Top ZOKO Alternatives for WhatsApp in 2024

In the competitive landscape of e-commerce, finding the right tools for WhatsApp marketing and customer support can significantly impact your business’s success. If you’re a D2C marketer, you understand the importance of launching auto-sell and cross-sell campaigns based on purchase history. Unfortunately, Zoko, while a popular choice, falls short on several essential features. This blog post will explore 13 alternatives to Zoko that can help you enhance your marketing efforts and customer support for your Shopify store.

ShopAgain

Our top pick is ShopAgain, an all-in-one marketing and support automation platform. ShopAgain combines Email, SMS, and WhatsApp marketing with advanced features like AI-driven cross-sell recommendations, WhatsApp & Instagram flows, and an AI chatbot. Being an official Meta partner for WhatsApp, ShopAgain offers unbeatable pricing starting at $19 for WhatsApp & SMS and $0 for emails, making it the preferred choice for several Shark Tank DTC brands.

BiteSpeed

BiteSpeed is a robust WhatsApp marketing tool designed to help Shopify stores recover abandoned carts, engage customers, and boost sales through automated WhatsApp messages.

Key Features of BiteSpeed

1. Automated Abandoned Cart Recovery
   • Recover abandoned carts by sending automated WhatsApp messages, contributing to $13.4Mn in recovered sales.
2. Multi-Agent Chat
   • Allows multiple support agents to manage customer interactions from a single business phone number, ensuring no agent is overloaded.
3. Customizable Chat Widgets
   • Add share buttons and customizable chat widgets to your site, making it easy for customers to reach out and share your website.

Pros of BiteSpeed

• Efficiently manage multiple WhatsApp business numbers.
• Automated cart recovery and customer engagement.
• Shareable knowledge base for team members.

Cons of BiteSpeed

• Limited to 1 WhatsApp number and 5 team members in the basic plan.
• Additional charges may apply for some features.
• Limited customization in chatbot flows compared to other platforms.

Pricing of BiteSpeed

• $4.99/month for basic features, with additional charges for advanced functionalities.
• 14-day free trial available for new users.

AiSensy

AiSensy is a no-code WhatsApp marketing platform designed to leverage the official WhatsApp Business API, enabling businesses to automate cart recovery, send bulk messages, and increase customer engagement.

Key Features of AiSensy

1. Automated Abandoned Cart Recovery
   • AiSensy has recovered $13.4Mn in abandoned carts using automated WhatsApp messages and SMS follow-ups.
2. Multi-Agent Chat Support
   • Allows multiple agents to handle customer inquiries using a single business phone number, ensuring balanced workloads.
3. Segmented Broadcasts
   • Target specific customer groups with personalized discounts and product recommendations to boost conversions.

Pros of AiSensy

• Efficient cart recovery leading to increased sales.
• Multi-agent chat support for streamlined customer service.
• Segmented broadcasts for targeted marketing.

Cons of AiSensy

• Additional charges may apply beyond the monthly subscription.
• Requires WhatsApp mobile app for full functionality.
• Limited to WhatsApp and lacks integration with other communication channels.

Pricing of AiSensy

• Basic Plan: $18/month.
• Pro Plan: Starts at $40.5/month.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for businesses with over 500,000 users.

Interakt

Interakt is a comprehensive WhatsApp marketing and automation platform, designed to streamline business communications and enhance customer engagement through WhatsApp. It offers a variety of features to help businesses automate interactions, manage customer queries, and run effective marketing campaigns.

Key Features of Interakt

1. WhatsApp CRM + Team Inbox
   • Manage customer interactions from a unified inbox, making it easier for teams to collaborate on customer support and marketing.
2. Automated WhatsApp Notifications
   • Send automated notifications to customers based on their actions, ensuring timely and relevant communication.
3. Bulk Promotional Campaigns
   • Reach a large audience with WhatsApp broadcasts, promoting sales or sharing important updates with high open and click-through rates.
4. Product Catalog Sync
   • Automatically sync your store’s products and collections to a Facebook Catalog connected to your WhatsApp API, ensuring real-time updates.
5. Auto Replies and Quick Replies
   • Set up automated replies to frequently asked questions, reducing manual effort and improving response times.

