WhatsApp for freelancers

1. New Number & WhatsApp Business App

   
   An excellent starting point for freelancers is using the WhatsApp Business app, allowing you to keep your business and personal WhatsApp communication separate. To do this, you'll need a new phone number. You can either get an extra SIM card or choose an affordable fixed line number that can be linked to WhatsApp Business. The app also provides helpful features for freelancers, such as automatic replies based on business hours and quick response templates.
    
   

   2. Add WhatsApp to Your Website 

   A popular method of adding WhatsApp to your website is by installing a chat widget. This typically appears in the bottom right corner of the browser. Once a visitor clicks on the widget, they are immediately directed to WhatsApp. On mobile, they are taken to the app. On desktop, they are redirected to WhatsApp Web or the desktop application.Adding a chat widget is easy and inexpensive. Check out this overview of free WhatsApp chat widgets (link to https://erwinvanginkel.com/free-whatsapp-chat-widgets-buttons/). 

3. Add WhatsApp to LinkedIn

You can also add a WhatsApp link to your LinkedIn profile, just like you would on your website. Simply place a link to your WhatsApp number in your profile. For example, if you want to direct visitors to your number +3112345678, use this link: https://wa.me/3112345678. Visitors will be taken directly to a WhatsApp chat. 

4. WhatsApp Campaigns

With the WhatsApp Business API, you can even send out campaigns. For example, you can inform all your contacts about your availability or send a shortened newsletter via WhatsApp. For this, you need a platform that connects the WhatsApp Business API to your phone number. Keep in mind: if you use the API, you can no longer use the WhatsApp Business app and will need to switch to apps provided by these platforms. Check out an overview of WhatsApp Business API software platforms here (link to https://erwinvanginkel.com). 

5. Automation via WhatsApp

 For many freelancers, this might seem a bit far off, but it's possible to automate certain processes through the WhatsApp Business API. Think of scheduling appointments or sending and receiving payments via WhatsApp. WhatsApp can be integrated with various software platforms that support APIs. This holds a lot of potential for the future, but it’s still in its early stages. 
 

The use of WhatsApp Business by freelancers is still evolving. Make sure to stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of the opportunities WhatsApp offers for your freelance business! 

 By Erwin van Ginkel - https://erwinvanginkel.com/