The best 5 WhatsApp marketing software: free & paid

WhatsApp has become an essential tool for marketers to effectively reach their audience. It allows for direct and personal interaction with customers, increasing engagement and building stronger relationships. With high open rates and quick response times, WhatsApp stands out as a powerful marketing channel.

However, managing WhatsApp marketing campaigns can be time-consuming and challenging. That's where WhatsApp marketing software comes in. These tools are designed to streamline the process, making it easier for businesses to create, manage, and track their WhatsApp campaigns.

This article aims to guide you through the best WhatsApp marketing software available. It covers both free and paid options and highlights key features and user reviews.

Understanding WhatsApp marketing

So, what exactly is WhatsApp Marketing? In simple terms, it's the use of WhatsApp to promote your products or services. With billions of users worldwide, WhatsApp lets you connect with your audience in a direct and personal way. Using WhatsApp marketing tools, you can strengthen customer relations through personalized messaging and real-time support. The platform boasts high message open rates and click-through rates—98% and 45-60%, respectively, which is a few times more than emails and SMS. High engagement provided by WhatsApp can help boost your conversion rates, making WhatsApp a highly effective marketing channel.

WhatsApp marketing is also incredibly cost-effective, offering a significant ROI. It allows businesses to provide top-notch customer support with chatbots and live chat on multiple devices. Moreover, using official WhatsApp marketing software, you can send broadcasts to unlimited users and even apply for a verified green tick to boost your brand's credibility. Overall, WhatsApp marketing offers an affordable way to enhance customer satisfaction, engagement, and support, making it a valuable tool for businesses.

6 key features of WhatsApp marketing software

1. Automated messaging

Automated messaging lets you schedule and send messages automatically at the perfect time. Whether it's a quick reminder or a special offer, you can set it and forget it.

2. Broadcast messaging

Want to reach many people at once? Broadcast messaging allows you to send messages to multiple contacts simultaneously. It’s perfect for announcements or promotions without the hassle of sending individual messages.

3. Personalization

This is what helps make your messages feel more personal and relevant. You can customize each message with the recipient's name or other details, making your communication more engaging.

4. Chatbots

Chatbots are your virtual assistants, handling customer service and interactions 24/7. They can come in handy for answering customer questions, processing orders, and even guiding users through various processes, freeing up your time for other tasks.

5. Analytics

With analytics and reporting, you get to track how your messages are performing. See who’s opening your messages, who's clicking on your links, and more. This data helps you fine-tune your strategy for better results.

6. Integration with CRM

Integration with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems means all your customer data is in one place. Syncing your WhatsApp business app messaging with your CRM helps you manage relationships better and keep track of every conversation.

Popular WhatsApp marketing tools

1. Chatfuel

Chatfuel is a no-code conversational AI platform that automates WhatsApp marketing and helps to improve the efficiency of your strategy. Being an official Meta partner, Chatfuel always uses the latest WhatsApp Business API, so you can count on reliable service. Plus, their customer support team is known for being top-notch—quick, helpful, and professional.

Whether you need simple chatbots to answer FAQs or smart AI agents to handle the entire sales cycle, Chatfuel has you covered. You can automate everything from the initial hello to post-purchase follow-ups and keeping your customers engaged long-term.

Features

• Fuely AI, an autonomous AI agent capable of lead generation and qualification, appointments booking, classification of incoming inquiries, and customer support

• Click-to-WhatsApp ads

• Visual builder of AI-powered chatbots

• Re-engagement messages like back-in-stock and price drops alerts, abandoned cart reminders, personal discounts, and more

• Personalized recommendations

• AI and NLP to maintain engaging and personalized communication

• Order status and delivery updates, feedback collection

• Payments directly in the chat thanks to Stripe integration

• Live chat

• Expert chatbot-building service

• Integration with Zapier, Calendly, Google Sheets, Shopify, and other platforms you may already use

Pricing

Chatfuel charges $49.99 for 1,000 conversations per month and $0.02 for each extra conversation. For those who need a custom solution, Chatfuel offers two options:

• Enterprise plan: starts at $300 and includes everything from business plans and priority support, a personal account manager, and a dedicated bot builder specialist.

• Expert chatbot-building service based on customer request.

With a 7-day trial, users can test powerful WhatsApp marketing solutions for free. Sign up today to explore Chatfuel capabilities for WhatsApp marketing.

User ratings

Chatfuel is rated 4.4/5 on Capterra and 4.5/5 on G2. Here's what people say about it:

2. Respond.io

Respond.io is a versatile messaging platform that helps businesses improve customer engagement and support through WhatsApp integration. It offers many useful features that make communication efficient and smart. With Respond.io, you can automate tasks and seamlessly integrate with popular CRMs and other marketing tools. It's easy to use and can greatly enhance how you interact with customers.

