What is WhatsApp Business and How Can It Benefit Your Business?
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with more than 2 billion users across 180 countries. But did you know that WhatsApp also has a dedicated app for businesses? It's called WhatsApp Business, and it can help you transform your customer experience, drive sales, and grow your business.
WhatsApp Business is a free app that allows you to create a business presence on WhatsApp, communicate more efficiently with your customers, and access useful tools like automated messages, quick replies, labels, chat filters, and more. You can also use WhatsApp Business with a landline or fixed phone number, or access it from your computer's browser using WhatsApp Web.
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In this article, we will explain what WhatsApp Business is, how it works, what features and benefits it offers, how to choose between the two products (WhatsApp Business Platform and WhatsApp Business App), how to get started with it, and how to use it effectively for your business. We will also share some success stories of businesses that have used WhatsApp Business successfully.
WhatsApp Business Features and Benefits
WhatsApp Business has many features and benefits that can help you connect with your customers, showcase your products, and manage your conversations. Here are some of them:
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business whatsapp vs personal whatsapp
business whatsapp vs facebook messenger
business whatsapp vs wechat
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how to use business whatsapp effectively
how to set up business whatsapp account
how to create a business whatsapp profile
how to verify a business whatsapp number
how to add a business whatsapp catalog
how to send a business whatsapp message template
how to receive payments on business whatsapp
how to create a QR code for business whatsapp
how to backup and restore business whatsapp chats
how to migrate from personal to business whatsapp
how to download and install business whatsapp app
how to update and upgrade business whatsapp app
how to delete and deactivate business whatsapp account
how to secure and protect your business whatsapp account
how to troubleshoot and fix common issues with your business whatsapp app
Business Profile
A business profile is like a digital storefront for your business on WhatsApp. It allows you to provide valuable information about your business, such as your website, location, contact details, opening hours, catalog, etc. You can also customize your profile with a logo, cover photo, description, and more.
A business profile can help you build trust and credibility with your customers, as well as increase your visibility and discoverability on WhatsApp. Customers can easily find your profile by searching for your name or phone number on WhatsApp, or by scanning a QR code that you can display on your website, social media, or physical store.
Business Messaging Tools
Business messaging tools are designed to help you communicate more efficiently and effectively with your customers on WhatsApp. They include:
Away messages: These are automated messages that you can set up to send when you are away or busy. They can inform your customers about when you will be available again, or direct them to other resources or channels.
Greeting messages: These are automated messages that you can set up to send when a customer contacts you for the first time or after a period of inactivity. They can welcome your customers, introduce your business, or offer a discount or promotion.
Quick replies: These are predefined messages that you can use to answer common questions or requests from your customers. They can save you time and effort, and ensure consistency and accuracy in your responses. You can create and access quick replies by typing a slash (/) in the chat box.
Labels: These are tags that you can use to organize and categorize your chats and contacts. They can help you keep track of your customers, orders, payments, etc. You can create and assign labels by tapping the label icon in the chat or contact list.
Chat filters: These are filters that you can use to sort and view your chats based on certain criteria, such as unread messages, groups, broadcast lists, or labels. You can access chat filters by tapping the filter icon in the chat list.
Landline/Fixed Number Support
WhatsApp Business allows you to use a landline or fixed phone number instead of a mobile phone number to register your account and verify your business. This can be useful if you want to use a dedicated phone number for your business, or if you don't have a mobile phone or SIM card.
To use WhatsApp Business with a landline or fixed phone number, you need to select the "Call me" option during the verification process, and then enter the 6-digit code that you receive via a phone call. You can also use the same phone number for both WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Messenger, as long as they are installed on different devices.
WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web is a feature that allows you to access WhatsApp Business from your computer's browser. It can help you manage your chats and contacts more conveniently, as well as use your keyboard and mouse to type and send messages, attach files, etc.
To use WhatsApp Web, you need to scan a QR code from your phone's WhatsApp Business app to link it with your computer's browser. You can also enable desktop notifications and sound alerts to stay updated on your chats. However, you need to keep your phone connected to the internet for WhatsApp Web to work.
