- Download WhatsApp Business app (separate from regular WhatsApp), register a business phone number, fill in profile details (name, hours, address, website).
- WhatsApp Business is free and supports quick replies, automated greetings, away messages, catalog (storefront), labels for organizing chats.
- For 1 business owner with simple needs: WhatsApp Business app. For larger operations or APIs: WhatsApp Business Platform (paid).
WhatsApp Business App vs WhatsApp Business Platform
| Feature | Business App | Business Platform (API) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Per-message pricing ($0.005-$0.10 per conversation) |
| Best for | Solo / small business | Mid-large business, customer support teams |
| Multi-agent support | No | Yes |
| Chatbots | Limited (manual quick replies) | Full bot support |
| Integration with CRM | No | Yes (Zendesk, HubSpot, Intercom) |
| Catalog | Yes (basic) | Yes (advanced) |
| Verification (green check) | Limited regions | Yes (more accessible) |
How to Set Up WhatsApp Business App
- Download WhatsApp Business from App Store / Google Play (separate app from regular WhatsApp).
- Open the app → Agree to terms.
- Enter your business phone number (cannot be already used on regular WhatsApp).
- Verify with SMS code.
- Set up profile:
- Business name (cannot be changed once set).
- Category (Beauty, Education, Restaurant, etc.).
- Address (optional, with map).
- Description (256 chars).
- Hours of operation.
- Email + website URL.
- Profile photo (logo recommended).
- Tap Done.
Set Up Quick Replies
Quick replies are pre-written response templates:
- Settings → Business tools → Quick replies.
- Tap Add.
- Set:
- Shortcut (e.g.,
/hours). - Message (e.g., "We're open Mon-Fri 9 AM - 6 PM").
- Shortcut (e.g.,
- Save.
In any chat, type / to insert a quick reply.
Set Up Greeting Message
- Settings → Business tools → Greeting message.
- Toggle ON.
- Set message (e.g., "Welcome! Reply with /menu to see our offerings").
- Choose recipients: everyone, only contacts, only customers who haven't messaged in 14 days.
New customers see this on first message.
Set Up Away Message
- Settings → Business tools → Away message.
- Toggle ON.
- Set message (e.g., "Thanks for reaching out! We'll respond within 24 hours.").
- Schedule (always, custom hours, outside business hours).
Customers messaging during off-hours get this auto-reply.
Set Up Catalog (Mini Store)
WhatsApp Business catalog lets you showcase products:
- Settings → Business tools → Catalog.
- Tap Add new item.
- Add:
- Photo (up to 10 per item).
- Name (60 chars).
- Price + currency.
- Description (200 chars).
- Link / website (optional).
- SKU (optional).
- Save.
Customers can browse your catalog directly in the chat — share via 3-dot menu → "View catalog".
How to Get Verified (Green Check)
WhatsApp green check verification builds trust. To request:
- Settings → Business profile → Verify.
- Or apply via WhatsApp Business Platform (API) for higher-priority review.
- Eligibility: notable brands, public-figure businesses, government entities.
- Most small businesses don't qualify.
Best Practices for WhatsApp Business
- Respond within 1 hour during business hours.
- Use Labels to organize chats (New customer, Pending payment, VIP).
- Avoid spam — never message users who haven't opted in.
- Promote via QR code (Settings → Business profile → QR code).
- Add your WhatsApp link to your website, Instagram bio, business card.
- Use catalog as a mini-store.
How to Get Your WhatsApp Business Link
- Settings → Business profile → Share via link.
- Copy the
wa.me/yourphonenumberlink. - Share anywhere — Instagram bio, website, email signature.
- Clicking the link opens a chat with your business pre-loaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WhatsApp Business free?
Yes — the WhatsApp Business app is completely free. WhatsApp Business Platform (API) charges per conversation.
Can I use the same phone number for personal and business WhatsApp?
No — you need a separate phone number for WhatsApp Business. You can have both apps installed on one phone.
What's the WhatsApp Business message limit?
No limit on messages, but spam-detection algorithms flag accounts sending many messages to non-contacts. Stay engaged with users who messaged you first.
Can I have multiple admins on WhatsApp Business?
Not on the app version (one phone number = one user). For team support, use WhatsApp Business Platform (API) which supports multi-agent.
How do customers find my WhatsApp Business?
Share your wa.me/yourphonenumber link or QR code on Instagram, website, business cards. Customers can also save your number and start a chat.
Key Takeaways
- Download WhatsApp Business app, register a separate phone number.
- Set up greeting + away messages + quick replies.
- Use catalog as mini-store.
- Promote via QR code or wa.me/yourphonenumber link.
- For team support / chatbots: upgrade to WhatsApp Business Platform.
One link covers WhatsApp + everywhere
Add a UniLink URL to your website + Instagram bio — covers WhatsApp Business, catalog, hours, social media. Free with click analytics.