WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool for businesses to connect with customers. By registering your WhatsApp number as a business account, you unlock additional features that can help manage conversations at scale. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register your WhatsApp number as a business account on both iPhone and Android devices.
Prerequisites for Registering a WhatsApp Business Account
Before registering your WhatsApp number as a business account, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:
- You must use the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
- Your phone number must not already be registered to another WhatsApp account.
- You need a dedicated business phone number you wish to register.
- Your phone number must be verified on WhatsApp before registering your business account.
How to Register a WhatsApp Business Account on iPhone
Follow these steps to register your WhatsApp number as a business account on iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
- Go to the Settings tab.
- Tap on ‘WhatsApp Web/Desktop’.
- Tap on ‘Register WhatsApp Business’ at the bottom of the screen.
- A pop-up will appear, tap ‘Register As A Business’.
- Review and agree to the Terms of Service.
- You will then be asked to confirm your business category. Select your relevant industry.
- Next, you need to enter your business information including your business name, address, and description. Make sure this information is accurate.
- Carefully review all the information you’ve entered.
- Tap ‘Done’ once you have confirmed your business details.
Your WhatsApp number will now be registered as a business account. The process is quick and easy on iPhone. You will get access to special business features of WhatsApp.
How to Register a WhatsApp Business Account on Android
Follow these steps to register your WhatsApp number as a business account on Android:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android phone.
- Tap on the 3-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
- Go to ‘WhatsApp Web/Desktop’.
- Tap on ‘Register WhatsApp Business’ at the bottom.
- A pop-up will appear, tap ‘Register As A Business’.
- Review and agree to the Terms of Service.
- Confirm your relevant business category.
- Enter your business name, address and description.
- Carefully review all the details entered.
- Tap ‘Done’ to register your business account.
The process is similar on Android phones. Follow the steps carefully to register your dedicated business number to WhatsApp Business and unlock the advanced tools.
Benefits of a WhatsApp Business Account
Here are some major benefits of registering your WhatsApp number as a business account:
- Business Profile: You get a business profile that highlights important details about your company for customers.
- Greeting Message: You can set a greeting message that automatically sends when a customer first messages you.
- Quick Replies: Create preset quick reply messages to frequently asked questions to respond faster.
- Labels: Organize your chats using labels to manage conversations better.
- Statistics: View useful statistics on messages sent, delivered, read etc. to understand engagement.
- Self-Service Tools: Add buttons, lists and menus to your account for customers to self-serve.
Key Features of a WhatsApp Business Account
Registering a WhatsApp business account unlocks the following useful features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Profile | Customize your business profile with business name, description, email, address, and more. |
| Greetings Message | Set an automated greeting message that is sent to customers when they first message you. |
| Away Messages | Let customers know if you are away with a custom message and auto-reply. |
| Quick Replies | Create preset replies for frequently asked questions to respond faster. |
| Labels | Organize different chats into custom labels to manage conversations better. |
| Statistics | View insights into messages sent, delivered, read etc. to understand engagement. |
Self-Service Tools
WhatsApp Business accounts also get access to self-service tools to automate customer interactions:
- Away Messages: Custom away messages when you are unavailable.
- Quick Replies: Preset text, image and video messages to quickly respond.
- Lists: Share lists of texts, contacts or product catalogs.
- Buttons: Add call-to-action buttons to drive engagement.
- Menus: Create auto-reply menus customers can interact with.
How to Use WhatsApp Business Account Features
Here is a brief overview of how to use the key features of your WhatsApp business account:
Set a Greeting Message
- Go to the Business Settings.
- Tap on ‘Greeting Message’.
- Enter your custom greeting message.
- Tap ‘Save’ to set it.
Create Quick Replies
- Go to Business Settings.
- Select ‘Quick Replies’.
- Tap on ‘Add Quick Reply’.
- Enter a message title and the reply text.
- Tap ‘Save’ to create the quick reply.
Set Up Away Messages
- Go to Business Settings.
- Tap on ‘Away Messages’.
- Toggle on the away message.
- Enter a custom message.
- Set the auto-reply time frame.
- Tap ‘Save’ to enable it.
Add Business Labels
- Open a chat.
- Tap on the contact’s name at the top.
