How to set up WhatsApp Business (Free App) and use it’s features?
If you are like most people on this planet, you are probably using WhatsApp Messaging App on your smartphone. There are currently more than 2 billion WhatsApp users around the globe and rising (WhatsApp, 2020). With 1.5 billion in 2018 and 1 billion in 2016, this number of WhatsApp users has been increasing at half a billion every two years.
WhatsApp is currently available in over 180 countries around the world (WhatsApp, 2020). To cater to the local crowd, the app is also available in 60 different languages
What is WhatsApp for Business App?
WhatsApp Business is a free to download app that was built with the small business owner in mind. It allows You to create a catalog to showcase your products and services, and connect with your customers easily by using tools to automate, sort, and quickly respond to messages.
WhatsApp can also help medium and large businesses provide customer support and deliver important notifications to customers. Learn more about WhatsApp Business API.
How to download the app and set it up for your business?
Follow this step by step video tutorial.
You can also listen to the podcast which explains all its features in the audio format.
What are the various features of the app that you can use?
Let’s Look at the features in WhatsApp Business that you can start using and benefiting from immediately.
Business profile
You’ll be able to set up a business profile. It’s very similar to the business listings on Google and Google Maps in the information it provides.
Quick replies
WhatsApp Quick replies are basically canned responses to the most often asked questions. They allow you to quickly send messages you find yourself typing out time and time again.
Automated Messages
There’s limited functionality allowing for basic automated messages to be sent. This isn’t the full automation you might be used to, but it can tackle some of the more common and frequently needed tasks.
Labels
Labels are a simple tagging solution helping keep your inbox a little more organized.
Product Catalogs
Product catalogs allow you to offer a quick and easy way for users to see what it is you’re offering, along with prices and other relevant information.
Some New Features:
Landline
You can use WhatsApp Business with a Landline or (fixed) phone number and your customers can message you on that number. During Verification select the “ Call Me” option to receive the code over a phone call.
You can use WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Messenger on the same phone, but each app must have its unique phone number.
Limitations of the Small Business Suite
A quick run-down of the issues include;
- You’re only permitted a single agent to handle your business account
- The quick reply automation is extremely limited in scope and ability
- The number of messages you’re able to send is also limited
- The small business app cannot be integrated with any other business tools, meaning it cannot be linked to anything like your CRM.
The above limitations aren’t exactly deal-breakers for small businesses operating almost as soloist.
However, if anything in the above is a dealbreaker for you, you’ll want to look at WhatsApp for medium and large businesses.
It is possible to get WhatsApp for Business API which has more advanced features through approved Facebook Partner Ecosystem. You will need to apply for API approval and take the help of approved partners.
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