In Ecuador, Banco Bolivariano turned WhatsApp into its main customer channel using its assistant âAvi.â
98% of their customer inquiries got resolved directly within WhatsApp. Call center volumes went down 46%. And more than half of the additional credit card services were purchased directly through the app.
If a bank can drive this level of engagement, so can you. This guide breaks down 12 proven WhatsApp marketing strategies to help you turn it into your highest-performing channel.
Why WhatsApp Marketing Works So Well
95% of customers say they value how good support feels over how fast it is. WhatsApp balances both. Itâs personal, flexible, and easy to trust. Hereâs why itâs become a solid marketing channel:
1. Unmatched Engagement RatesÂ
Emails average a 20% open rate; WhatsApp messages hit 98%, showing clear marketing benefits. Theyâre read within minutes, replies come just as fast, and that immediacy makes it perfect for time-sensitive campaigns like abandoned cart reminders, restock alerts, or flash sales.
2. Personal & Direct Communication
81% of customers prefer brands that offer personalized experiences, and 70% want brands to remember their history. WhatsApp makes that simple. Instead of generic blasts, you can send tailored nudges that feel personal.
Take Uncover Skincare: with Flowcart, they segmented customers by location and purchase history, sent interactive skincare quizzes, and simplified checkout inside chat.
It led to them generating 3X more revenue than email and selling 80% of their products through WhatsApp.
Check out Flowcartâs more proof of work here!
3. Global Reach Across Demographics
WhatsApp is one of the only platforms used by over half of the worldâs online adults. In markets like Morocco and Nigeria, adoption tops 98%. Whether youâre reaching Gen Z in Lagos or retirees in Madrid, WhatsApp offers a single, trusted channel that works across ages and regions.
4. Multimedia Messaging Power
WhatsApp isnât limited to text. Brands can send product images, demo videos, PDFs, catalogs, and clickable buttons that guide customers to the next step.Â
Electromart, a major electronics retailer in Africa, launched a guided shopping assistant with Flowcart where customers could browse products, see images and prices in chat, and get personalized recommendations.
Conversations became longer, and more chats ended with confirmed checkouts.Â
12 WhatsApp Marketing Strategies for 2025
Most brands treat WhatsApp as just another broadcast tool. These 12 WhatsApp marketing tips go further, helping you use the platform for acquisition, personalization, and conversions across the entire customer journey.
1. Create a VIP WhatsApp List for Exclusive Offers
Every customer wants to feel like theyâre part of something special. A VIP WhatsApp list helps you curate this private space for high-intent buyers, offering them early access, limited drops, and exclusive perks that no one else sees.Â
Why it works: Exclusivity is a great motivator. Pair that with WhatsAppâs personal feel, and customers see your brand as a trusted insider giving them privileged access. That mix drives faster responses, higher conversions, and stronger loyalty.
Hereâs what putting it into action looks like:
- Frame the invite right: Avoid saying âJoin our WhatsApp group,â and instead ask, âWant first dibs on drops we donât even post about?â, lead with the benefit, not the tool
- Keep entry low-friction:Â Use a simple CTA like âJoin VIP Listâ on your site, post-purchase emails, or Instagram bio, and link straight to a pre-filled WhatsApp chatÂ
- Set expectations early: Promise value: âOne message a week. Exclusive offers only. No spam,â because clarity keeps engagement high
- Deliver on exclusivity: Send early links, limited-stock alerts, or even polls to let members shape product decisions
đ For example, a boutique skincare brand can launch a âGlow Circleâ on WhatsApp, open only to repeat customers. Each week, members may receive a personal message, such as, âHey Sarah, 50 jars just dropped, yours is on hold for the next 2 hours.â That sense of priority turns a routine promotion into a loyalty driver.
đĄPro Tip: Build anticipation with Flowcartâs Smart Broadcasts. Segment your VIP list (repeat buyers, high spenders, or loyal subscribers) and send them early-access drops with interactive buttons or polls.Â
2. Automated Welcome Sequences for New Customers
First impressions stick. People are most curious about your brand when they make their first purchase or right after signing up. You can use automated welcome sequences to greet new customers with a guided, personal experience and set the tone for the relationship with WhatsApp marketing automation.
