WhatsApp has recently made it possible to follow a channel. And now you can also start a channel yourself. This way, if you have a company or run a fan club, for example, you can keep your customers or fellow fans informed about the ins and outs of the shared interest. But how do you approach such a WhatsApp channel and what can you really do with it? In this article we will let you know.
Consider a WhatsApp channel
Before you start a WhatsApp channel, it’s best to first consider what it should be. It is really a broadcasting channel and you should therefore consider in advance what you want to do with it. This can be very logistical, such as: which number will be the ‘admin’ on which the channel is created? But also: how often per day/week/month are you going to post? It is also good to determine in advance what you are going to post about. Do you only do your own blogs, or do you only post photos that the artist you are a fan of puts on social media? Also consider carefully who will post, so that someone has responsibility.
Create a WhatsApp channel
It is very easy to create a WhatsApp channel. To do this, go to Updates, then press the plus sign under Channels, choose create channel and then ‘continue’. Then you enter a channel name and a description, and add a photo to make it recognizable. For example, the logo of your football club (if your channel is about that) is a good, recognizable way to make your channel easy to find.
Post in your WhatsApp channel
Posting in your WhatsApp channel is the same as posting on WhatsApp itself. You are limited to sharing text, links, photos and videos. People can then see your content, but they can only respond to it with emoji (all emoji, or just the basic emoji, you can set that). Furthermore, as the owner, you are the only one who can post, but you can make people administrators who can then also post.
Share your WhatsApp channel
Then of course you want people to follow your channel. Apparently only verified channels can be found via the search function, but you can of course share the link to your channel: among people you know, under your newsletter, on your website, and so on. People who follow your channel will not receive notifications unless they turn that feature on (via the bell at the top right). In addition, they cannot see who else is following your channel: it is all anonymous.
Track your WhatsApp channel
It is then up to you to keep posting, but also to ensure that your WhatsApp channel keeps up with the times. WhatsApp, for example, appears to soon make it possible to use polls and voice messages, so you will have more variety in posting to your account. Also read our site to hear what is coming to WhatsApp channels, because we are also keeping an eye on it.