- Scroll down and tap ‘Add Business Label’.
- Select a label or create a custom one.
- Tap ‘Save’ to apply the label.
Explore all the sections in your business account settings to understand the different tools at your disposal.
Tips for Using Your WhatsApp Business Account
Here are some top tips to use your WhatsApp business account effectively:
- Customize your business profile completely with your logo, description, email etc.
- Use a greeting message to introduce your business to new customers.
- Create quick replies for your most frequently asked questions.
- Set up auto-reply away messages when you are unavailable.
- Organize key chats using labels for better management.
- Integrate WhatsApp with your CRM to manage conversations.
- Analyze crucial messaging metrics in the statistics to improve.
- Use menus and buttons to create interactive self-service experiences.
WhatsApp Business API
For larger businesses, WhatsApp also offers a Business API to further customize and automate your experience. With the API, you can:
- Integrate CRM systems to manage conversations.
- Program customized responses and flows.
- Transfer chats across devices.
- Create smart notifications and alerts.
- Analyze data to optimize performance.
Must-Have Apps to Use with WhatsApp Business
Here are some of the top apps to further enhance your WhatsApp business account:
Chatbot Apps
- ManyChat: Build automated chatbot sequences on WhatsApp to engage customers.
- Chatfuel: Create customized AI chatbots for WhatsApp without coding.
- Octane.ai: Manage conversations at scale with their easy WhatsApp chatbot builder.
Support Apps
- LiveChat: Connect with customers in real-time using their integrated WhatsApp support.
- Tagove: Unified inbox to manage your messages across platforms including WhatsApp.
- Crisp: WhatsApp support directly integrated into their conversational interface.
Marketing Automation Apps
- MailerLite: Visually design and automate WhatsApp campaigns.
- SendPulse: Create targeted marketing funnels on WhatsApp.
- ManyChat: Drive engagement with automated WhatsApp sequences.
The right app integrations can take your WhatsApp business account to the next level. Evaluate options to see which fit your specific business needs.
WhatsApp Business Account Limitations
While WhatsApp Business accounts provide great tools, some limitations to keep in mind:
- Limited tools compared to the WhatsApp Business API
- No desktop app for managing conversations
- Automatic messages send at slower rate
- Lack advanced features larger businesses may need
- Only able to use on a single device at once
Evaluate your requirements and growth plans to determine if the standard business account meets your needs or if upgrading to the WhatsApp Business API is recommended as your scale.
WhatsApp Business Account Pricing
One of the biggest advantages of using WhatsApp Business accounts is that they are completely free! There are no costs associated with registering your business account to access the features.
You only need an active WhatsApp plan on your smartphone to register. This means you can get started with powerful business messaging tools at no added cost.
For larger businesses that need the advanced Business API, there are tiered pricing plans based on usage starting at $5/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a WhatsApp business account free?
Yes, WhatsApp allows you to register a standard business account with basic tools for free. There is no cost or fee involved to register your WhatsApp number as a business account and access features like quick replies, labels, greetings messages, and more.
Can I convert my existing WhatsApp account?
No, you cannot convert your existing personal WhatsApp account to a business account. You must register using a new, dedicated business phone number that is not already associated with a WhatsApp account.
How do I get the WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Business API is only available to medium and larger businesses that apply for it. You cannot access it through a standard business account registration. Contact WhatsApp to inquire about Business API access for your company based on your size and needs.
Can I use WhatsApp on multiple devices?
With a standard WhatsApp Business account, you can only use your account on one device at a time. For multi-device support, you would need to upgrade to the WhatsApp Business API plan.
How do I change my business info?
You can edit your WhatsApp business profile details like business name, description, category etc any time from the Business Settings section. Tap into each section to update your business details.
Conclusion
Registering for a WhatsApp Business account is a great way to level up your customer engagement at no added cost. Take advantage of the exclusive tools to automate conversations, collect data, and drive sales.
Carefully plan your profile, greetings message, quick replies and labels to provide the best experience. Integrate with companion apps for marketing automation, support, and chatbots.
With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp is a communication channel you cannot afford to overlook. Get started with a free WhatsApp Business account today to better connect with your customers. Bring even more advanced capabilities with the Business API as you continue to scale your business.