It's simpler than ever to reach your customers successfully these days. However, businesses struggle because they have too many possibilities for connecting with customers, and the trick to efficient conversion rates is selecting the most suitable one.

Should you use WhatsApp for marketing, with its unparalleled open rates, with 83% of users [Analyzify] opening the app daily? Should you stick with email marketing, an age-old method for targeted messages?

Although each of these platforms has its benefits, picking the best one for your business type requires further in-depth understanding.

This blog walks you through the features of WhatsApp vs email marketing. From benefits to best practices, read on to find the most effective marketing channel for your business.

Why is choosing the right marketing channel important?

Here are the top reasons that highlight the importance of choosing the right marketing channel for your business.

1. Boosts ROI through targeted campaigns

Using WhatsApp and email allows for targeted campaigns, thus enhancing Return on Investment (ROI). For instance, segmented email lists can direct specific promotions to engaged users and increase conversion rates.

If your cost for an email campaign is $500 and the profits generated from that campaign total $2,000, your ROI would be:

ROI = (Net Profit / Cost of Investment) x 100

WhatsApp can provide real-time engagement opportunities that lead to even higher returns.

2. Increases lead conversion rates

Businesses can increase consumer engagement and conversion rates by selecting the appropriate marketing channel.

For example, an audience-resonant, well-targeted email campaign can convert leads more quickly than a generic social media post.

Additionally, instant communication platforms like WhatsApp provide prompt answers to questions, which helps in the nurturing phase that converts leads into buyers.

The right channel can boost the sales funnel and conversion efficiency.

3. Enhances trust and brand image

A brand can more successfully turn leads into consumers if it emotionally connects with its target market. In fact, 76% of consumers would choose to purchase from a brand they identify with.

The way a brand interacts with its audience influences its perception. To develop a strong brand identity, consistency across chosen WhatsApp marketing platforms is essential.

Selecting platforms that appeal to your target audience- email for professionals and WhatsApp for younger audiences- allows for customized communication that builds trust.

WhatsApp marketing: An overview

As of February 2025, WhatsApp is the most famous messaging app globally, making it crucial for all your marketing efforts.

Utilizing the WhatsApp messaging platform to interact with customers in real time is known as WhatsApp marketing. It includes

Sending exclusive discounts, promotions, and special offers
Tailoring personalized messages based on previous customer interactions
Showcasing your products or services through WhatsApp catalogs directly within the app
Promoting upcoming events or launches through engaging messages and reminders

However, businesses need to use either a WhatsApp Business account or partner with a WhatsApp Business API provider to automate their WhatsApp messages and use added features that boost ROI.

Email marketing: An overview

Around 60% of customers prefer if brands contact them through emails.

Email marketing is a type of digital advertising that entails promoting products and deals to consumers by sending them customized email campaigns and sequences.

It's a tried-and-tested strategy used by companies to nurture customer relationships and increase engagement.

You can post excerpts from current articles on your blog and encourage interested readers to dive into the complete texts. Alternatively, include call-to-actions in your advertising emails that direct recipients to your WhatsApp online store and landing sites for additional product information.

WhatsApp vs email marketing: A quick comparison table

Here is a brief table explaining the difference between WhatsApp vs email marketing.

Feature	WhatsApp marketing	Email marketing
Pace of communication	Real-time messaging	Typically slower, asynchronous
Engagement rates	High open and response rates	Generally lower open rates
Content format	Rich media (images, videos, GIFs)	Text, images, HTML templates
Personalization	Highly personalized messages	Can be personalized, but less immediate
Cost	Generally free, data charges may apply	Costs associated with service providers
Group interaction	Easy group chats and broadcasts	It can be complex to manage groups
Opt-In process	Requires user consent via the app	Needs subscription forms and confirmations

WhatsApp marketing: pros & cons

Some of the top benefits of using WhatsApp marketing are:

Real-time messaging: Enables companies to communicate with customers right away. This encourages prompt responses and strengthens the relationship.
High engagement rates: WhatsApp messages have greater open and response rates, which facilitate more efficient communication.
Multimedia sharing: Companies can send interactive videos and images in addition to text to engage their potential customers.
Precise targeting: Tools for WhatsApp business marketing provide strong personalization and categorization features. Businesses can use this to target particular groups with appropriate content.
Utilize mobile CRM: You can employ WhatsApp to collaborate with your team and monitor leads and ultimately close transactions using mobile CRM integrations.

However, WhatsApp marketing comes with its own set of cons, including:

Privacy concerns: Customers may be wary of sharing their phone numbers. Additionally, brands must handle personal data responsibly to avoid privacy violations.
Potential for overcommunication: Too many messages can annoy customers and lead to opt-outs. You must always formulate WhatsApp marketing strategies with the right balance.

Email marketing: pros & cons

Now, let's look at the top benefits of email marketing.

Reputable and well-established: Emails have been a trusted channel of reaching out to customers for decades. Hence, buyers have developed a sense of trust for content received through this medium.
Scalable: Businesses can reach out to both small targeted lists and huge demographics using email marketing.
Easily shareable: Readers can easily forward and share your emails, which helps you create credibility through word-of-mouth. This could persuade potential clients to follow your brand.
Measurable outcomes: You can assess a campaign's effectiveness by monitoring bounced emails and click-through rates. Test the subject lines and text to see which copy works best for your campaign.
Benchmarking: You can easily compare your results against competitors in your industry. Avail online email marketing benchmarking reports to carve out a comparative strategy.

