If you’re looking for a new way to connect with your target audience on social media, we have the solution for you: social messaging apps. Social messaging apps are an extremely effective way to get in touch with your leads and customers. In 2020, more than two billion people accessed over-the-top messaging apps. So if you aren’t taking advantage of these apps, then it’s time to start. We’ll tell you ten popular social messaging apps that work well for businesses.
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Social Messaging Apps
Social messaging apps, also referred to as simply messaging apps or social chat apps, are apps or platforms that enable instant messaging. These apps are quickly becoming a favorite way for many people to chat with friends, family, and yes, even businesses. Part of the appeal of these apps is that many are free to use. Some offer the ability to make voice calls, video calls, and send chats. It is a cost-effective way for people to communicate and stay in touch, without an expensive text messaging plan.
Benefits of Social Messaging Apps for Business
It’s imperative that businesses take advantage of these apps, too.
First, It’s one of the best and easiest ways for you to communicate with your customers. Since they are so popular, it’s an easy way for you to reach your target audience.
Plus, social apps let you send personal messages to your audience. Personalization makes potential customers feel important to your business. Most customers love the one-on-one interaction.
Many people these days even expect businesses to utilize messaging apps. Think about it: when was the last time you picked up your phone and called a business? Everyone is on the go these days, and rarely does anyone have time to make a phone call.
Messaging apps make it simple and easy for customers to engage with your business. A potential customer can easily contact your business with their questions or concerns. It provides an excellent chance for your company to respond to clients directly and quickly. It also helps build a relationship with your audience.
Ultimately, all of these factors combine to help you earn more clients and conversions for your business.
Best Social Messaging Apps for Businesses
Now you know that social messaging apps are a necessity for your marketing plan. But which one is right for your business? Here are the nine best social messaging apps for businesses.
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is currently the most popular social messaging app, with two billion monthly users. The app, which is actually also owned by Facebook, has surpassed Messenger with the most users. You can download WhatsApp on any device, and it lets you send texts and make calls from smartphones and tablets. It is user-friendly and free. However, unlike Messenger, it is based on phone numbers. It was initially designed to replace SMS text messaging to appeal to users with limited texting plans. WhatsApp offers several other features, too, including allowing up to 250 people in a group chat and sending files as big as 100 megabytes. It is also very safe, with end-to-end encryption. Plus, it’s ad free! This makes it a great option for businesses to use both with customers and for employees.
2. Messenger
Messenger began as Facebook Messenger, aka the social messaging app attached to Facebook’s interface. Then, you had to be in the Facebook app to see your messages. As it grew, Facebook decided to make Messenger its own app to make messaging simpler. Now, it has 1.3 billion users and is one of the most popular messaging apps. You will need a Facebook account, but you can download Messenger to any smartphone. Messenger is easy to use and allows you to send texts, photos, emojis, GIFs, and stickers.
For business purposes, you can use chatbots. These website chat options help you provide customer service without having to spend time on the chat yourself. They also help you send automated reminders and order confirmations. The best news is, if you have a Facebook business profile, you already have Messenger. It’s a fantastic tool that helps you provide excellent customer service. Messenger is just one way you can use Facebook for marketing.
3. Snapchat
Snapchat has increasingly grown to become one of the most popular messaging apps. However, the communication in Snapchat is different than most apps. It’s typically used for sending photos and videos to friends and family. It is known for messages disappearing after sending and opening. Receivers can’t save the messages, unless they take a screenshot. Businesses use Snapchat post content for your followers to see. Snapchat is a great platform for posting content and engaging your audience. Or, you can use Snapchat for marketing purposes to create a geofilter for your physical store or event.
4. Instagram Direct
Instagram Direct is a private instant messaging feature that is part of Instagram. It is another overlooked customer service platform. Since so many businesses use Instagram for marketing purposes, it makes sense to also use it to chat with customers. Plus, Instagram Direct offers lots of cool features that customer service professionals can use to provide excellent communication to customers.
5. Viber
Viber is a free social chat app with more than 260 million users. It helps you send messages and make voice calls. You can use it on phones, tables, and computers, which makes it a great app for connecting with people on assorted devices. You can send short video messages, photos, stickers, and GIFs. It is slightly more complex than other basic messaging apps, and it has more features. Viber is an excellent option if you want additional capabilities.
6. Skype
Skype is more of a professional messaging apps. It is a great option for everyday people or companies.You can use it to send messages, make calls, and host video chats. Many businesses utilize Skype because it’s a simple and professional way to communicate. You can use it to transfer files, or to send emojis. It’s a mix between fun and functional.
7. Telegram
Telegram Messenger is a cloud-based messaging service that is focused on security and speed. More than 200 million people use Telegram on laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. You can use Telegram to make an audio call or send messages. It also has a Secret feature that allows you to send time messages, similar to Snapchat. After the messages are sent, they will expire once the set time expires. Telegram also provides features like integrating bots, stickers, and free downloads. You can also choose a theme, which makes your message more personalized and reflects your brand.
8. Kik
Kik is the social messaging app of the younger generation. It is used mostly by teenagers. You don’t need a phone number to use Kik. Instead, users choose usernames to talk to each other. It has fun features like GIFs, stickers, and emojis, and you can share photos and videos. Kik is a great option if you are a business that wants to reach a young audience.
9. WeChat
WeChat is a social chatting app with more than one billion users who mostly live in Asian countries. Though WeChat is controversial in some ways, it is a free app that makes it easy to connect. For example, you can call both landlines and cell phones from the app. It also allows customers to call your business from the app to ask their questions.
10. Line
Line is a social messaging app that also allows you to send and receive money, network, or play games. It offers more features than most social messaging apps that make things more interesting for users. You can also have line groups, video calls, and voice calls. Also, you can have one-on-one chats to have personal conversations.
Leverage Social Chat Apps with SEO Design Chicago
Messaging apps are a fantastic way to communicate with your target audience and promote your brand. You can use these apps to help your business build a better relationship with your customers and engage them on a regular basis. If you need help choosing the right social messaging app for your business, contact SEO Design Chicago today. We are a full-service digital marketing company that specializes in social media marketing. Our team can help you pick the right app and fully integrate it for your company.
FAQs:
- What are social messaging apps?
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