WhatsApp Business Platform vs WhatsApp Business App
WhatsApp Business has two products that cater to different business sizes and needs: WhatsApp Business Platform and WhatsApp Business App. Here is how they compare:
WhatsApp Business Platform
WhatsApp Business App
- Designed for large businesses and enterprises that need to communicate with millions of customers worldwide.
- Designed for small and medium businesses that need to communicate with hundreds or thousands of customers locally.
- Requires a third-party provider or partner to access the platform and integrate it with your existing systems and tools.
- Does not require any third-party provider or partner. You can download and install the app directly from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Allows you to send both session messages (free) and template messages (paid) to your customers.
- Allows you to send only session messages (free) to your customers.
- Session messages are messages that are sent and received in response to a customer-initiated conversation within a 24-hour window.
- Session messages are messages that are sent and received in response to a customer-initiated conversation within a 24-hour window.
- Template messages are pre-approved messages that can be sent outside the 24-hour window for specific purposes, such as appointment reminders, delivery notifications, etc.
- N/A
- Supports rich media, such as images, videos, documents, etc.
- Supports rich media, such as images, videos, documents, etc.
How to Get Started with WhatsApp Business
If you are interested in using WhatsApp Business for your business, here are the steps you need to follow:
Download and Install
The first step is to download and install WhatsApp Business on your phone or computer. You can find the app on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store for your phone, or on the WhatsApp website for your computer. You can also scan a QR code from your phone's WhatsApp Business app to access WhatsApp Web on your computer's browser.
Verification
The next step is to verify your business phone number and get a green checkmark badge that indicates that your account is authentic and verified. You can use a mobile phone number, a landline or fixed phone number, or the same phone number for both WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Messenger (as long as they are installed on different devices).
To verify your phone number, you need to enter it in the app and wait for a verification code that will be sent to you via SMS or a phone call. You need to enter the code in the app to complete the verification process. You can also request a call back if you don't receive the code.
Backup and Restore
The last step is to backup and restore your chat history and media from your previous WhatsApp account (if you have one) to your new WhatsApp Business account. You can do this by using Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iPhone) to backup your data from your old account, and then restore it to your new account.
To backup your data, you need to go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup in your old account, and then tap on "Back Up". To restore your data, you need to go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup in your new account, and then tap on "Restore". You can also choose to skip this step if you don't want to transfer your data.
Best Practices for Using WhatsApp Business
Now that you have set up your WhatsApp Business account, you need to know how to use it effectively for your business. Here are some best practices that can help you:
Customer Service
WhatsApp Business can help you provide fast and friendly customer service on WhatsApp. You can use it to:
Answer queries and requests: You can use quick replies, labels, chat filters, and business messaging tools to respond to your customers' questions and requests in a timely and professional manner.
Resolve issues and complaints: You can use away messages, greeting messages, and template messages to acknowledge and address your customers' issues and complaints, and offer solutions or compensation.
Collect feedback and reviews: You can use surveys, polls, ratings, and testimonials to collect feedback and reviews from your customers, and use them to improve your products and services.
Build loyalty and retention: You can use personalized messages, thank-you notes, birthday wishes, loyalty programs, rewards, and referrals to build loyalty and retention among your customers.
Marketing
WhatsApp Business can help you promote your products and services on WhatsApp. You can use it to:
Showcase your catalog: You can use the catalog feature to create a digital catalog of your products or services, and share it with your customers on WhatsApp. You can include images, prices, descriptions, links, etc., for each item in your catalog.
Send updates and offers: You can use broadcast lists, groups, status updates, stories, stickers, emojis, etc., to send updates and offers to your customers on WhatsApp. You can also use template messages to send notifications outside the 24-hour window (if you are using WhatsApp Business Platform).
Create campaigns and contests: You can use hashtags, QR codes, landing pages, videos, etc., to create campaigns and contests on WhatsApp. You can also use analytics tools to measure the performance of your campaigns and contests.
