What is a WhatsApp integration for Shopify
No longer confined to a website, businesses can now meet shoppers where they already spend much of their mobile time - in messaging apps
Online shoppers put convenience first. Connecting your Shopify store with WhatsApp, a platform with 2 billion users, is a much-needed step for engaging with customers in real-time, giving personalized recommendations, and offering immediate support—all within their preferred messaging app.
What is WhatsApp integration for Shopify?
It's a WhatsApp button or a live chat button in your Shopify store. Customers can easily send you WhatsApp messages and ask questions, seek support, or buy your products - all right from their favorite messaging app. You can use chatbots, automated messages, and support agents on WhatsApp to make sure every shopper gets a personalized experience designed just for them.
How to add WhatsApp integration for Shopify?
You'll need to install an app in the Shopify App Store. Choosing the right WhatsApp integration app for your Shopify store depends on what you're aiming for. Some popular options include Chatfuel, Tidio, Drift AI, etc.
In short, these apps put a live chat button on your Shopify store. When clicked, it directs customers straight to a WhatsApp chat with your business. Check out a comprehensive guide on adding a live chat plugin to Shopify for more details.
Certain apps, such as Chatfuel, come with the latest AI features. For example, you can add an AI sales agent that recommends products and assists customers with placing orders. Think of it as having a ChatGPT sales manager for your store.
Benefits
Linking WhatsApp to your Shopify store brings several benefits:
Improved customer communication and support. Customers receive quick help without having to navigate complex menus or waiting for email responses.
Effective order notifications and updates. Keep customers in the loop about their orders with automatic updates and shipment notifications sent directly via WhatsApp.
Tailored shopping experiences. Use AI chatbots, live messaging and more to create a unique shopping experience for each customer.
Better accessibility. Tap into behavior patterns familiar to your customers and sell your products or services to where they feel comfortable.
Features
With WhatsApp integration, you can interact with customers through automated support, live chat, and also share product information. While some complex purchases may not be completed solely within WhatsApp, it serves as a platform to guide customers, automate cart, and assist with order updates.
Here are some notable features:
Live chat support. Customers can start chats directly through a "click-to-chat" button on your website, allowing for real-time communication and improved customer service.
Automated messages. Set up responses for frequently asked questions, order confirmations, shipping updates, and abandoned cart reminders, reducing manual work and improving customer experience.
Shared team inbox. Manage all customer conversations from a single integrated inbox, allowing multiple team members to collaborate on responses.
Product catalog sharing. Showcase your products within WhatsApp and make it easier for customers to browse and purchase anything.
Order tracking. Let your customers track their order status directly through WhatsApp, checking its status and asking related questions.
Analytics. Gain insights into customer engagement and trends, allowing you to refine your approach to better suit their needs.
How much for WhatsApp Shopify integration?
Chatfuel.com pricing example
It typically starts at about $30 per month. However, the cost increases based on your business's scale – specifically, how many customer chats you'll handle each month. Most services offer a basic plan with 500-1,000 chats monthly, and if you're aiming (or ready) to expand, you can go for custom pricing.
Additionally, there are Meta fees, because every service for WhatsApp Shopify integration uses WhatsApp Business API, check out the details here.
Potential limitations
As good as they are for Shopify stores, these integrations do have a few drawbacks. Before deciding if WhatsApp integration is suitable for your business, consider the advantages of improved customer communication, along with potential snags like not being able to place an order within WhatsApp chat and the ongoing usage costs.
Here are some limitations to consider:
No in-app purchases. Customers can't complete purchases in the WhatsApp chat, requiring them to go over to the Shopify store to finish up.
Privacy concerns. Integrating WhatsApp requires sharing customer information, which might make some customers nervous about data privacy and compliance.
Costs. You'll need to factor in the extra cost to your business budget.
Scalability. While integration apps can handle growth, you might need to give some extra care to keep things smooth as your business gets bigger.
FAQ
Can Shopify integrate with WhatsApp?
Yes, Shopify stores can connect with WhatsApp using approved third-party apps found in the Shopify App Store. Some popular apps include Chatfuel, Tidio, Relish AI, and more.
How do I add WhatsApp button to Shopify?
You need to install a Shopify app that supports WhatsApp integration.
Can I send order notifications and updates to customers via WhatsApp?
Yes, most WhatsApp integration apps for Shopify allow you to automatically send order notifications, shipping updates, and other relevant information to customers through WhatsApp.
Can I use my personal WhatsApp number for integration?
No, you need to use a separate number from your personal one, which will be part of your WhatsApp business account. Here are a few key reasons why:
WhatsApp's terms of service require using a business number/profile for commercial uses like integrating with a Shopify store. Personal accounts cannot be used.
A business account provides more features tailored for commerce like business profiles, catalog sharing abilities, etc. that aren't available on personal accounts.
Keeping business communications separate from personal messaging allows you to easily manage all customer conversations from one centralized business account.
Watch the video below on connecting your Shopify store to WhatsApp, and follow the Chatfuel YouTube channel for more insights and tutorials.