However, there are some limitations. You can send a limited number of bulk WhatsApp messages, which can be a drawback for businesses wanting to send mass messages. Also, the pricing might be high for small businesses. Despite these minor issues, Respond.io remains a powerful tool for businesses looking to improve their customer engagement strategies.

Features

• WhatsApp integration

• Automation

• Chatbot support

• CRM integration

• Message templates

• Analytics and reporting

Pricing

Respond.io offers three plans:

• Starter: starts at $79 per month, 5 users included, additional users cost $12 each per month. This plan is ideal for small sales teams to handle conversations and meet sales goals on various channels.

• Growth: starts at $159 per month, 5 users included, additional users cost $20 each per month. The growth plan is tailored for marketing and sales teams who want to optimize conversions using automation and AI rather than focusing on conversations.

• Advanced: starts at $279 per month, 5 users included, additional users cost $24 each per month. This plan is designed for marketing and sales teams that require advanced integrations, multiple workspaces, and advanced security.

User ratings

Respond.io is rated 4.2/5 on Capterra and 4.8/5 on G2. Here's what people say about it:

3. Yellow.ai

Yellow.ai is another software for WhatsApp marketing that lets you manage every aspect of marketing and sales on WhatsApp. Customers can easily browse your catalog, place orders, adjust quantities, make payments, track their orders, and even request returns all through chat. It also allows businesses to track leads generated on WhatsApp by linking their chatbot with CRM, billing, and invoicing software. This integration enhances customer experience, speeds up response times, and ensures secure and reliable messaging—all from an easy-to-use dashboard.

However, it's important to note that the pricing might be a bit steep for smaller businesses, and gaining API access requires approval from WhatsApp. Despite these limitations, Yellow.ai is recommended for medium to large businesses aiming for advanced automation capabilities and seamless integration with their existing tools. It's also a good choice for those who need an official API access to boost their customer engagement strategies.

Features

• Official WhatsApp Business API

• Automation

• Chatbot integration

• Multi-agent support

• CRM integration

• Rich media support

• Message templates

Pricing

Yellow.ai provides personalized pricing based on the number of bots and features required—reach out to their team for a quote.

User ratings

Yellow.ai is rated 4.5/5 on Capterra and 4.4/5 on G2. Here's what people say about it:

4. QuickReply

QuickReply is software for WhatsApp marketing that helps businesses improve their customer support and engagement. It features advanced automation and an easy-to-use interface, allowing businesses to quickly and efficiently respond to customer queries. This makes communication smoother and more effective, helping businesses maintain strong customer relationships.

However, QuickReply does have some limitations. It might not handle bulk messaging as well as other platforms, and its pricing could be a bit high for smaller businesses. Despite these drawbacks, QuickReply is perfect for businesses looking to enhance their customer support and team collaboration on WhatsApp, especially those that value automation and efficiency.

Features

• WhatsApp integration

• Automation

• Chatbot support

• Team collaboration

• Message templates

• Personalization

• Analytics and reporting

Pricing

• Starter: Ideal for small businesses, offering basic features like WhatsApp Website Widget, Welcome/Exit Popups, Abandoned Cart Recovery, and Email Support. Starts at $39 USD.

• Standard: Most popular package for growing businesses, includes advanced segmentation features, WhatsApp Bots, and Chat Support. Starts at $99 USD.

• Plus: Premium offering for large businesses with full feature access and white-glove services such as Custom Chatbot Setups and NLP Based Training. Starts at $199 USD.

• Enterprise: Flexible solution for specific business needs, offering personalized features and dedicated support. Price available upon request.

User ratings

QuickReply is rated 4.8/5 on G2. Here's what people say about it:

5. Infobip

Infobip is a global communications platform that provides a variety of messaging solutions, including integration with WhatsApp Business. It allows businesses to engage their customers through personalized messages, automation, and advanced WhatsApp analytics. This helps improve customer experiences and build loyalty. Infobip’s features make it easier for businesses to connect with customers on a more personal level, resulting in better engagement and satisfaction.

However, there are some downsides to consider. Getting API access requires approval from WhatsApp, and the pricing might be steep for smaller businesses. Despite these challenges, Infobip is ideal for companies of all sizes looking for a comprehensive messaging platform. It integrates seamlessly with WhatsApp and other communication channels, focusing on personalization, automation, and CRM connectivity.

Features

• Chatbot support

• Multi-agent support

• CRM integration

• Automation

• Message templates

Pricing

Infobip charges businesses per conversation, with rates varying based on the conversation category.

