Discover the secrets of WhatsApp Push Marketing for your Business or Brand

Few people can resist opening a WhatsApp message, especially if it's personalized to their data and preferences

WhatsApp, Africa's go-to messaging app, offers a unique opportunity to engage with your audience on a platform they already trust and frequently use. 

Imagine your message landing amidst daily work updates from colleagues, school schedules from your child's teacher, and weekend plans with friends. 

This integration into everyday life not only captures attention, think how hard it is to ignore a WhatsApp message, but fosters a deeper connection with your audience, leveraging the familiarity and trust inherent in the app to enhance your business communication impact.

WhatsApp Push Marketing has emerged as a game-changer and V5 Digital, a leader in innovative marketing strategies, has harnessed the potential of this platform to drive remarkable results for brands and businesses.

WhatsApp is quick, direct and personal with all messages together in easy-to-search threads

What are WhatsApp Push Notifications?

WhatsApp notifications are messages that are being exchanged between private users and businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform.

This platform can be used by an unlimited number of users and send messages to an unlimited number of customers at a time. The free app, on the other hand, can only be used on a maximum of 5 devices and broadcast messages to a maximum of 256 contacts at a time.

From broadcasts to customer service messages to automated chatbot replies, the feature is exceptionally versatile and offers businesses many opportunities to communicate with their customers and consumers.

You can send:

1. Updates: Notify customers about the delivery status of their online purchases through timely WhatsApp push notifications.

2. Announcement: Alert your target audience about in-stock high-demand products or new collections.

3. Appointment Reminder: Reduce missed appointments in service industries by sending WhatsApp notifications one day in advance, saving costs and increasing customer engagement.

4. Account Updates: Use a WhatsApp ChatBot to inform customers of account setting changes and membership plan updates, ensuring prompt awareness of unauthorized activities.

5. Payment Request: Communicate order details, invoices, and payment status changes via WhatsApp, including post-auction updates.

6. Promotions and Offers: Enhance your promotional strategies by incorporating Facebook and WhatsApp push notifications to increase effectiveness.

At V5 Digital, we specialize in crafting compelling messages and designing effective WhatsApp marketing strategies. Our focus is on personalization, timeliness, quality, and trust, ensuring your brand stands out in the crowded digital space.

A Success Story with Heineken

Our campaign for Heineken is a testament to the effectiveness of WhatsApp Push Marketing. Through targeted and timely notifications, we were able to keep the audience entertained and informed, leading to increased brand awareness and customer engagement.

Heineken WhatsApp Push Marketing Campaign - created by V5 Digital

Transforming Surveys with WhatsApp

Our Post Oktoberfest Survey is another shining example. By utilizing WhatsApp Push Notifications, we saw an immediate spike in website traffic and an astounding 300 survey responses from attendees. This approach not only simplifies the feedback process but also enhances customer interaction and data collection.

Oktoberfest Windhoek WhatsApp Push Marketing Campaign - created by V5 Digital

Why are more businesses joining WhatsApp in 2024?

WhatsApp push notifications can be a powerful tool for businesses, primarily aimed at boosting customer retention. While many companies focus on attracting new clients, retaining existing ones is equally vital, and WhatsApp notifications offer an efficient way to keep customers engaged.

These notifications can be used to update customers about new products, services, and important news. They allow for targeted messaging to specific customer groups and can be automated for optimal timing, ensuring relevant and timely communication. This strategy is an effective method to maintain a continuous connection with your target audience. The App is perfect for:

⭐️ Customer Experience Focus:

Enterprises see WhatsApp as a low-effort tool to enhance customer experience, directly impacting revenue growth.

📈 Proven Results:

With matured usage, businesses are seeing significant returns on WhatsApp campaigns, with high average revenue per recipient indicating strong customer engagement.

🌟 Compelling Revenue and ROI:

The combination of high revenue potential and low risks makes investing in a WhatsApp channel a smart move.

✋ Growing Demand:

There's a shift away from impersonal communication methods like email (that can have low open rates) towards more personal interactions. Consumers increasingly prefer messaging apps like WhatsApp for business communications.

