5 Ways to Setup WhatsApp Catalogue on WhatsApp Business App (Guide 2024)

12 Min Read

Written by

Sanjay

Published on

April 18, 2023

5 Ways to Setup WhatsApp Catalogue on WhatsApp Business App

Setting up a WhatsApp Business catalog on the WhatsApp Business App offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to streamline their digital storefronts. By creating a catalog, businesses can significantly enhance the customer experience by providing a convenient platform for browsing products and services. This not only increases visibility for their offerings but also facilitates efficient communication with customers, leading to improved satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, utilizing a WhatsApp catalog can prove to be a cost-effective marketing strategy, as businesses can promote their products directly within the app without the need for traditional advertising methods, ultimately improving their brand image and credibility.

However, despite the benefits, WhatsApp Business catalogs also come with certain limitations that businesses should be aware of. These include a limited capacity for product listings, manual updates required for catalog maintenance, and potential challenges in inventory management synchronization. Moreover, the limited customization and features compared to dedicated e-commerce platforms may pose scalability issues for growing businesses. Despite these limitations, businesses can navigate these challenges effectively by leveraging the platform’s capabilities to create and share catalogs seamlessly, ultimately driving sales and enhancing their online presence.

What is WhatsApp Business catalog?

WhatsApp Business catalogs are digital storefronts within the WhatsApp Business App that allow businesses to showcase their products and services to customers. These catalogs feature detailed product descriptions, prices, and images, providing a convenient platform for customers to browse, inquire about, and purchase items directly through WhatsApp. Businesses can use catalogs to enhance customer experience, increase visibility for their offerings, and streamline communication and marketing efforts within the WhatsApp ecosystem.

5 Benefits of a whatsapp business catalog

Highlighting the strategic advantages of utilizing a WhatsApp Business catalog reveals its five key benefits for businesses. To begin, it enriches the customer experience by offering a smooth platform for exploring products and services. Secondly, it amplifies visibility, ensuring wider accessibility of offerings to a broader audience. Thirdly, the catalog streamlines communication, enabling swift and effective conveyance of product details. Furthermore, it acts as a cost-efficient marketing tool, minimizing advertising costs while efficiently reaching targeted customers. Lastly, a meticulously curated WhatsApp Business catalog enhances brand image, showcasing professionalism and reliability to customers.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Enhanced customer experience refers to improving the overall satisfaction and interaction quality for customers engaging with a business or service. This encompasses aspects such as user-friendly interfaces, personalized communication, efficient problem-solving, and streamlined processes. By focusing on enhancing customer experience, businesses aim to build long-term relationships, increase customer loyalty, and drive positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Increased Visibility for Products and Services

Increased Visibility for Products and Services refers to the enhanced exposure and accessibility of offerings through a WhatsApp Business catalog. By showcasing products with detailed descriptions, prices, and images, businesses can reach a wider audience. This increased visibility leads to greater awareness, attracting potential customers and boosting sales opportunities. It also helps businesses stand out in a competitive market, improving their market presence and brand recognition.

Efficient Communication

Efficient Communication is facilitated by WhatsApp Business catalogs, allowing businesses to convey product details swiftly and effectively. Through the catalog, businesses can respond to customer inquiries promptly, share updates, and provide relevant information. This streamlined communication process enhances customer satisfaction, reduces response times, and fosters stronger relationships between businesses and their customers, ultimately leading to improved sales and loyalty.

Cost-effective Marketing

Cost-effective Marketing is achieved through a WhatsApp Business catalog by reducing advertising expenses while reaching targeted customers efficiently. Businesses can promote products and services directly to interested individuals, eliminating the need for expensive traditional advertising methods. This targeted approach not only saves costs but also yields higher returns on investment by reaching customers who are more likely to make purchases, thereby maximizing marketing effectiveness.

Improved Brand Image

Improved Brand Image is a result of using a WhatsApp Business catalog to showcase products and services professionally. A well-curated catalog reflects reliability, quality, and attention to detail, enhancing the perception of the brand among customers. This leads to increased trust, loyalty, and positive associations with the brand, ultimately contributing to a stronger market position and better overall reputation in the industry.

5 Limitations of a WhatsApp Business catalog

Exploring the limitations of a WhatsApp Business catalog sheds light on factors that businesses need to consider. Firstly, the catalog has a Limited Capacity, restricting the number of products that can be showcased at a given time. Secondly, Manual Updates are required, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome, especially for businesses with frequently changing inventory. Additionally, businesses may face Inventory Management Woes, particularly if they have complex product lines or multiple variations. The catalog also comes with Limited Features compared to full-fledged e-commerce platforms, potentially limiting customization and functionality. Lastly, Scalability Issues may arise as businesses grow, due to the catalog’s constraints and limitations on expansion and advanced features.

Limited Capacity

Limited Capacity is a constraint of a WhatsApp Business catalog, restricting the number of products that can be showcased. Businesses may find it challenging to include all their offerings within the catalog due to this limitation. This can impact the completeness of product offerings presented to customers, potentially leading to missed sales opportunities and limiting the overall effectiveness of the catalog as a sales tool.