Why it works: A warm, useful welcome right after sign-up or purchase taps into your customerâs heightened attention. It builds trust, reduces buyerâs remorse, and nudges customers toward their next purchase.
Hereâs how to start:
- Start with gratitude: Send a personal âthanksâ message right after purchase or opt-in
- Guide the next step: Share tips for using their product, FAQs, or even a short video tutorial to reduce friction
- Layer in personalization: Reference what they bought, âhereâs how to get the best out of your serumâÂ
- Add a soft upsell: End the sequence with a recommendation based on their first purchase
- Automate the flow: Use WhatsApp automation to trigger this sequence instantly and maintain consistency with every new customer Â
đ For example, a coffee subscription brand can set up a 3-message welcome sequence. The first message can thank new subscribers and share a brewing guide. The second one can introduce the story behind their beans with a short video. And the third might offer a discount on brewing gear, tying into the customerâs first purchase.Â
đĄ Pro Tip: Use Flowcartâs WhatsApp Flows to create no-code welcome journeys. Set up a sequence that thanks new customers, shares a quick how-to guide, and ends with a personalized recommendation. Once built, it runs on autopilot, so every new customer receives the same warm, value-packed onboarding experience.
3. Abandoned Cart Recovery Messages
Every marketer knows the pain: a customer browses, adds to cart, and⌠disappears. The cart abandonment rate averages close to 70%. But on WhatsApp, where messages are read within minutes, you can bring shoppers back before they drift away completely.
Why it works: People get distracted, second-guess, or just need a nudge. WhatsApp removes that gap with immediacy and personalization. A quick reminder, paired with context (âStill thinking about these shoes?â), helps customers avoid missing out on something theyâve already claimed as theirs.
Letâs break it down step by step:
- Send a friendly reminder: âHey Maya, you left these in your cart. Want to finish checkout?â
- Add urgency: Highlight limited stock or time-sensitive discounts: âOnly 3 left in your sizeâ
- Make checkout seamless: Include a direct checkout link inside the message
- Offer reassurance: Â If COD is common in your market, give a prepaid incentive or share return policy reminders to reduce hesitation
- Automate it: Trigger the flow to send 30â60 minutes after abandonment, with a follow-up the next day if thereâs no action
đ For example, Amazon India sends automated sequences like these for abandoned cart recovery:
đĄ Pro Tip: Flowcartâs Abandoned Cart Recovery feature triggers smart nudges with cart previews and urgency offers. You can schedule these follow-ups (30 minutes, 24 hours, 48 hours) and even include a one-tap checkout link directly in the chat. Paired with visuals, these reminders are far more effective than plain-text emails.
4. Personalized Birthday or Anniversary Offers
Everyone loves to feel remembered. Sending special offers on birthdays or anniversaries (for purchases or sign-ups) turns a standard promotion into a personalized, feel-good message.
Why it works: When customers feel seen and valued, theyâre more likely to engage, share, or buy. A simple birthday wish with a thoughtful offer creates stronger brand loyalty than a generic discount blast ever could.
Hereâs how to make this strategy work for you:
- Collect key dates upfront: Ask for birthdays or anniversaries during signup or checkout
- Automate the trigger: Use WhatsApp automation to send the message on the right dayÂ
- Add a personal touch: âHappy Birthday, Mia! Hereâs 20% off your next order, valid today only đ.â
- Go beyond discounts: Offer free samples, loyalty points, or early access to a product drop
- Encourage sharing: Include a button like âCelebrate with a friend. Share this codeâ to foster goodwill and attract new customers
đ For example, this is how Zomato, a food tech platform specializing in dine-in experiences and food deliveries, treats you on your birthday:
đĄ Pro Tip: Connect Flowcart Loyalty Programs to automate milestone rewards. Customers can see points, redeem rewards, and claim exclusive birthday offers right inside WhatsApp. It turns special-day promotions into a seamless experience that feels like a celebration.
5. Product Launch Campaigns with Early Access
Every new launch is a mini-event. And WhatsApp gives you a direct stage to build the suspense, reveal the product, and sell out before it even hits your site.
Why it works: Anticipation is one of the strongest triggers for buying. When customers feel like theyâre part of a launch countdown, they lean in. That energy turns interest into instant conversions.