🤖 Advanced Tools:

The development of sophisticated automation, analytics, and commerce integration tools on WhatsApp enhances revenue opportunities and optimizes resources.

💪 Competitive Advantage:

Since most enterprises haven't adopted WhatsApp yet, early adopters can gain a significant competitive edge.

Are you curious about unlocking the potential of WhatsApp Push Marketing?

Discover the power of personalized, direct engagement with your customers. This effective marketing strategy offers a unique opportunity to foster lasting relationships through dynamic, two-way conversations. Ideal for those aiming to deepen customer connections and elevate their marketing approach.

Don't just read about success – be part of it with V5 Digital!

Click the button below to start your WhatsApp Push Marketing journey.

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State of Email - 2024 Email Marketing Predictions

As we journey into 2024, expect email to not just survive, but thrive!

A new year brings new email trends! Working in a constantly evolving industry requires keeping a finger on the pulse. This is especially true after an eventful year of AI updates, BIMI advancements, Apple’s Link Tracking Protection, and record email volumes.

Are you prepared for 2024?

We watched the State of Email with Guy Hanson to learn more about email trends we’ll see in 2024—and how to prepare.

Validity's Email Analytics

• Email remains a high performer in terms of return on investment.

• Many increase email campaigns towards year-end to boost conversions.

• Caution: Increased volume can lead to neglect of best practices, risking inbox rejection.

• Common issue: Sending emails to non-existent addresses.

• Solution: Utilize an email list validation service before ramping up volume.

• Action Step: Remove unknown or invalid addresses from the list.

• Recommendation: Enhance segmentation criteria based on the recent engagement history of the email addresses.

Spam Trap Trends from Validity

• Increasing email volume often leads to hitting Spam Traps.

• A rise in recycled and pristine traps indicates issues with sunset policy or segmentation.

• Sending to non-engaged addresses is a common problem in such cases.

• This scenario is a definite indicator that the email volume strategy needs reassessment.

Email Rejection Data from Validity

• Mailbox providers analyze all available data about senders and their messages to establish a sender reputation.

• Each mailbox provider operates independently in evaluating sender reputations.

• A positive sender reputation enhances email deliverability, ensuring messages are accepted and likely delivered to the inbox.

• Monitoring email rejection metrics is crucial as it directly reflects how mailbox providers perceive and treat your messages.

• Increased email rejections suggest a potential decline in the sender reputation.

Valuable Spam Complaint Insights from Validity

• Increased email volume typically results in more complaints.

• In December, a noticeable decrease in complaints is observed.

• Possible reasons for fewer complaints in December:

• People may be more lenient due to the holiday spirit.

• Reduced email checking frequency during the holiday season.

• Higher likelihood of people being away and less engaged with emails.

Average Validity Client’s Test Results

• Inbox goes down in November/December

• Missing rates (waiting for a message that never arrived) go up in those same months

What Predictions Can We Make From This Data?

Email Value Is Going Up!

• Rapid Growth in Users: From just 55 million email users worldwide in 1997, we're expecting an astonishing rise to 4.73 billion by 2026, according to Statista.

• Increasing Email Volume: Daily global email volume is projected to swell from 306 billion in 2022 to over 393 billion by 2026, as per Radicati's findings.

• Rising Email Revenue: The global email marketing sector, valued at $9.2 billion in 2022, is set to soar to $26.7 billion by 2028, reports Market Growth Reports.

About 15% of global email volume constitutes personal emails. The remaining 85% is commercial, with approximately two-thirds of these being unsolicited. However, when we analyze the 100 billion permission marketing emails sent daily and compare them with the revenue figures, we find an average value of 12.9 cents per email. This figure is expected to increase to around 17 cents by 2026.

Validity predicts that the value of email is growing by an impressive 15% every year.

Four Key Reasons Behind the Growth

1. New Privacy Laws: Robust consent and greater transparency are having a positive effect on marketing efforts.

2. New Email Standards: Regulations introduced by Yahoo and Gmail are set to boost subscriber trust significantly.

3. Advancements in AI: The ability to send more effective triggered emails is a major revenue driver, aiding in one-to-one hyper-personalization.

