1. WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business is the most popular instant messaging app designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. It provides a platform to effectively communicate with customers, manage inquiries, providing support in a professional manner. With over 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp has a massive user base, making it an ideal platform for businesses to connect with their customers.
Key features:
- Business profile: Create a professional profile for your business with key information such as address, business hours, and a brief description.
- Messaging tools: Quickly respond to customer queries using pre-written messages or create shortcuts for FAQs, providing instant assistance.
- Product catalog: Showcase your products or services with images, descriptions, and prices in a convenient catalog format.
- Automated messages: Set up automated greetings to quickly engage and greet customers, even when you’re not available.
2. Facebook Messenger for Business
Facebook Messenger for Business is a powerful messaging platform that enables businesses to connect and communicate with their customers efficiently. Businesses here get to engage with their target audience through chat, video calls and even chatbots that provide personalized assistance. Facebook Messenger has an extensive user base of 1.3 billion monthly active users, making it an ideal platform for businesses to connect with potential customers.
Key features:
- Instant messaging: Real-time communication through text messages and multimedia content.
- Chatbots: Automated customer service through AI-powered chatbots, providing instant responses to frequently asked questions.
- Video calls: High-quality video calling feature to connect with customers face-to-face, enhancing engagement and building relationships.
- Payment integration: Built-in payment options allow businesses to easily process transactions within the Messenger platform, streamlining the customer journey.
3. Instagram for Business
Instagram for Business is a specialized version of the popular social media app, Instagram, that is specifically tailored for businesses. Instagram has a massive user base that you can leverage to connect with the target audience. It attracts users from diverse demographics, making it suitable for a wide range of businesses from small local enterprises to large multinational corporations.
Key features:
- Direct messaging: Businesses can communicate privately with their customers through direct messages, enabling personalized and direct interactions.
- Story replies: Users can respond to business stories through messages, allowing for quick and interactive conversations.
- Quick replies: Businesses can create and save frequently used responses, streamlining customer service interactions.
- Automated responses: Instagram enables businesses to set up automated responses for common inquiries, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.
- Shop integration: Businesses can showcase and sell their products directly on Instagram, providing a seamless shopping experience for customers.
4. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform designed for individuals as well as businesses to connect, engage, and collaborate. LinkedIn attracts professionals from diverse industries, including entrepreneurs, employees and freelancers. Its user base ranges from entry-level professionals to top-level executives, providing a vast network of potential customers.
Key features:
- Messaging: Initiating real-time conversations with the connections, making it a convenient way to communicate with customers.
- Groups: Users can join industry-specific groups to connect with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and engage in discussions related to their business niche.
- InMail: InMail enables users to send direct messages to anyone on LinkedIn, even if they are not in their connections, facilitating outreach to potential customers or clients.
- Company pages: Create a company page to showcase the products, services, and company updates. It offers valuable information to potential customers.
5. WeChat (Official Account)
WeChat is a Chinese multi-purpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app developed by Tencent. The Official Account feature within WeChat allows businesses to create official accounts to engage with their customers. While it is particularly popular in China, its reach extends globally, making it an ideal platform for businesses targeting both local and international markets.
Key features:
- Messaging: WeChat’s messaging feature allows businesses to have direct and instant communication with their customers, creating personalized interactions.
- Content marketing: Official accounts help to create engaging content such as articles, videos, & images to effectively communicate their brand message.
- E-commerce integrations: Integrates with e-commerce platforms seamlessly so the businesses can sell directly through the app, increasing customer convenience.
- Payment services: WeChat offers built-in payment services, allowing businesses to provide a seamless and secure payment experience for their customers.
6. Telegram
Telegram is a cloud based messaging app that allows users to send text messages, voice messages, multimedia files, conduct voice and video calls. With over 500 million active users, Telegram has a diverse user base that ranges from individuals to small businesses to large enterprises. It is especially popular among tech-savvy individuals and businesses that prioritize data privacy.
Key features:
- End-to-end encryption: Telegram ensures that all messages and calls are securely encrypted, offering users a high level of protection.
- Channels: Channels allow businesses to broadcast messages to a large number of subscribers, making it an effective tool for marketing and customer engagement.
- Bots: The app provides a platform for businesses to create interactive bots that automate tasks, provide customer support, and offer personalized experiences.
- File sharing: Telegram lets users share files of various formats, including documents, images, and videos making it convenient to exchange information with customers.
- Self-destructing messages: Messages can be set to self-destruct after a certain period of time, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential.
7. Viber
Viber for Business is a messaging app where businesses can reach and engage their customers through text, voice, video messages, etc. With such a vast network, businesses can tap into a large pool of potential customers, expanding their reach.
Key features:
- Instant messaging: Users can send text, images, and files instantly, enabling businesses quick responses to customer queries as well as real-time support.
- Public chats: Businesses can create public chats to share news, updates, and promotional content with their audience, expanding their brand visibility.
- Chatbots: Viber’s chatbot feature enables response automation, provides instant customer support, and streamline communication processes.