Book a demo 
Start FREE trial
September 17, 2024

A complete guide on how to run Click to WhatsApp ads (CTWA), plus free strategies

Overview

Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell.
– Seth Godin

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, Click to WhatsApp ads have emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to engage directly with their audience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of setting up your campaign, from creating a Facebook Business account and linking it to WhatsApp, to crafting compelling ad creatives that capture attention. You'll learn how to target the right audience with precision, optimise your ad performance by monitoring key metrics, and leverage free strategies to amplify your reach. With practical tips, real-world examples, and actionable insights, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to run successful Click to WhatsApp ads, positioning you as a reliable source of information and guidance in the digital marketing realm.

Setting up your Click to WhatsApp ads campaign

First things first, if you don't have a Facebook Business account, it's time to create one. Head over to the Facebook Business Suite and follow the straightforward steps to get started. Once you're in, the next crucial step is to link your WhatsApp Business account to your Facebook Business account. This integration is essential for running effective Click to WhatsApp ads. If you don't have WhatsApp Business account or not sure how to open it, don't worry. Every Stella account comes with a WhatsApp Business account. Just open a free trial account with us to get started.

Now, let's dive into creating a new campaign in Facebook Ads Manager. Navigate to the Ads Manager and click on the Create button to start a new campaign. A dialogue window will open.

When choosing your campaign objective, make sure to select either Traffic, Engagement, or Sales. Usually we run ads with Engagement objective, and use Stella's retargeting feature for ultimate results.

These 3 objectives are specifically designed to drive conversations on WhatsApp, making it the perfect choice for your Click to WhatsApp ads (see the screenshot below). As soon as you select the right objective, click on Continue.

Remember, the right setup is crucial for the success of your Click to WhatsApp ads (CTWA).

In the next step you need to select your campaign setup. We recommend Manual traffic campaign for a finer control over all settings (see the screenshot below).

When you click "Continue" you will get to the Campaign settings. Set up your ads just like you do for any other ads you're running.

Continue to the Ad Set level. In Conversion location select Messaging apps (see the screenshot below). From the Performance goal dropdown menu, select the goal that best fit your traffic goals.

Move down to the Messaging apps section. Select WhatsApp (see the screenshot below).

Once you complete your Ad set settings, continue to the Ad level. Most of the settings there are similar or identical with all other ads you have run so far. There's one additional section Message template. It allows to define the screen inside WhatsApp which visitors will initially see once they click on your ad. There, you may define a pre-filled message so users can start conversation faster and easier. For better results, we recommend using the Frequently Asked Questions and offer at least 3 different options. For example, if you are using WhatsApp for recruiting, we found out that the following options work well:

  • Learn more about the position
  • Apply now
  • Ask a question

Be playful with the questions, just be careful with the length. Although Meta allows 80 characters, we recommend using texts that fit in a single line. Longer texts will introduce vertical scrolling on devices with smaller screens which directly impacts the conversion rates.

Hint: With Stella, you may configure a chatbot for each option which will guide the user further down your funnel, eliminating manual interaction.

No matter if you prefer to use WhatsApp chatbots or to rely on manual interactions, with Stella's shared team inbox feature, multiple team members can process conversations coming from your meta ads via web-based app.

Crafting compelling ad creatives

Creating compelling ad creatives is the backbone of any successful Click to WhatsApp campaign. High-quality images or videos are non-negotiable. They grab attention and make your ad stand out in a crowded feed. But visuals alone won't cut it. Your ad copy needs to be equally engaging. Think of it as a conversation starter. Use language that speaks directly to your audience's needs and desires. For instance, instead of saying "Ultimate diet for losing weight", try "Lose 2kg every week with our easy-to-follow diet". See the difference? One is a flat statement; the other advertises measurable results.

Now, let's talk about Facebook's Ad Library. It's a goldmine for inspiration. You can see what your competitors are doing and what’s working for them. But don't just copy; innovate. Use their ideas as a springboard to create something uniquely yours. And don't forget the power of A/B testing. Test different creatives to see what resonates most with your audience. Maybe a video works better than an image, or perhaps a playful tone outperforms a serious one. The key is to keep experimenting until you find the perfect formula. Experts' advice? Always keep your audience in mind. What are their pain points? What solutions are they looking for? Tailor your ad creatives to address these questions, and you'll see a significant boost in engagement.

Targeting the right audience

Understanding how to target the right audience is crucial for the success of your Click to WhatsApp ads. In Facebook Ads Manager, you can start by creating custom audiences based on user behaviour and demographics. This allows you to reach people who have already interacted with your brand, increasing the likelihood of engagement. For instance, you can create a custom audience from your website visitors or those who have engaged with your content on social media. To expand your reach, consider using lookalike audiences. These are audiences that share similar characteristics with your existing customers. By targeting lookalike audiences, you can find new potential customers who are more likely to be interested in your products or services. Here are some tips for effective audience segmentation:

  1. Analyse your current customer base to identify common traits and behaviours.
  2. Segment your audience based on demographics such as age, and location.
  3. Use behavioural data to target users who have shown interest in similar products or services.