4. Shift in Ad Spend Due to 3rd Party Cookie Restrictions: With Google Chrome planning to ramp up restrictions on 3rd party cookies, there's a likely shift in ad spending from search ads to email marketing.

VIP Treatment Is the New Personalization 

• Identifying VIP Subscribers: Understanding what elevates a subscriber to VIP status is pivotal. Assess whether your email program is finely attuned to the unique needs and behaviours of these valued customers.

• Loyalty Through Experiences: Consider the foundation of your subscribers' loyalty. Often, it's rooted in the great experiences they've had with your brand. Enhance this connection by offering engaging experiences that deepen their commitment.

• Engagement-Boosting Strategies: Interactive experiences, such as scratch-offs, have been proven to ramp up engagement. Hickory Farm recently created a lot of engagement with a scratch-off campaign. You can also use experiences instead of discounts.

Hickory Farms' Scratch-Off Campaign

• Data-Driven Personalization: Employ preference centre data to personalize communications effectively. Quality data is essential to understand customer behaviour, anticipate their next purchase, and suggest complementary items that show you're paying attention to their likes.

• Intelligent Segmentation: Group customers by their preferences and purchase history. For instance, if a segment predominantly buys shoes, tailor your emails to feature footwear. Similarly, respect lifestyle choices by not sending a vegan client advertisements for steak.

• Communication Is Key: Maintain regular communication with your customers to stay informed about their preferences. This consistent engagement not only provides valuable insights but also reinforces their VIP status.

Accessibility Standards Awareness Increases

Validity predicts and hopes that marketers will increase accessibility awareness and functionality for their email programs.

They think marketers will become increasingly aware of accessibility standards in 2024, and develop a holistic accessibility strategy for email by:

1. Investing in robust accessibility tools

2. Soliciting feedback directly from subscribers

3. Establishing a standard operating procedure for accessibility quality assurance for email campaigns

4. Sourcing technology and consultants that specialize in improving accessibility in marketing channels

5. Working across teams to ensure cross-channel accessibility

Email Will Get Political

This year 70 nations including Namibia will be having elections! This will touch email in a big way! We will need to:

Monitor customer behavior

• Understand the impact of increased political and economic uncertainty on engagement

Understand customer expectations

• Will your target audience expect your brand to make a clear stand on political issues, or to stay out of the conversation?

A study by Edelman found that 64% of GenZ say they buy from brands based on their beliefs.

Stay on brand

• Now is not the time to change your message to be relevant to the election.

Be flexible and willing to pivot

• Incorporate trendspotting and social listening into campaign planning. Be aware of – and responsive to key political events and dates.

Bulk Senders Prepare For Yahoo and Gmail Updates

As we step into February 2024, significant changes in email authentication practices are on the horizon, especially for those using Gmail and Yahoo. Understanding these changes is crucial for businesses and email marketers aiming to maintain high deliverability and a strong sender reputation.

New Sender Requirements from Gmail and Yahoo: Ready or Not, Here They Come!

Definition of a Bulk Sender

• 5000 messages per day to Gmail accounts

Authentication for sending domain

• Required: SPF, DKIM and now DMARC

• DMARC policy can be set to “none”

Easy Unsubscribe

• Bulk senders must have One-Click List Unsubscribe

• Visible opt-out link in the message body

Spam Complaints Threshold 0.3%

• Gmail: Use Postmaster Tools

• Yahoo: Use FBL data

Validity feels this could lead to a "report illegal content button" or a "mass unsubscribe" button.

Minimalist Email Design

Targeted Marketing

• Using segments created from preference centres and shopping habits, design shorter and more targeted emails

Quicker Browsing

• No more long scrolling emails with every possible product, keep it simple and encourage quick click-throughs to the website

Better Designs

• Minimal designs are cleaner and easier to see on all devices

Clearly Defined Purpose

• What is the goal of your email? Minimally designing an email means better planning and a clear strategy

A great example of clean design in email

Huge rise in e-receipts to combat waste

• France has banned the use of paper receipts.

• V5 Digital has you covered with SmartSlip™.

• Or you could use, email, QR codes, or SMS.

