Using WhatsApp To Grow A Business
- emily4478
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
By Paul Green
In a world where inboxes are ignored and social feeds are full of noise, one platform continues to quietly outperform them all: WhatsApp.
It’s not new. It’s not flashy. But it’s where your clients actually are—and where they’re already having their most important conversations. With open rates as high as 95%, and billions of users globally, WhatsApp is no longer just a tool for friends and family—it’s fast becoming one of the most effective, human-centred platforms for business.
And this isn’t just for online businesses. Whether you’re a service provider, consultant, creative, or you spend your time at networking events and face-to-face meetings, WhatsApp can help you follow up faster, build better relationships, and close more deals.
But it’s not about blasting messages. The real magic? Conversations.
From Broadcasting to Conversation
Traditional marketing still leans on broadcast thinking: send an email, post a video, launch a campaign—then hope someone engages.
WhatsApp flips that script. It’s not about blasting, it’s about responding. Talking with, not at.
The businesses using WhatsApp well treat it as a conversation channel. They reply fast. They ask questions. They make people feel heard, not hunted.
And here’s the thing—this approach doesn’t just “feel nicer”, it converts better too.
Speed and Simplicity Win
When someone fills out a contact form or messages your page, there’s a small window of attention. Miss it, and the moment is gone.
That’s where WhatsApp shines.
Responding within five minutes makes you up to 100 times more likely to close a sale. WhatsApp helps you get there—fast.
Even a simple automation can make a difference. When someone gets in touch, you can trigger:
· A message acknowledging their enquiry.
· A short set of options to route them to the right person.
· A note letting them know when to expect a reply.
This isn’t about pretending to be available 24/7—it’s about reassuring people they’ve been heard.
And when they do get a reply from a real person (not a bot), that trust deepens. You’re not just faster—you are human.
Use WhatsApp Everywhere: From Confirmations to Conversations
On a basic level, WhatsApp can streamline dozens of everyday touchpoints across different industries:
· Retail: Order confirmation messages with a personal thank-you video.
· Coaching & Consulting: Post-call summaries with next steps or prep materials.
· Events & Networking: QR code on a name badge that starts a WhatsApp chat instead of handing over a business card.
· Healthcare & Wellness: Appointment reminders with a link to reschedule instantly.
· Property & Trades: Sharing location updates, arrival times, or even "before and after" job photos.
It’s not complicated—it’s just smarter communication.
But here’s the truth: the real power of WhatsApp isn’t in logistics. It’s in the conversation. Because right now, more than ever, the businesses that are having more conversations… are doing more business.
Bring Real-Life Connections Online
You don’t need to spend hours online or speak at big events to make WhatsApp work.
If you’re out there networking—attending business breakfasts, exhibitions, or community meetups—you already have the perfect use for WhatsApp.
Forget business cards. Print a QR code on your name tag or flyer. When someone scans it, they’re instantly in a WhatsApp chat with you.
Not only does this avoid the awkward “I’ll email you later,” it also gives you a friction-free way to follow up. You can:
· Thank them for the chat.
· Share the resource you mentioned.
· Offer a no-pressure next step.
And just like that, you’ve gone from a brief intro to a real, ongoing relationship.
Use Media to Build Trust (Even Voice Notes!)
WhatsApp isn’t just for text. You can send voice notes, videos, PDFs, and even interactive buttons—and they all work well when used with intent.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: voice notes. People say they hate them. And yet… they’re one of our best performing formats.
Why? Because your client has to listen to know what it says. And if what they hear is valuable, helpful, or personal, they stay engaged.
Voice notes work particularly well:
· When replying to questions with a personal touch.
· When introducing yourself post-enquiry.
· When explaining something complex that would take too long to type.
Similarly, short videos can build trust fast. A “thanks for booking” video. A 30-second intro before a call. A visual explainer after a quote. These aren’t high-production pieces. They’re human.
Used sparingly and smartly, media formats can create connection much faster than text alone.
Rescue the Contact Form
We’ve all filled out a contact form and wondered, Will anyone actually read this?
Most sit in inboxes waiting for someone to action them. By the time you reply, the lead’s gone cold—or gone elsewhere.
Adding a WhatsApp option to your website solves this. Instead of—or alongside—a form, include a button that says:
“Got a question? Message us on WhatsApp.”
From there, you can have a quick back-and-forth, answer a question, or share a link. It’s faster for them, and it moves the conversation forward while they’re still interested.
Keep Messages Short and Actionable
Remember: WhatsApp is not email.
You don’t need long intros, formal signoffs, or five-paragraph explanations. Keep it tight. Be clear. And give people an obvious next step. If more detail is needed, offer to send a document, video, or book a quick call. But don’t try to fit everything into one message.
Also: one idea per message. If you’re sending a paragraph with three questions inside, most people will answer none of them.
Segment and Personalise Without Creeping People Out
You don’t need fancy CRM software to personalise your WhatsApp follow-up. Just a few simple tags can go a long way.
Tag someone by how they came in:
· Met at an event
· Replied to a campaign
· Asked about a specific service
Then when you follow up, it’s relevant and respectful. Not generic: “Hi, just circling back after our chat at [Event]—you mentioned you were exploring X. Is that still a priority?”
Simple. Personal. Effective.
WhatsApp isn’t about spamming people with offers. It’s about creating real conversations, faster than email and more personal than a form. And in this climate, conversations are what lead to clients.
Use WhatsApp to start those conversations sooner. To respond like a human. To show up with speed and warmth. And to create simple, valuable interactions that move people forward.
Because whether it’s a voice note that cuts through the noise, a follow-up message after a networking event, or a thank-you video after a sale—the business that talks better, wins.
Paul Green is the founder of Client Funnels, a keynote speaker and creator of the WhatsApp Sales & Marketing System. Through his unique business -growth model Paul works with CEOs and sales teams to build fast, conversation-driven systems using WhatsApp. Over the past 5 years clients have included global entrepreneurs Suzy Ashworth, Helen Tudor and Sami Wunder.
A former commercial airline pilot, Paul’s expertise now lies in helping clients improve lead response times and simplify their sales process with fast, conversation-driven WhatsApp systems. His approach combines automation with human interaction, enabling clients to turn everyday enquiries into real conversations that drive results.
