WhatsApp Business accounts allow businesses to communicate with customers in a fast and convenient way through the WhatsApp platform. With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, making a WhatsApp Business account an attractive option for many companies. But can just anyone get a WhatsApp Business account, or are there certain requirements you need to meet? Let’s take a closer look at who is eligible for a WhatsApp Business account and how to apply for one.
What is a WhatsApp Business account?
A WhatsApp Business account provides businesses with additional features not available on a standard WhatsApp account. These features include:
- Business profile – Create a business description, email, address, and other details that customers see.
- Quick replies – Set up predetermined messages to efficiently respond to frequently asked questions.
- Labels – Organize contacts into categories like new leads, customers, etc.
- Statistics – View data on messages read and received.
- Greetings messages – Welcome new contacts with a customized greeting message.
In addition to these special features, WhatsApp Business accounts can still utilize WhatsApp’s core messaging, calls, and media sharing capabilities to communicate with customers. The goal is to help businesses provide efficient, personalized service at scale.
WhatsApp Business account eligibility and requirements
So who can actually get a WhatsApp Business account? Here are the main eligibility requirements from WhatsApp:
- You must register the account using an official business phone number. This cannot be a personal number.
- The business must be a registered legal entity. WhatsApp requires documentation to verify this.
- A single business can only create one WhatsApp Business account.
Based on these requirements, the following types of businesses are eligible for a WhatsApp Business account:
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Limited liability companies (LLCs)
- Corporations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
If you are an individual or freelancer without a registered business, you unfortunately cannot create a WhatsApp Business account. It is designed for use by official organizations and companies only.
Applying for a WhatsApp Business account
Here is an overview of the steps to apply for a WhatsApp Business account:
- Make sure your business meets the eligibility criteria outlined above.
- Have your business documentation ready to verify your identity. This may include business registration papers, tax documents, or articles of incorporation.
- Designate an official business phone number you want to use. This will be verified by WhatsApp.
- Download the WhatsApp Business app on your mobile device.
- Open the app and tap to start creating your business profile.
- Enter your business details including description, email, address, etc.
- Upload business documents when prompted to verify your business.
- Review WhatsApp’s terms of service and privacy policy.
- Tap “Agree and continue” to complete the registration process.
It may take a few days for WhatsApp to review your information and approve the business account. You’ll receive a notification when approved and can start using your new WhatsApp Business account.
Tips for using your WhatsApp Business account
Once approved, be sure to take full advantage of the special business features of WhatsApp. Here are some tips:
- Set up a complete business profile with useful info for customers.
- Organize your contacts with labels.
- Create quick replies to quickly answer FAQs.
- Send greeting messages to new contacts.
- Add CTAs to messages to direct customers to your website or sales.
- Monitor performance with built-in analytics.
Proper usage of these tools can help streamline communications and provide better customer service at scale.
Limits and restrictions
There are some limits and restrictions to be aware of with a WhatsApp Business account:
- You can only link one account to a phone number.
- Groups are limited to 256 participants.
- Accounts engaging in spam behavior may be banned.
- Automated messages outside of approved templates are restricted.
- Usage limits may apply to how many messages can be sent daily.
Make sure to abide by WhatsApp’s policies when using your business account to avoid restrictions.
Conclusion
In summary, WhatsApp Business accounts are designed for use by official registered businesses. Eligible organizations include sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Accounts provide useful features to improve communications and are easy to set up if you meet the requirements. With proper use, a WhatsApp Business account can help businesses better engage and support customers.