Furthermore, here are some probable cons of using email marketing.

Low open rates: The open rates of an email vary between 17% to 28%. A low open rate may start to tell mailbox providers (MBPs) that their users don't particularly desire or value your mail. Your deliverability and email performance may suffer over time if the recipients are not reading emails from your domain.
May get tagged as spam: A large number of commercial emails may annoy customers. A recipient may delete your email or unsubscribe if your communications aren't sent to the appropriate individuals. You must ensure that your email marketing conforms with privacy and confidentiality regulations.

When to use WhatsApp vs email marketing?

While WhatsApp vs email marketing are suited for different scenarios, let's understand this better with some use cases.

Use case 1: Quick customer support (WhatsApp)

Consider a tech business introducing a new device. Customers ask queries concerning troubleshooting or functionality. WhatsApp excels in this situation!

You can provide video walkthroughs and promptly answer questions. Plus, sending updates on impending issues is seamless through this channel.

Customers appreciate the instant responses, and this real-time interaction can help resolve issues quickly.

Best practices for combining WhatsApp marketing vs email marketing

Here are the effective practices to help you integrate both WhatsApp and email marketing into your sales campaigns for enhanced outcomes.

1. Segment the audience

Start by segmenting your audience based on their preferences. Not every customer uses WhatsApp and email in the same way.

Utilize the analytics feature of your email marketing platform to determine the demographics and engagement trends of your customers. Make sure your messages are appropriate for each segment.

For instance, younger audiences might prefer quick WhatsApp updates, while professionals might appreciate detailed emails. This targeted approach ensures that your message resonates better with each segment.

2. Drive email sign-ups through WhatsApp

Utilize WhatsApp to encourage sign-ups for your email list. This can be done by offering exclusive discounts or early access to products for those who subscribe via a shared link.

You can send a brief message to your WhatsApp contacts asking them to subscribe to your newsletter to receive promotions or insightful information. This tactic strengthens your bonds with existing customers while also expanding your subscription base.

3. Personalize messages across platforms

Personalization is key in both email and WhatsApp communications. 72% of customers claim to only interact with tailored, personalized messages.

Use data from your email marketing campaigns to curate your WhatsApp messages.

For example, if a customer opens an email about a specific product but doesn’t purchase, follow up with a WhatsApp message offering a special discount. This level of personalization shows customers that you understand their needs and can boost conversion rates.

4. Establish a smooth experience

Make sure the messaging you use on the two platforms enhances one another. While WhatsApp can be used for brief follow-ups or reminders, email is best for providing comprehensive information.

After sending out an email about a new product launch, you can forward a brief WhatsApp message reminding customers of the additional benefits. This seamless integration creates a unified brand image.

Boost your marketing initiatives with Gallabox today

Both WhatsApp and email marketing offer distinct advantages in terms of facilitating customer interaction and brand expansion. Email marketing provides in-depth information, but WhatsApp facilitates swift, personal, and cost-effective communication.

While deciding whether you must opt for WhatsApp vs email marketing, you must consider your goals and type of business. However, it isn't necessary that you have to choose either one of the two. You can combine both WhatsApp and email marketing for holistic outcomes.

Partner with Gallabox to automate your WhatsApp marketing campaigns and boost ROI. From broadcasting personalized messages to high-end drip campaigns, we offer a top-notch Whatsapp Business Solution Provider to take your marketing initiatives to new heights.

Start a free trial today to explore our WhatsApp Business API marketing solutions.

FAQs about WhatsApp vs email marketing

1.Are there specific industries where WhatsApp marketing outperforms email marketing?

Yes, WhatsApp marketing outperforms email marketing in industries where high engagement and immediacy drive sales like retail, e-commerce, real estate, healthcare and wellness.

2.Can WhatsApp effectively handle detailed content typically sent via email newsletters?

While WhatsApp can be used to send detailed newsletters, it is more appropriate for short-form content that grabs the viewer's attention right away.

3.Is WhatsApp an effective alternative to traditional email newsletters?

Yes, WhatsApp can be an excellent alternative to traditional email newsletters due to its high open rates and personalized touch.

4.Can I use both WhatsApp and email marketing together?

Of course! You can combine WhatsApp and email marketing to boost the efficacy of your campaigns. While WhatsApp helps boost engagement, email marketing offers in-depth content to build customer loyalty.

5.What are the best tools for WhatsApp & email marketing automation?

You can automate WhatsApp and Email marketing by partnering with platforms such as Gallabox, Hubspot, Twilio and more.

Get your business on WhatsApp with Gallabox

Try for free

Instance	WhatsApp marketing	Email marketing
Customer support	Quick, real-time responses for inquiries	Can provide detailed support, but may be slower due to response time
Promotional offers	Instant notifications for time-sensitive deals	Well-suited for detailed campaigns and newsletters
Event reminders	Immediate reminders and updates	Formal invitations and detailed agendas
Transactional notifications	Ideal for brief updates (e.g., order confirmation)	Detailed summaries of transactions and invoices
Audience engagement	Two-way communication encourages direct interaction	Primarily one-way, though it can have CTAs for engagement

WhatsApp vs Email marketing: Which is best for your business?