Pros of Interakt

• Affordable pricing plans tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises.
• High open and click-through rates for WhatsApp broadcasts.
• Automated workflows and notifications enhance efficiency.

Cons of Interakt

• Limited to WhatsApp, lacking multi-channel support which can hinder overall marketing strategy.
• Absence of retargeting campaigns, leading to missed opportunities for converting warm leads.
• Manual work for setting up condition/rules-based flows can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

Pricing of Interakt

• Starter Plan: ₹9,588/year or $0.0042 USD per user-initiated conversation.
• Growth Plan: ₹23,988/year or $0.0041 USD per user-initiated conversation.
• Advanced Plan: ₹33,588/year or $0.0040 USD per user-initiated conversation.
• Additional charges apply for business-initiated conversations and vary by country.

WhatsApp Chat and Share

WhatsApp Chat and Share is an effortless and native communication tool for your website visitors, enabling seamless interaction and engagement through a popular messenger platform. It enhances customer support and drives sales by facilitating direct communication.

Key Features of WhatsApp Chat and Share

1. Real-Time Notifications
   • Users receive instant notifications about new messages directly on the web page, ensuring uninterrupted chatting.
2. Customizable Interface
   • Modify interface features such as icons, captions, reply times, and welcome messages to perfectly align with your business needs.
3. Product Sync and Bulk Messaging
   • Automatically sync products to WhatsApp and bulk-send messages. Convert WhatsApp carts to orders with ease.

Pros of WhatsApp Chat and Share

• Seamless integration with popular messenger platforms.
• Real-time customer interaction from any device.
• Strategic use for increasing sales through direct consultation and support.

Cons of WhatsApp Chat and Share

• Requires WhatsApp mobile app for both merchants and customers.
• Limited to WhatsApp, lacking multi-channel support.
• Additional charges may apply beyond the free plan.

Pricing of WhatsApp Chat and Share

• Free Plan: Available with limited features.
• 14-Day Free Trial: Additional charges may apply post-trial.
• Subscription Charges: Vary based on the plan (Starter/Growth/Advanced).

LimeChat

LimeChat is a versatile communication tool designed to enhance customer engagement and support. It integrates seamlessly with multiple platforms, offering a unified experience for both businesses and customers.

Key Features of LimeChat

1. One-Click Installation
   • Easily set up the chat widget on your site with just one click, allowing instant customer interaction.
2. Multi-Channel Support
   • Integrate WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and more into a single interface for streamlined communication.
3. Customizable Chat Widget
   • Customize the chat widget with seven built-in styles and add multiple operators for efficient customer service.
   • Incorporate a share button to enable customers to spread the word about your business.

Pros of LimeChat

• Efficient management of multiple WhatsApp business numbers.
• Centralized dashboard for seamless communication.
• AI-based chatbots for intelligent and flexible customer interactions.

Cons of LimeChat

• Limited to 1 WhatsApp number and 5 team members on the basic plan.
• Advanced features may require additional configuration and setup.
• Customization options might be overwhelming for beginners.

Pricing of LimeChat

• $25/month billed yearly for 1 WhatsApp number and 5 team members.
• Free to install with basic features; additional costs for advanced configurations.

Freshdesk

Freshdesk is a robust cloud-based customer support platform designed to help businesses streamline their customer service operations and enhance customer satisfaction. With features that cater to both marketing and support needs, Freshdesk is a comprehensive tool for managing customer interactions effectively.

Key Features of Freshdesk

1. Ticketing System
   • Freshdesk offers a robust ticketing system that allows businesses to efficiently manage customer inquiries and issues from multiple channels in one place.
2. Multi-Channel Support
   • Businesses can provide support across various channels, including email, phone, chat, and social media, ensuring customers can reach out through their preferred communication method.
3. Self-Service Portal
   • Freshdesk includes a knowledge base feature that allows businesses to create a self-service portal where customers can find answers to common questions on their own.
4. Automation
   • Freshdesk’s automation tools help streamline repetitive tasks such as assigning tickets and sending responses, saving time and improving efficiency.
5. Reporting and Analytics
   • Freshdesk provides detailed reporting and analytics tools to help businesses track key support metrics and make data-driven decisions.

