Want to use WhatsApp for your business? You need a WhatsApp Business account! Learn what a WhatsApp Business account is, what it does, and how to get started.
With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp is currently the most popular social media platform in the world. In countries like India and Brazil, literally everything is done on WhatsApp. Ordering an Uber? On WhatsApp! Buying a new EV? On WhatsApp! Grocery shopping? On WhatsApp!
every day, 175 million people send messages to companies On WhatsApp. However, if you use WhatsApp for business, you can't use the regular app – it's meant for personal use only, and any business that tries to circumvent this will be banned.
However, WhatsApp offers a special solution for businesses: WhatsApp Business.
What is WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp Business is the business version of the regular WhatsApp app. As WhatsApp grew in popularity and businesses started using the app to communicate with their customers, WhatsApp launched its first business solution in 2016: the WhatsApp Business app.
Like private apps, they are applications for mobile devices, but specifically intended for commercial use. Create your profileupload Product catalogEngage with customers, One-on-one chatand to some extent, through WhatsApp. marketing.
If you want to use WhatsApp commercially, you will need to use the WhatsApp Business solution as private apps are prohibited for business use.
WhatsApp Business App Restrictions
The WhatsApp Business app is a great way for small businesses to connect with customers on WhatsApp. It offers some basic business features and is free and easy to get started with.
For some businesses, this may be enough, but many who want to expand their business on WhatsApp will sooner or later run into some limitations.
- Bulk messaging is very limited (you can only send messages to Up to 256 recipients per broadcast list). If you don't comply with these restrictions, WhatsApp will block your number.
- Limited number of devices (WhatsApp Business app only Up to 5 connected devices per account)
- Businesses with multiple locations typically have to use different WhatsApp Business numbers, which is confusing for customers and frustrating for customer service.
- Toll-free numbers are not available.
- There is No automation WhatsApp message templates, chatbots and more.
- I can't get the green checkmark.
- It can't be connected to a CRM system or e-commerce integrations.
- In many markets, the WhatsApp Business app is not compliant with data regulations.
If any of these limitations concern your business, we recommend upgrading to the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), the WhatsApp business solution for medium and large businesses and those looking to grow their business on WhatsApp.
💡WhatsApp Business Platform vs WhatsApp Business App: Which is better?
How to Create a WhatsApp Business Account in 7 Steps
Creating a business account through the WhatsApp Business app is a very simple process.
1. Download and launch the WhatsApp Business app
The WhatsApp Business app is available to download for free from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
2. Open the WhatsApp Business app on your home screen.
3. Check the terms of use
First, you will see the WhatsApp Business terms of use on your screen. Tap Agree and continue I agree to the terms.
4. Register an account
You can now add the country code by selecting the country from the drop-down list. Here you can enter the phone number. Make sure it follows the international phone number format. For example, an Indian phone number would look like +91 996 0270 209 and a US number would look like +1 408 XXX XXXX.
It cannot be a VoIP, toll-free number, premium paid number, Universal Access Number (UAN), or private number, or, if using a landline, an extension number.
Tap end or NextClick[OK]Once you click, you will be sent a six-digit registration code via text message or phone call, which you must enter to complete the registration process.
5. Allow access to contacts and photos. You can add contacts from your phone's address book to the WhatsApp Business app. You can also allow access to photos, videos, and files on your phone.
Be careful when doing this: Syncing this contact Violates data laws in many countries!
6. Create an account.
Enter your business name, choose a business category, and choose a profile photo.
- Company name: We recommend using a formal company name that your (potential) customers will recognize.
- Profile picture: We recommend using your company logo.
- Category: Select a category from the drop-down list that describes the type of business you have.
- Description: Describe your business in 256 characters.
- Company Address: Enter your company's official mailing address.
Once this step is complete, Explore the Business Tools window Or, skip this and enter it later.
7. Start chatting.
Once you've set up your business profile, you can start chatting with customers.
