What is Whatsapp Business?

Navigating the array of WhatsApp services for business communication can be perplexing due to the multiple versions available. Alongside the standard WhatsApp messenger app designed for personal use, there are two distinct solutions tailored for companies. The first is the “WhatsApp Business App,” a no-cost service intended for small businesses. On the other hand, the “WhatsApp Business API” (or WhatsApp Business Platform) is an enterprise solution suitable for medium and large companies, providing advanced tools, scalability, and data compliance. With over two billion users globally, WhatsApp is a vital communication channel, especially in countries like India, Brazil, and the UK, where it’s the primary platform for businesses to engage with customers.

What is Whatsapp Business?

WhatsApp Business is a specialized platform developed by WhatsApp, a widely-used messaging application owned by Meta Platforms, Inc. It is designed to facilitate communication between businesses and their customers. It offers a range of features and tools designed to enhance communication, customer support, and overall interaction between businesses and their clients.

The various impacts that the app has on the Businesses are:

• Enhanced Customer Engagement: WhatsApp Business provides businesses with a direct channel to engage with customers. This enables timely responses to inquiries, order updates, and support requests, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
• Efficient Communication: The platform’s messaging tools, such as quick replies and automated greetings, streamline communication workflows. This efficiency can save time for both businesses and customers.
• Product Catalogue Showcase: For businesses selling products or services, the ability to display a product catalogue within the app facilitates convenient browsing for customers, potentially leading to increased sales.
• Trust and Credibility: The verified badge on WhatsApp Business profiles establishes credibility and authenticity, which is essential for building trust with customers.
• Cost-Effective Communication: WhatsApp Business can reduce costs associated with traditional customer communication methods, such as phone calls and SMS.

When did whatsapp start?

WhatsApp Business was launched as a specialized platform for business communication to complement the already popular WhatsApp messaging app.

WhatsApp Business was introduced as a response to the growing demand for businesses to connect with their customers more effectively on the platform. It aimed to offer features and tools that could enhance business-customer interactions and streamline communication. WhatsApp recognized that businesses required a more structured and professional way to engage with customers beyond personal messaging.

1. Founders: WhatsApp Business is an extension of the original WhatsApp, which was co-founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton in 2009. The founders of WhatsApp, Jan Koum and Brian Acton, initially aimed to create a simple, ad-free communication platform that prioritized user privacy. Their dedication to user privacy and ad-free experience played a pivotal role in shaping WhatsApp’s popularity and success.
2. Starting WhatsApp Business: WhatsApp Business was officially launched as a standalone app in January 2018. The aim was to provide businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, with tools to manage customer interactions more effectively. The initial focus was on features such as business profiles, messaging tools, and automation to create a more professional presence for businesses on the platform.
3. Current Market Popularity: WhatsApp Business has gained substantial popularity in the business world. Its user-friendly interface, features tailored for business needs, and integration with the regular WhatsApp ecosystem have contributed to its success. WhatsApp Business has garnered millions of users worldwide.

WhatsApp, in general, has an immense market presence, boasting over two billion users globally. The platform’s widespread popularity has naturally extended to WhatsApp Business, which serves as an essential communication tool for businesses across various industries.

In terms of market popularity, WhatsApp Business is particularly influential in regions where WhatsApp is the primary messaging app. Countries like India, Brazil, and the UK, among others, have seen substantial adoption of WhatsApp Business due to its effectiveness in customer engagement, support, and seamless communication.

Overall, WhatsApp Business continues to evolve, offering new features and capabilities to cater to businesses of all sizes. Its market popularity underscores the significance of providing businesses with a platform that facilitates efficient and professional communication with their customers.

What is the difference between Whatsapp and Whatsapp Business?

WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business are two related but distinct platforms developed by the same company, Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook). While they share a common foundation, they serve different purposes and have specific features tailored to their respective user bases.

The main differences between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business:

In summary, while both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business share the same messaging platform, WhatsApp Business offers specialised features and tools tailored for businesses to engage with customers in a professional and efficient manner. It’s important for businesses to choose the right version based on their communication needs and objectives.

How to Download Whatsapp?

There are various ways to download Whatsapp depending upon the operating system of the device.

Make sure your device is compatible with the WhatsApp application. WhatsApp is available for smartphones running iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.

How to download whatsapp on the desktop?

To use WhatsApp on your desktop or laptop computer, you can use the WhatsApp Web interface. Here’s how to set it up:

Requirements:

• You need to have an active WhatsApp account on your smartphone.
• Your smartphone needs to be connected to the internet.

Access WhatsApp Web:

• Open a web browser on your computer (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari).
• Go to the WhatsApp Web URL: https://web.whatsapp.com/.