Pros of Freshdesk

• Efficient ticketing system that centralizes customer inquiries from multiple channels.
• Automation features save time and improve support agent productivity.
• Multi-channel support ensures consistent and accessible customer service.

Cons of Freshdesk

• Higher-tier plans can become expensive for businesses looking for advanced features.
• The interface, while user-friendly, may be more suited to larger organizations.
• Reliance on multiple tools for comprehensive marketing and support solutions.

Pricing of Freshdesk

• Free chat plan available for new users.
• 14-day free trial to explore the platform’s features.
• Higher-tier plans, such as the Growth package, start at $79/agent/month billed annually for basic omnichannel inbox.

Zendesk

Zendesk is a trusted platform used by thousands of growing businesses to manage their WhatsApp Sales, Marketing, and Customer Support. It enables businesses to leverage WhatsApp as a powerful sales, marketing, and support channel, driving significant ROI.

Key Features of Zendesk

1. WhatsApp Marketing Automations
   • Sync your Shopify store data and activate default WhatsApp marketing automations like abandoned cart recovery, order notifications, welcome messages, and coupon offers.
2. Customer Interaction Management
   • Manage customer inquiries and support tickets efficiently with a shared inbox for various channels, including email and social media.
   • Track customer interactions and provide personalized responses to enhance the overall customer experience.
3. Open API for Bot Integration
   • Connect to bot building platforms like Google’s Dialogflow and Xenioo to build WhatsApp ordering bots that automatically take orders.

Pros of Zendesk

• User-friendly interface and customizable features.
• Seamless integration with various platforms, centralizing customer communication channels.
• Robust analytics capabilities for tracking and improving customer support performance.

Cons of Zendesk

• Best suited for large businesses, potentially limiting its effectiveness for smaller companies.
• Advanced features and add-ons can increase the overall cost.
• Customer service may not be as responsive compared to other platforms.

Pricing of Zendesk

• Starts at $19/user/month.
• Additional costs for advanced features and add-ons.

WebEngage

WebEngage is a robust marketing automation platform that assists businesses in creating personalized customer journeys and automating marketing campaigns across multiple channels to drive engagement and conversions.

Key Features of WebEngage

1. Omni-Channel Marketing
   • Engage customers across email, SMS, mobile push notifications, web push notifications, in-app messages, and more for a seamless customer experience.
2. Personalization
   • Tailor marketing messages based on customer behavior, preferences, and interactions to boost engagement and conversions.
3. Journey Designer
   • Create automated customer journeys based on specific triggers and actions to nurture leads, retain customers, and drive revenue.
4. Analytics and Reporting
   • Gain valuable insights into campaign performance, customer engagement, and ROI with advanced analytics and reporting tools.
5. Customer Segmentation
   • Segment your customer base using various parameters such as demographics, behavior, and preferences for targeted marketing campaigns.

Pros of WebEngage

• Comprehensive omni-channel marketing capabilities.
• Advanced personalization features.
• Powerful automation tools for customer journeys.
• Detailed analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions.
• Effective customer segmentation for targeted campaigns.

Cons of WebEngage

• The platform can be complex for beginners to navigate.
• Higher pricing tiers may be prohibitive for small businesses.
• Limited focus on customer support integration compared to other platforms.

Pricing of WebEngage

• Free chat plan available.
• 14-day free trial for new users.
• Pricing details for advanced plans are available upon request and may vary based on specific business needs.

Zoho Desk

Zoho Desk is a comprehensive customer support software designed to streamline customer service operations. It offers a variety of features aimed at improving agent productivity and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Key Features of Zoho Desk

1. Ticketing System
   • Robust ticketing system that allows businesses to efficiently manage customer inquiries and issues. Tickets can be assigned, prioritized, and tracked for timely resolution.
2. Multichannel Support
   • Provides support across multiple channels, including email, phone, live chat, social media, and more, ensuring a seamless support experience for customers.
3. Automation
   • Automation tools help streamline repetitive tasks, such as routing tickets and sending canned responses, thereby improving agent productivity.
4. Self-Service Options
   • Includes a knowledge base feature that allows customers to find answers to common questions and troubleshoot issues on their own.
5. Reporting and Analytics
   • Provides detailed reporting and analytics tools to track key metrics like ticket volume, resolution times, and customer satisfaction scores.

