WhatsApp Business 101: How to Create a WhatsApp Business Account

Imagine having the power to connect with your customers instantly, answer their queries in real-time, and even showcase your products—all within an app they already use daily. That's the potential of a WhatsApp Business account! 

But how do you set one up without any hassle? 

If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry. 

In this guide, we'll show you how to create a WhatsApp Business account step-by-step, ensuring you can leverage this powerful tool for seamless communication and enhanced customer engagement. Ready to transform your business communication? Let’s get started!

What is WhatsApp Business Account?

A WhatsApp Business Account is a tailored version of WhatsApp designed for businesses to communicate effectively with their customers. It offers features like a professional profile, automated messaging tools, product catalogs, and analytics. These features help businesses manage customer interactions, send notifications, and enhance their credibility with verified accounts.

Important Things to Know Before Downloading the WhatsApp Business App

1. Account Migration: Existing users can easily migrate their chat history and media to a new WhatsApp Business account using the same phone number.

2. Irretrievable Data: If you’ve previously deleted or discontinued your WhatsApp Business account, you cannot retrieve old messages or account details.

3. Switching from Personal to Business: You can migrate from a WhatsApp Messenger (personal account) to a WhatsApp Business account with available options.

4. Dual Usage: You can use both WhatsApp Messenger for personal communication and WhatsApp Business for business purposes, as long as they are linked to separate phone numbers.

How to Create a WhatsApp Business Account

It's really simple to create a WhatsApp Business Account using a new number. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Download WhatsApp Business App

• For Android: Open Google Play Store and search for "WhatsApp Business".
• For iPhone: Open the Apple App Store and search for "WhatsApp Business".
• Download and install the app on your device.

Step 2: Approve Terms of Service

• Launch the app.
• Read and agree to the WhatsApp Business Terms of Service when prompted.

Step 3: Register

• Choose your country and enter your business phone number.
• Select how you’d like to receive the verification code (via call or text).
• Enter the 6-digit verification code to complete registration.

Step 4: Sync Contacts and Photos

• Grant access to your contacts, media gallery, and files when prompted.
• Allow WhatsApp Business to sync your contacts and media.

Step 5: Create a Business Account

• Fill in necessary information such as business name and category.
• Choose a profile picture, ideally the company logo, for easy recognition.

Step 6: Create a Profile

Complete your business profile with the following details:

• Profile and Cover Photos: Use your company logo and a relevant cover image.
• Business Name and Description: Provide a concise description of your business.
• Business Category: Select the appropriate category for your business.
• Business Address: Enter your physical address.
• Business Hours: Specify your working hours.
• Email and Website: Add your email address and website link.
• Linked Social Media Accounts: Connect your social media profiles.
• Catalog of Products or Services: Showcase your offerings.
• About Information: Provide additional relevant details.
• Phone Number: Ensure your contact number is visible.

Step 7: Start Chatting

• Your WhatsApp Business Account setup is complete.
• Test its functionality by sending a text message and engaging in a chat.

By following these steps, you’ll have successfully established your WhatsApp Business Account using a new phone number, ready to enhance your customer engagement and streamline your business communications.

What's Next After Setting-Up the Account

Now that you’ve set up your WhatsApp Business account, it's time to leverage its powerful automation features to enhance your communication efficiency:

1. WhatsApp Away Message

• Purpose: Inform customers that you are currently unavailable.
• Setup: Create a template message that notifies customers of your availability and when they can expect a response.

2. WhatsApp Greeting Message

• Purpose: Welcome new customers who contact you for the first time.
• Setup: Craft a warm, welcoming template message to greet and engage new customers right from their first interaction.

3. WhatsApp Quick Replies

• Purpose: Respond quickly to common customer questions.
• Setup: Prepare pre-written messages for frequently asked questions to save time and ensure consistent communication.

By utilizing these features, you can ensure timely and efficient interactions with your customers, enhancing their overall experience and improving your business communication.

Explore All the Easy Ways to Add WhatsApp to Your Website for FREE

How to Change a WhatsApp Account to a Business Account

Here is the step-by-step process to convert your existing WhatsApp account to a WhatsApp Business Account with the same phone number:

For Android Users

1. Update WhatsApp Messenger: Ensure you have the latest version.
2. Download WhatsApp Business App: Install it from the Google Play Store.
3. Open the App: Launch WhatsApp Business.
4. Review Terms of Service: Read and tap on “Agree and Continue.”
5. Select Number: Choose to use your existing WhatsApp number or a different one.
6. Verification: If using a different number, go through the verification process.
7. Allow Access: Tap “Continue” and grant access to chat history and media.
8. Enter Verification Code: Input the 6-digit code sent to your phone.
9. Create Business Profile: Fill in business details and tap “Next.”