QR Code Scan:

• On the WhatsApp Web page, you’ll see a QR code displayed.
• Open the WhatsApp app on your smartphone.
• For iPhone: Tap on “Settings” > “WhatsApp Web/Desktop.”
• For Android: Tap on the three dots at the top right corner > “WhatsApp Web.”
• Use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on the web page.

Login:

• Once the QR code is successfully scanned, your WhatsApp account will be linked to the web browser on your computer.
• You’ll see your WhatsApp chats and contacts displayed on the browser interface.

Using WhatsApp Web:

• You can now use your computer’s browser to send and receive messages, view media, and manage your chats.
• All messages will be synced between your smartphone and the web interface in real-time.

Keep Phone Connected:

• For WhatsApp Web to work, your smartphone needs to remain connected to the internet. If your phone goes offline, the web interface will not function properly.

NOTE -: WhatsApp Web is not a standalone desktop application; it’s a web-based interface that mirrors your WhatsApp account from your phone to your computer. This means your phone needs to have an active internet connection for WhatsApp Web to function.

WhatsApp Web is a convenient way to access your WhatsApp messages on a larger screen while still having full synchronisation with your mobile device.

How to download whatsapp on Mobile?

To download WhatsApp on your mobile device, follow these steps:

• Device Compatibility: Make sure your mobile device is compatible with the WhatsApp application. WhatsApp is available for various mobile operating systems, including iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.

App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android): Open the respective app store on your mobile device.

For iOS (iPhone):

• Open the “App Store” on your iPhone.
• Search for “WhatsApp” using the search bar.
• Locate the official WhatsApp app and tap on it.
• Tap the “Get” or download button. You may need to authenticate with your Apple ID (Apple account) using Touch ID or Face ID.

For Android:

• Open the “Play Store” on your Android device.
• Search for “WhatsApp” using the search bar.
• Locate the official WhatsApp app developed by WhatsApp Inc.
• Tap the “Install” button.
• Download and Installation:
• The download and installation process will begin automatically. The app will be downloaded and installed on your mobile device.
• After the installation is complete, open the WhatsApp app.
• You will be prompted to agree to the terms of service and privacy policy.
• Enter your phone number and country code. Make sure the phone number is correct because WhatsApp will send a verification code to this number.
• You will receive a verification code via SMS or phone call. The app may automatically detect the code or you might need to enter it manually.
• Once your number is verified, you can set up your profile by adding your name and optionally a profile picture.
• WhatsApp will prompt you to import contacts from your device’s address book. This step is optional, but it helps you find contacts who are also using WhatsApp.
• You’re now ready to start using WhatsApp. You can begin messaging friends, family, and other contacts who are also on WhatsApp.

NOTE -: WhatsApp requires an active phone number for verification, and it uses your phone’s internet connection (cellular data or Wi-Fi) to send messages and make calls. Once you’ve set up WhatsApp on your mobile device, you can start enjoying its features, including texting, voice calls, video calls, and sharing media.

How to Use Whatsapp Business?

Using WhatsApp Business involves several steps to set up your business profile, engage with customers, and manage interactions. Here’s a guide on how to use WhatsApp Business effectively:

Download and Install:

• Download and install the “WhatsApp Business” app from your device’s app store (iOS App Store or Google Play Store).

Set Up Your Business Profile:

• Launch the WhatsApp Business app.
• Set up your business profile by providing your business name, description, category, contact details, and address.
• Upload a profile picture and cover photo that represent your business.

Messaging Tools:

• Use the messaging tools provided by WhatsApp Business.
• Quick Replies: Create and save frequently used messages to respond to customer inquiries more efficiently.
• Automated Greeting: Set up an automated greeting message that customers receive when they message you for the first time or after 14 days of inactivity.
• Away Message: Create an automated away message for times when you’re not available to respond immediately.

Product Catalogue (if applicable):

• Add your products or services to the product catalogue feature, including images, descriptions, and prices.
• Customers can browse your catalogue and inquire about products directly within the chat.

Labels and Organization:

• Use labels to categorize and organize customer chats. This helps you keep track of different types of interactions, such as orders, inquiries, and support requests.

Respond to Customer Messages:

• Engage with customers by responding to their messages promptly and professionally.
• Use the messaging tools to send quick replies, share product information, and provide support.

Broadcast Lists:

• Create broadcast lists to send messages to multiple customers at once for promotions, updates, or announcements.

Manage Customer Relationships:

• Build relationships with your customers by offering personalised assistance and addressing their needs.
• Use the profile information and conversation history to provide tailored interactions.

