The Power of WhatsApp Integration for Your Lodgify Website
In the rapidly evolving landscape of online business, effective communication is key to building strong relationships with your guests. One of the most popular and widely used messaging platforms, WhatsApp, has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their customers. Integrating WhatsApp into your Lodgify website can significantly enhance the overall guest experience and contribute to the success of your vacation rental business. Here’s a brief overview of the importance of this integration:
- Real-Time Communication: WhatsApp provides a real-time and direct communication channel between hosts and guests. This instant messaging platform enables quick responses to inquiries, bookings, and guest requests, fostering a seamless and efficient communication process.
- Global Reach: WhatsApp is a global platform with over two billion users worldwide. By integrating it into your Lodgify website, you tap into a vast and diverse audience, making it easier for potential guests from around the world to connect with your property.
- Convenience for Guests: Many travelers prefer the convenience of messaging apps for communication. By incorporating a WhatsApp button on your website, you provide guests with a familiar and user-friendly means of reaching out, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable booking experience.
- Enhanced Customer Engagement: WhatsApp offers more than just text messaging. Features such as voice messages, multimedia sharing, and document sharing allow for richer communication. This engagement can lead to better understanding of guest needs and preferences, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of service.
- Personalised Guest Interaction: With WhatsApp, you can personalise your communication by addressing guests by name and tailoring your responses to their specific inquiries. This personal touch can make guests feel valued and increase their satisfaction with your property.
- Increased Booking Conversions: The ability to provide quick responses and address guest queries promptly can significantly impact booking conversions. WhatsApp integration streamlines the booking process, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of securing reservations.
WhatsApp Business application
Do you need the WhatsApp Business app for your Lodgify WhatsApp call-to-action? Well, technically, it’s not a must, but it’s a game-changer, and we genuinely recommend it. This app is like a magic wand for businesses, offering a bunch of features that can seriously level up your customer communication game, and guess what? That can directly translate to more bookings for you. Check out these cool features:
- WhatsApp Business Profile: Get your business a snazzy profile on WhatsApp.
- Automated Welcome Messages: Roll out the virtual red carpet for your customers with automatic warm welcomes.
- Automated Away Messages: Let your customers know you’re away, but still have their back with automated messages.
- Quick Replies: Save time and keep it consistent with pre-set responses for speedy communication.
- Labels for Organising: Keep your messages in check and your sanity intact with the efficient organisation.
- Free WhatsApp Entry Points: Get extra entry points on WhatsApp without spending an extra dime.
- Integrate WhatsApp Call-to-Actions with Adverts: Blend your WhatsApp mojo seamlessly into your ads for that extra oomph.
If you wish to learn more about setting up a Business WhatsApp app and becoming an expert using it, we recommend the following two links:
- https://business.whatsapp.com/products/business-app-features
- https://www.facebookblueprint.com/student/path/211565-use-whatsapp-business
Only displaying WhatsApp button on mobiles
In our recent work with client campaigns, we noticed a bit of a snag when it comes to using WhatsApp on desktops. So, we’re recommending a small adjustment – hiding those WhatsApp buttons on desktops and tablets so they only appear on mobile phones. Instead, we’re suggesting prompting users to communicate via another method, such as a contact form.
Here’s why: when someone on the phone hits that WhatsApp button, it’s smooth sailing, straight to the chatting. But for folks on desktops or tablets, it’s not as straightforward. Not everyone has WhatsApp set up on their computer. So, if they click that button, it nudges them toward a setup process. For people who may not be as tech-savvy, it can become a bit of a hassle. You don’t want to add hassle to the user’s visit, so steer your desktop buddies toward contact forms for a smoother experience. It’s about keeping things straightforward and easy for everyone who drops by your digital space.
We will provide the code (CSS) further down for only showing WhatsApp buttons on mobile phones.
Free Tips On Optimising Your Lodgify Website Performance
This free downloadable resource is crafted to help you maximise the efficiency and appeal of your holiday rental’s online presence. From enhancing page load speeds to improving user engagement and boosting SEO, our tips will enable you to deliver a superior experience to your visitors.
Adding WhatsApp to your Lodgify website
Step-by-step guide for creating and adding a WhatsApp button to your Lodgify website
Step 1 – Copy code
Please copy the below code, but replace the number ‘+441234567890’ with your WhatsApp number. Ensure that the country code is included in the number.
<a id="whatsapp-button" href="https://wa.me/‘+441234567890" target="_blank" title="Chat with us on WhatsApp">
<i class="fa fa-whatsapp"></i> Chat Now
</a>
Step 2 – Paste code
The next step is to paste this code into the section you wish the WhatsApp button to display. You can be limited with Lodgify’s website builder on where you are able to place the button, but we recommend having it placed on the home and contact page. Carry out the following:
- Login to Lodgify
- Click on the menu icon in the top-left corner
- Click on ‘Website Builder’
- Click on the page you wish to add the WhatsApp button
- Click ‘Add Widget’
- Select ‘Raw HTML’
- Paste in the code displayed above
- Click ‘Save’
Step 3 – Add styling
Now, enhance your WhatsApp button with compelling styling to ensure it stands out, making it unmistakably inviting for users to engage in communication with you.
- From the website builder interface that you should be on from the previous step, select ‘Settings’ in the navigation bar near the top
- Click on the ‘Advanced’ tab.
- Under ‘Header – Custom HTML’ add the following:
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/5.15.4/css/all.min.css">- Under ‘Header -Custom CSS’, add the following:
#whatsapp-button {
position: fixed;
bottom: 20px;
right: 20px;
background-color: #25d366; /* WhatsApp green color */
color: #ffffff; /* Text color */
padding: 10px;
border-radius: 50%;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 20px;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
text-decoration: none;
}
#whatsapp-button i {
margin-right: 8px;
}
- If you wish to hide the WhatsApp button on desktops and tablets, also add the following:
@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
#whatsapp-button {
display: none;
}
}
- Click ‘Save’ at the bottom
Step 4 – Preview and launch
It’s time to admire the work you have just carried out, by previewing it, and then, if happy, launching it.
- Click ‘View website’ and then ‘Preview version’. Check the button is displayed and make sure it works by sending a test message
- If happy, click on ‘Publish ‘website’
- Your changes are now live
Monitor Response Time
This guide is to help you implement a WhatsApp button to your Lodgify website, but we also want this task to bring you results. Take on board the below points when using WhatsApp as a communication channel with potential bookers.
- Prioritise Timeliness: Respond promptly to guest messages to demonstrate commitment to excellent customer service.
- Set Clear Expectations: Communicate expected response times, especially during peak periods, using automated messages.
- Utilise Automated Messages: Use automated messages for response delays, like an away message during unavailability or non-business hours.
- Monitor Metrics: Keep track of response time metrics in WhatsApp Business to identify areas for improvement in communication efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, integrating a WhatsApp button into your Lodgify website can significantly enhance your communication strategy with potential guests. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly connect with your audience, prioritize timely responses, and ultimately contribute to a positive and efficient guest experience. The WhatsApp button serves as a powerful tool, enabling quick and direct communication, setting clear expectations, and demonstrating your commitment to excellent customer service. Embrace this user-friendly feature to not only meet but exceed guest expectations, ensuring a seamless booking process and fostering lasting relationships with your clientele.
