How to Convert Inbound Leads From WhatsApp Groups Into Sales

Many people are marketing their business on WhatsApp groups and looking for concrete ways to convert inbound customer leads into sales. Today I am going to give you some insights that will help you to see things from the buyer's perspective. This will help you leverage your potential and maximize your income.

So how do you convert WhatsApp leads into sales? It's all about establishing trust and maintaining professionalism.

All consumers have sales resistance, even though they have expressed an interest in your product by reaching out to you, that doesn't mean they trust you. You have to lower their guard and set their mind at ease. I am going to show you exactly how to do this.

Converting Inbound Leads from WhatsApp Buy/Sell Groups Into Sales.

Let's do a little thought experiment.

Place yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer. You're scrolling on your WhatsApp feed and scanning through the products. Suddenly something catches your eye, a pair of high end leather shoes.

The seller has posted a picture with a short description, a price, and number where you can reach them. First off, you really like these leather shoes, and you noticed from the seller's advertisement that it's the only pair in stock. Without hesitation you send them a DM, before someone else swoops in on this deal.

Scenario 1

You DM, the seller and you ask about the shoes, they respond saying that the shoes are available your size! You are delighted and wish to proceed with checkout.

However there is no information about the seller's business on their profile. Although you want the shoes, there is no way to verify whether they are a legitimate business. You try Googling them online and can't find their website, so you ask about it, and they respond by saying they don't have one.

You are starting to feel uncomfortable. You ask them why they don't have a website, and they respond by telling you they don't need one, because all of their business comes from word of mouth referrals. Hmmm... That's great but you don't know any of their clients, you just found them online, and for all you know, they can be faking the good reviews.

You really like the shoes, but you don't want to get scammed. There is no way to verify their info, aside from booking an in person consultation, which is very inconvenient.

Scenario 2

You reach out to the seller and ask for more details about the shoes. They respond by asking you what details you want. You were expecting them to tell you about the shoes, and feel a little thrown off.

After glancing at their profile, you can't find any info other than an AI generated picture of a polar bear wearing sunglasses, and a user name. There isn't even a business name that you can search up on Google.

So you ask them whether they are a private seller or a business and they Ghost you...

Consumer Trust and professionalism is key in converting leads

The above examples are just a few of many possible outcomes. Actually neither of the sellers mentioned in these scenarios are scammers. They are legitimate small business owners that don't know how to establish trust and professionalism with prospective clients.

It's not as simple as posting your products in Buy/Sell WhatsApp groups.

Yes, posting your advertisement in a WhatsApp group is a great way to reach more people, but you have to know how to work with people if you want to convert leads. You have to know how to close, and have the proper channels in place. The best way to do this is with a website. Your business has a brand (or an image) that it presents to the public, and this helps establish reliability and trust by conveying professionalism.

The yellow pages (a phone book for those of us who are old enough to remember) are antiquated. 90% of people today search for products and services online. If they can't find you, it immediately creates a negative impression.

1. Pay attention to your WhatsApp profile.

If people can know what you do at first glance, it goes a long way in establishing trust. That's why it's important to pay attention to your profile on WhatsApp.

Make sure that your profile picture accurately represents your business by posting a professional picture of yourself or your logo. In the description, write a short message about the products and services that you offer. This will help clients to know what your business is about.

2. Register your business on Google.

Because Google has an option for the public to leave reviews for your business, it helps to establish credibility and trust. Buyers can search for you online and verify that that you are a legitimate business.

If you don't have a website, this is a great temporary solution. However some people who find businesses listed on Google may still prefer to visit a website.

3. Get a professional email address.

A professional email address can also make you appear more legitimate to potential buyers. Many hosting service providers provide professional email packages and business apps. It is very affordable and looks great in your WhatsApp profile.

4. Get a website.

Today not having a website is the equivalent of not being listed in the yellow pages. It means that people won't be able to verify your business legitimacy.

Having a website is not only professional but also allows you to leverage new opportunities. A website is a space on the internet that acts like a store front, billboard or business card. And it maximizes word of mouth because people will be able to share your link with their friends on messaging apps and social media.

A website also provides many tools that you may not have had access to before, like an online store where customers can view and order products, a forum that offers customer support or a blog that informs readers about your services.

Because the internet is global, people from all over the world can discover your business. It allows you to be available 24/7 which is extremely convenient for buyers.

And a website doesn't cost that much either. It's cheaper than a physical storefront and can actually save you time and money.

Wow! You made it to the end! I hope that you've found these insights helpful. If you have questions or comments feel free to send me a message and I will respond, even criticisms are welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.

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© Andries Coetsee Digital Solutions Consultant