Monitor Messaging Statistics:

• Access messaging statistics to track your response times and engagement metrics.
• Use these insights to improve your customer service and communication strategies.

Verification Badge (if applicable):

• Apply for a verified badge to authenticate your business account and build trust with customers.

Keep Your Phone Connected:

• WhatsApp Business requires your phone to remain connected to the internet for it to function properly.

Regular Updates:

• WhatsApp Business periodically releases updates with new features and improvements. Keep the app updated for the best experience.

Using WhatsApp Business allows you to provide professional customer support, streamline interactions, and enhance your business’s online presence. Remember to adhere to WhatsApp’s business policies and terms of service while using the platform for business purposes.

How to Customise Business Profile in Whatsapp Business?

Customising your business profile in WhatsApp Business allows you to provide accurate and appealing information to your customers. Here’s how you can customise your business profile:

1. Open the WhatsApp Business app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner to open the menu.
3. Select “Business settings.”
4.  In the “Business settings” menu, tap on “Profile.”
5. You will see the various fields of your business profile that you can edit.
6. Tap on the field with your business name to edit it.
7. You can also change your business category if needed.
8. Tap on your profile picture to change it.
9. You can choose an image from your gallery or take a new photo.
10. You can also tap on the cover photo to change it, if you have one.
11. Tap on “Add more information” to provide additional details such as your business address, description, contact information, and website.
12.  Tap on “Business hours” to set the hours during which you’re available to respond to customer inquiries.
13.  If you have a product catalogue, tap on “Add/edit catalogue” to manage your products or services.
14.  After making the desired changes, tap on the “Save” or “Done” button to save your updated business profile.
15. If you meet the criteria, you can apply for a verified badge to authenticate your business account and build trust with customers.
16.  It’s a good practice to review and update your business profile periodically to ensure that the information remains accurate and relevant.

NOTE -: Your business profile is often the first impression customers have of your business on WhatsApp Business. Providing complete and accurate information helps build trust and credibility with your customers, enhancing your business’s overall presence on the platform.

How can integrate Whatsapp Business With Whatsapp Business API?

Integrating WhatsApp Business with the WhatsApp Business API allows larger businesses to automate, customize, and scale their interactions with customers. This integration involves a more complex setup process. Here’s a high-level overview of how to integrate WhatsApp Business with the WhatsApp Business API:

1. Ensure that your business meets the eligibility criteria set by WhatsApp to use the WhatsApp Business API.
2. Apply for access to the WhatsApp Business API via the Facebook Business site.
3. WhatsApp requires businesses to work with an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) to integrate the API. These are third-party companies that specialise in providing the necessary infrastructure and support.
4. You will need a dedicated phone number to use with the WhatsApp Business API. This phone number will serve as your API number.
5. The WhatsApp Business Solution Provider will guide you through obtaining API access and provisioning.
6. Your chosen BSP will help you set up the technical infrastructure required for integrating the WhatsApp Business API. This includes hosting, security, and APIs.
7. Work with your BSP to develop the business logic and automation that you want to implement using the API. This can include chatbots, automated messages, and data synchronisation with your systems.
8. Thoroughly test your integration to ensure that it functions as intended and meets the desired customer experience.
9. WhatsApp has strict policies and guidelines for using the API to ensure user privacy and security. Your integration will need to adhere to these standards.
10. Once your integration is ready, you’ll need to submit it for review and approval by WhatsApp.
11. After approval, you can go live with your WhatsApp Business API integration.
12. Communicate with your customers through automated messages, responses, and other interactions.
13. Continuously monitor the performance of your integration and gather user feedback.
14. Optimise your integration based on user engagement and experience.
15. Regularly update and maintain your integration to ensure it remains compatible with any changes or updates made by WhatsApp.

Integrating WhatsApp Business with the WhatsApp Business API requires technical expertise and collaboration with a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider. This API integration provides businesses with the ability to create sophisticated automated experiences, manage customer interactions, and leverage WhatsApp’s features on a larger scale.

WhatsApp Business app vs WhatsApp Business API

In summary, the choice between the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business API depends on the size of your business, the complexity of your messaging needs, and your technical capabilities. If you’re a small business looking for a simple way to engage with customers on WhatsApp, the Business app might be sufficient. If you’re a larger business with more advanced requirements and the ability to integrate messaging into existing systems, the API could be the better choice.