Artificial Intelligence Will Eat Itself

Cycle of Inputs

• If AI relies on itself for fresh inputs, we're missing the mark. Remain (or get) personal with customers to fuel your AI data, and use it wisely

AI & Laziness Become Synonymous

• AI has become lazy! Use it for ideas and inspiration but utilize subscriber data to enhance content and engagement

Go with what you know

• Conduct A/B testing, use preference centre data, lean on things you know that spark the interest of your subscribers

Keep it legal

• Watch for new laws that will encourage transparency when AI is used. Ensure you're staying within boundaries to avoid potentially costly fines

Stay on brand

• Subscribers (and mailbox providers) expect brand consistency, which fosters trust in the legitimacy of your messages

Focus on Sustainable Email Marketing

Marketers will put sustainability at the forefront of email communications to:

• Align with consumer values and retain customers

• Achieve business and government objectives

• Stay competitive and retain customers

Depending on the type, emails can release between 0.3 and 26 grams of C02 emissions says Validity.

So making your email campaigns more efficient can help the planet!

If a customer can choose between two brands why would they choose the one with a lesser commitment to our environment?

V5Digital recommends the following

Back to Basics

MarTech Reduction

• Brands are reducing their MarTech stacks, and only the most critical solutions remain

Email Program Audits

• Infrastructure, triggers, etc. will be up for review

Retention vs Growth

• More focus on keeping loyal customers over increasing file size

Email "plus"

• Due to staffing cuts email marketers now have SMS and social channel responsibility. This could lead to more seamless customer experiences across channels

Automation & Efficiency

• Brands looking to maximize spend and do more with less. (e.g. use of AI and no-code platforms)

We all know the big four, Gmail, AOL, Yahoo and Microsoft but is it time for a new contender?

Where is the Next Big Email Provider?

MAGY – Microsoft, AOL, Gmail, Yahoo

• Launched between 20-30+ years ago

As technology changes, mailbox providers adapt and grow

• Auto-complete; app versions; tags; spam algorithms; etc.

Many other mailbox providers exist

• And new ones are launched regularly

• Are we due for another major contender?

Many integrations exist that can be added to your inbox to suit your needs

• But first, you need to know what you need!

• There could be integrations that you don't even know to look for

Gen Z has entered the workforce with the oldest in their early/mid-20s

• Not known for being an email-heavy generation

• But Email isn't going anywhere

• How will they change things?

• We predict they will bring something new to the table

Possible Priorities:

1. Include SMS number processing through the MBP

2. Auto tl;dr summary

3. Exclusivity

4. Social Media integration, or part of the platform

5. MBP created a preference centre (how often do you want to see emails from us)

6. Gamify emails

7. Privacy focused

Going Forward

As we transition into 2024, the landscape of email marketing is poised for significant transformations. The insights gained from the Webinar, State of Email alongside the evolving trends and statistics, highlight the critical need for businesses to adapt and innovate.

Are you ready to embrace these changes and elevate your email marketing strategy?

V5 Digital is here to guide you through these dynamic times. Our expertise in harnessing the latest email trends, combined with our commitment to sustainable, efficient, and highly personalized email marketing, ensures your business stays ahead of the curve.

Reach out below for a no-commitment consultation with a member of Team V5 Digital below.

Contact Us

Watch the full Validity Webinar for even more insights: Here

Hearts and Hashtags: Valentine's Day Marketing Campaigns We Adored

Just like in love, marketing is all about genuine connections

Roses are red, 

Violets are blue, 

We ❤️ these campaigns, 

And so will you! 

All over the internet banners are turning red and pink, agencies are crafting engaging love letters to customers and brands are embracing the spirit of romance with innovative and heartwarming campaigns.

Here at V5 Digital, we've donned our Cupid wings and embarked on a quest to find the most captivating and creative Valentine's Day campaigns from around the globe.

We aim to inspire your business or brand by sharing past campaigns that set our hearts fluttering with their passion, sincerity, and keen insight into what their audience truly desires.

Freda’s Favourite Campaign

V5 Digital's Customer Success Strategist knows how to put one word after another to catch attention, inspire action, and ignite a lifelong love affair with a business or brand.

When in doubt she follows the advice of the advertising executive Leo Burnett: “Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make it fun to read.”

