How to create a business account on WhatsApp - briefly?
To create a business account on WhatsApp, you need to download the WhatsApp Business app from the Google Play Store or App Store. Once installed, follow the prompts to set up your account using your business phone number and verify it through SMS.
How to create a business account on WhatsApp - in detail?
To create a business account on WhatsApp, follow these detailed steps:
- Download and Install WhatsApp Business App: Start by downloading the WhatsApp Business app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This app is specifically designed for small businesses and is separate from the regular WhatsApp Messenger app.
- Create a New Account: Open the WhatsApp Business app and tap on "Agree and Continue" to accept the terms of service. You will be prompted to enter your country code and phone number. Ensure that this phone number is unique to your business, as it cannot be used for a personal WhatsApp account.
- Verify Your Phone Number: After entering your phone number, you will receive a verification code via SMS. Enter the six-digit code in the app to verify your phone number. This step ensures that your business has exclusive access to this number on WhatsApp.
- Set Up Your Business Profile: Once your number is verified, you can set up your business profile. Tap on "More options" (the three dots) at the top right corner of the screen and select "Settings." From there, go to "Business settings" and tap on "Profile." Here, you can add your business name, category, email address, and website URL. Additionally, you can upload a profile picture that represents your brand.
- Configure Business Hours: In the "Business settings," you can also configure your business hours. This feature allows you to set specific times when customers can expect a response from you. Outside of these hours, an away message will be automatically sent to customers who try to contact you.
- Create Quick Replies: WhatsApp Business offers the option to create quick replies for common customer inquiries. To set this up, go to "Business settings" and select "Quick replies." Here, you can add keywords that trigger a pre-written response. For example, typing "/hours" could automatically send your business hours to the customer.
- Greeting Message: You can also set up a greeting message that will be sent to new customers when they first message your business. This helps in making a positive first impression and guiding them on how to interact with you. To create a greeting message, go to "Business settings" and select "Greeting message."
- Away Message: As mentioned earlier, an away message is automatically sent when customers try to reach you outside of your business hours. You can customize this message by going to "Business settings" and selecting "Away message."
- Link Your Facebook Account (Optional): For added functionality, you can link your WhatsApp Business account with your Facebook Page. This integration allows you to manage both platforms from a single interface and take advantage of Facebook's advertising tools to reach more customers on WhatsApp.
- Start Communicating: With your business account set up, you are now ready to start communicating with your customers. Use WhatsApp Business to send messages, make calls, and share media files such as images and documents. The app also provides analytics tools that help you track the performance of your messages and understand your customers better.
By following these steps, you can effectively create and manage a business account on WhatsApp, enhancing your communication with customers and providing them with a seamless experience.