Alright, listen up! Let’s talk about why nailing communication with your audience is an absolute must these days. I mean, seriously, it’s make or break for businesses and organisations, right?
So, check this out: WhatsApp came up with these cool channels that basically let you chat with loads of people all at once. It’s like your own little hotline to reach out to customers and communities in one fell swoop. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer when it comes to keeping everyone in the loop.
Now, picture this: You’ve got this amazing info you wanna share, yeah? Well, with WhatsApp channels, you can dish out all sorts of stuff – text, pics, vids, even stickers and polls. I mean, how cool is that? You’re not just limited to boring old text anymore.
So, whether you’re a small business or a big shot organisation, WhatsApp channels are your ticket to spreading the word and keeping everyone engaged. It’s like having your own little megaphone in the digital world!
What is a WhatsApp Channel?
WhatsApp Channel, also known as WhatsApp Broadcast Channel, is a new tool that was introduced in June 2023 and allows admins to distribute texts, photographs, videos, stickers, and polls. It is a one-way broadcast medium that functions similarly to an announcement board for your intended demographic.
It is accessible via WhatsApp’s dedicated “Updates” tab, alongside the “Status” feature. WhatsApp is also developing a searchable directory to help users identify channels connected to their hobbies, sports teams, and local government updates.
Why use a WhatsApp Channel for your business?
A WhatsApp Channel lets businesses chat with loads of clients at once. If you’re using WhatsApp, you can get some cool perks by hopping on the WhatsApp Channels train.
- Send out important stuff to heaps of people all at once.
| - Connect with loads of folks and get them chatting about your brand.
- Keep it simple with one-way chats to share info fast.
- Share all sorts of stuff like texts, pics, vids, stickers, and polls.
- Decide if you want your channel to be open to everyone or just a select few.
- Pick and choose who gets access to your channel to dish out the perfect content.
- Get more eyeballs on your content and reel in the right subscribers with easy searchability.
- Keep tabs on how your channel’s doing with handy analytics.
By jumping on board the WhatsApp Channels train, you can chat up your audience, get them buzzing about your brand, and tailor your content to keep them hooked.
How to create a WhatsApp Channel on Android devices?
On your Android device, open your WhatsApp (Business) App, and go to the Updates tab.
Tap the “plus” icon, and select New channel.
Click Continue to continue through the onscreen prompts.
Add a channel name to finish setting up your channel. You can change the name at any time.
Customise your channel: You can start to customise your channel right away by adding a description and icon to it.
The description should be a few words to help your followers understand what your channel is about, and what type of content they can expect.
Your icon can be an emoji, a sticker, or an image. You can either upload an image or take one as you’re setting up your channel.
Once you’re finished, click Create channel, and you’re done!
You can also read the guide from WhatsApp’s official website on how to create a WhatsApp channel for Android devices
How to create a WhatsApp Channel on iOS devices?
Open WhatsApp on your phone, and go to the Updates tab.
Tap on the “plus” icon, and select Create Channel.
Tap Get Started, and continue through the onscreen prompts.
Add a channel name to finish setting up your channel. You can change the name at any time.
Customise your channel: You can start to customise your channel right away by adding a description and icon to it.
The description should be a few words to help your followers understand what your channel is about, and what type of content they can expect.
Your icon can be an emoji, a sticker, or an image. You can either upload an image or take one as you’re setting up your channel.
Important things to note before using a WhatsApp Channel?
At the time, WhatsApp Channel was only available in Singapore and Columbia.
Administrators’ and followers’ WhatsApp Channel profiles and phone numbers will not be displayed. That is, no phone numbers will be displayed on the WhatsApp Channel. This invites subscribers to join the channel while protecting their personal information. If you are afraid that people will find it difficult to contact your brand, you can share a WhatsApp click-to-chat link that allows users to open a chat with you.
WhatsApp Channel history will be kept on the server for only 30 days. Businesses can use this tool for timely updates and limited-time promotions, or they can use WhatsApp Channels instead.
What will you be able to accomplish with your new WhatsApp Channel?
You can utilise WhatsApp Channels in a variety of ways, depending on your personal or professional objectives. You might use it as a private user or influencer to share stuff with your followers or friends and family.
The key use case for businesses is to share one-to-many broadcasts. As an example, you may share new product launches, company news, deals, or useful content. You can’t personalize messages, create target groups, use automation, or use templates, and you only get a few insights.
However, when combined with your use of the WhatsApp Business API, it can be a truly intriguing complementary tool for your business to guide more users to your WhatsApp conversation.
