If you run a business, you will know how significant is the influence of WhatsApp. There are more than 2 billion active users around the world, so think about the potential of reaching millions for your business and the stage is set.
A business option
For a business, you would need to use the WhatsApp Business app. This is somewhat similar to the standard personal WhatsApp version but with more features like business details.
Getting started with WhatsApp Business
The benefits of WhatsApp Business are unprecedented and unrivaled by many other apps. Getting started is very straightforward as it is like any other downloadable mobile app in the market.
Take Note: For WhatsApp Business, you cannot use the same telephone number that you have registered in the standard version. This means you will need to get a different number for the Business app.
After you have obtained a separate number, you will need to have it verified (just like how you do it on the standard version). Then, you need to provide your business name which will be the primary name (or brand) of your business.
Take Note: The name of your business can only be set once. After that, it cannot be changed. So ensure that you confirm the name and then set it once.
Customizing your WhatsApp Business Account
After the registration and verification process, then you will access the chat page. This is the same as the standard version. The ‘three dots’ on the top right corner will be your ‘Settings’ tab. That is where you start customizing your profile. Here is where you insert:
- Company Address
- Business Description
- Email Address
- Operating Hours
- Any other important information about your business
After that, you can now set up automatic messages. They are:
- Welcome Message – This is the auto-reply for users who send the first (initiating) message to your number.
- Away Message – This is the message that replies to your customers who send you messages outside your operating time.
Enable and setting Quick Answers
One of the main features of WhatsApp Business is its Quick Answers section. This is where you can activate the frequently used templates like ‘Thank You’ messages or generic information about your business that replies to those who are asking them.
Accessing WhatsApp Business through the web
The WhatsApp Business app is also available through a web-based platform like how you use it with the standard version. Basically, you can go to the WhatsApp Business website and chat normally like how you will do with the standard version.
Take Note: Unlike the standard version, you cannot use WhatsApp Business on multiple devices or platforms.
Integrating with CRM platforms
Now that you have set up your WhatsApp Business account, you can then use it to reach your customers. You can use a link that can be placed on your website or landing page. Besides that, you can also integrate this with common CRM software like Hubspot and Salesforce.
- Hubspot – You can integrate WhatsApp Business with Hubspot that allows you to communicate with your leads in a more personalized manner. In most cases, you can use an app like WhatHub.
- Salesforce – You can integrate WhatsApp Business in Salesforce through its Customer Service Channel that allows you to communicate better and faster with your customers.
- MobileBlasterHub – Developed by our premium partner, Mobileblaster Whatsapp Business Hub is all you need to handle any Whatsapp business account with thousands of contacts. You may broadcast to groups of contacts by the keyword he or she is subscribed to, you can login to single Whatsapp account from multiple locations and a lot more features. Contact us at our livechat to know more about this affordable and effective platform.
WhatsApp Personal Vs Business
If you are a business owner, you would know by now how important WhatsApp is for your business. It is an app that has billions of users and a well-recognized interface. But is WhatsApp Business the same as the personal version?
Similar to a different purpose
WhatsApp is an app that is easy to approach. At first glance, it is easily usable since most (if not all) smartphone users use messaging apps. However, there is a certain difference when it comes to both versions (business and personal).
The WhatsApp Logo
The green logo is one of the most recognized and associated images in the world. If you are using WhatsApp Business, then you will have a ‘B’ incorporated into the original logo. That is one that your customers will recognize too.
Business and operations information
With WhatsApp Business, you can set up all the information about your business in your profile. This is like setting up your personal profile but it includes your website, contact information, address, etc. Through this, your customers can now reach you through other means as well.
This works wonders as it simply means you are transparent and is not a bogus account.
Statistics and Analytics
WhatsApp Business will provide you with statistics about the activities of your account. In other words, you can check statistics about your communication activities like messages sent, received, read, delivered and so on. From there, you can analyze and grow.
Automatic reply functions
This function is a God-sent for businesses. You do not get this feature with a personal account. What you can do is to provide automatic greetings when your customer messages you. This message can be customized in terms of content and recipient.
On top of that, you can also set ‘Away’ messages when you are not in operation. It is perfect during closed-operation times or weekends.
Enable Quick Replies
WhatsApp Business can be integrated with your very own chatbots. You can set a custom message template for frequent queries. The ‘/’ key will show you all the quick reply templates that you can use.
Credible Business Name
WhatsApp Business has a ‘Verified’ status. This means that your profile is legitimate, credible and genuine. With Verified accounts, there is a ‘Green Tick’ next to your logo and that means your customers can converse with you with no qualms.
Short Link Address
You can easily integrate your WhatsApp Business account with most website editing tools. The link is short and easy to remember (usually https://wa.me/XXXX). This means your user no longer needs to save long and cumbersome addresses.
Is it possible to use 2 versions simultaneously?
While we understand that you might want to differentiate between your personal and business WhatsApp accounts, you can only use both simultaneously with 2 different numbers. You can either change your personal number to the Business version or use a device with 2 SIM card slots. They cannot be the same number.
WhatsApp Business API Charges
If you are running your own business no matter what the size is, you would probably have considered using WhatsApp Business to connect with your customers better. You know for a fact that a majority of your potential customers are on WhatsApp and you need to be there.
An easy tool but not free
To capitalize on the power of WhatsApp in your digital marketing campaign, there will be costs involved. With a small fee, you can now reach your customers with WhatsApp Business which helps in your branding and marketing.
Using WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business can give your business a lot more leverage than relying on the individual account. Through WhatsApp Business, your establishment gets better recognition and creditability. You can choose either one of the below.
- The WhatsApp Business App – This refers to the common app that you can download for both Android and Apple devices at their respective stores. If you run a small business, then the WhatsApp Business App is easy and straightforward for you.
- The WhatsApp Business API – If you run a larger business, then you can integrate the WhatsApp Business API into the current platforms you are running in your company.
Grow your business effectively
To link your company to a WhatsApp Business account, you will need to do so via a WhatsApp Partner like us. Unlike the WhatsApp individual version, there are charges involved for messages sent out.
Generally, there are 2 types of WhatsApp Business messages namely Template and Chat Messages. You will be charged once the conversation starts. The conversation can start either from you or from the user.
Chat Messages – From users
You would most likely have implemented and executed a successful digital marketing campaign. You have users who are directed to your WhatsApp Business account. When they send you the first message, they initiate the conversation.
This means that you can now FOLLOW-UP with the conversation. You are given 24-hours to respond to the message you received. In this case, the message replied by you is free of charge. You have to be aware that there are some WhatsApp Partners who charge for this.
Template Messages – From you
In principle, businesses are not encouraged to send out the first message to initiate a conversation with the users. This is aligned with the objective of WhatsApp to avoid spams. The WhatsApp number will be blocked if found to have breached this rule.
However, you can use Template Messages to initiate a conversation with your customer.
This message MUST be pre-approved by WhatsApp prior to sending out. It should cost you no more than RM0.17(USD0.04) per message for this.
Template Messages can be very useful especially when you receive any form of interest or response from other means like an inquiry form, a comment on your Facebook post, a ‘LIKE’ on your Instagram account and such.
