Undoubtedly, the WhatsApp API is a powerful e-commerce marketing tool, as discussed in previous articles. However, when it comes to doing WhatsApp API business in the United States, there are several reasons that may make businesses hesitate. In this article, we will explore some of the key factors that make doing WhatsApp API business in the United States a challenging effort.
WhatsApp, unfortunately, is not among the top five social software websites in the United States.
WhatsApp API‘s User Base
In the United States, most carrier package plans include unlimited SMS and MMS. Therefore, most people communicate through text messages, and do not feel the need to download third-party applications such as WhatsApp, Line, etc.
In addition, more American netizens choose Facebook Messenger, signal, Instagram Messenger, and other software for communication, leaving little market share for WhatsApp. Therefore, there is not a wide user base for WhatsApp in the United States, making it difficult to use the WhatsApp API to drive your business process.
Strict Regulatory Environment in the US
North America, especially the United States and Canada, has strict regulations and data privacy laws regulating the use of personal information for marketing purposes. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CCPA), Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), etc., all strictly regulate and require businesses to comply with user data and privacy content. Companies using the WhatsApp API for marketing must cope with complex legal requirements, obtain user consent, and ensure compliance with privacy laws, which may be a time-consuming and costly task.
Privacy Concerns
Privacy issues have been critical in North America, with data showing that 92% of Americans are most concerned about their personal privacy issues when using the internet. Consumers are increasingly cautious about how their personal data is used.
Using the WhatsApp API for marketing has raised concerns about data security and potential misuse of personal information. Businesses need to invest more operational costs to carefully establish and maintain a trusting relationship with customers.
Fierce Competition
In North America, businesses usually use various marketing channels, from social media to email marketing and content marketing. Communication software such as iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram Messenger has occupied most of the online communication market, leaving very limited room for WhatsApp to grow, facing fierce competition from these established channels. Businesses need to find a way to stand out and provide unique services to customers.
Alternative Marketing Channels
North America offers many alternative marketing channels, and businesses may find it more cost-effective and easier to reach their target audience using other mature platforms. For their marketing needs, the WhatsApp API is not always the best choice.
Other tips
- If a business is targeting the domestic market in North America, WhatsApp is not the preferred communication tool, but if your business needs to conduct cross-border business, then WhatsApp is still the best choice.
- For large and medium-sized multinational companies, you need to lay more overseas business communication channels or send marketing, notification, and verification information to the target country, WhatsApp API can easily solve the channel problem.
Although the WhatsApp API is a powerful e-commerce marketing tool, doing WhatsApp API business in North America will bring a series of unique challenges.
For those who wish to successfully cope with this challenging market, careful consideration and a well-thought-out strategy are required.