14 features of Whatsapp Business that you should know

WhatsApp Business offers several features tailored to meet the needs of businesses for customer communication, branding, and customer support. Here are 14 key features of WhatsApp Business that businesses should be aware of:

1. Business Profile:  The Business Profile in WhatsApp Business is a key feature that allows businesses to create a professional and informative profile for their WhatsApp account. This profile helps customers easily identify and connect with the business.
2. Automated Greeting Message:  An Automated Greeting Message in WhatsApp Business is a feature that allows businesses to set up a predefined welcome message that is automatically sent to customers when they initiate a conversation with the business. This message is a way to greet and engage customers as soon as they contact your business on WhatsApp.
3. Quick Replies: Quick replies in WhatsApp Business are pre-written messages that you can use to respond quickly to frequently asked questions or common queries from customers. They help save time, ensure consistency, and provide efficient customer service.
4. Labels and Organisations: Labels and organisation features in WhatsApp Business are tools that help businesses manage and categorise their customer conversations for improved organisation and customer relationship management. These features make it easier to keep track of interactions, prioritise messages, and provide better customer support.nLabels are customizable tags or categories that businesses can assign to individual chats or conversations within WhatsApp Business.
5. Away Messages: Away Messages in WhatsApp Business are automated responses that you can set up to inform customers when your business is temporarily unavailable and when they can expect a response. These messages are useful for managing customer expectations and providing transparency about your availability.
6. Business Hours: Business Hours is a feature in WhatsApp Business that allows you to specify the times during which your business is open and available to respond to customer inquiries. It helps manage customer expectations and provides transparency about when customers can expect a response from your business.
7. Verified Business Account: A Verified Business Account on WhatsApp is indeed an official business account that has been through a verification process by WhatsApp. This verification is indicated by a green checkmark badge next to the business name, similar to how blue check marks are used on other social media platforms to verify the authenticity of accounts. It adds credibility and trust to the business profile, helping customers easily identify legitimate businesses on the platform.
8. Product Catalogue: The Product Catalogue is indeed a valuable tool for businesses, as it allows them to showcase their products or services directly within the WhatsApp chat interface, making it more convenient for customers to browse, inquire about, and purchase products or services. This feature enhances the overall customer experience and streamlines the sales process for businesses.
9. Order Management: Order management is a fundamental component of running a successful business, and when integrated with WhatsApp Business, it can streamline customer interactions, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience.
10. WhatsApp Web: Whatsapp Web allows the users to access and use WhatsApp from a web browser on their computer, offering the convenience of managing WhatsApp conversations and activities on a larger screen. This feature is widely appreciated for its utility in enhancing the WhatsApp experience for desktop users.
11. Customer Feedback: Customer feedback is indeed a crucial aspect of business operations, and WhatsApp Business can serve as an effective channel for collecting valuable feedback from customers. Leveraging this platform can help businesses gather insights, improve their products or services, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
12. Security Features (End-to-End Encryption): It’s a fundamental security measure that ensures the privacy and security of messages and calls for both businesses and their customers. This commitment to safeguarding the confidentiality of communications is a crucial aspect of WhatsApp Business and contributes to its reputation as a secure and trustworthy platform.
13. Broadcast Lists: Whatsapp Business provides the broadcast feature for its users which enables businesses to send messages to multiple recipients while maintaining individual privacy, making it an efficient way to communicate with a wide audience for various purposes such as updates, promotions, or announcements.
14. Statistics and Insights: Whatsapp Business provides statistics and insights features which are the tools pivotal for businesses as they assess messaging performance, gauge customer engagement, and use data-driven insights to refine their communication strategies. The ability to improve customer interactions and overall business outcomes is greatly enhanced by these analytics.

These features collectively enhance customer communication and streamline interactions, making WhatsApp Business a powerful tool for businesses of various sizes.

How Can Whatsapp Business help you in Business Marketing?

WhatsApp Business can be a valuable tool for business marketing, providing various features to help you connect with customers, promote your products or services, and enhance your marketing strategies. Here’s how WhatsApp Business can assist you in business marketing:

• Direct Customer Communication: WhatsApp Business enables direct and real-time communication with your customers. You can use it to send personalized messages, answer inquiries, and build stronger relationships.
• Automated Greetings and Replies: You can set up automated welcome messages and quick replies to instantly engage with customers and address common queries, even when you’re not online.
• Product Catalogue: Showcase your products or services in the app’s product catalogue feature. This makes it easy for customers to view your offerings and inquire about specific items.
• Promotions and Offers: Use WhatsApp to send out exclusive promotions, discounts, and offers directly to your customers. This can encourage sales and loyalty
• Customer Feedback and Surveys: Gather valuable insights by seeking customer feedback or conducting surveys through WhatsApp. This can help you improve your products or services based on their preferences and opinions.
• Event Reminders: Use WhatsApp to send event reminders, RSVP confirmations, and important event details to attendees.
• Storytelling and Branding: Share your business’s story, values, and behind-the-scenes content with customers. This can help humanise your brand and create a stronger connection.
• Appointment Reminders: If your business offers appointments, use WhatsApp to send reminders and confirmations to customers.
• Multimedia Content: Share images, videos, and audio messages to engage customers with visually appealing content.
• Integration with Other Platforms: Integrate your WhatsApp Business account with other marketing platforms or social media to create a seamless customer journey.
• Feedback and Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews and ratings for your products or services on WhatsApp.

