WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. Given its huge user base, WhatsApp can be a great marketing and sales channel for businesses. With a WhatsApp Business account and website, businesses can easily communicate with customers, share product catalogs, provide customer support, and even sell products and services directly through WhatsApp.
Creating a WhatsApp Business website allows businesses to showcase useful information like business description, store addresses, product catalogs, and contact options. It helps businesses look more professional and legitimate. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a WhatsApp Business website from scratch.
Step 1: Get a WhatsApp Business Account
The first step is to register for a WhatsApp Business account. This can be done in two ways:
1. Download the WhatsApp Business app on your phone, available for both Android and iOS. When you open the app, you will be prompted to register your business.
2. If you already have WhatsApp installed, open WhatsApp > tap the 3 dots (top-right) > WhatsApp Web/Desktop > Link a Device > Download the WhatsApp Business app from Google Play or App Store.
With a WhatsApp Business account, you get access to useful business features like business profiles, messaging tools, analytics and more. Most importantly, you will be able to create a WhatsApp Business API, which can be used to build an automated system for interacting with customers.
Key Details Needed
To register your business on WhatsApp, you need to provide the following details:
– Business name
– Business category (eg. Retailer, Restaurant)
– Business description
– Email address
– Business address
Make sure to provide accurate details as this information will be displayed on your business profile. You can always edit them later from WhatsApp Business Settings.
Step 2: Get a WhatsApp Business API
Once your WhatsApp Business account is set up, you need to apply for a WhatsApp Business API. The API enables you to programatically send and receive WhatsApp messages using an integration platform like Zendesk.
Here is how to get a WhatsApp Business API:
1. Open WhatsApp Business and go to Business Settings.
2. Tap on Business Tools.
3. Tap on WhatsApp Business API.
4. Tap on Get Started and fill out the registration form. You will need to provide business details and agree to the Terms of Service.
It can take a few days for your API request to be reviewed and approved by WhatsApp. Once approved, you will receive API credentials which can be used to integrate WhatsApp with other platforms.
Choosing an Integration Platform
There are several platforms that offer integrations with the WhatsApp Business API, including:
| Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Zendesk | Ticketing system, CRM, live chat |
| Salesforce | CRM, sales management, customer support |
| Twilio | Cloud communications platform |
| MessengerPeople | Live chat, chatbots, messaging |
| Smooch | Conversational messaging |
Evaluate different platforms based on your business needs and budget. Popular options like Zendesk and Salesforce offer WhatsApp integration along with a suite of other tools for managing sales and support.
Step 3: Create a WhatsApp Business Website
Once you have your WhatsApp Business account and API set up, you can proceed with creating your WhatsApp Business website. This website will showcase all the key information about your business and provide quick access to start a chat.
Follow these steps to create your WhatsApp Business website:
Choose a Platform
There are a few platforms that provide easy tools to create WhatsApp Business websites:
– **WhatsApp Business App:** You can build a simple website directly within the WhatsApp Business app. Just go to Business Settings > Business Profile and edit your Call to Action.
– **WhatsApp Business API Providers:** Platforms like Zendesk, Twilio, Smooch allow you to create customizable WhatsApp websites as part of their integrations.
– **Website Builders:** Options like Dedicate.co, Chatbox.io, and Weblineindia provide plugins and tools to add WhatsApp functionality to new or existing websites.
Choose a platform that meets your requirements for customization and fits your budget.
Design the Website
Your WhatsApp Business website can be a simple one-page site or a full multi-page site. Begin by planning the structure and key sections:
– Business name, logo, description
– High-quality images of products/services
– Business address, map, contact details
– Product catalog, brochures, pricing
– Call-to-Action button to start chat
Ensure the design is mobile-responsive as most users will access your website from phones. Keep the navigation simple and the CTA button visible on all pages.
Set Up Chat Functionality
The most critical part is enabling the live chat feature. Your chosen platform will provide options to integrate the WhatsApp API and activate chat functionality.
For example, in Zendesk you can enable Web Widget to add a chat widget that pops up on the website screen. When users click the widget, it will open a WhatsApp chat window to interact with your business.
Configure automated greetings, away messages, and chat routing to ensure seamless conversations. Enable notifications so no customer query goes unanswered.
Publish the Website
For simple single page websites, platforms like WhatsApp Business App provide you a shareable link you can directly send to users.
For full websites, purchase a domain and web hosting plan. Develop the site using frameworks like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. Add the WhatsApp integration using their respective plugins/tools.
Ensure your website follows SEO best practices. Submit it to Google Search Console and ping search engines regularly. Market your website on social media, emails, and other channels.
Monitor website analytics to understand visitor behavior. Keep optimizing the site to boost conversions over time.
Step 4: Promote Your WhatsApp Business Website
Creating the website is one part of the process. You also need to promote your WhatsApp Business website to drive customer engagement. Here are some effective ways to get the word out:
Social Media Promotion
– Share your website link on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn business pages.
– Create posts showcasing your products/services and include a call-to-action to visit your WhatsApp website.
– Run Facebook and Instagram ads with the website link and chat CTA. Geo-target your audience.
On-Site Promotion
– If you have an existing business website, add a tab, banner or button linking to your WhatsApp website.
– Offer discounts or exclusive deals for users who engage via WhatsApp website.
– Use on-site messaging or pop-ups to highlight the WhatsApp channel.
Email & SMS Marketing
– Send emails to existing customers with the WhatsApp website link. Offer an incentive to check it out.
– Collect phone numbers and send SMS blasts with your WhatsApp website details. Personalize the messages with customer names.
Offline Promotion
– Print your WhatsApp link or QR code on bills, packaging, storefronts, menus etc.
– Train staff to promote WhatsApp website in conversations with customers.
– Offer to add customers’ numbers to receive promos via WhatsApp messaging.
Step 5: Manage Your WhatsApp Business Website
Launching your WhatsApp Business website is the first step. You need to continuously manage it for maximum impact:
Monitor Performance
– Track website traffic, chat inquiries, conversions in a CRM system.
– Monitor customer sentiment – are they happy with WhatsApp experience?
– Identify common queries to improve FAQs and website content.
Train Staff on Best Practices
– Conduct regular training to ensure staff provides fast, high-quality chat support.
– Share guidelines on chat etiquette, problem solving, objection handling.
– Monitor chat performance and give feedback regularly.
Offer Promotions & Updates
– Send regular promotional messages – offers, deals, new arrivals etc.
– Wish customers on holidays and birthdays to build personal rapport.
– Keep customers updated about new services, features, business hours etc.
Optimize Chat Routing
– Analyze chat data to identify high-traffic hours. Align staffing to match demand.
– Implement chatbots to handle common queries and route complex ones to agents.
– Test different routing rules to minimize wait times and maximize CSAT.
Conclusion
Creating an effective WhatsApp Business website takes research, planning and effort. But it provides an incredible channel to engage directly with your customers. Adopt a phased approach – start small and keep iterating to add more features. With time and discipline, you can build an excellent website that becomes a revenue driver for your business.
The key steps are:
1. Get a WhatsApp Business Account and API
2. Choose a platform to build your website
3. Design an engaging website with chat integration
4. Promote your website across channels
5. Continuously monitor and optimize the website
Focus on providing quick responses, personal service and exclusive deals via WhatsApp messaging. This will help you build loyalty and increase sales. WhatsApp Business Website is a game changer for connecting with the modern, mobile customer – so leverage it fully to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.