IM marketing platforms

Updated: July 30, 2023

IM marketing platforms, also known as Instant Messaging marketing platforms, are powerful tools that enable businesses to engage with their customers and prospects through popular instant messaging apps. These specialized platforms integrate with messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat, allowing businesses to send personalized and targeted messages to their audience. IM marketing platforms often offer features such as chatbots for automated customer interactions, multimedia messaging for rich content delivery, and analytics for tracking engagement and campaign performance. By leveraging IM marketing platforms, businesses can create more meaningful and real-time connections with their customers, provide instant customer support, and deliver relevant promotions and updates directly to their audience's messaging apps. IM marketing platforms empower businesses to capitalize on the widespread use of instant messaging, driving customer engagement and loyalty in an increasingly digital and mobile-driven world.

See also: Top 10 Marketing software

2021. Charles raises €6.4M to bring ‘conversational commerce’ to WhatsApp



Charles, a startup based in Berlin, has secured €6.4 million in funding for its "conversational-commerce" SaaS solution, targeting businesses interested in selling on popular chat apps like WhatsApp. Charles aims to boost conversion rates, enhance customer loyalty, and ultimately increase revenue for businesses. The SaaS platform seamlessly integrates chat app APIs, such as WhatsApp and Messenger, with shop and CRM systems like Shopify, SAP, and HubSpot. All of this is accomplished through a user-friendly interface. The primary objective is to simplify the process for businesses to engage with customers on the channels they already use, bridging the gap between sales inquiries, support, and actual conversions.


2020. MessageBird acquires real-time notifications and in-app messaging platform Pusher



MessageBird, the omnichannel cloud communications platform, has recently acquired Pusher, a real-time web technologies company, in a deal worth $35 million. MessageBird plans to maintain Pusher as an independent entity to serve its existing customer base. The acquisition of Pusher fills a crucial gap in MessageBird's communication platform, which primarily focuses on SMS and messaging-first channels like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Line, and WeChat. Pusher's expertise in in-app notifications, along with its developer-friendly API and SDKs centered around "push" technology, will enhance MessageBird's capabilities. Notable features that Pusher brings to the table include in-app messaging, push notifications, and location tracking.


2020. Yalochat, a fast-growing conversational commerce startup, lands $15M



Yalochat, the conversational commerce platform used by renowned companies like Coca-Cola and Walmart, has secured $15 million in Series B funding. Yalochat empowers businesses to enhance customer interactions, upsell products, facilitate payment collection, and deliver improved service through popular messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat in China. The startup initially collaborated with Coca-Cola in Brazil, assisting them in streamlining their commerce operations, particularly in engaging with small mom-and-pop shops. The successful implementation of their ordering process led to expanding Yalochat's services to Mexico and Colombia. Yalochat's AI-powered agent enables the creation of workflows that increase revenue and reduce costs by automating customer conversations. Moreover, the platform gathers valuable data and insights on customers, enabling businesses to gain a deeper understanding of their mobile customer journey.


2020. Attentive raises another $40M for mobile messaging



Mobile messaging startup, Attentive, has recently secured a $40 million Series B funding. Attentive plays a significant role in driving an average of 18.5% of total online revenue for modern e-commerce brands. Notably, the number of new customer sign-ups is continually increasing, as Attentive now serves over 1,000 businesses. Prominent companies such as Coach, Urban Outfitters, CB2, PacSun, Lulus, and Jack in the Box rely on the platform to manage their mobile messaging strategies. The platform offers various tools, including text message subscriber management, creation of engaging messages, and comprehensive campaign tracking for businesses to analyze their results effectively.