WhatsApp Ads

Unlock the potential of your WhatsApp Ads presence

Using WhatsApp ads to grow a business has completely changed how I handle real-time conversations with customers. In one of my recent campaigns, we aimed to increase awareness and lead generation by using Facebook and Instagram placements like Stories, Marketplace, and the News Feed. What helped us meet our objectives was combining smart tools like tracking pixels from Meta, API-based Conversions, and even syncing Offline data to accurately measure performance. I always tell small brands to Pick the right ads, craft creative content, and leverage smart algorithms to keep performing better over time, because it truly makes a difference when your offerings are tailored and engaging.

With just a bit of planning, you can unlock serious value from your WhatsApp ads presence:

• Send quick replies to keep every conversation active and personal
• Use marketing insights to drive higher sales through curated offerings
• Analyze results using the library of performance metrics and optimize continuously
• Highlight your unique brand with discovery content that fits right into the user’s journey

Thoughts on WhatsApp Business Advertising?

When I first started making and selling a homemade cheese spread from my kitchen, I thought keeping things limited to my locality would be enough. My plan was to build a small business model without diving deep into social media, but I soon realized that having an online presence is a fundamental pillar especially when trying to sell locally. Using WhatsApp ads connected to a business account, with a clear Call to Action, allowed me to reach people more personally.

Once I expanded into advertising on Facebook and Instagram, specifically targeting my area, things picked up fast. I also discovered that setting up a booth at local events, exhibitions, or places where foodies gather, worked wonders when paired with solid branding and appealing graphics. The best part? With some diligence and intention behind the message, the return showed up quickly even without spending too much money.

From what I’ve seen, WhatsApp ads definitely works, but it depends on the geography and the quality of your campaigning. Whether it’s a launch, a special offer, or just a message with a clear purpose, what matters is how you connect with your customers. In the US, it may not be the most popular option, but outside, it’s gaining ground fast. The tools from meta offer precise targeting, and when combined with smart marketing and strong SEO, they help you reach people more quickly and effectively.

Partnering with restaurants or wineries for wine and pairings promotions, staying consistent with your branding, and constantly asking yourself the right question like what would make someone click or message you will make your product stand out without needing to spend big. A simple, strong message, sent regularly, can go a long way in building a successful local business.

Advertise your business at every stage of the customer journey

Running ads through WhatsApp on the Business Platform helped me reach new and existing customers at the right time with the right product. I started by using Meta to build custom and lookalike audiences through targeting filters like Geo, location, age, and gender, which helped me find better prospects on Facebook and Instagram. I created Awareness campaigns that introduced my businesses using engaging formats like carousel, video, and image, and then moved into the Consideration stage where I could engage users through sales consultation experience. Using user-initiated and business-initiated conversations, I chose the right type and understood what was being charged at each rate.

Once the interest was strong, I used Purchase tactics to drive action and close deals. After that, I gave great customer service to encourage future use, then moved into Loyalty by offering special deals and promotions that directed members to discover even more. I used multi-product messages with reply buttons and a personalized, guided selling flow to develop real relationships and get better business outcomes.

7 Brands With Impressive Messaging to Reach Out to Customers Through WhatsApp

Back in 2019, I remember reading how The Financial Times experimented with WhatsApp ads to build deeper connections with its audience. Instead of relying solely on online platforms, they formed groups to send free articles daily. Anyone who wanted in could chat or send a message to their FT Business account, and that was it. The strategy worked not only were the customers more engaged, but they were also 40% more likely to click a link and return to the site within three days, compared to social channels. I found this move to be a clever way to turn a small but loyal audience into real conversions.

Then came Hellman’s, the famous Mayonnaise brand from Brazil. What stood out to me was how customized and personal their conversation approach was. They asked Brazilian customers to send photos of their refrigerators, and in return, professional chefs would provide tips based on available ingredients. Though the campaign was also visible on social media, WhatsApp was the preferred platform because it offered direct engagement. With an incredible 99.5% of users calling the service useful, the same format was launched in Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina.

As someone who’s always admired brand storytelling, Clarks, the UK-based shoe store, truly impressed me. They used WhatsApp to promote the brand’s history through an interactive storytelling format. Customers could connect with key figures from various subcultures tied to their iconic Desert Boot. It was like time travel chatting live with characters linked to fashion scenes from the Mod era, 1960s Paris, and the Reggae generation in Jamaica. It wasn’t just a campaign it was a journey through 65 years of culture.

A more practical and functional use came from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in the Netherlands. They integrated WhatsApp into their flight experience, sending flight alerts, boarding passes, and check-in notifications. What made it effective, from a customer support angle, was how they ensured consent from users at booking, giving the option to enable these updates. A verified WhatsApp Business account and a human agent behind the scenes guaranteed smooth escalations and real-time support something I think more airlines should copy.