What this looks like in real life:
- Build the countdown: Share teaser images, behind-the-scenes clips, or cryptic hints days before the launch
- Stage the reveal: Drop an exclusive first look to subscribers hours before the public announcement
- Give the head start: Share a direct purchase link with early-access buyers and keep stock limited
- Fuel the hype after: Send quick updates like â50 sold out in 2 hoursâ to push stragglers into action
đ For example, a sneaker brand can tease its new drop with a blurred photo: âComing Friday đ.â VIP WhatsApp subscribers should get the unblurred image and buy link 24 hours early. By the time the website goes live, thereâs a chance most sizes will already be sold out.
đĄ Pro Tip: Pair Click-to-WhatsApp Ads with AI Segmentation. Use ads to funnel new buyers into WhatsApp, then target early-access campaigns specifically to VIPs or high-intent segments. Flowcart ensures the right people get in first, and stock sells out faster.
6. Seasonal & Festive Campaigns
Festivals, holidays, and seasonal shifts are when shopping peaks. WhatsApp lets you tap into that momentum with timely, personalized campaigns that feel celebratory instead of salesy.
Why it works: Seasonal campaigns trigger temporal relevance. People are already in buying mode, so your offers land with less resistance. WhatsApp adds immediacy: messages sent at the right moment can prompt impulse buys.
A simple way to roll this out:
- Theme your campaigns: Use festive visuals, emojis, and cultural references
- Segment by region: Customize Diwali campaigns in India or Christmas promos in Europe
- Bundle offers: Pair complementary products into festive gift sets
- Run countdowns: Build urgency with daily reminders or flash sales
- Add interactivity: Conduct polls like âWhich hamper should we feature next?â
đ You can also skip seasonal campaigns and celebrate yourself like Nykaa, a wellness and fashion retailer:Â
đĄ Pro Tip: Use Smart Broadcasts to run region-specific campaigns. Flowcart enables you to tag customers by geography and send Diwali bundles to India, Christmas deals to Europe, or Eid specials to the Middle East, all from a single platform. Add a festive countdown flow to maximize urgency.
7. Post-Purchase Thank You & Upsell Messages
The sale isnât the end of the journey. A thank-you message on WhatsApp makes customers feel appreciated, while a gentle upsell suggests what to try next.
Why it works: When people feel recognized, theyâre more likely to reciprocate with repeat purchases. Pairing that with a relevant upsell taps into the commitment bias: once someone has made a purchase, theyâre more likely to say yes again.
Hereâs how to set it up in your workflow:
- Send an immediate thank you: Acknowledge the order with a short, warm note
- Add usage tips: Share guides, FAQs, or setup videos to reduce buyerâs remorse
- Suggest a complement: Recommend an accessory, refill, or upgrade
- Offer a loyalty perk: Reward repeat purchases with points or discounts
- Encourage sharing: Include a button for referrals, such as âSend this 10% code to a friendâ
đ For example, a fitness brand can send: âThanks for ordering your resistance bands, Paula! Hereâs a quick workout video to get started. P.S. Our yoga mats are 15% off today if you want to complete your set.â
đĄ Pro Tip: Automate these with AI-Generated Carts. For every thank-you note, Flowcart can drop a pre-filled cart with the perfect upsell, like accessories, refills, or bundle deals, based on what the customer just bought. Gratitude + relevance = repeat sales.
8. Customer Feedback Surveys via WhatsApp
Feedback is gold, but long surveys kill participation. WhatsApp surveys feel casual, like a friend asking for your opinion. That makes customers more likely to respond honestly and quickly.
Why it works: On WhatsApp, where people are used to tapping quick replies, surveys donât feel like work. A short feedback loop also strengthens trust: customers see you listening and acting on their input.
This is how to turn the idea into execution:
- Send 1â3 questions max: Keep it short and focused
- Use buttons or emojis: âRate your experience đđâ
- Time it right: Ask for feedback within 24â48 hours of purchase
- Automate follow-ups: Trigger a customer support flow if feedback is negative
- Close the loop: Share back improvements made based on feedback
đ For example, a food delivery service can send: âHow was your meal today? đŻ 1. Loved it đ 2. It was okay đ 3. Not happy đ.â Customers would be able to reply in seconds, giving the brand instant insights.
