by Unlike regular WhatsApp, the Business version offers tailored tools. These tools help you manage communications, showcase products, and automate responses. Setting up whatsapp business for your online business can open doors. It offers a more direct way to engage with your customers which allows for personal and efficient engagement.
As a result, your customer interactions become smoother and more professional. If you’ve been wondering how to get started, here’s a detailed guide. We covered everything you need to know to utilize it effectively. It will enable you to understand its potential impact on your online business growth.
What is whatsapp business and why should I use it
It is a free app designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. It allows you to connect with your customers through familiar messaging. It offers added features like automated replies, business profiles, and catalogs. Larger businesses can use the whatsapp business API to connect whatsapp with their CRM systems for easier communication and automation.
WhatsApp Business offers a notable advantage. It helps you meet customers where they already spend time. It has 3 billion users globally, and some studies report a 98% message open rate. It means your messages will more likely be seen and action taken compared to emails or SMS campaigns.
How can I set up whatsapp business for my online business
To do this, you can have it running in minutes by following these steps below:
Download and install the app
To do this, you first need to download the Business App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It’s a different whatsapp app from regular whatsapp, made for business features only.
Register a business phone number
Make sure to use a phone number solely for your business. It cannot be the same number you use for your personal whatsapp account. After you’re done with the whole set up, whatsapp will send you a verification code. They will send it to the number you’ve used to set up your whatsapp business. Alternatively, they might call you to confirm it.
Create your business profile
This step is important because your profile acts as your business’s first impression. You’ll enter your business name, which cannot be changed later. You will upload a profile picture, ideally your logo. Then you will fill in key details like your business category, description, address, website, email, and operating hours. This will help your potential customers to understand who you are and what your business offer.
Customize messaging tools
Whatsapp business lets you automate your communication with customers. You can set up greeting messages to welcome new contacts. You can also set up away messages for when you’re offline. Quick replies help answer common questions. They save you time and provide timely responses to your customers.
Create a product catalog
If you sell products or services, you can build a catalog directly within the app. With this feature, you can turn whatsapp to a mobile online store. You can add images, descriptions, your prices, and links. Your customers can browse your offerings without leaving the chat, which simplifies the buying process and encourages sales.
Start engaging with your customers
Once everything is set up, you can start using labels to organize chats by categories. These categories can include new leads, orders, or support requests. This keeps your communication organized and efficient, especially as your customer base grows.
What is the whatsapp business API
If your online business is growing quickly or you want to automate operations, consider whatsapp business API. But, it’s not just about downloading an app, there are eligibility requirements to know.
- You need to verify your business with official documents like a registration certificate.
- WhatsApp reviews your intended use case to ensure it aligns with their policies.
- You must commit to a minimum messaging volume, which varies by business size.
- Technical expertise is required to integrate the API with your existing systems. This process often involves working with a whatsapp business Solution Provider (BSP).
The API is especially useful for medium and large businesses. These businesses can automate notifications, customer support, and marketing messages. The API helps them maintain compliance and avoid spam.
Note: Using whatsapp business app is free, but the whatsapp business API charges per conversation. Conversations are 24-hour messaging sessions with customers. Charges depend on the type of conversation which goes between utility, marketing, authentication, or service related matters.
Usually, in a month of your first 1000 chat service will be free. User-initiated conversations through Facebook or Instagram ads are also free within a 72-hour window. This pricing model is designed to be fair and scalable depending on your business needs.
How can whatsapp business boost my online sales
You might wonder how whatsapp business actually helps your sales. Well, here are some insights based on real world data and features. It shows that about 66% of sales online are driven by adults. They are more likely to buy from merchants who are easily reached via messaging. And about 64% of the consumers spend more when they can talk to businesses via whatsapp too.
Moreover, the whatsapp business API allows automation with ai chatbots too, which can handle FAQs for you. It can also schedule appointments, and qualify leads. This means your sales team can focus on other things rather than repetitive tasks.
Meanwhile, its integration with CRM systems guarantees that all customer interactions are logged. This helps you or your team personalize follow-ups. It also helps build stronger relationships. For example, Keeros Superfoods, a company specializing in healthy snacks, once faced challenges like low email open rates and abandoned carts. But, by adopting whatsapp business marketing strategies through AiSensy, they achieved remarkable results.
They used unlimited whatsapp broadcasts to send personalized offers, which increased its open rates to 98%. Their automated abandoned cart reminders recovered 20-40% of lost sales. Their real-time customer support via whatsapp chats sped up responses and improved customer satisfaction too. As a result, Keeros saw a 40% increase in overall sales and tripled engagement on whatsapp broadcasts.
This example shows how you can use your whatsapp business not just for communication. It can also be used as a powerful sales and marketing tool that drives revenue.
Tips for using whatsapp business
When you set it up for your online business, keep this few things in mind. Use quality images in your product catalog and provide clear descriptions to attract customers. Be transparent about pricing to build trust, and use automated messages to maintain engagement even when you’re offline. Organize your chats with labels to keep track of customer interactions efficiently.
If your business grows, consider moving to the API for automation and CRM integration. And always comply with watsapp’s policies to avoid being flagged for spam.
Note: Setting up whatsApp business is a practical step. It is beneficial for any online business aiming to improve customer communication. It also helps increase sales. Meanwhile, for businesses with higher messaging volumes, whatsapp business API offers scalable solutions. It integrates with your existing systems.
