A WhatsApp business channel is a way of communicating with your customers and potential customers through the popular messaging app WhatsApp.
A business channel allows you to create a profile for your business, send automated messages, provide customer support, and share updates and promotions with your audience.
Why should you create a WhatsApp business channel?
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users in more than 180 countries.
By creating a WhatsApp business channel, you can reach out to a large and engaged audience that prefers to communicate through WhatsApp.
You can also benefit from the following advantages:
#1. Build trust and credibility: A WhatsApp business channel lets you verify your business identity and display your logo, address, website, and other information on your profile.
This helps you establish a professional and trustworthy image for your brand.
#2. Improve customer service: A WhatsApp business channel enables you to provide fast and convenient customer support through chat.
You can also use automated messages to greet your customers, confirm orders, send reminders, and provide updates.
#3. Increase customer loyalty: A WhatsApp business channel allows you to create a personal and direct connection with your customers.
You can use WhatsApp to send them relevant and valuable content, such as tips, offers, news, and feedback requests.
This can help you build a loyal and satisfied customer base.
#4. Boost sales and conversions: A WhatsApp business channel can help you generate more leads and sales for your business.
You can use WhatsApp to showcase your products or services, answer queries, provide recommendations, and encourage purchases.
You can also use WhatsApp to send payment links and invoices to facilitate transactions.
How to create a WhatsApp business channel?
To create a WhatsApp business channel, you need to follow these steps:
#1. Download the WhatsApp Business app: The WhatsApp Business app is a separate app from the regular WhatsApp app.
It is designed specifically for businesses and has additional features that are not available in the regular app.
You can download the WhatsApp Business app for free from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
#2. Register your phone number: Once you have downloaded the app, you need to register the phone number that you want to use for your business channel.
You can use the same number that you use for your personal WhatsApp account, or you can use a different number that is dedicated to your business.
However, you cannot use the same number for both apps at the same time.
#3. Create your business profile: After registering your number, you need to create your business profile.
You need to enter your business name, category, description, location, hours, email, website, and other details that you want to display on your profile.
You can also upload your logo or an image that represents your business.
#4. Verify your business account: To verify your business account, you need to request a verification code from WhatsApp.
You can do this by going to Settings > Business Settings > Account Verification > Request Verification Code.
You will receive a code via SMS or phone call that you need to enter in the app. Once verified, you will see a green checkmark next to your business name on your profile.
#5. Start using your business channel: Once you have created and verified your business channel, you can start using it to communicate with your customers and prospects.
You can use the following features of the WhatsApp Business app:
a. Catalog: You can create a catalog of your products or services that you can showcase on your profile and share with your contacts.
You can add images, prices, descriptions, and links for each item in your catalog.
b. Labels: You can use labels to organize and manage your chats and contacts.
You can assign different colors and names to each label, such as new customer, pending payment, order complete, etc. You can also filter your chats by labels.
c. Quick replies: You can use quick replies to save and reuse frequently sent messages.
You can create shortcuts for each quick reply, such as /thankyou, /welcome, /price, etc. You can then type the shortcut in the chat and press send to insert the quick reply.
d. Automated messages: You can use automated messages to send predefined messages at specific times or events.
You can create three types of automated messages: greeting messages, away messages, and quick replies messages.
i.) Greeting message: This is a message that is sent automatically when a customer contacts you for the first time or after 14 days of inactivity.
ii). Away message: This is a message that is sent automatically when you are not available or outside of your business hours.
iii). Quick replies message: This is a message that is sent automatically when a customer sends a specific keyword or phrase, such as hello, order, help, etc.
e. WhatsApp Web and Desktop: You can use WhatsApp Web and Desktop to access your business channel from your computer.
You can scan the QR code from your phone to log in to WhatsApp Web or Desktop.
You can then use your keyboard and mouse to type and send messages, view and manage your chats and contacts, and use all the features of the WhatsApp Business app.
Conclusion
Creating a WhatsApp business channel is a simple and effective way of reaching and engaging with your customers and prospects.
By using the WhatsApp Business app, you can create a professional and verified profile for your business, send automated and personalized messages, provide customer support, and share updates and promotions with your audience.
You can also use WhatsApp to boost your sales and conversions by showcasing your products or services, answering queries, providing recommendations, and facilitating transactions.
To create a WhatsApp business channel, you need to download the WhatsApp Business app, register your phone number, create your business profile, verify your business account, and start using your business channel.