đĄ Pro Tip: Build quick surveys with Flowcart Custom Flows. Add emoji-based ratings, buttons, or short polls, and automate a loyalty reward for respondents. It's fun for your audience, and the results sync directly with your CRM for seamless follow-ups.
9. Run Flash Sales with Countdown Timers
Flash sales are all about speed. Pairing them with WhatsAppâs instant delivery and high open rates increases the urgency and makes it even harder to ignore. Customers see the deal, feel the ticking clock, and act before they miss out.
Why it works: When customers feel like an offer is slipping away in real time, it bypasses overthinking and sparks action. Countdown timers visually reinforce that urgency, especially on a platform where people are already primed to respond quickly.
Hereâs how you can run with this:
- Set a short window: Give a timeline of 24 hours or less to create urgency
- Add a visual countdown: Use GIFs or timer images to catch attention fast
- Segment your list: Reward VIPs with early access before opening to everyone
- Remind halfway through: Send one nudge before the sale ends
- Celebrate sellouts: Build the hype for next time with âAll gone in 6 hours, thanks for the love!âÂ
đ For example, this is how Westside, a fashion brand, runs its flash sale campaigns:
đĄPro Tip: Add Gamification to your flash sales with Flowcart. Instead of only sending a timer, make it interactive: drop a âspin-the-wheelâ coupon or scratch card in WhatsApp that reveals a surprise discount valid for the next few hours. Pair it with automated reminders through broadcasts, and seal the deal with in-chat checkout. The mix of urgency + play keeps customers engaged and makes them more likely to buy before the clock runs out.
10. Send Order Tracking & Delivery Updates
Once someone hits âbuy,â the next thing they want is reassurance. Order tracking messages sent via WhatsApp provide real-time status updates directly to the user. Itâs proactive, personal, and reduces support load.
Why it works: People hate uncertainty, especially when money is involved. Proactively sending shipping and delivery updates builds trust and sets a tone of reliability. Plus, customers are more likely to stay loyal when they donât have to chase basic info.
Follow these steps to put it in motion:
- Send instant confirmation: âOrder #1234 is confirmed, thank you!â
- Update milestones: Keep them informed whether their order is shipped, out for delivery, or delivered
- Add tracking buttons: Let customers check status with one tap
- Include support fallback: Ensure there is a quick-reply option for issues
- Acknowledge product delivery: End with a thank-you note or usage tip
đ For example, this is how Palmonas, a demi-fine jewelry brand, informs its customers of their order status:
đĄ Pro Tip: Flowcartâs In-Chat Checkout integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, or ERPs to send real-time order status updates. Customers receive confirmations, tracking links, and delivery alerts, all within the same WhatsApp thread where they made their purchase.
11. Highlight Social Proof (Testimonials, Reviews)
Trust sells. Showcasing what other customers say about your products is often the tipping point between browsing and making a purchase. Sharing this proof via WhatsApp brings validation directly into your customerâs hands, especially when they're still making up their mind.
Why it works: People trust people. When a customer sees someone like them raving about a product, it lowers their risk perception. And unlike website reviews that sit passively on a page, WhatsApp messages feel personal and direct, like a friend saying, Heyy, this actually works.â
Letâs turn this into your workflow:
- Curate high-trust content: Showcase what they loved, how it solved their problem, or what outcome they saw
- Create a social proof series: Spread out multiple pieces of proof over a few days for leads who are still warming up
- Personalize by segment: Send reviews based on what someone viewed, added to cart, or asked about
- Add a gentle CTA: End with something simple: âReady to try it for yourself? Hereâs a 10% code just for you đ [CODE]â
đ For example, this is how Palmonas does it:
đĄ Pro Tip: Use Smart Broadcasts with AI Segmentation to send reviews that match what customers care about. For example, if someone browses a particular accessory, like in the example above, Flowcart can send a testimonial about that exact product to make it relevant.
12. Re-Engage Inactive Customers with Special Offers
Inactive customers are distracted. Some drift away, forget about you, or get lured by competitors. WhatsApp provides a way to reopen conversations with relevance and value.
Why it works: Itâs easier to re-engage someone whoâs already bought from you than to acquire a new customer. But the key is relevance + timing. WhatsApp lands right in their personal space, where attention is more focused.