Pros of Zoho Desk

• Efficient ticket management system.
• Multichannel support capabilities.
• Strong automation features.
• Self-service options reduce support ticket volume.
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics.

Cons of Zoho Desk

• Limited to basic WhatsApp inbox features.
• Not ideal for businesses requiring extensive omnichannel support.
• May not offer the best fit for small to medium-sized companies due to its pricing.

Pricing of Zoho Desk

• $24.99/month for 500 monthly unique customers.
• Free chat option and a 14-day free trial available.

Twilio

Twilio is a comprehensive cloud communications platform that enables businesses to integrate various communication methods, such as voice, messaging, and video, into their applications through simple APIs. It is a popular choice for companies of all sizes looking to enhance their customer engagement strategies.

Key Features of Twilio

1. Multi-Channel Communication
   • Twilio allows businesses to communicate with customers via SMS, WhatsApp, voice calls, video calls, and email, providing a seamless omnichannel experience.
2. Automation and Customization
   • With Twilio’s programmable APIs, businesses can automate communication workflows and customize messages based on customer preferences and behavior.
3. Analytics and Reporting
   • Twilio provides detailed analytics and reporting tools to help businesses track the performance of their communication campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

Pros of Twilio

• Supports multiple communication channels including SMS, WhatsApp, voice, and video.
• Highly customizable with programmable APIs.
• Detailed analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions.

Cons of Twilio

• Requires technical or coding knowledge to fully utilize its customizable APIs.
• Pay-as-you-use pricing structure can be complex and varies by country.
• Additional charges may apply, making it less cost-effective for small businesses.

Pricing of Twilio

• Twilio offers a pay-as-you-use pricing structure that depends on the country and volume of messages.
• Example pricing: $1/user/hour or $150/user/month for the Flex Cloud Contact Center platform.
• Additional charges apply, and you need to contact their sales team for exact pricing details.

Messagebird

Messagebird is a comprehensive communication platform designed to enhance customer engagement through various channels like SMS, WhatsApp, Voice, and more. It offers a robust set of features to streamline business communications and drive customer interactions.

Key Features of Messagebird

1. Omnichannel Communication
   • Messagebird supports multiple communication channels, including SMS, WhatsApp, Voice, and more, offering a seamless customer experience.
2. Advanced Automation
   • The platform allows for automated messages and personalized interactions, ensuring timely and relevant communication with customers.
3. Analytics and Reporting
   • Detailed analytics and reporting tools provide insights into communication performance, helping businesses optimize their strategies.
4. Customization Options
   • Extensive customization options enable businesses to tailor messages, set up automated workflows, and segment audiences effectively.
5. Scalability and Reliability
   • Messagebird’s infrastructure is designed to scale with business growth, ensuring reliable and effective communication.

Pros of Messagebird

• Comprehensive omnichannel support.
• Advanced automation capabilities.
• Detailed analytics and reporting tools.
• Extensive customization options.
• Scalable and reliable infrastructure.

Cons of Messagebird

• High cost for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Requires multiple solutions for complete functionality.
• Customer support may not be as responsive for smaller businesses.

Pricing of Messagebird

• Free plan available for up to 50 conversations.
• Paid plans range from $50 to $150 monthly based on the number of conversations.
• Additional charges may apply for advanced features and higher usage.

WATI

WATI is a robust WhatsApp Business API solution designed to streamline customer engagement, sales, and marketing conversations on WhatsApp. It offers a comprehensive suite of features for businesses to enhance their customer service and drive sales effectively.