A great example of this is Brooklinen’s Valentine's Newsletter. This gift guide promises to solve your shopping woes with a fun-to-follow flowchart. It turns negative situations (if they don’t love you back) into positive ones (treat yourself) including everyone in the fun. At the bottom, they create a little urgency and relieve a common pain point for shoppers.

Never underestimate the marketing power of a great newsletter

Top Tips for Your Valentine's Day Campaign

• Keep it short: Modern attention spans mean every word has to earn its place on the page.

• Say their name: Personalize your message by addressing your reader directly.

• Include emojis: Market research has shown that people ❤️ emojis.

• Inject urgency: Words like “hurry” and “don’t miss out” inspire action.

• Attract attention: Use engaging questions, snappy sentences, clever puns, or great copy to grab your audience's interest.

Some Examples of Email Titles

• 🌹 [Name], Roses or Chocolates?

• What you adore. At your door. 💕🚗🚪

• Last-Minute Luxuries 🛍️ For Your Valentine

• You may not believe in Valentine’s Day, oh but they do…😬

• Hey, You’re Running Out Of Valen-TIME…

Armin’s Favourite Campaign

As a business owner, V5 Digital founder, Armin, is always on the lookout for marketing strategies that not only capture attention but also drive substantial growth. He finds the current initiatives by Stanley particularly noteworthy for their effectiveness and impact.

Ingenious marketing strategies, including leveraging user-generated content on TikTok and Instagram Reels and targeting women, have significantly boosted demand for Stanley Quencher Travel Tumblers, catapulting their earnings from about $70 million annually before 2020 to an impressive $750 million per year.

The recent collaboration between Stanley and Target for a limited-edition Valentine’s Day cup is a prime example. This campaign created an incredible buzz, leading to intense shopper excitement, with customers eagerly competing to get their hands on these coveted pink cups.

In this video by TikTok user victoria_robino_26, you can see the cups sell out in four minutes!

What Lessons Can You Take Away?

• The scarcity model still works: Limited-edition releases in new colours and collaborations in small bursts can create a big impact.

• The Bandwagon effect: Getting influencers to recommend your product to a new audience can boost sales without having to change your product.

• Leverage User-Generated Content: TikTok user danimarielettering posted a viral video featuring a Stanley Cup that survived a car fire with ice still intact. The company responded by buying her a new car, capitalizing on the viral moment and creating goodwill.

This viral moment from danimarielettering highlighted the durability of Stanley's product

Zoe's Favourite Campaign

Our Content Creator, Zoe, loves it when Community Management is done right! A brilliant example of a Valentine's Day marketing campaign comes from McDonald's South Africa. In an innovative and engaging strategy, the campaign started with a post from McDonald's SA that humorously indicated they were 'dumped'.

This sparked a trending thread as other local brands and fans joined in, creating a lively, interactive campaign that led up to the launch of their Valentine's Day promotion, "McMeal Match Day", where customers could get a free McFlurry when using the app in-store on Valentine's Day.

The campaign was a masterclass in creating engagement and buzz on social media, turning a humorous premise into a successful promotional event.

McDonald’s said they got dumped and through social listening, witty community managers could capitalize brilliantly on this marketing opportunity.

Benefits of hiring a Community Manager for your social media

• Enhanced Brand Representation: They act as the brand's voice, ensuring consistent and engaging communication with the audience.

• Improved Customer Relations: Community Managers provide timely responses to inquiries and feedback, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Increased Engagement: They create and manage interactive content, boosting engagement and keeping the audience interested and involved.

• Valuable Insights: By monitoring social interactions, they gather insights on customer preferences and market trends, aiding in strategic planning.

• Crisis Management: They are skilled in handling negative feedback or PR crises, protecting the brand's reputation and maintaining a positive public image.

Jessica's Favourite Campaign

Our talented designer Jessica understands the power of engaging video content, particularly short and impactful pieces. A standout example is Stella Artois' Valentine's Day campaign. They created a 15-second YouTube video that beautifully narrated the growth of a couple over the years, intertwined with Stella Artois' beer.