For iOS Users

1. Update WhatsApp Messenger: Ensure it’s up to date.
2. Download WhatsApp Business App: Get it from the Apple App Store.
3. Open the App: Launch WhatsApp Business.
4. Review Terms of Service: Tap on “Agree and Continue.”
5. Select Number: Choose to use your existing number or a new one.
6. Verification: Complete verification if using a new number.
7. Enter Verification Code: If not auto-detected, enter the code manually.
8. Create Business Profile: Fill in business details and tap “Done.”

General Steps for Both Android and iOS

1. Backup Your WhatsApp Account:
   • Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
2. Download WhatsApp Business App: Available for both Android and iOS.
3. Accept Terms of Service: Agree to proceed.
4. Use Current Number: The app will detect your personal number.
5. Transfer Data: The app will transfer your data to the business account.
6. Grant Permissions: Allow access to contacts, media, and files.
7. Create Business Account: Set up profile photo, business name, category, and description.
8. Compose Business Profile: Add detailed business information via WhatsApp Settings > Business Name.

By following these steps, you can easily convert your personal WhatsApp account to a WhatsApp Business account, ensuring a smooth transition for your business communications.

Benefits of Using the WhatsApp Business App

Using WhatsApp Business can transform how you interact with your customers. Here are some key benefits that make it an essential tool for businesses.

Customer Convenience​

• Reach: With over 3 billion users globally, WhatsApp allows you to connect with a vast audience. Engaging customers on a platform they already use means meeting them where they are most comfortable.
• Preferred Platform: As a widely used messaging app, WhatsApp is familiar and easy to use, making customer interactions smoother and more effective.

Enhanced Engagement​

• Instant Interaction: WhatsApp Business supports real-time, two-way communication, enabling you to respond to customer inquiries promptly and effectively.
• Personal Touch: Customize your messages to address individual customer needs, leading to higher satisfaction and stronger relationships.

Wider Audience, Local Appeal​

• Global Access: Communicate with customers around the world without the constraints of geographical boundaries.
• Localized Messaging: Target specific regions with messages in their local languages, making your communication more relevant and impactful.

Cost Efficiency​

• Affordable Outreach: WhatsApp offers a cost-effective solution to reach a large audience, significantly cheaper than traditional methods like SMS or print advertising.

Operational Efficiency​

• Automation Tools: Utilize auto-replies for frequently asked questions and welcome messages to save time and streamline communication.
• Focus Resources: Automation frees up time, allowing you to allocate more resources to handling complex customer inquiries.

Rich Media Sharing​

• Diverse Content: WhatsApp Business enables you to share images, videos, catalogs, and documents, providing a versatile way to showcase your products and services.
• Engaging Marketing: Create compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with customers using rich multimedia content.

Targeted Communication​

• Broadcast Capabilities: Send broadcast messages to large groups of customers, ensuring that your messages reach the right people at the right time.
• Analytics: Leverage data insights from WhatsApp Business analytics to optimize your campaigns and improve their effectiveness.

Scalability​

• Growth Adaptability: Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, WhatsApp Business can scale to meet your needs.
• Advanced Solutions: For larger businesses, the WhatsApp Business API offers advanced features and multi-agent support to manage customer interactions more efficiently.

Interesting Read: Benefits of WhatsApp Business API​

Limitations of the WhatsApp Business App

While the WhatsApp Business app provides numerous benefits, it also comes with some limitations that might affect your business operations. Here are some key constraints to consider:

Limited Broadcast Reach​

• Broadcast Limitation: You can only send broadcast messages to up to 256 contacts at a time, which can be restrictive for businesses with a large customer base.
• Party Should Have Your Contact Saved: Messages will only reach people who have added you to their contacts, limiting your outreach.

Basic Automation​

• Limited Features: The built-in automation features are basic, allowing only for greeting messages and away messages. More advanced WhatsApp automation, like chatbots, is not supported.

Lack of Analytics​

• No Detailed Insights: The app does not provide detailed analytics about your messaging history, making it difficult to track and measure the performance of your communication campaigns.

Limited Integration​

• Third-Party Tools: Integration with third-party business tools and CRMs is limited, which can hinder the efficiency of your operations.
• No Chatbot Integration: You cannot integrate WhatsApp Chatbot to automate customer support, limiting your ability to handle large volumes of customer interactions efficiently.