Key Features of WATI

1. Automated Abandoned Cart Recovery
   • WATI has recovered $13.4Mn in abandoned carts by sending automated recovery messages via WhatsApp or SMS.
2. Multi-Agent Support
   • Use a single business phone number to manage multiple agents, ensuring no single agent is overloaded.
   • Chats can be smartly redirected to different support agents.
3. Customizable Chat Widgets
   • Add share buttons and customizable chat widgets on your website to allow customers to easily reach you via WhatsApp.
   • Customers can start conversations anytime using floating widgets.

Pros of WATI

• Automated recovery messages to boost sales.
• Multi-agent support with smart chat redirection.
• Customizable chat widgets for better customer engagement.

Cons of WATI

• Additional charges may apply beyond the base subscription.
• Limited to WhatsApp for customer interactions.
• No free trial for the full feature set, only a 14-day trial.

Pricing of WATI

• Free plan available with limited features.
• $4.99/month for basic features, with additional charges for advanced functionalities.
• $40/month billed yearly for 5 agents with no free trial.

DelightChat

DelightChat is an omnichannel customer support platform designed to streamline communications and enhance sales through automated WhatsApp marketing. Trusted by businesses for its efficiency, it has already helped recover $13.4 million in sales.

Key Features of DelightChat

1. Automated Abandoned Cart Recovery
   • Automatically sends recovery messages via WhatsApp or SMS to recover lost sales.
2. Unified Inbox
   • Consolidates customer conversations from various channels like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Email into one inbox for efficient query management.
   • Allows team collaboration and automated message routing.
3. Customizable Chat Widget
   • Enables customers to reach out with a single click from your website, without any branding or unnecessary steps.

Pros of DelightChat

• Supports multiple communication channels including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Email.
• Offers a free plan with a 14-day trial.
• Seamless integration with Shopify for data syncing and automated marketing campaigns.

Cons of DelightChat

• Pricing starts at $49/month, which may be steep for small businesses.
• Limited to predefined templates for WhatsApp marketing, lacking more advanced customization.
• Primarily designed for medium to large businesses, potentially less suitable for smaller enterprises.

Pricing of DelightChat

• Startup Plan: $49/month.
• Scale Plan: $99/month.
• Growth Plan: $299/month.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right tool for WhatsApp marketing in your Shopify store is crucial to enhancing customer engagement, driving sales, and building trust. Top alternatives to Zoko include BiteSpeed, AiSensy, Interakt, LimeChat, Freshdesk, Zendesk, WebEngage, Zoho Desk, Twilio, Messagebird, WATI, and DelightChat, each offering unique features to streamline communication and improve customer support. However, our top pick is ShopAgain. This all-in-one marketing and support automation platform offers Email, SMS, WhatsApp marketing, AI-driven cross-sell recommendations, and advanced features like WhatsApp & Instagram flow, AI chatbots, and a mobile app. ShopAgain’s competitive pricing, starting at $19 for WhatsApp & SMS and $0 for emails, combined with its robust customer support solutions, makes it the preferred choice for several Shark Tank DTC brands. Investing in a comprehensive tool like ShopAgain can significantly impact your marketing efforts and business growth. What tool will you choose to transform your e-commerce strategy? Let us know in the comments!

FAQ Section

1. What is the best alternative to Zoko for WhatsApp marketing and customer support?

• Our top pick is ShopAgain, an all-in-one marketing and support automation platform. It integrates Email, SMS, and WhatsApp marketing with advanced AI-driven features and offers competitive pricing starting at $19 for WhatsApp & SMS and $0 for emails.

2. How can WhatsApp Abandoned Cart & Chat solutions help my Shopify store?

• WhatsApp Abandoned Cart & Chat solutions send automated reminders to customers who have left items in their carts, helping recover lost sales. Additionally, real-time chat support addresses customer concerns, increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

3. What are the key features of BiteSpeed for WhatsApp marketing?

• BiteSpeed offers automated abandoned cart recovery, multi-agent chat support, and customizable chat widgets. These features help manage multiple WhatsApp business numbers, recover lost sales, and engage customers effectively.

4. What are the pricing options for AiSensy?

• AiSensy offers a Basic Plan at $18/month, a Pro Plan starting at $40.5/month, and a custom-priced Enterprise Plan for businesses with over 500,000 users. A 14-day free trial is also available, though additional charges may apply for certain features.