WhatsApp is fast becoming a versatile platform that can give diligent users the opportunity to increase their income. While the app itself doesn't allow ads or business transactions, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of its quirky format and earn small amounts of money on the go. When you have an account set up, you can promote your small business, do referral marketing for more established companies, or manage other aspects of your professional life, all from one convenient platform.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Promote yourself or promote your business
Step 1. Offer your services directly
Use WhatsApp to announce to the world a product, talent, or special opportunity that you think will benefit other people. Simply address the need of your contacts individually or message them all.
- Use the app's file sharing feature to send promotional images, videos, and other media files.
- Start a mailing list that is only available to a specific set of your WhatsApp contacts
Step 1. Add a link to your website
Instead of simply mentioning that you run a lawn care business or offer personal training, let your contacts see what you have to offer. Including a simple link will allow you to publicize your companies, which will help you generate attention and interest.
Create a custom signature for your messages that include a link to your website or your social media profiles
Step 2. Hold a virtual conference or seminar
Express your ideas on a larger stage using WhatsApp's group video calling feature. When users connect, they can see and hear you in real time. You can use PayPal to charge a small admission fee for viewing privileges or make the broadcast accessible to people who have paid to join the specific group.
- Ideally, you should be able to present some type of information or specialized knowledge.
- Conducting multi-part seminars can increase the amount of profit you can make and give a wider audience the opportunity to join.
Step 3. Provide live customer support
WhatsApp's person-to-person format makes it conducive to handling inquiries and concerns discreetly. Customers can text or picture faulty products, or even video chat with a live representative who provides solutions.
- Answer the questions yourself or ask a colleague or employee to handle business support correspondence tasks.
- Communication through WhatsApp is more fluid than through programs such as Facebook and Twitter, where comments can only be addressed a couple of times a day.
Part 2 of 3: Working with other companies
Step 1. Advertise on behalf of a larger company
Some companies have a policy of giving modest cash rewards to people who attract new customers. On the Internet, this type of word of mouth marketing involves providing testimonials through direct messaging, getting users to click on sponsored ads that send links to special offers and events.
- You can look for opportunities to collaborate with prominent companies such as restaurants, superstores, and hotel chains by messaging them and offering to share sponsored promotional content in WhatsApp posts.
- Try not to be pushy. Pushy advertising efforts will not be appreciated and may even get you reported.
Step 2. Generate advertising revenue
Although the app itself doesn't support ads, there's nothing to stop you from sharing links via direct messaging. If your website or some other site you're associated with supports paid ads, submit an address and encourage your contacts to review it. Every time someone opens the page, you will earn a small amount of money.
Try to send as few spam links as possible. If all you do is send addresses without descriptions or introductions, there is a chance that you will be mistaken for a spam bot
Step 3. Contribute local news
Pay attention to open calls from news networks and other publications to publish unique multimedia content in their WhatsApp news sections. Most of the time, these outlets will be willing to pay for high-quality photos, sound bites, and up-to-the-minute video recordings of important news. When you have something good, you can send it to the appropriate channels directly through the application.
- Be prepared to record unusual and exciting events that you think are newsworthy.
- Not all news outlets pay for outside contributions. You'll have to do a bit of research to find out which ones bring you a profit.
Part 3 of 3: Extending your reach
Step 1. Add as many contacts as you can
You can start by importing all the personal contacts from your phone. After that, you can expand your search to include business contacts, friends of friends, and casual acquaintances.
- To multiply your chances of making money, you need to make sure that you can grab the attention of as many people as possible.
- Encourage your friends and associates to start using the app so you can expand your professional network.
Step 2. Try to reach your stakeholders in a specific way
Now that you have an audience, you can start to determine who can benefit the most from your services. Adapt the content of the story to capture the attention of these people, or reach out to them personally to really impress them.
- For example, athletes will be more likely to seek nutritional supplements, while new mothers will be interested in a seminar on how to manage time more effectively.
- Analyze potential customers based on the activities and interests they list on their social media profiles.
Step 3. Create private groups
One of the most useful features of WhatsApp is the ability to create closed user groups based on some common interests or categories. A well-structured group can serve as a set of contacts that you can be sure will respond to your brand and your promotions.
- Groups must have a definite purpose. For example, they can give customers a space to offer suggestions about things they would like to see in the future or to provide feedback regarding a new product line.
- Be part of as many groups as you can. In this way, you will have the freedom to better fine-tune your marketing strategies.
Step 4. Simultaneously promote on other social media platforms
WhatsApp does not yet have the visibility of applications such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Fortunately, resourceful users can work through these programs to develop a larger following. Make regular posts to keep your contacts up to date, then direct them to your WhatsApp profile for more information.
- Let your friends on social networks know about exclusive offers and other content that they will only be able to find out by connecting with you on WhatsApp.
- Use WhatsApp as an alternative to other person-to-person chat options like Facebook Messenger or Snapchat.
Advice
- Make sure you follow the WhatsApp user guidelines when looking for money-making opportunities.
- Update to the latest version of the application. You will have a wider range of functions at your disposal and you will not have to worry about so many technical flaws or security problems.
- Check your WhatsApp messages frequently to make sure you don't miss important inquiries and requests.
- Download WhatsApp on your smartphone, tablet and other devices so you can always access your account wherever you go.
Warnings
- Performing scams or offering illegal services can get you banned from WhatsApp forever.
- Use good judgment when using the app to discuss personal details or to share financial information.