Hereâs your roadmap:
- Identify lapses: Segment customers who havenât purchased in 60â90 days
- Send a warm check-in: âWe miss you! Hereâs 15% off your favoritesâ
- Highlight whatâs new: Help them catch up on new arrivals, improved features, or seasonal launches
- Add exclusivity: Frame it as a private comeback offer
- Offer low-risk re-entry: Free shipping or COD incentives to reduce hesitation
đ For example, a food delivery app messages inactive users: âHavenât ordered in a while? Dinnerâs on us tonight. Get 20% off your next meal đ.â The personal tone can turn silence into renewed activity.
đĄPro Tip: Flowcartâs AI Segmentation identifies whoâs gone quiet (60â90 days with no purchase) and automates comeback campaigns. Pair it with gamification, such as a scratch card or spin-the-wheel feature inside WhatsApp, to re-engage users and make returning fun.
Think about it: a single flash sale recovered through cart reminders or a VIP list campaign can pay for your entire WhatsApp marketing stack. Flowcart focuses on that kind of ROI.Â
đ Want to see how affordable it is to run these WhatsApp marketing strategies at scale? Explore our pricing.
Best Practices for Successful WhatsApp Marketing
Your customers on WhatsApp donât want to be spammed, tricked, or treated like just another phone number. Follow these practices to keep the balance right.
1. Get Clear Opt-ins Before Messaging
Customers should know exactly what theyâre signing up for and what kind of updates to expect. That makes your messages feel welcome instead of intrusive and keeps your brand compliant with WhatsAppâs policies.
A line like âGet delivery updates and early access to offers via WhatsAppâ works better than a vague âSubscribe here.â The more specific you are, the more trust you build.
You can turn everyday touchpoints into opt-in opportunities with Flowcart. Drop a QR code on receipts or packaging so customers can scan and instantly join your WhatsApp list. Sweeten the deal with a coupon or loyalty points at signup.
And the beauty of Flowcartâs Loyalty Program is that rewards donât live in a forgotten app or email. Customers can earn, track, and redeem points right inside WhatsApp.
Bought something? Points get added automatically.
Havenât shopped in a while? Theyâll get a nudge to use their balance.Â
Want to cash out for store credit, discounts, or even mobile money? They can do it in the same chat where they shop.
This way, you can build an opt-in list with active, repeat buyers. Retention happens naturally because every message doubles as a reminder of the value theyâve already earned. And for your team, that means higher lifetime value and more reorders without pouring extra money into ads.
2. Keep Messages Short, Visual, and Interactive
Nobody opens WhatsApp hoping to read a mini blog post. The best messages feel quick, clear, and easy to act on. That means scannable text, paired with visuals or buttons that guide the user to the next step.
Instead of âCheck our new catalog,â send a carousel of products with a simple âShop Nowâ button. Or replace a long delivery update with a single line and a âTrack Orderâ link. The format itself should feel like a conversation, allowing customers to engage with your message.
Flowcart also lets you take it further with gamified CTAs. Imagine sending a spin-the-wheel coupon after a festive campaign, or a scratch-card reveal that unlocks a discount.
It lets you tap into the psychology of rewards. Customers engage out of curiosity, and the instant gratification nudges them closer to purchase.
The benefit for your brand is twofold: customers get a seamless, interactive experience where they know exactly what to do next. And, you get measurable ROI because every button click, game played, or cart redeemed ties back to revenue inside Flowcart.
TL;DR: When WhatsApp messages are short, visual, and interactive, they stop feeling like marketing blasts and start feeling like conversations customers want to participate in.
3. Personalize with Names, Past Purchases, and Location
Relevance is what makes WhatsApp work. A message that says, âHi Matt, your running shoes are back in stock,â feels personal. A generic âCheck our new arrivalsâ doesnât.Â
Customers expect you to remember what theyâve bought, where theyâre from, and how theyâve engaged with you before.
A quick tip on how to use their last purchase, a reminder about a local event, or an offer tied to their city makes the interaction feel thoughtful instead of transactional. Done well, these nudges build more loyalty than a one-size-fits-all discount ever could.
Flowcart makes this level of personalization practical. You can embed pre-filled carts right inside the chat that reflect a customerâs purchase history or browsing behavior. If someone left sneakers in their cart, they get the same sneakers dropped back into a one-tap checkout flow. That context shortens the distance between intent and action.
