How to Set Up WhatsApp Business (Step by Step)

For a lot of small businesses, WhatsApp is the main way customers get in touch. WhatsApp Business is the free version made for this. It gives you a business profile, a catalogue, automatic messages and labels to keep track of orders.

Here's how to set it up properly.

Before you start

• Use a separate number if you can. Mixing business and personal chats gets messy fast. A cheap second SIM works fine.
• If you move your current number, your chat history can come across, but back up your chats first to be safe.

1. Download and register

Install WhatsApp Business (the green icon with a "B") from the Play Store or App Store. Open it, enter your number and verify it with the code you get by text.

2. Fill in your business profile

Go to Settings, then Business tools, then Business profile. Add:

• Your logo as the profile photo
• Business name and category
• A short description of what you do
• Address, opening hours, email and website

A complete profile makes people trust you before you've even replied.

3. Add a catalogue

In Business tools, open Catalogue and add your products or services with a photo, price and short description. Customers can browse it right in the chat, and you can send an item with one tap instead of typing out prices again and again.

4. Set up a greeting message

Under Business tools, turn on a Greeting message. This goes out automatically when someone messages you for the first time. Keep it short and friendly, for example:

"Hi, thanks for contacting us! Tell us what you need and we'll reply as soon as possible. Our catalogue has prices for our most popular items."

5. Set up an away message

Turn on an Away message for outside your opening hours, so customers know when to expect a reply instead of thinking you ignored them.

6. Save quick replies

Quick replies let you save answers you type all the time, like your bank details, location or delivery prices. Give each one a shortcut, then type "/" in a chat to pick it.

7. Use labels to track orders

Label chats as New customer, Pending payment, Paid or Order complete. It's a simple way to see who still needs attention.

Good habits

• Reply as quickly as you can. Speed wins sales on WhatsApp.
• Post updates and offers on your WhatsApp Status. Your customers see them every day.
• Never ask customers to send card details by chat.