No Advanced Features​

• No Clickable Buttons: You cannot send messages with clickable buttons, which could enhance user interaction and engagement.
• No Automated Notifications: The app does not support sending automated notifications for activities like order updates or appointment reminders.
• No Performance Tracking: You can't track agent performance, which is crucial for managing customer service teams.
• No Green Tick Verification: Obtaining a WhatsApp green tick for verified business accounts is not possible with the WhatsApp Business app.

Know How To Get a Verified Green Tick Badge on WhatsApp - Click Here to Read

If these limitations hinder your business communication needs, consider upgrading to the WhatsApp Business API. The WhatsApp API offers more robust features and integrations, designed to support larger businesses and more complex communication requirements. 

Platforms like DoubleTick can help you get started with the WhatsApp Business API, providing a comprehensive solution to overcome these constraints.

Let's check out how to get started with DoubleTick WhatsApp API.

How To Get DoubleTick?

Kindly email us at grow@quicksell.co or Click the Below Banner to get a FREE DEMO to learn about our product offering, features and pricing plans.

Now transform WhatsApp into the ultimate sales engine to delight customers and drive revenue with DoubleTick!

👉 Get Your Free DEMO Now 👈

Or Download the application from the Playstore or Appstore

Download from Playstore

Download from Appstore​

Why DoubleTick?

If you're looking for the best MarCom tool that can send unlimited WhatsApp messages to your customers without getting blocked then DoubleTick is the best business solution for you. 

​DoubleTick is designed to empower your sales team to sell more in less time. It's one of the best WhatsApp CRM and MarCom tools that comes with premium WhatsApp API features such as a cloud-based shared team inbox, unlimited WhatsApp broadcast messaging, dynamic catalogue sharing, an advanced Chatbot, order booking bots, and much more. An all-in-one solution, DoubleTick has everything that you've been looking for in a salesforce tool.

Here are a few reasons to love DoubleTick:​

• Super intuitive, easy to use and mobile-friendly solution.
• Robust mobile app to chat with customers on the go.

• ​Bulk broadcast your messages and catalogue to unlimited saved and unsaved contacts.
• Automate WhatsApp marketing by scheduling your broadcast messages.
• Stay on top of your WhatsApp marketing campaign with real-time analytics and detailed reports to identify customer interests, and optimize communication and timing to fine-tune your approach.
• Monitor agents' and customers' chat responses with performance metrics from the analytics dashboard.
• Single WhatsApp number for your entire company with a cloud-based team inbox and role-based access to route and assign customer conversations to the right agent automatically.
• Automate agent workflows by directly assigning incoming customer chats as per agent's availability.
• End-to-end automated catalogue sharing and order booking via AI-powered commerce BOT.
• ​WhatsApp automation via AI-powered active chatbot that can automate lead qualification, answer customers’ queries, send automated anniversaries & birthday wishes, abandoned cart notifications, pending balance reminders, bills and all kinds of alerts to customers.
• Choose your favourite tools such as Shopify, Zapier, Pabbly, Google Sheets, WooCommerce etc. and integrate them with DoubleTick in just a few clicks.
• Effortlessly integrate DoubleTick's chat widget onto your website with just a few clicks.
• Differentiated WABA numbers cater to cross-functional teams, ensuring specialized handling of diverse business operations.
• Block unwanted messages and maintain the quality of your business interactions.
• Speed up response times by utilizing custom, pre-made chat templates for common inquiries.
• Collision detection feature that prevents duplicate responses and ensures streamlined communication by notifying agents when a colleague is already handling a chat.

• Cultivate positive customer relationships through lead nurturing via leads and chat management bots.​
  

• Number masking so that your customer data is saved with you.
• 24/7 Customer support is available on call, WhatsApp or email.

DoubleTick is revolutionizing the way businesses use WhatsApp API with its innovative mobile-focused platform, allowing you to manage your business on the go.

Wanna know more about DoubleTick? 
Read it here - What is DoubleTick and How This Could Be Your Greatest WhatsApp Marketing and Sales Tool 

Sign up with DoubleTick Today and transform WhatsApp into the ultimate sales engine to delight customers and drive revenue.

How to Get DoubleTick for FREE?

Step 1: Download the DoubleTick App

Navigate to the Play Store or Apple Store and download DoubleTick. You can also download the app here:

iPhone Users: Download Here

Android Users: Download Here

Step 2: Sign Up for a Free Demo Account

Before you commit, we want you to experience the power of DoubleTick firsthand. Sign up with DoubleTick and access the platform, where you can explore and test the features of the product.