It's important to continually refine and adjust your audience targeting over time. Monitor the performance of your ads and make necessary adjustments to improve results. By doing so, you can ensure that your ads are reaching the most relevant audience, maximising your return on investment.

Optimising your ad performance

Running Click to WhatsApp ads is just the beginning. To truly maximise your ad performance, you need to dive deep into key performance metrics like CTR (Click-Through Rate), CPC (Cost Per Click), and conversion rate. Monitoring these metrics will give you a clear picture of how well your ads are performing and where adjustments are needed. For instance, if your CTR is low, it might be time to tweak your ad copy or visuals. Similarly, a high CPC could indicate that your bid strategy needs fine-tuning. To get the most out of your ad spend, regularly update and refresh your ad creatives. Stale ads can lead to ad fatigue, where your audience becomes blind to your promotions. Keep things fresh by rotating new images, videos, and copy. Additionally, using Meta Ads Reporting can provide deeper insights into your audience's behaviour, helping you make data-driven decisions. This tool can reveal which demographics are most engaged, allowing you to tailor your ads more effectively. Consider this: A local business saw a 30% increase in conversions by simply adjusting their bid strategy and refreshing their ad creatives every two weeks. They monitored their CTR and CPC closely, making small tweaks that led to significant improvements. This case study highlights the importance of continuous optimisation and the impact it can have on your overall ad performance.

Free strategies to boost your Click to WhatsApp ads

When it comes to maximising the impact of your Click to WhatsApp ads, leveraging organic social media can be a game-changer. By sharing engaging content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can complement your paid ads and drive more traffic to your WhatsApp. Utilise Stella's features such as chatbots and flows to enhance customer interaction and streamline communication. These tools not only save time but also ensure that your customers receive prompt responses, improving their overall experience.

Creating engaging WhatsApp statuses is another effective strategy to attract more clicks. Share updates, promotions, and behind-the-scenes content to keep your audience interested and engaged. Look at successful WhatsApp marketing campaigns for inspiration and adapt their strategies to fit your brand. Additionally, collecting and analysing customer feedback is crucial for refining your campaigns. Use this feedback to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve your marketing efforts.

  • Leverage organic social media to complement paid ads.
  • Utilise Stella's features like chatbots and flows.
  • Create engaging WhatsApp statuses to attract more clicks.
  • Study successful WhatsApp marketing campaigns for inspiration.
  • Collect and analyse customer feedback to improve future campaigns.

Conclusion

In today's fast-paced digital marketing environment, Click to WhatsApp ads present a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with customers in real time. By following the steps outlined in this guide —setting up your campaigns, crafting compelling creatives, targeting the right audience, and optimizing performance — you can drive meaningful conversations and achieve tangible results. WhatsApp's direct messaging capabilities, when combined with effective ad strategies, offer a powerful tool for converting leads into loyal customers.

Remember, continuous optimization is key to long-term success. Monitor your metrics, refresh your creatives, and stay agile in your approach. Additionally, don't overlook the potential of organic strategies to amplify your reach. By integrating these tactics into your marketing mix, you can not only boost engagement but also create lasting relationships with your audience.

With the right combination of paid and organic strategies, Click to WhatsApp ads can become an essential part of your digital marketing toolkit, delivering high-impact results at scale.

Start your FREE trial now
So, why not try Stella for free?
Simply click here and open a free trial account. Start with WhatsApp today, and bring more traction to your business. It's that easy with Stella.
Share via:

Recent blog posts

December 26, 2024
WhatsApp Business App vs. WhatsApp Business Platform (API) - understanding the key difference and the advantages of the api platform

Imagine effortlessly connecting with thousands of customers while integrating seamlessly with your existing business tools...

Read more
September 10, 2024
How to use WhatsApp Marketing to build high-performing funnels that deliver results at scale, plus real-life examples

When it comes to marketing, the most crucial aspect is the results achieved toward the set goal, followed by cost. Everything else is secondary...

Read more
August 25, 2024
How to launch your first WhatsApp Chatbot in minutes

WhatsApp chatbots offer a seamless way for customers to engage with businesses, enabling a range of automated interactions without the need for human intervention...

Read more
1 2 3

Excited, yet curious?

Book a demo

Schedule a free, non-binding call. A member of our team will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
Book a demo
or chat on WhatsApp

Try Stella for free

Whether you’re new to WhatsApp Business Platform or back to see what’s new, we’ll have you set up and ready to drive your business growth in no time.
Start FREE trial
No Contracts • Cancel Anytime
The Stella app is available in:
English
EN
Spanish
ES
Portuguese
PT
Chinese
CN
Stella is a powerful Business Suite for Marketing, eCommerce, Customer Support, and Automation via WhatsApp and Instagram. Build engaging and efficient funnels, and drive business growth.
Wati is a trademark of Clare.ai Limited.
Follow us:
© 2024 Stella.expert
ImprintTerms of service
Have questions? We would be happy to respond directly via WhatsApp.
Scan the QR code with your mobile phone if you don't use WhatsApp on this device.
Chat with us
Powered by Stella.Expert
1