personalized customer care.
  3. Customer service team training: Effective WhatsApp customer service requires trained employees. Training should cover both technical aspects of the platform and communication skills to ensure that the team can respond to customer queries professionally and effectively.
  4. Automation and chatbots: The use of chatbots and automated messages can increase efficiency, especially for frequently asked questions. This relieves the customer service team and allows them to focus on more complex queries.
  5. Clear communication guidelines: Companies should define clear guidelines for communication via WhatsApp to ensure consistent and professional communication. This includes aspects such as response times, use of language and handling of sensitive requests.

By following these best practices, companies can effectively integrate WhatsApp into their customer service while ensuring a high level of professionalism and customer satisfaction.

By the way: WhatsApp is not only good for customer service: WhatsApp also offers unbeatable advantages in marketing. You can find out more in our article "Why WhatsApp newsletters? 7 reasons to switch to the marketing channel".

‍What should I bear in mind when using WhatsApp in customer service?

Even if the versatile functions and advantages of WhatsApp in customer service are certainly so convincing that you would like to get started with WhatsApp right away, there are a few important things to consider:

  • The conventional version of WhatsApp Business is not GDPR-compliant. Customer service via WhatsApp in accordance with the applicable data protection guidelines is only possible with the WhatsApp Business API.
  • Sending messages via the WhatsApp Business API is subject to a fee. Only the first 1,000 conversations initiated by your customers are free of charge.
  • The WhatsApp trade guideline must be adhered to. For example, newsletters relating to alcohol, tobacco products, medicines and weapons are not permitted.

Do you have questions about setting up or using WhatsApp in customer service? Feel free to contact us via our web widget or arrange a free consultation.

Optimize your customer service with Mateo and the WhatsApp Business API

With Mateo, you have many options for fundamentally optimizing customer service and all customer communication. For example, with the central inbox, WhatsApp newsletter marketing, further integration and automation options and Google review management.

Customer quote Autohaus Hertlein
Autohaus Hertlein uses WhatsApp with Mateo for customer communication and has been able to significantly increase not only customer satisfaction but also sales.

At Mateo, we are your messaging experts when it comes to customer communication and outstanding customer service. Hundreds of companies are already using Mateo and are delighted with it. Our customers particularly appreciate the following benefits:

Thanks to the central inbox in the Mateo software , various communication channels are clearly bundled. This makes it particularly easy for you to offer your customers outstanding customer service and increase customer loyalty.
  • Integrations: With Mateo you can integrate WhatsApp with over 6,000 software programs and send fully automated messages such as invitations, order confirmations, shipping information, invoices or reminders.
  • Newsletter marketing: Send GDPR-compliant newsletters via WhatsApp or SMS and benefit from open rates of over 95%.
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‍‍

Henri Hoepfner
Messenger expert at Mateo

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Christian Strauch
Managing Director & Co-Founder

With Mateo, you provide your customers with an outstanding customer experience and gain loyal fans.

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