The Power of WhatsApp for Event Marketers
In today's digital age, event marketers are constantly seeking innovative ways to connect with their audience and promote their events effectively. One platform that has emerged as a game-changer in this realm is WhatsApp. With over 2 billion active users worldwide and an impressive open rate of 98%, WhatsApp has become an indispensable tool for event organisers looking to build engaged communities and deliver targeted marketing messages.
1. Building WhatsApp Communities
Creating a thriving WhatsApp community around your event can be a powerful way to foster engagement, build loyalty, and maintain a direct line of communication with your audience.
Why WhatsApp Communities Matter for Events
- Free to use: WhatsApp is a cost-effective platform for community building.
- Intimate setting: With a limit of 1024 members per group, communities remain close-knit and manageable.
- Multiple group support: You can create various sub-groups within a community for different purposes.
- High user penetration: As the most popular messaging app globally, WhatsApp ensures wide reach.
- Bridging digital and real-world experiences: WhatsApp groups can maintain the sense of community before, during, and after events.
Strategies for Building a Successful WhatsApp Community
- Start small: Begin with a single group and expand as needed.
- Create sub-groups: Consider groups for announcements, general chat, event-specific discussions, self-promotion, and ticket swaps.
- Manage permissions: Limit posting rights in announcement groups to admins only.
- Incentivise joining: Offer exclusive benefits like early ticket access or special discounts to group members.
- Curate engaging content: Share a mix of announcements and discussion prompts (2-5 times per week).