It’s common to see “WhatsApp only” or just “WhatsApp” written in the status or bio section of social media profiles. This signifies that the person prefers to be contacted via WhatsApp rather than calls, texts or other messaging apps. There are several reasons why people specifically mention WhatsApp for communication:
Ease of Use
WhatsApp is considered one of the most user-friendly instant messaging platforms. It has an intuitive interface and simple functionality allowing users to text, make voice and video calls, share photos/videos, documents, location and more. WhatsApp works seamlessly across different operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows etc. This makes it convenient for people with friends using diverse devices to stay connected.
Popularity
As of 2022, WhatsApp has over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide. It’s the most popular messaging app in over 180 countries. People prefer using apps their friends and family already have access to. Mentioning WhatsApp indicates the person uses it extensively and wants to be messaged there.
Active User Base
WhatsApp has one of the most active user bases among messaging platforms. Users tend to check WhatsApp more regularly than other apps. Writing WhatsApp on status signifies you’ll get a quicker response compared to say emails or even texts. It shows the person is regularly available on WhatsApp.
Multi-purpose Usage
WhatsApp allows users to not just chat one-on-one but also in groups, make free voice/video calls globally, share diverse media and documents. It’s become the go-to app for both personal and professional communication. Listing WhatsApp indicates the person is comfortable using it for any kind of messaging need.
Privacy
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for messages, calls etc ensuring conversations stay private. Its privacy settings allow users to control who can see their profile photo, status etc. Specifying WhatsApp conveys the person wants to keep their communication secure and restricted.
No Separate Contact Sharing
To message someone new on WhatsApp you simply need their phone number – already available in your phone contacts. You don’t need separate username/id sharing. Stating WhatsApp signals the person doesn’t want the hassle of sharing extra contact details.
Cost Savings
WhatsApp uses the internet to send messages so users don’t get SMS charges. International WhatsApp calls are also free. This makes it a cost-effective communication option. Mentioning WhatsApp indicates financial benefit preference.
Fast Delivery of Messages
WhatsApp delivers messages quickly, unlike regular texts which may get delayed. It also shows when messages are delivered and read. Specifying WhatsApp suggests the person wants real-time messaging with delivery confirmation.
Sharing Media
WhatsApp makes sharing photos, videos, GIFs, documents etc very easy. It renders media content nicely. People who want to exchange such media frequently prefer WhatsApp as the channel.
Convenience of Chat History
WhatsApp saves the entire chat history. So you can refer back to previous chats easily. Old texts don’t get deleted like regular SMS. Mentioning WhatsApp indicates the desire for message archives.
Group Chat Feature
WhatsApp groups allow conversations between multiple people at once. This is convenient for friends, family, work teams, clubs etc to communicate updates, plan events, share content and coordinate. WhatsApp status highlights the preference for group chats.
Offline Messaging
If a WhatsApp user is offline, messages are still delivered once they come online again. People who frequently go offline but still want messages conveyed eventually write WhatsApp on status.
Read Receipts
The double blue tick read receipts on WhatsApp let you see when your message is read. This helps avoid miscommunications. Specifying WhatsApp signals the need for read confirmation.
Trend and Habit
Putting WhatsApp on status has become a trend, especially among younger generations hooked to the app. Many also do it out of habit having seen friends do the same. It’s their default communication preference.
Reasons for Writing Just “WhatsApp” vs Full Number
People mention WhatsApp on social media status two ways – either just writing “WhatsApp” or writing the full number e.g. “WhatsApp +91 9876543210”. Here are key reasons for each approach:
Only “WhatsApp”
– Don’t want to openly share number on public platforms for privacy
– Have dual SIM so number is unclear
– Get messages from too many unknown people if number visible
– Don’t want to be disturbed by non-contacts
– Want only selective people to message
– Avoid spam contact requests
Full WhatsApp Number
– Want to get messages from new contacts/customers
– Looking to expand social/professional network
– Open to being contacted by anyone on WhatsApp
– Don’t care about getting unknown messages
– Easy to share full number rather than explain which one to use
– Laziness and carelessness about privacy
Gender-wise Breakdown of WhatsApp Status Usage
There appears to be some gender-based differences in how people use WhatsApp status:
| Gender | WhatsApp Status Usage Pattern |
|---|---|
| Male | – Tend to write just “WhatsApp” or username rather than number – More privacy conscious about sharing number publicly – Don’t want to be disturbed by non-contacts – Mostly use for friends, family, colleagues |
| Female | – More open to putting full WhatsApp number – Comfortable being contacted by new people – Actively look to increase contacts through status – Use WhatsApp heavily for social communication |
Of course, this is a broad generalization. Exceptions are common in both genders.
How to Politely Decline WhatsApp Messages from Strangers
When you share your full WhatsApp number in public profiles, you may get messages from people you don’t know. If you don’t wish to chat with them, here are some polite ways to decline:
Via Text
– “Sorry, I don’t chat with people I haven’t met personally. But best of luck!”
– “Apologies, I’m not comfortable chatting with strangers on WhatsApp. Thanks for understanding.”
– “Thank you for messaging me. However I’m not open to communicating on WhatsApp with people I don’t know well. Have a nice day!”
Via Voice Note
– Record a voice note gently explaining that you only use WhatsApp to chat with close friends and family so don’t feel comfortable responding. Convey regret and gratitude politely.
Using Auto-reply
You can set an away/auto-reply message on WhatsApp explaining that unknown numbers will be ignored. Text could be:
“Thank you for your message. I only chat on WhatsApp with people already in my contacts list. Take care.”
This avoids having to decline individually.
How Businesses Use WhatsApp for Marketing
WhatsApp is not just for personal chats – businesses are using it smartly for marketing and customer engagement. WhatsApp business accounts allow companies to share their catalog, run broadcast lists and ads, create product listings with buttons etc.
Some key ways businesses use WhatsApp:
Broadcast Messages
Send one-way announcement messages to customers about sales, offers, new arrivals, store events, newsletters etc.
Notifications and Reminders
Send reminders about appointments, payment dues, subscription renewals, webinars etc. Also notify customers when an order is shipped or transaction processed.
Customer Support
Use WhatsApp as an additional customer support channel via chat or call. Customers can text queries, share issues and get quick resolutions.
Transactions and Orders
Allow placement of orders, payments, refunds etc directly on WhatsApp through integrations with payment gateways.
Surveys and Feedback
Run polls and surveys for customer opinions. Use forms to take feedback on products/services purchased.
Chatbots
Automated WhatsApp chatbots work 24/7 to instantly answer FAQs and send helpful information to customers on demand.
Marketing Campaigns
Run contests, giveaways, games, quizzes on WhatsApp to engage and acquire new customers.
CRM and Support
Manage entire customer lifecycle – onboarding, engagement, support, winbacks, referrals etc. – seamlessly through WhatsApp.
Conclusion
Writing “WhatsApp” or “WhatsApp only” on your social media profile clearly signals you prefer that messaging channel for communication. Reasons range from convenience, privacy, cost savings to trends. While it provides ease for friends to contact you, be prepared to also get messages from unknown people if your number is visible publicly. Maintain your privacy as needed by limiting info shared. Businesses are also crafting innovative WhatsApp marketing strategies to attract and retain customers. At the end of the day, WhatsApp has become the #1 messaging platform thanks to its immense utility and user-friendly interface.