Increase conversions and sales: You can use payment features, product links, call-to-action buttons, etc., to increase conversions and sales on WhatsApp. You can also use chatbots or live agents to assist your customers during the purchase process.
Privacy and Security
WhatsApp Business can help you protect your data and your customers' data on WhatsApp. You can use it to:
Encrypt your chats: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for all chats, which means that only you and the person you are chatting with can read or listen to your messages. No one else, not even WhatsApp, can access your chats.
Manage your privacy settings: You can use the privacy settings to control who can see your last seen, profile photo, about, status, and live location on WhatsApp. You can also block or report any unwanted or abusive contacts or messages.
Secure your account: You can use the two-step verification feature to add an extra layer of security to your account. It requires you to enter a PIN when you register your phone number with WhatsApp or when you log in to a new device.
Follow the WhatsApp Business Policy: You can use the WhatsApp Business Policy to understand and follow the rules and guidelines for using WhatsApp Business. It covers topics such as acceptable use, prohibited activities, data protection, intellectual property, etc.
Success Stories of Businesses Using WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business has helped many businesses around the world to achieve their goals and grow their businesses. Here are some examples of success stories of businesses using WhatsApp Business:
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: KLM used WhatsApp Business Platform to provide customers with flight information, booking confirmation, check-in notification, boarding pass, flight status updates, and customer support. KLM achieved a 40% higher engagement rate and a 15% higher customer satisfaction rate with WhatsApp than with other channels.
Redbus: Redbus is India's largest online bus ticketing platform. Redbus used WhatsApp Business App to send customers their ticket details, boarding point location, bus number, driver's contact number, and trip reminders. Redbus reduced customer queries by 30% and increased customer satisfaction by 50% with WhatsApp.
BabyChakra: BabyChakra is India's largest online platform for parents and childcare. BabyChakra used WhatsApp Business App to create a community of mothers who can chat with each other, share tips and advice, and access curated content and services. BabyChakra increased its user retention by 40% and its revenue by 60% with WhatsApp.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Business is a powerful tool that can help you connect with your customers, showcase your products and services, and manage your conversations on WhatsApp. It has many features and benefits that can help you transform your customer experience, drive sales, and grow your business.
If you are interested in using WhatsApp Business for your business, you need to choose between the two products (WhatsApp Business Platform and WhatsApp Business App), download and install the app on your phone or computer, verify your business phone number, backup and restore your chat history and media, and follow the best practices for using it effectively.
WhatsApp Business has helped many businesses around the world to achieve their goals and grow their businesses. You can also be one of them. So what are you waiting for? Try WhatsApp Business today and see the difference!
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about WhatsApp Business:
Q: How much does WhatsApp Business cost?
A: WhatsApp Business App is free to download and use for small and medium businesses. WhatsApp Business Platform is also free to use for session messages (within a 24-hour window), but charges a fixed fee per template message (outside the 24-hour window). The fee varies depending on the country and the message type.
Q: How can I switch from WhatsApp Messenger to WhatsApp Business?
A: You can switch from WhatsApp Messenger to WhatsApp Business by following these steps: (1) Backup your chat history and media from your old account. (2) Download and install WhatsApp Business on your phone or computer. (3) Verify your business phone number with the same number as your old account. (4) Restore your chat history and media from your backup.
Q: Can I use both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business on the same phone?
A: Yes, you can use both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business on the same phone, as long as they are registered with different phone numbers.
Q: How can I contact WhatsApp Business support?
A: You can contact WhatsApp Business support by going to Settings > Help > Contact Us in the app. You can also visit the for more information and resources.
Q: How can I delete my WhatsApp Business account?
A: You can delete your WhatsApp Business account by following these steps: (1) Go to Settings > Account > Delete My Account in the app. (2) Enter your business phone number and tap on "Delete My Account". (3) Confirm your decision by tapping on "Delete My Account" again. Note that deleting your account will erase your chat history, remove you from all groups, delete your backup, and revoke your verification badge.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about WhatsApp Business. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your time and attention. 44f88ac181
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