Manual Updates

Manual Updates are necessary for maintaining a WhatsApp Business catalog, requiring businesses to manually add, update, or remove products and information. This process can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially for businesses with frequently changing inventory or pricing. It requires diligent attention to ensure that the catalog remains accurate and up-to-date, impacting operational efficiency and potentially leading to customer dissatisfaction if not managed effectively.

Inventory Management Woes

Inventory Management Woes are a challenge with WhatsApp Business catalogs, particularly for businesses with complex product lines. Managing inventory synchronization with the catalog can be cumbersome, leading to discrepancies in stock availability. This can result in issues such as overselling, backorders, or incorrect product information displayed to customers. It requires diligent monitoring and coordination to maintain accurate inventory levels and prevent customer dissatisfaction.

Limited Features

Limited Features are a constraint of WhatsApp Business catalogs compared to dedicated e-commerce platforms. While catalogs provide basic functionalities for showcasing products, they lack advanced features such as customizable templates, comprehensive analytics, and integration with third-party tools. This limitation may restrict businesses from implementing more sophisticated marketing strategies and optimizing their catalog’s performance for better customer engagement and sales.

Scalability Issues

Scalability Issues arise with WhatsApp Business catalogs as businesses grow. The catalog’s limited capacity and functionalities can become insufficient for managing larger product inventories or catering to increased customer demand. This can lead to challenges in expanding the catalog, maintaining optimal performance, and accommodating the evolving needs of a growing customer base. Businesses may need to explore alternative solutions to overcome scalability limitations effectively.

How to create a WhatsApp Business catalog?

Creating a WhatsApp Business catalog is a straightforward process that empowers businesses to showcase their products effectively. Whether using Android, iPhone, or the Web/Desktop version, the steps are similar. Firstly, businesses need to access the WhatsApp Business app or platform. On Android, users can navigate to Settings > Business Tools > Catalog to add products. Similarly, on an iPhone, tapping on Catalog and then Add Products accomplishes this. For the Web/Desktop version, clicking on Catalog initiates the process, allowing businesses to upload product details, descriptions, prices, and images to create a visually appealing and informative catalog for customers.

Create a WhatsApp catalog on Android

  1. Launch WhatsApp Business: Open the WhatsApp Business app on your Android device.
  2. Access Settings: Tap the three dots in the top-right corner to open the menu, then select “Settings.”
  3. Navigate to Business Tools: Within the Settings menu, tap on “Business Tools.”
  4. Open Catalog Management: Under Business Tools, choose “Catalog” to enter the catalog management section.
  5. Add Products: Begin adding products to your catalog by tapping the “+” icon or “Add Products or Services” button.
  6. Enter Product Details: Provide essential information for each product, including name, description, price, and images for effective showcasing.
  7. Save Changes: After inputting product details, tap “Save” or “Done” to save changes and add the product to your catalog.
  8. Manage Your Catalog: Edit, delete, or add more products as needed to maintain your catalog.
  9. Preview Your Catalog: Review how your catalog appears to customers by tapping “View” or “Preview.”
  10. Share Your Catalog: Share selected products with customers using the share option within WhatsApp Business.

Following these steps ensures efficient creation and management of your WhatsApp catalog on an Android device.

Create a WhatsApp catalogue on iPhone

Here are the steps to create a WhatsApp catalog on your iPhone:

  1. Start WhatsApp Business: Open the WhatsApp Business app on your iPhone.
  2. Navigate to Catalog: Tap on the “Catalog” option located in the bottom menu bar.
  3. Add Products: Begin adding products to your catalog by tapping on the “+” icon or the “Add Products or Services” button.
  4. Input Product Details: Provide relevant information for each product, including name, description, price, and upload images for effective presentation.
  5. Save Your Changes: Once you’ve entered product details, tap “Save” or “Done” to save the changes and add the product to your catalog.
  6. Manage Your Catalog: Easily manage your catalog by adding new products, editing existing entries, or removing items as required.
  7. Preview Your Catalog: Take a look at how your catalog appears to customers by tapping on the “View” option.
  8. Share Your Catalog: Share selected products with customers by choosing the items you wish to share and using the share function within WhatsApp Business.

By following these instructions, you can efficiently create and maintain a WhatsApp catalog on your iPhone.

Create a WhatsApp catalogue on the Web and Desktop

To create a WhatsApp catalog on the Web and Desktop platforms, follow these steps:

  1. Begin with WhatsApp Business Web/Desktop: Open a web browser on your computer and visit the WhatsApp Business Web or Desktop version.
  2. Log in using WhatsApp Business: Use your phone’s WhatsApp Business app to scan the QR code displayed on the Web/Desktop version, which logs you into WhatsApp Business.
  3. Access Catalog Management: Once logged in, locate and click on the “Catalog” option found in the left-hand menu to access the catalog management section.
  4. Add Products to Your Catalog: Start adding products to your catalog by selecting the “+” icon or the “Add Products or Services” button.
  5. Provide Product Details: Enter relevant information for each product, including name, description, price, and upload images for better visual representation.
  6. Save Your Changes: After inputting product details, click on “Save” or “Done” to save the changes and include the product in your catalog.
  7. Manage Your Catalog: Easily manage your catalog by adding new products, modifying existing entries, or deleting items as necessary.
  8. Preview Your Catalog: Review how your catalog appears to customers by selecting the “View” option.
  9. Share Your Catalog: Share specific products with customers by choosing the items you wish to share and utilizing the share function within WhatsApp Business.