This approach resonated with viewers, as evidenced by the nearly 3 million views the video garnered on YouTube. Simple yet beautifully crafted videos can significantly amplify your brand's message, especially on occasions like Valentine's Day.

Capture More with Less! Short-form videos are great for engagement!

Benefits of short-form videos in marketing

• Quick Engagement: Captures audience attention quickly, aligning with short attention spans.

• Higher Retention: Concise content often leads to better viewer retention and engagement.

• Versatility: Ideal for various platforms, especially social media like TikTok and Instagram.

• Enhanced Storytelling: Allows for creative, impactful storytelling in a brief format.

• Wide Reach: Short videos are shareable and can go viral, increasing brand visibility.

• Cost-Effective: Often quicker and less expensive to produce than longer video formats.

Jürgen's Favourite Campaign

Jürgen, our Customer Success Officer, was deeply moved by a heartwarming campaign related to a KFC proposal in South Africa. When a man popped the question at a KFC, he faced ridicule online. However, the situation quickly turned around as the community and brands showered the couple with support and generosity.

This campaign showed the power of community spirit and how social media can be a force for good, turning a moment of mockery into a beautiful story of love and kindness. It's a powerful example of how brands can engage with real-life stories to create meaningful and positive impacts.

KFC turned something negative into positive marketing magic!

The Takeaway

This campaign embodies the essence of emotional marketing, turning a simple, personal moment into a nationwide sensation that resonates with many. It demonstrates the profound impact of empathy in marketing and the potential of social media to transform narratives and perceptions. This campaign serves as a reminder of the power of community and the positive role brands can play in people's lives, creating lasting memories and connections.

Thanks to all the generous brands the couple celebrated in style!

Jonathan's Favourite Campaign

As a long-time Pledge 1% participant V5 Digital loves doing good while doing well. This is why our amazing designer and dog lover Jonathan admired The Brewery with a Cause campaign by Coors Light.

The laid-back brand chose to focus on a different kind of love, that between humans and their pets. They supported new pet adoptions in February by offering $100 to assist with pet care expenses.

This campaign not only helped promote responsible pet adoption but also subtly addressed alcohol dependency, highlighting the benefits of support animals. It's a brilliant example of a brand aligning its marketing efforts with a noble cause, gaining positive attention and raising awareness on important social issues.

The beer brand helped cover pet adoption fees for 1000 participants

Standing Up for a Cause Can Be Beneficial for Several Reasons

• Builds Brand Loyalty: Customers often develop a deeper connection with brands that support causes they care about.

• Enhances Brand Image: Advocating for a cause can positively shape public perception of a brand.

• Differentiates the Brand: Supporting a cause can set a brand apart from competitors.

• Engages Employees: It can boost employee morale and attract talent who want to work for a socially responsible company.

• Expands Audience: Aligning with a cause can attract new customers who support the same issues.

• Contributes to Social Good: Beyond business benefits, it's a way for companies to contribute positively to society.

Damian's Favourite Campaign

Damian, our Customer Success Officer, appreciates how brands can offer love, value, and expertise beyond typical Valentine's products. Woolworths SA exemplified this by showing their audience how to create a stylish Valentine's Day breakfast.

This campaign effectively demonstrated the brand's commitment to offering practical value and engaging content, appealing to a broader audience and enhancing the customer experience in a unique and relevant way for the holiday.

Give your audience tips and tricks for Valentine's this year!

Make Your Content Memorable, Engaging, and Shareable

• Use Relatable Themes: Focus on everyday experiences or feelings that resonate with a wide audience.

• Incorporate Visuals: Utilize appealing images or videos to enhance your message.

• Encourage Participation: Invite your audience to share their own Valentine's stories or ideas.

• Create Share-Worthy Content: Develop content that people are excited to share with others, like unique gift ideas or Valentine’s Day hacks.

• Utilize Storytelling: Tell compelling stories that capture the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

• Offer Value: Provide valuable information or tips, like how to create a memorable day at home.

• Keep It Positive: Maintain an uplifting and positive tone to spread joy and love.

In Conclusion

Inspired by these creative campaigns? V5 Digital can help you design content that sparks lifelong connections! 💘 Click the button below to start your journey with us.

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