User ratings

Infobip is rated 4.6/5 on Capterra and 4.3/5 on G2. Here's what people say about it:

Setting up WhatsApp marketing software

1. Choosing the right software

Picking the best WhatsApp marketing software can seem daunting, but focus on your needs. Look for features like automated messaging, CRM integration, and analytics. Make sure it fits your budget and offers good customer support.

2. Installation and configuration

Once you've chosen your software, installation is usually straightforward. Follow the provided setup guide to install the software on your device. Configure the settings to suit your preferences, like setting up automated responses and personalizing message templates.

3. Connecting WhatsApp

To get started, you'll need to link your WhatsApp Business account with the software. This usually involves scanning a QR code or entering your business number. Once connected, you're all set to start reaching out to your customers!

Creating effective WhatsApp marketing campaigns

Defining your goals

Start by setting clear objectives for your campaigns. What do you want to achieve? Whether it's boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, or improving customer engagement, having specific goals will guide your efforts and help you measure success.

Audience segmentation

Next, segment your audience to tailor your messages. Divide your contacts into groups based on factors like demographics, purchase behavior, or interests. This makes your communication more relevant and effective, as you're speaking directly to the needs and preferences of each segment.

Crafting engaging messages

When writing your messages, keep them engaging and to the point. Use a friendly tone and personalize where possible. Include the recipient’s name and make sure your message offers value, whether it’s a special offer, useful information, or a friendly update.

Using multimedia content

Don’t just stick to text. Incorporating multimedia elements like images, videos, and GIFs can make your messages more appealing and memorable. Whether it's a product demo, a customer testimonial, or an eye-catching graphic, multimedia content can significantly boost engagement.

Automation and workflow management

Setting up automated responses

Creating automated replies for common inquiries can save you a ton of time. Think of it as having a virtual assistant that handles FAQs, so you can focus on more important tasks. Set up responses for questions like store hours, return policies, or basic product info.

Workflow automation

Workflow automation helps you design message sequences that guide your customers through a journey. For example, you can set up a sequence where a customer receives a welcome message, followed by a product recommendation, and then a follow-up offer. It keeps the conversation going without you having to manually send each message.

Event-triggered messaging

Event-triggered messaging allows you to send messages based on specific actions or events. For instance, if a customer abandons their cart, you can automatically send a reminder. Or if they make a purchase, you can send a thank-you message. It’s all about being timely and relevant, making your interactions more meaningful.

Best practices for WhatsApp marketing

Maintaining compliance

Always ensure you're adhering to privacy and data protection regulations. This means getting proper consent before messaging someone and being transparent about how you use their data. It's about respecting your customers' privacy and building trust.

Personalization

Make your messages feel personal and relevant. Use the recipient's name and tailor the content to their interests and behavior. Personalized messages are more engaging and show that you care about your customers as individuals.

Timely responses

Quick and efficient responses are key to keeping your customers happy. Whether it's a query or feedback, aim to reply as soon as possible. Prompt responses show that you're attentive and value their time.

Monitoring and analytics

Regularly check how your campaigns are performing. Use analytics to see who's opening your messages, clicking on links, and more. This data helps you tweak your strategy for better results and ensures you're meeting your goals.

Common challenges in WhatsApp marketing

1. Message delivery limits. One of the biggest hurdles is the restriction on the number of messages you can send. Unlike traditional email marketing, WhatsApp has strict limits to prevent spam. This means you'll need to be strategic about your message distribution.

2. User consent. Getting explicit permission from users before messaging them is crucial. Without it, you risk being reported or even banned. Always ensure you're transparent about why you're collecting their number and how you'll use it.

3. Platform restrictions. WhatsApp has policies against certain types of content and promotional messages. Navigating these rules can be tricky, and violating them can lead to penalties. It's essential to stay updated on WhatsApp's terms of service.

4. Limited customization options. While WhatsApp offers some personalization features, they're not as extensive as other platforms. To make your messages stand out, focus on crafting engaging and relevant content that resonates with your audience.

5. No built-in analytics. Unlike some marketing tools, WhatsApp doesn't provide in-depth analytics. However, many third-party WhatsApp marketing software solutions offer robust analytics and reporting features. Integrating these tools can help you track performance and optimize your campaigns.

6. Device dependency. WhatsApp is primarily a mobile app, which can limit how you manage campaigns. Consider using WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Business API to streamline your workflow and make it easier to handle large-scale marketing efforts from your computer.

Summary

WhatsApp marketing software is a game-changer for businesses looking to build stronger relationships with their customers and grow conversion. It's an affordable, efficient, and highly effective way to boost your marketing strategy. So, why not give it a try?

Sign up for a 7-day free trial to explore Chatfuel's capabilities and see the difference it can make for your WhatsApp marketing strategy.