How to create a WhatsApp catalog link?

Creating a WhatsApp catalog link is pivotal for sharing your catalog with potential customers. To generate the link, open WhatsApp Business on your device and navigate to the “Catalog” section. Select the desired products or services to include in the link and tap on “Share Link.” From Android, you can share the link directly through WhatsApp or copy it to share via other platforms. On iPhone, access the link sharing option within WhatsApp Business to send it to contacts or groups. Similarly, on Web and Desktop versions, locate the catalog link and use WhatsApp’s sharing feature to distribute it effectively.

Share a WhatsApp catalog link from Android

Here’s how you can share a WhatsApp catalog link from your Android device:

  1. Launch WhatsApp Business: Open the WhatsApp Business app on your Android phone.
  2. Access the Catalog: Tap on the “Catalog” option located in the bottom menu bar to view your catalog.
  3. Choose Products: Select the specific products or services you wish to share by tapping on them.
  4. Share the Link: Look for the “Share Link” button, usually represented by an icon with an upward-pointing arrow.
  5. Pick a Sharing Method: Decide how you want to share the catalog link, whether through WhatsApp contacts, groups, or other messaging applications.
  6. Send the Link: Once you’ve selected the desired sharing method, send the catalog link to your intended recipients.

Share a WhatsApp catalog link from iPhone

To share a WhatsApp catalog link from an iPhone, you can follow these steps:

  1. Start WhatsApp Business: Open the WhatsApp Business app on your iPhone.
  2. Access the Catalog: Tap the “Catalog” option in the bottom menu bar to view your catalog.
  3. Choose Products: Select the products or services you wish to share by tapping on them.
  4. Share the Link: Locate the “Share Link” option, often indicated by an upward-pointing arrow icon.
  5. Pick a Sharing Method: Decide how you’d like to share the catalog link, whether via WhatsApp contacts, groups, or other messaging apps.
  6. Send It Out: Once you’ve chosen the sharing method, send the catalog link to the recipients you want to share it with.

Following these steps makes it straightforward to share your WhatsApp catalog link from your iPhone with interested customers, clients, or anyone you want to share your catalog with.

Share a WhatsApp catalog link from Web and Desktop

To share a WhatsApp catalog link from the Web and Desktop versions, follow these steps:

  1. Open WhatsApp Business Web/Desktop: Launch a web browser on your computer and go to the WhatsApp Business Web or Desktop version.
  2. Log in to WhatsApp Business: Use your phone’s WhatsApp Business app to scan the QR code displayed on the Web/Desktop version, logging you into WhatsApp Business on the web/desktop.
  3. Access Catalog: Once logged in, click on the “Catalog” option located in the left-hand menu to access your catalog.
  4. Select Products: Choose the products or services you want to share by clicking on them.
  5. Share Link: Look for the “Share Link” button, typically represented by an icon with an upward-pointing arrow.
  6. Choose Sharing Method: Select how you want to share the catalog link, such as through WhatsApp contacts, groups, or other messaging apps.
  7. Send the Link: After selecting the sharing method, send the catalog link to the desired recipients.

By following these steps, you can easily share your WhatsApp catalog link from the Web and Desktop versions with customers, clients, or anyone interested in viewing your catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

To create a catalogue, gather high-quality images and detailed descriptions of products, organize them logically, choose a layout design, and incorporate branding elements. Utilize software like Adobe InDesign or online platforms for design. Ensure clarity, consistency, and easy navigation for the audience.

To create a shop on WhatsApp, use WhatsApp Business API or WhatsApp Business App. Set up a business profile, list products or services with descriptions and prices, and enable the shopping feature. Interact with customers, manage orders, and facilitate transactions securely within the app, enhancing convenience for both sellers and buyers.

Yes, you can sell your products on WhatsApp. By crafting an online catalogue for your brand, customers can effortlessly browse and purchase your offerings. Integrate your catalogue with WhatsApp Business API to facilitate seamless transactions within chats, streamlining the shopping experience for both you and your customers. 

The WhatsApp catalog, found in WhatsApp Business, empowers businesses to display and sell their products directly on the platform. Available through the WhatsApp Business app, it enables businesses to upload product details, including images and descriptions, facilitating convenient browsing and purchasing for customers.

Yes, engaging in WhatsApp marketing is permissible, yet it's imperative to adhere to specific regulations. Prioritize obtaining consent from leads before initiating communication. For instance, refrain from contacting individuals unless they've expressly subscribed or opted-in to receive messages from you. Compliance with these guidelines is crucial for lawful and ethical marketing practices.

About Author

Sanjay

Sanjay

Content Marketing Strategist at Chatbot.team

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