The most relevant business features in WhatsApp Business
catalog
Catalogue allows you to upload information, prices, images, and links for the products and services you offer directly into the WhatsApp Business app.
Go to Settings, catalogto add a new product, plus Click the icon to add an image, enter a description, and add a link and price. Once uploaded, your customers will be able to browse your catalog and you can also share specific products with them directly in chat. You can upload up to 500 items.
Bulk Messages
The WhatsApp broadcast tool allows you to send bulk messages to your contacts. It has the following limitations:
- Only a maximum of 256 unique users can access each broadcast list
- You can only send messages to contacts who have your number saved in their address book (unless you use the API)
WhatsApp Broadcast vs WhatsApp Channel: What's the difference?
Message templates
The WhatsApp Business app offers limited message templates such as welcome messages, away messages, and quick replies.
Quick replies allow you to create shortcuts for messages that you frequently send to your customers, such as business hours and contact information. You can also include media messages, such as images and videos.
Note: The maximum number of quick replies you can save is 50. There is no way to automatically send a reply. You can save a reply and access it quickly, but you'll need to send it manually.
label
You can create labels for your contacts and sort your conversations by, for example, “New Customers” or “Pending Orders.”
Click to link to WhatsApp
The WhatsApp Business app also allows you to create shortened links that take customers directly into WhatsApp chats. These can also be seamlessly integrated into your website, shared via email, or shared as a QR code.
You can also set up click-to-WhatsApp ads on Facebook and Instagram to drive traffic to your channels.
Receiving payments with WhatsApp
In some countries (as of October 2023, India, Brazil, and Singapore), small businesses can receive payments directly through WhatsApp Payments.
Can I build a chatbot with WhatsApp Business?
you can Program your chatbot exclusively on the WhatsApp Business platform!The free WhatsApp Business app does not offer this feature.
Every customer asks for the same information, especially at the start of a sales or service conversation. By using a WhatsApp chatbot as first-level support at the beginning of the conversation, customers can get their first answers faster and businesses can save valuable resources.
❗️Notes: Since November 2020, companies The WhatsApp bot needs to be able to hand over the customer to a human agentThis can be done by handing over to a human agent over chat, providing a phone number or email, using web support or a support form, etc. For example, with Sinch Engage’s Chatbot Builder you can quickly and easily create an efficient chatbot that ensures handover to a human agent.
Can I use WhatsApp Business on my desktop?
You can also use WhatsApp Business on your desktop computer using the WhatsApp Web feature or the WhatsApp desktop app, but keep in mind that you can't set up WhatsApp Business only on your desktop.
Also, the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously is limited to 5. If you need more advanced desktop features, we recommend the professional WhatsApp solution that lets you manage all your conversations on one central platform.
How do I get a verified/official business account (green tick) on WhatsApp?
If you're using the WhatsApp Business app, you can't become an official business account, although this may change in the future with the new Meta Verified subscription. For now, only businesses that use the WhatsApp Business API can apply to get the green checkmark on WhatsApp.
Generally, businesses cannot apply or pay to convert a “Business Account” to an “Official Business Account,” and verified business accounts are marked with a green checkmark. WhatsApp officially states:
Currently, only certain company accounts are listed as “Official Business Accounts”. Whether a company is listed as an “Official Business Account” is determined based on a number of factors, including the prominence of the brand.
✔✔ But: You can request verification of your official business account from WhatsApp through the form provided by us.
What data protection aspects should I take into account when using WhatsApp?
Using WhatsApp on one smartphone for a business is problematic. For several reasons, this Data Protection Law.
Only the WhatsApp platform can guarantee data protection through a business solutions provider such as Sinch Engage.
“Generally, there are no restrictions on the data exchanged between businesses and customers via messenger apps like WhatsApp. It is important that businesses provide detailed explanations of their data handling practices up front and provide customers with reassurance that their data is legitimate.”
Carsten Ulbricht, Data and IT Lawyer
