WhatsApp Business is a free to download app designed for small businesses by WhatsApp. It allows companies to set up a business profile and use WhatsApp features like messaging, calling, and stories to communicate with customers. A key question for many small businesses is whether a WhatsApp Business phone number is free or if there are costs associated with getting a dedicated business number.
What is WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp Business is a version of the popular WhatsApp messaging app aimed specifically at small businesses and enterprises. It provides tools and features that regular WhatsApp users do not have access to, allowing businesses to use WhatsApp more effectively to communicate with customers.
Some key features of WhatsApp Business include:
– Business profile – Businesses can create a business profile with key information like a description, email, store address, and website. This provides customers with important context when messaging the business.
– Messaging tools – WhatsApp Business provides messaging tools like quick replies, greeting messages, and away messages that can help businesses manage conversations with customers more efficiently.
– Analytics – The app provides data and analytics on messages sent and received so businesses can understand their messaging performance.
– Advertising – Businesses can create and manage WhatsApp click-to-chat ads to attract new customers.
Overall, WhatsApp Business makes it easier for small businesses to use WhatsApp to communicate with customers and build relationships. It is a free download and optimized for the needs of businesses.
Getting a WhatsApp Business Phone Number
To set up a WhatsApp Business account, a dedicated business phone number is required. This number will be tied to the business profile and used by customers to message and contact the business.
There are two main ways small businesses can get a WhatsApp Business phone number:
1. Use existing business landline or mobile number
2. Purchase a new virtual number
If the business already has an unused landline phone number or mobile number, this can be used for WhatsApp Business easily. The number just needs to be verified with WhatsApp.
For businesses without a spare number, a new virtual phone number specifically for WhatsApp Business can be purchased. These virtual numbers work just like regular numbers for receiving calls and messages through the app.
Some popular ways to purchase a virtual WhatsApp business number include:
– Through the WhatsApp Business app directly
– From third-party providers like SIMSational,NUMBERY, and DotGo
Are WhatsApp Business Numbers Free?
The WhatsApp Business app is free to download and use. However, purchasing a new virtual phone number specifically for WhatsApp Business usually comes with a cost from third-party providers. WhatsApp itself does not charge for numbers, but providers who manage virtual numbers do charge fees.
So in summary:
– Using an existing owned mobile or landline number is free
– Virtual numbers from third-party providers come with a cost
Some WhatsApp Business phone number pricing from popular providers:
| Provider | Pricing |
|---|---|
| SIMSational | $3 one-time fee + $1.99 per month |
| NUMBERY | $9 one-time fee + $1 per month |
| DotGo | $12 one-time fee + $2 per month |
As you can see, pricing varies but typically involves a one-time setup fee of around $3-$12 and an ongoing monthly fee around $1-$2.
There are sometimes promotional offers available for free WhatsApp Business numbers for the first month or completely free trials for a limited period like 30 days. However, long term an associated cost is typical.
Should I Get a WhatsApp Business Number?
Here are some pros and cons for small businesses to consider when deciding whether to invest in a virtual WhatsApp Business number:
Pros:
– Provides a dedicated business line customers can contact
– Displays as a legitimate business number to customers
– Number stays with business even if staff leave
– Easy to set up and manage through providers
– Low monthly costs relative to benefits
Cons:
– Additional small ongoing cost to business
– Existing number could be used instead
– Customers may already have business owner’s personal number
For many small businesses, having a dedicated WhatsApp Business number that clearly identifies them as a business can increase credibility and professionalism. The low monthly costs are usually worth it given the benefits.
But in some cases using an existing owned number may be the better route, especially if customers already have that number.
There are arguments on both sides, so it comes down to the individual business, communication needs, and budget considerations.
Getting Set Up with a WhatsApp Business Number
If after weighing the pros and cons your business decides to get a dedicated virtual number for WhatsApp Business, the process is very straightfoward:
1. Decide on preferred provider and plan based on number type, cost, contract length etc. Many offer one month free trials.
2. Purchase number through provider’s website or app. Transaction can often be completed in just a few minutes.
3. The new virtual number will be provided immediately and accessible through provider account dashboard.
4. Open WhatsApp Business app, go to settings and verify the new number. Follow prompts to confirm verification code.
5. The number will now be activated and ready to use within WhatsApp Business. Customers can start messaging it.
6. Set up business profile, messaging preferences, away messages and other options to complete setup.
Getting started only takes a few simple steps so businesses can be up and running with a dedicated WhatsApp Business number quickly. It does not require any specialist telecom knowledge.
Make sure to research providers thoroughly and check reviews before selecting one to purchase a number from.
Using a WhatsApp Business Number
Once a WhatsApp Business number is set up, using it on a day-to-day basis is very straightforward:
– The number works just like a regular mobile number for receiving WhatsApp messages and calls.
– Messages from customers will show up in the WhatsApp Business app inbox and can be managed using the various tools provided.
– Outgoing messages can be sent to customers from the app interface just like regular WhatsApp.
– Voice calls and the WhatsApp video calling feature can be used with customers.
– Analytics provide insight into incoming and outgoing communication.
– The business profile can be updated if any details change. Additional information like catalogues can also be added.
– Make use of automated responses, quick replies, greeting messages and away status features to simplify messaging.
– If necessary, the number can be ported to a different provider or cancelled at any time without affecting regular WhatsApp usage.
With a few hours of initial familiarization, using a WhatsApp Business number becomes second nature. The functionality mirrors standard WhatsApp so the learning curve is minimal.
Having a dedicated number that is consistent, separated from personal use, and presented professionally can really amplify WhatsApp’s power as a business communication channel.
Conclusion
While the WhatsApp Business app itself is free, purchasing a virtual phone number specifically for business use typically involves small ongoing fees from third-party providers. However, the benefits often outweigh these low costs for small businesses.
A dedicated number provides credibility, consistency and presents a professional image customers recognize. It also separates professional and personal communication.
For many small businesses, a WhatsApp Business number is an affordable investment to boost their messaging presence and better connect with customers. The setup process is quick and easy, and the numbers integrate seamlessly with the WhatsApp Business platform.