Growth of Messaging Apps as a Digital Marketing Trend

As messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat continue growing rapidly worldwide, marketers will actively seek ways to utilize these channels as part of their digital marketing strategies in 2023. With billions of users spending increasing amounts of time on messaging, opportunities exist for brands to engage customers and drive sales directly within these popular platforms.

Messaging apps appeal directly to users due to their convenience, immediacy and sense of privacy compared to more public social networks. People frequently use messaging to communicate with friends, family and contacts, but they’re also beginning to interact with businesses through these same apps. This represents a major shift in how customers now wish to be reached by brands.

For marketers, the key benefits of messaging apps involve:

• Higher engagement – they are generally read within minutes and have higher response rates versus email/social media.
• Personalization -these interactions feel more personalized one-on-one conversations, helping build trust and loyalty.
• Conversions – this can directly drive purchases and sales through integrated shopping features or browser redirects.
• Customer service – Messaging provides a convenient way for customers to connect with businesses for support or assistance.
• Targeting – Some apps allow targeting messages to specific user demographics or interests.

However, utilizing these apps for marketing effectively requires strategies that fit each platform’s unique guidelines and norms. Simply blasting promotional these risks negative perceptions, so emphasize providing value first.

Some recommendations for messaging marketing in 2023 include:

• Send timely, relevant updates – Provide useful notifications about sales, new products or services based on customer interests.
• Offer customer service – Respond quickly and respectfully to customer queries and complaints via this app.
• Launch campaigns – Run targeted campaigns for major announcements, exclusive offers or timely promotions.
• Collaborate with influencers – Partner with influencers within the app to gain exposure for your brand among their followers.
• Include calls-to-action – Include CTA buttons within messages to drive users to your website, store or other preferred action.

Overall, while still in the early stages, embracing messaging apps for marketing represents a proactive strategy for 2023. Staying up to date with each platform’s unique policies and cultural norms around messaging will determine your success.