Use Chatbot.team’s Whatsapp Chatbot for Marketing

Chatbot.team’s Whatsapp Chatbot can be used effectively for the marketing purposes because of the following reasons –

1. Understanding Your Audience: Identify your target audience and their preferences. This will help you tailor your chatbot’s responses and marketing messages to resonate with your customers.
2. Setting Clear Goals: Determine your marketing objectives. Whether it’s lead generation, customer support, or promoting specific products, having clear goals will guide your chatbot’s design and interactions.
3. Personalised Messages: Design your chatbot’s messages to feel personal and engaging. Use the recipient’s name, previous interactions, and relevant information to create a more personalised experience.
4. Segmentation: Segment your audience based on their preferences, behaviours, or demographics. Send targeted messages and offers to specific segments to maximise engagement.
5. Call to Action (CTA): Include clear and compelling CTAs that guide users towards desired actions, such as making a purchase, signing up, or visiting your website.
6. Integration: If your chatbot tool supports it, integrate with your CRM, email marketing, or other marketing tools for a cohesive strategy.
7. Analytics and Optimization: Regularly review chatbot performance metrics, such as engagement rates and conversion rates. Adjust your chatbot’s responses and strategies based on the insights you gather.
8. Compliance and Privacy: Ensure your chatbot follows all privacy and opt-in regulations. Respect user preferences for receiving messages and obtaining their consent for marketing communications.

The effective chatbot usage goes beyond just pushing marketing messages. It’s about providing value, solving problems, and building relationships with your customers through personalised interactions.

Is Whatsapp business safe to use for business?

WhatsApp Business has taken several measures to ensure the safety and security of user data and interactions.

According to a study, 77% of respondents in India said that they trusted the news media in general. Meanwhile, 54% of them said that they trusted news that they receive on WhatsApp, 51% on Google and YouTube, 41% on Facebook, 27% on Instagram, 25% on Twitter and 15% on TikTok.

A survey showed that over 56% of the people surveyed trust the recommendations they receive on Whatsapp groups, as against a mere 24% trusting influencers. In the entertainment sector, 71% people rely on Whatsapp videos, followed by Facebook to get their daily dose of laughter or spirituality.

Some general reasons why WhatsApp Business is considered safe to use are mentioned below :-

• End-to-End Encryption: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, which means that messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and can only be decrypted by the recipient’s device. This ensures that only the intended parties can read the messages.
• Verified Business Accounts: WhatsApp Business offers verified business accounts with a green check mark badge. This badge indicates that the account belongs to a legitimate business, increasing user confidence.
• Two-Step Verification: WhatsApp Business allows users to enable two-step verification for an extra layer of security. This feature requires a PIN code to access the account.
• Privacy Settings: Users can control who can add them to groups and who can see their profile information, enhancing privacy.
• Strong Security Practices: WhatsApp has a reputation for prioritising user privacy and security. The company has been committed to maintaining the integrity of its encryption protocols.
• Owned by Facebook: WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, a company that invests heavily in security and privacy measures. Facebook’s resources contribute to WhatsApp’s overall security infrastructure.
• Large User Base: WhatsApp has a vast user base, and its continued popularity speaks to the trust that users place in the platform for communication.
• Data Handling: WhatsApp Business emphasises that it does not share user data with Facebook for advertising purposes. This assurance has contributed to user trust.
• Regular Updates: WhatsApp regularly releases updates to address security vulnerabilities and improve user safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WhatsApp Business presents a powerful and versatile tool for businesses to enhance customer engagement, streamline communication, and drive marketing efforts. With its array of features tailored to meet business needs, WhatsApp Business offers a range of benefits such as direct and personalized Communication, efficient customer support, marketing opportunities, trust and credibility, accessibility and convenience and flexibility for businesses of all sizes

However, while WhatsApp Business provides numerous advantages, it’s essential to ensure proper management, adhere to privacy regulations, and respect user preferences. The success of using WhatsApp Business lies in striking a balance between automation and human interaction, providing value to customers, and adapting to changing trends and user behaviours. As the digital landscape evolves, WhatsApp Business remains a valuable tool for businesses seeking to connect with their audience in meaningful and efficient ways.