If you want to sell your products online, but lack the skills and/or time to create a website, WhatsApp is the channel that can help you reach your customers immediately, and at no cost.
WhatsApp is the most used direct messaging application in the world; around 2.3 billion people use it to communicate daily with friends and family. For this reason, even though WhatsApp wasn't created as a marketing tool, businesses can use it to sell their products and/or services.
So let's understand what you can do with it as a small business owner.
How can you start selling through WhatsApp?
- Download the WhatsApp Business app.
- Create a Business Page.
- Complete your profile.
- Announce your business presence.
- Manage chats and start selling immediately.
Step 1: Download the WhatsApp Business application
WhatsApp Business can be downloaded for free from Google Play Store. Remember that it was created to help businesses create a business profile on the app. Its functionality and user interface are very similar to WhatsApp Messenger, the regular version of the app.
Step 2: Create a Business Page
Once you have downloaded and installed the application on your smartphone, you will need to create your business profile. Note that you cannot use the same phone number you already use for your regular WhatsApp. Once the application is open, you will be asked to verify your phone number, choose your company name, and set up a profile picture.
Step 3: Complete your profile
Set your opening hours, welcome messages, and add a detailed business description. This settings section is one of the main differences you'll notice compared to the traditional WhatsApp Messenger app. You can also configure:
- a welcome message that will be sent once the first message from the customer is received, and
- an away message that will be sent when you are contacted outside your opening hours
Step 4: Announce your business presence
Since you can’t be searched by name or location on WhatsApp, you'll have to provide your phone number to your existing customers so they can contact you. Next, create a set of catalogues that showcases your products or services. WhatsApp allows you to add a description and price for each item. That way, people can already know what you sell and at what price, which can help them make a decision instantly.
Step 5: Manage incoming chats and start selling
Once you have followed the first four steps above, you will finally be able to start chatting with your users and selling your products and services. Depending on the nature of your business, you can use your WhatsApp Business channel to guide your contacts towards a purchase and even assist them after they make a purchase.
Why use WhatsApp as a business tool?
WhatsApp will allow you to reach your users wherever they are and establish a personal relationship with them, making your customers feel not only valued but also important, which will translate into them being willing to buy from you in the future.
If you enjoyed this guide and would like to learn more about using WhatsApp and other social apps to grow your business, you can check out this article on our blog.
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