Location adds another layer. A message like âHi Aisha, our summer collection just dropped in Lagos, order today and get express delivery,â ties directly into where they live and whatâs most relevant to them. Pair it with in-chat checkout, and the offer feels seamless. Browse, pay, and confirm, all without leaving WhatsApp.
Even recovery campaigns benefit from personalization. With abandoned cart flows, Flowcart lets you nudge customers with product visuals, stock updates, or local delivery incentives that feel like a natural continuation of their shopping journey.
Done well, personalization becomes about embedding the right cart, showing the right offer, and making checkout effortless in the same window where the conversation started. Thatâs what builds loyalty far more effectively than a one-size-fits-all discount ever could.
4. Avoid Over-Messaging to Prevent Opt-Outs
Just because WhatsApp has high open rates doesnât mean you should test the limits. Too many promotions too often, and youâll get muted, blocked, or reported. WhatsApp even monitors message quality, so overdoing it can shrink your reach.
A good rule of thumb: 1â2 valuable updates a week. Keep an eye on engagement. If read rates dip, itâs a sign to slow down. Customers should look forward to your messages, not sigh when they see your name pop up.
And always make leaving easy. A simple line like âReply STOP to opt out anytimeâ keeps trust intact. When people feel theyâre in control, theyâre far more likely to stay subscribed.
Flowcart helps here with AI segmentation and Smart Broadcasts. Instead of sending the same update to everyone, you can pace messages by audience behavior.Â
For example, a high-intent segment (like your VIP list) might get early access to launches, while inactive customers only receive a gentle nudge once in a while.Â
Tool to Automate & Execute These Strategies
You now know how to market on WhatsApp to change the way you connect with customers. But hereâs the catch: running all of them manually is impossible.
You cannot send personalized birthday messages individually. Or keep track of abandoned carts without automation. Thatâs where most businesses stall out.
But Flowcart solves this problem.
Flowcart is an AI-powered conversational commerce and CRM platform built on WhatsApp, one of the top WhatsApp marketing tools available today.This means that instead of WhatsApp being âjust another mediumâ in your omnichannel stack, it becomes the primary channel.Â
đAcquisition, conversion, and retention happen all inside one chat window, powered by Flowcart.
Hereâs how and when you can use Flowcart when planning WhatsApp marketing strategies:
Turn WhatsApp into a Revenue Channel with Flowcart
Following WhatsApp marketing tips completes only half the story. The real challenge for B2C, D2C, and retail brands is how to market on WhatsApp without coming across as spammy or sending generic broadcasts.
Thatâs why the brands winning today are the ones who focus on execution. Spoiler alert: It can be your brand as well.Â
Flowcart is built for marketing managers who need results. With features like smart broadcasts, automated workflows, and in-chat checkout, you can implement these strategies quickly without incurring heavy technical overhead.
If youâre ready to turn WhatsApp into a real revenue channel, Flowcart is the place to start.
Book a demo today and see how easy it is to launch campaigns that engage, convert, and retain directly inside WhatsApp.
FAQs
How often should I message customers on WhatsApp?
Stick to 1â2 valuable updates a week. Too many messages can lead to opt-outs or muted notifications. The key is consistency paired with relevance. Customers should feel glad when they see your name pop up, not fatigued.
Can I use WhatsApp for cold outreach?
No. WhatsApp has strict rules against unsolicited messaging. Instead, build your list with clear opt-ins through your website, QR codes, or Click-to-WhatsApp ads. Customers who choose to hear from you will engage far more.
Whatâs the best type of content to share on WhatsApp?
Short, visual, and actionable content works best. Think product carousels, how-to clips, limited-time offers, or order updates. WhatsApp feels conversational, so keep your messages interactive.
Is WhatsApp marketing better than SMS or email?
It depends on your goal. Email is suitable for long-form updates, while SMS is ideal for quick alerts; however, WhatsApp excels in engagement. With 98% open rates and instant replies, itâs the strongest channel for conversational marketing and repeat sales.
How can I measure WhatsApp campaign success?
Look beyond open rates: track clicks, conversions, repeat purchases, and opt-outs. Tools like Flowcart also display campaign-level ROI, allowing you to see exactly how a cart recovery flow, a VIP list, or a festive campaign impacts revenue.

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