With the WhatsApp integration and the resulting Messages module coming soon to customers from Zoho directly, it is a good time to clarify a few important points, amidst all the excitement and anticipation.

• This integration is with WhatsApp for Business (not the standard WhatsApp)
• You can't port an existing WhatApp for Business number and will need a new one
• This integration is available with all paid editions of Zoho CRM
• A FaceBook Business Account is required and there is a verification process conducted by WhatsApp
• Post verification, you will need to purchase a number for Zoho CRM (and separately for Zoho Desk if required)
• Once your number is activated (expect 4-5 days) you must link it to your Zoho CRM under Set Up->Channels
• You can then set up your Account preferences to manage messages, especially from unknown users
• There is a charge per message which is around .0005 USD$ but this can differ depending on your country
• You can buy credits and and set up an auto-recharge for your expected messaging requirements
• You can filter messages, create views and predefined text, reply and send attachments

There is a lot more information available on each of the above points so please email me (ravi@mercerlal.com) if you feel WhatsApp integration can benefit your operations and I'd be happy to schedule a call to discuss and progress your requirements.

Have you seen a huge increase in customers contacting you via Whatsapp? Or would you like to send bulk, personalised WhatsApp messages to your customers? Are these conversations important enough to save in your CRM database?

Our solution integrates WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Business with several Zoho Applications, including all editions of Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, and Zoho Cliq.

Customers want the flexibility to communicate with you using their preferred platform and WhatsApp has become one of the favourites. Important messages are exchanged but remain isolated on your mobile phone, when really, you want them to be in your database. How do we achieve this? Firstly, the integration allows you to send and receive messages from Zoho, or from WhatsApp...let that sink in for a moment as it's an important functionality, offering a seamless and powerful user experience! Imagine being able to see your Zoho CRM customer details, with Notes, inside WhatsApp.

Secondly, all messages are stored in a custom Zoho module which gives you a history of all conversations! And it's that simple...there are no other third or fourth points.

Now let's talk about WhatsApp marketing, which like Email marketing, involves sending bulk messages that are personalised. Our solution allows you do this, so recipients get a message addressed in their name, perhaps with their company name and data from other fields in your database. What's more, you can create templates for sending messages in WhatsApp, to save time, ensure consistency and maintain professional standards.

This introduction mainly covered WhatsApp but you might find it useful to know that our solution integrates with messaging applications like Twilio, SMS, Telegram, WeChat, Line, and more, so from Zoho CRM or Desk or Cliq, you can receive messages from users of all your integrated channels.

Get in touch for WhatsApp and Multi-channel message management for your Zoho Apps.