How to link WhatsApp to an Instagram business profile - briefly?
To connect WhatsApp to your Instagram business profile, you need to have a Facebook Business Manager account and ensure that both Instagram and WhatsApp are linked to it. Once set up, you can enable the WhatsApp button on your Instagram profile, allowing customers to message you directly through WhatsApp.
How to link WhatsApp to an Instagram business profile - in detail?
To effectively link WhatsApp to your Instagram business profile, follow these detailed steps:
- Ensure Business Profile Compliance: Firstly, ensure that your Instagram account is set up as a business or creator profile. Personal accounts cannot link external communication platforms like WhatsApp. If you haven't converted your account yet, go to your profile, tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu), select 'Settings,' and then 'Account.' From there, switch to a professional account by following the prompts.
- Access Facebook Business Manager: Instagram is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook). Therefore, you need to manage your Instagram business profile through Facebook's Business Manager. Log in to Facebook and navigate to Business Manager. If you don’t have a Business Manager account, create one by following the instructions on the Facebook Business website.
- Link Your Instagram Account: Once inside Business Manager, go to 'Business Settings.' Under the 'Accounts' section, click on 'Instagram Accounts.' Here, you can add your Instagram business profile if it isn’t already linked. You will need admin access to the Instagram account for this step.
- Set Up WhatsApp Business App: Download and install the WhatsApp Business app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. If you already have a personal WhatsApp account, ensure that your business number is different from your personal one.
- Create a WhatsApp Business Account: Open the WhatsApp Business app and follow the setup instructions. You will be prompted to enter your business phone number. This number should match the one listed on your Instagram profile for seamless integration.
- Verify Your Business Phone Number: During the setup process, you will receive a verification code via SMS or call on your business phone number. Enter this code in the WhatsApp Business app to verify your account.
- Complete Your Business Profile: Fill out all necessary details about your business, including the name, address, and category. This information should be consistent with what is displayed on your Instagram business profile for a cohesive brand image.
- Link WhatsApp to Facebook Page: Go back to your Facebook Business Manager. Under the 'Accounts' section, click on 'WhatsApp Accounts.' Here, you can add your WhatsApp Business number if it isn’t already linked. You will need to verify the phone number through a code sent by Facebook.
- Connect Instagram and WhatsApp: Now that both your Instagram business profile and WhatsApp Business account are linked to your Facebook Business Manager, you can connect them directly. Go to your Instagram business profile, tap 'Edit Profile,' and under 'Contact Options,' select 'WhatsApp.' Follow the prompts to link your WhatsApp number.
- Test the Integration: Finally, test the integration by sending a message from your Instagram business profile to ensure it routes correctly to your WhatsApp Business app. This step confirms that everything is set up properly and functioning as expected.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully link WhatsApp to your Instagram business profile, enhancing customer communication and support.