WhatsApp Business is an independent version of the famous WhatsApp messenger, which works exactly the same way. The application is only available on Android, and is mainly aimed at SMEs. It offers additional features tailored to business needs.

The main objective of this messaging system is to connect companies and customers more easily, with more proximity. WhatsApp Business helps brands manage orders, and provides an ideal communication platform for small businesses.

1. Link a phone number to a WhatsApp Business account

Once the application is installed, you can associate a phone number with it. It is this number that will become the business number used for communications with customers.

It is recommended to use a number that is not used for personal WhatsApp use, but you can still use your personal number if you wish.

2. Set up a company profile

Once the phone number is linked, you can create your business profile on the app by adding a company name and logo.

Pay attention to the choice of name, because it is final and cannot be changed later.

3. Have a verified account

To avoid identity theft, WhatsApp has implemented a verification system to certify companies. The verification is materialized by a green badge with a white tick. An unverified business account can be identified by the gray question mark on its profile.

You must submit a request to WhatsApp Business to obtain this badge, which will assure your customers that you are the business they are looking for.

4. Label conversations

The application offers companies the ability to organize their messages in a logical way, using tools such as labels. They can easily differentiate conversations with new customers from those of regular customers or orders made.

5. Discuss with customers more easily

The instant messaging system is much more welcoming than emails, and this format allows companies to be much closer to their customers during exchanges. If you can take the time to send personalized messages through WhatsApp, customers will be more likely to respond and become interested in your services or products.

WhatsApp Business also allows the use of media such as images, videos or GIFs. These digital communication tools are greatly appreciated, and create proximity between the company and the customers.

6. Provide customer service

Instant messaging can be a real asset in terms of customer service. Indeed, it is more pleasant for customers to contact the company directly by WhatsApp message, rather than calling a customer service number.

This solution is suitable only for SMEs that are able to respond quickly to all messages quickly.

7. Set up an automatic greeting

You will find the menu to pre-record your various messages by going to: More options > Professional tools. Once in this menu, you just have to choose the type of message you want to pre-record.

Greetings allow you to create shortcuts, to pre-write messages that you send frequently. They are intended for people who contact you for the first time, or who have not contacted you for more than 14 days. These messages can include text or media (GIF, images, videos).

Enable Send a greeting message, and customize the message by clicking on it. Once your message has been written, choose the list of recipients, from:

• Everyone

• Anyone not in my address book

• Everyone except...

• Send only to...

• When you have selected your recipients, tap Save.

8. Send Quick Replies with Shortcuts

Quick replies are used like greetings, through keyboard shortcuts. It is possible to save several, to adapt according to the most received questions (on opening hours or dates for example). You can add up to 50 different quick replies, and hotkeys can't exceed 25 characters.

Tap Add (+), and set the text message or media you want to send in your quick reply. Once the message is ready, associate a keyboard shortcut and a keyword to locate it quickly.

Click Save, and repeat the operation if you want to add more quick answers.

To use your quick replies, type "/" + your keyboard shortcut in the text field, then select the quick reply. You can modify it in the editor if necessary, or directly press Send.

9. Automatically send an away message

Away messages are sent automatically when you are away or busy. They are pre-recorded, and you choose under what conditions they will be sent (at specific times and to which contacts). Please note, if you are not connected to the Internet, absence messages will not be sent.

Enable Send away message, and customize the message by clicking on it. When your message is written, you can choose in which situation it will be sent among:

• Always send

• Personalized schedule (times to be predefined)

• Outside opening hours

Once you have defined when the absence message will be sent, choose the list of recipients, among:

• Everyone

• Anyone not in my address book

• Everyone except...

• Send only to...