Looking to get WhatsApp Business API for FREE?
​CLICK HERE to know how to get WhatsApp Business API for Free

Suggested Read:
Everything You Need To Know About WhatsApp CRM

Decoding the Difference Between WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business API

How to Effectively Use WhatsApp As a Customer Support Channel

10 Best AiSensy Alternatives & Competitors in 2024 (Affordable & Best)​

How To Get a Verified Green Tick Badge on WhatsApp - A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Schedule WhatsApp Messages - Ultimate Guide​

WhatsApp Marketing Made Easy- Learn How to Send Bulk Messages on WhatsApp

What is WhatsApp Business API (Exclusive Guide) | 2024 Edition

50+ Best WhatsApp Promotional Message Templates That Work Like a Charm

10 Best WATI Alternatives & Competitors in 2024 (Affordable & Best)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Will I lose my WhatsApp conversations if I switch to WhatsApp Business?
Answer: No, your chat history will transfer over when you switch to WhatsApp Business. Your previous messages and interactions will remain intact.

Question: Can I change my personal WhatsApp to a business account?
Answer: Absolutely! You can convert your personal WhatsApp to a business account by downloading the WhatsApp Business app, registering your business details, and setting up your business profile, all while keeping your existing number.

Question: What are the benefits of having a WhatsApp Business account?
Answer: With a WhatsApp Business account, you can create a professional business profile, set up automated greetings, use quick replies for FAQs, organize conversations with labels, display products in a catalog, gain credibility with a verified badge, and access engagement metrics.

Question: Can WhatsApp Business be used for personal communication?
Answer: While it's designed for business use, you can technically use WhatsApp Business for personal chats. However, the regular WhatsApp app might be more suited for personal use without the added business features.

Question: Is WhatsApp Business free?
Answer: Yes, the WhatsApp Business app is free to use.

Question: Can I customize my business profile on WhatsApp?
Answer: Definitely! You can add a description, address, website, and other details to your business profile.

Question: Is WhatsApp Business good for marketing?
Answer: Yes, you can use it to send updates, engage with customers, and provide support, making it a great tool for marketing.

Question: How can I organize my contacts on WhatsApp Business?
Answer: Use labels to categorize and sort your contacts based on different criteria like leads, customers, or preferences.

Question: What can a WhatsApp Business Account do?
Answer: The WhatsApp Business app allows you to broadcast messages to up to 256 contacts, create a business profile, list products, add catalogs, and use labels for chats. For more advanced features like unlimited broadcasts and chatbots, the WhatsApp Business API is the best.

Question: Is WhatsApp Business worth it for small businesses?
Answer: If you handle a moderate volume of messages, the WhatsApp Business app is quite beneficial. However, for businesses with a high volume of messages, the WhatsApp API offers more robust features.

Question: Should I use the WhatsApp Business App or the API?
Answer: The WhatsApp Business App is great for small businesses, while the API is designed for larger businesses needing features like multi-device usage, bulk broadcasts, team inbox, and automation with chatbots.

Question: Who can use a WhatsApp Business Account?
Answer: Anyone can create a WhatsApp Business Account using the free app.

Question: Is the WhatsApp Business API free?
Answer: The WhatsApp Business App is free, but the API incurs costs for conversations and platform usage. You can set up an API account with WhatsApp API solution providers like DoubleTick.

Question: Can I use WhatsApp Business on multiple devices?
Answer: Yes, the WhatsApp Business App supports one mobile device and up to four PCs. For broader support, the WhatsApp API allows multiple live chat agents to handle customer queries.

Question: What is the difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business?
Answer: WhatsApp is primarily for personal communication, allowing users to chat with friends and family. WhatsApp Business, on the other hand, is designed for businesses to interact with customers. It includes features like business profiles, automated messages, and quick replies to enhance customer service and engagement.

Here is a detailed guide to difference between WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API​

Question: Who is eligible for a WhatsApp Business account?
Answer: Any business, whether small or large, can create a WhatsApp Business account. It’s available to anyone who wants to use WhatsApp’s platform to connect with their customers professionally.

Question: Can I have both personal and business accounts on WhatsApp?
Answer: Yes, you can have both a personal WhatsApp account and a WhatsApp Business account on the same device. Each account must be linked to a different phone number.

Question: Can I have two WhatsApp accounts on one phone?
Answer: Yes, you can have two WhatsApp accounts on one phone by using WhatsApp Messenger for your personal account and WhatsApp Business for your business account. Both apps need to be installed separately and must be linked to different phone numbers.