Flipkart took advantage of conversational platforms like WhatsApp to push promotions, discounts, and announce features on their website. What struck me was their use of the Buy Now Pay Later model, which fits the Indian market perfectly. They reached out to thousands of customers through messages about the Flipkart Pay Later feature, which allowed users to purchase and pay later by a certain date. To nudge adoption, they even included a limited-period gift card for those who sign up a smart move to drive traction.

Forever 21, with its 500 outlets around the world, used WhatsApp differently. They created hype around their store openings in India by sending broadcast messages to area customers, inviting them to the launch. Their most genius move? Offering the first 100 shoppers a flat 50% off across the entire collection. As a marketer, I appreciated how simple, timely communication created excitement and drove foot traffic in a highly competitive market.

During the holidays and festivals, WhatsApp usage spikes dramatically a fact Swiggy, the Indian food delivery app, used very wisely. They sent greetings to friends, family, and customers, but also tied them in with special offers, boosting attention on festive occasions. Every order felt like a celebration, and it’s this kind of culturally timed outreach that makes a brand stick. In my opinion, aligning messages with national mood adds incredible value.

From Mayonnaise brands to E-commerce giants, these cases show that WhatsApp is more than just a messaging app it’s a powerful tool to engage, connect, and convert when used with purpose and creativity.

How to create ads on the WhatsApp Business App

When I first tried to create ads through the WhatsApp Business app, I was surprised by how simple and smooth the process was. You can actually set up an ad that appears on Facebook or Instagram, and it directly leads people into a chat with your business making the connection more personal. What I liked most is how you can tailor everything: from choosing photos or videos, to setting your budget, defining the duration, and picking your target audience. There are two ways to do this either with a linked Facebook account or just using your email. No matter which method you choose, your ad will appear right where your audience already spends time.

Create ad in WhatsApp Business with or without a linking a Facebook account

When I launched my first ad using WhatsApp, I was surprised at how smooth it was to get started, even without linking a Facebook account. You simply tap on More options, then go to Advertise and hit Get started. From there, I used the Tools section to choose a photo from my gallery, phone, or even a catalog or status. If you want to advertise something from your catalog, it must be approved first. I uploaded multiple photos, products, and statuses, tapped Next, and added a short description. Then came setting a daily budget, picking the duration, and choosing an audience. The system walked me through every Next step until it was time to Review and finally Create ad.

If it’s not your first time, the process is even faster. You can also choose to Advertise on Facebook directly by giving the Facebook app permission to access your device’s photo gallery just make sure your WhatsApp permissions are active. Once ready, you can Log in to Facebook, or if you’re already signed in, simply Continue with Facebook. The platform then asks for your email address to Send code, which arrives as a six-digit code.

After entering the code, select your country, region, currency, and time zone, then move forward to set your payment method and input your payment information. You’ll also need to add your business information, Save everything, Review your settings, and hit Create ad again. Don’t forget to agree to Facebook’s non-discrimination policy along the way.

How to Use WhatsApp for Advertisements in 2025

With over 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp has become one of the most powerful messaging apps for brands looking to reach potential customers. Every day, more than 100 billion messages are sent that’s about 41.7 million per hour, 694,444 per minute, and 11,574 every second. What makes it so effective isn’t just the high volume but the high deliverability too with an open rate of 98% and a click-through rate between 45-60%, over 5X the average CTR of other marketing channels.

As a marketer, I’ve seen how personalized WhatsApp campaigns can drive up to 3X the ROI, especially when paired with a solid marketing strategy and the help of tools like the ROI Calculator. If you’re working on your digital marketing and customer engagement plans this year, make sure to include WhatsApp and follow proven ad strategies, explore expert tips, and learn from top brands already excelling in advertising here.

Why WhatsApp Ads Scores Over Other Channels?

If you’re a small business owner or even working with larger companies, you’ll find that WhatsApp Business is one of the most effective tools for reaching potential customers and engaging with existing customers. Since its launch in 2018, the platform has been adopted by businesses across various markets like the US, UK, and beyond. With over 300 million downloads, it has truly transformed how brands connect, thanks to its ease of use, global appeal, and support for regional languages.

It’s also one of the few free apps that offer enterprise-level features while keeping user experience simple and secure with end-to-end encryption. This widespread adoption is no surprise, especially when reports like those from we are social and Hootsuite show that among active social media users aged 16 to 64, WhatsApp ranks as the favorite messaging app, far ahead of Facebook Messenger and Instagram Direct.

