WhatsApp Advertising in Hong Kong in 2025 - All You Need To Know

06/09/2025 Katrina Leung Optimize your media budgets

If you're running a business in Hong Kong, chances are your customers are already on WhatsApp—scrolling, chatting, checking updates, and yes, messaging businesses for inquiries and booking appointments.

With more than 7 in 10 locals using the app daily, WhatsApp advertising is one of the most direct, personal, and underused ways to connect with your audience here.

Forget outdoor advertising blindness and ignored email blasts. If you're looking for high engagement and real-time interaction, WhatsApp for advertising might just be your secret weapon.

This guide breaks down how WhatsApp ads work, what a good WhatsApp advertising campaign looks like, and how brands in Hong Kong can start sending smarter, more impactful WhatsApp advertising messages.

What is WhatsApp Advertising?

WhatsApp advertising involves using WhatsApp to promote products or services, engage with customers, and drive sales. This can be achieved through various methods, including:

Click-to-WhatsApp ads: These are ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram that, when clicked, open a chat with your business on WhatsApp.
Broadcast messages: Sending promotional messages to a list of customers who have opted in.
Automated messages: Using chatbots or automated responses to engage with customers.

Why Use WhatsApp for Advertising in Hong Kong?

High Engagement Rates: WhatsApp messages have impressive open rates as high as 98%, significantly higher than traditional email marketing. This means your messages are more likely to be seen and read.
Personalized Customer Interaction: With WhatsApp Business, you can send personalized messages, answer queries in real-time, and build stronger relationships with your customers.
Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to other advertising channels, WhatsApp advertising is relatively low-cost, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.

Setting Up WhatsApp Business for Advertising

To start WhatsApp business advertising, follow these steps:

Download WhatsApp Business App: Available on both Android and iOS.
Create a Business Profile: Include your business name, description, address, and website.
Set Up Automated Messages: Use greeting messages, away messages, and quick replies to streamline communication.
Promote Your WhatsApp Number: Add your WhatsApp contact to your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Use Click-to-WhatsApp Ads: Create ads on Facebook or Instagram that direct users to a WhatsApp chat with your business .

WhatsApp Business API Pricing Update in 2025

As of 2025, Meta has updated the WhatsApp Business API pricing model to a per-template message basis, moving away from the previous 24-hour conversation-based charges. This change aims to provide businesses with more flexibility and control over their messaging costs.

Current WhatsApp Pricing Structure (Effective July 1, 2025)

In Hong Kong, the charges for sending template messages via the WhatsApp Business API are as follows:

Marketing Messages: Approximately HKD $0.57 (USD $0.0732) per message.
These messages are used for promotions, offers, informational updates, or invitations for customers to respond or take action.
Utility Messages: Approximately HKD $0.12 (USD $0.0157) per message.
Used for transactional updates like order confirmations, billing reminders, or shipping notifications.
Authentication Messages: Approximately HKD $0.33 (USD $0.0425) per message.
Used for one-time passcodes and account verification processes.
Service Conversations: Free of charge.
These are customer-initiated conversations where businesses respond within a 24-hour window. As of November 1, 2024, there is no limit to the number of free service conversations.

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Measuring Success

Track the performance of your WhatsApp advertising campaign by monitoring:

Message Open Rates: High open rates indicate effective messaging.
Response Time: Quick responses can lead to higher customer satisfaction. Respond within 24 hours to avoid extra charges!
Conversion Rates: Measure how many conversations lead to sales or desired actions.
Customer Feedback: Gather insights to improve future campaigns.