Why WhatsApp is the New Email for Beauty Businesses | Paul Green
Mon Feb 02 2026
You wouldn’t ignore a client standing at your reception desk, yet so many businesses unknowingly ignore potential clients online. We are all glued to our phones, but are you actually reaching your customers where they spend their time?
Paul Green, a former commercial airline pilot turned marketing funnel expert, joins the show to dismantle the myth that automation makes you robotic. In fact, it might just be the most human thing you can do for your business.
We dive deep into why email open rates are plummeting while WhatsApp is seeing a massive 98% engagement rate. Paul shares his incredible pivot from the cockpit to the boardroom (via some Lego bricks) and explains why you no longer have to be the best business in town—you just have to be the fastest. If you are tired of chasing leads or feel guilty about not replying to messages at 9 pm, this conversation is the permission slip you need to start working smarter.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The 5-Minute Rule: Responding to a new enquiry within five minutes makes you 100 times more likely to convert that lead into a paying customer. Speed is the new currency of trust.
Automation is Service: Just like an autopilot serves the passengers by freeing up the pilot, marketing automation serves your clients by giving them instant answers, regardless of the time of day.
The "Shoe Shop" Analogy: If a customer walked into a shop and no one greeted them, they would leave. Your website is the same; if you don't engage visitors immediately via chat or WhatsApp, they will bounce to a competitor.
WhatsApp vs. Email: With email open rates hovering around 20%, WhatsApp offers a direct, uncluttered line of communication that clients actually trust and check.
Confirmation, Not Discovery: By the time a client lands on your website, they have usually made their buying decision. They are simply looking for confirmation and a quick way to book.
MEMORABLE QUOTES
"You no longer have to be the best, you just have to be the fastest. The fastest wins every time."
"An autopilot serves passengers first and pilots second. We can use automation to serve the customer... to make the customer's life easier, better, more exclusive, and more VIP."
"People go to the high street when they’ve made their buying decision. All they’re looking for is confirmation."
"If you can respond within five minutes, you are 100 times more likely to turn them into a customer."
"It’s not about being a robot; it’s about being the most helpful person in the room."
GUEST LINKS
Paul Green & Client Funnels - clientfunnels.co.uk
SOCIALS & IMPORTANT LINKS
https://susanroutledge.com
https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge
https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters
https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media.
https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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You wouldn’t ignore a client standing at your reception desk, yet so many businesses unknowingly ignore potential clients online. We are all glued to our phones, but are you actually reaching your customers where they spend their time? Paul Green, a former commercial airline pilot turned marketing funnel expert, joins the show to dismantle the myth that automation makes you robotic. In fact, it might just be the most human thing you can do for your business. We dive deep into why email open rates are plummeting while WhatsApp is seeing a massive 98% engagement rate. Paul shares his incredible pivot from the cockpit to the boardroom (via some Lego bricks) and explains why you no longer have to be the best business in town—you just have to be the fastest. If you are tired of chasing leads or feel guilty about not replying to messages at 9 pm, this conversation is the permission slip you need to start working smarter. KEY TAKEAWAYS The 5-Minute Rule: Responding to a new enquiry within five minutes makes you 100 times more likely to convert that lead into a paying customer. Speed is the new currency of trust. Automation is Service: Just like an autopilot serves the passengers by freeing up the pilot, marketing automation serves your clients by giving them instant answers, regardless of the time of day. The "Shoe Shop" Analogy: If a customer walked into a shop and no one greeted them, they would leave. Your website is the same; if you don't engage visitors immediately via chat or WhatsApp, they will bounce to a competitor. WhatsApp vs. Email: With email open rates hovering around 20%, WhatsApp offers a direct, uncluttered line of communication that clients actually trust and check. Confirmation, Not Discovery: By the time a client lands on your website, they have usually made their buying decision. They are simply looking for confirmation and a quick way to book. MEMORABLE QUOTES "You no longer have to be the best, you just have to be the fastest. The fastest wins every time." "An autopilot serves passengers first and pilots second. We can use automation to serve the customer... to make the customer's life easier, better, more exclusive, and more VIP." "People go to the high street when they’ve made their buying decision. All they’re looking for is confirmation." "If you can respond within five minutes, you are 100 times more likely to turn them into a customer." "It’s not about being a robot; it’s about being the most helpful person in the room." GUEST LINKS Paul Green & Client Funnels - clientfunnels.co.uk SOCIALS & IMPORTANT LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/