Does WhatsApp Ads Scores Over Other Channels? The Answer

I’ve worked on various marketing campaigns, and one thing I’ve noticed is how WhatsApp Business API gives a unique edge particularly for campaigns that require large-scale reach. Brands can leverage this platform to send 100,000 messages or more in a single go. The average user opens WhatsApp 25-30 times daily, which results in unmatched open rates, excellent click-through rates, and in some cases, almost a 100% delivery rate. That means very little non-delivery, and your message is unlikely to be lost. Whether it’s promotional offers, product launches, or reminders, I’ve seen these messages perform better than emails or traditional push notifications without hampering user experience or ad effectiveness.

From my own experience, WhatsApp’s role in Conversational Commerce is another reason why it stands out. Through conversational platforms, businesses are now able to create a personalized experience for each customer, making the buying journey more smooth and connected. If you’re selling products or services, integrating WhatsApp with E-commerce platforms like Shopify can help simplify selling, track orders, and send reminders all in one place. You can also integrate it with your Facebook business page and Instagram to receive messages from multiple platforms, keeping your communication unified. In today’s world where distribution and accessibility matter, WhatsApp’s seamless functionality makes it the most used tool for brands wanting real-time results across a worldwide customer base.

Tips for Creating Effective WhatsApp Marketing Campaigns

In today’s fast-paced platform environment, many businesses rely on WhatsApp ads to connect with customers, but sending a high volume of messages just for the sake of it won’t help. I’ve seen millions of multimedia formats like images, videos, and audio notes go unnoticed when sent without purpose. Packing too much information in a short period can harm quality. Even with high open rates and read rates, customers will only engage if the content is appealing, relevant, and grabs their attention.

Low-value or low quality messages can become detrimental to your brand, damaging your reputation with poorly thought-out messaging that creates the opposite effect. I’ve seen businesses learn this the hard way thinking reach is everything, when in fact, focus matters more.

To build a strong ad campaign, you must focus on personalized messages that feel truly customized to each user’s needs. Start by compartmentalizing people by age, gender, area, and language to build meaningful customer segments. That’s how I managed to increase engagement and keep the conversation going in my own campaigns. Clear and effective customer communication begins when the message is understandable, especially in local languages. When your personal messaging resonates with recipients, the brand becomes more relatable. Use an ads manager platform that allows regional targeting for higher return and deeper relatability in the customer’s minds.

Never forget that WhatsApp is a personal conversation space for most contacts. While communicating, especially on this platform, respecting the personal space of users is critical. Refrain from overwhelming them with promotional content, and only reach out during business hours with critical messages. Your credibility as a Business account depends on this. Avoid spamming, and monitor how frequently you reach out.

Use feedback features like polls to gather customer feedback. Many small businesses use these tools not just to improve products or services, but to validate if their campaign was a success. Leverage tools that simplify messaging management, support bulk messaging, manage multiple accounts, and include features like multi-language functionality, automated messages, and scheduled ads. Consider tools that allow you to integrate your Business API with social media, manage messages across platforms like your Facebook page, and turn your integrations into measurable efforts. In a competitive market, the right features aligned with your goals can turn any WhatsApp ads campaign into serious sales.

Helping Businesses Save Time and Money

In my experience, WhatsApp Business has truly changed how brands interact with customers, especially when it comes to reaching out in a more personal, one-on-one way. Both small brands and big brands are now using the app not just for ads, but to create more considerate ad placements that are focused on the customer’s needs, sending only the type of content people would actually like to see. This shift has altered how businesses communicate, making it more efficient while helping them save time and boost productivity. In fact, it’s expected that WhatsApp ads Business will help save over $11 billion and 2.5 billion hours globally, making it a must-have tool for any business that wants to market smarter, not harder.

Getting the Best Out of WhatsApp for Ads

Before launching any WhatsApp ads campaign, I always remind clients to define their marketing goals clearly whether it’s increasing brand awareness, boosting promotions, or aiming to collect feedback. Once your expectations are set, it becomes easier to develop a flow of content that not only fits your brand voice but also meets your customers where they are. A successful campaign isn’t just about pushing offers; it’s about creating personalized messaging with attention to detail, driven by the right strategies and aligned with your distribution strategies. Over time, following best practices in advertising and maintaining that sense of personalization has helped even small brands achieve powerful results and truly excite audiences through thoughtful campaigns.

Ads overview

Once your ad is approved, it will appear in the Ads overview, where you can monitor how it’s performing over time. In my experience, most results start to improve after the first two days, so it’s important not to judge performance too early. I usually Tap on Tools and go to Manage ads to check everything in one place. If something’s working well, you can simply Tap on Recreate ad and recreate the same ad instead of building from scratch. Whether you’re just getting started or want to Create ad again from the Ads overview, just a bit of tapping and testing can help you get better with each run even if your previous campaign has ended.