Ten WhatsApp stats that might surprise marketers
WhatsApp marketing is on the rise with major brands like Helman’s, Persil, Netflix, KLM, Absolute Vodka (to name a few) adopting the platform into their marketing strategy.
In 2025, the number of businesses marketing and communicating with their customers through WhatsApp is expected to continue rise.
Whilst the most popular method of marketing communication historically has been email, marketers are realising the potential of the instant messaging app with over two billion active users worldwide.
Many businesses are waking up to the benefits, whilst others are reluctant to make the switch. Owner of digital agency Capture 1, Helen Nurse, has revealed ten surprising facts about WhatsApp marketing that might sway the vote…
- 87% read rate
The first and arguably most crucial hurdle when it comes to marketing communications is actually getting your message read.
Even the most compelling message or exciting announcement falls flat if it goes unread. When the number of ads we see per day is estimated to be between 4,000 and 10,000, persuading people to read your comms is a task in itself.
- 52% click rate
Calls to action, for example a link to purchase an item or sign up for an event, spur over half of users to click when sent in a WhatsApp message.
- 45 seconds average response time from users
Users on WhatsApp respond, on average, in less than one minute; it’s called instant messaging for a reason.
It’s important to acknowledge that WhatsApp isn’t always the most effective method of communication – it’s best used when the message is concise, high importance, and most notably, requires a response or action from the customer.
A great example of this is a ‘WhatsApp flow’, where the customer’s response triggers the next message – which will differ depending on the response they give.
- 700 million WhatsApp Business users globally
Every business owner wants to be an early adopter of successful strategies. It might seem like those using WhatsApp marketing are in the minority, but the number of WhatsApp Business users has hit 700 million, according to Statista.
- 70% of consumers feel more connected via WhatsApp
We use WhatsApp to connect with friends and family, to send voice notes about our day, to make plans for the weekend.
In contrast, we largely use email for work, to communicate with colleagues and to receive marketing from brands we’ve subscribed to – and sometimes ones we haven’t.
It’s no wonder the majority of consumers feel more connected via WhatsApp. This is a good time to mention that WhatsApp Business should only be used for messages that actually serve the recipient, for example important booking confirmations, rather than run of the mill marketing that could be considered spam.
- 74% expect brands to deliver personal experiences
WhatsApp is a personal space for most people, so it’s understandable that business owners could worry about overstepping a boundary. But the reality is, most consumers expect brands to reach out to them directly, and so long as your WhatsApp marketing is clear, helpful, and appropriate, users won’t mind hearing from brands in this way.
- 83% of users check messages daily
Even those with hectic schedules and busy inboxes tend to check their WhatsApps every day. When messages are important, time-sensitive or require a response, WhatsApp is a great way to make sure they get seen.
- 3.3x higher conversion rate compared to email
It’s true that the first hurdle of marketing communications is getting your message read.
The next challenge is inciting some sort of action.
As marketers, we want to convert readers to clicks, which is shown to be over three times more likely when you reach out via WhatsApp.
- 1 in 3 chats lead to action
Not only is an action more likely when using WhatsApp compared with email, but the number is higher than marketers might expect. One in three chats on WhatsApp leads to an action being taken.
- 10x faster response than email
The immediacy of WhatsApp is not to be underestimated. Whilst emails often get opened and replied to later, people tend to shoot back a reply on WhatsApp straight away. This could be because WhatsApp feels more casual to users – no need for the “kind regards” or extended formalities.
The data speaks for itself: WhatsApp is no longer just a platform for chatting with friends, it’s becoming a powerful marketing tool that businesses can’t afford to ignore. With unmatched open rates, lightning-fast response times, and a personal feel that fosters real connection, WhatsApp offers marketers a unique way to cut through the noise.
While email will always have its place, these ten stats make a strong case for integrating WhatsApp into your marketing strategy.
For brands looking to boost engagement, drive action, and meet customers where they already are, the message is clear – WhatsApp is the future of conversational marketing.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
