A quick test: are you using regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business for your business communication? If it’s regular WhatsApp, you’re missing free features that were built specifically for businesses.
Features you’re probably not using
Business profile
Your business name, description, address, hours, email, and website — all visible when someone opens your chat. This turns your WhatsApp from “some random number” to “a recognisable business.”
Catalogue
Add your products or services with photos, descriptions, and prices. Customers can browse without asking you to send photos one by one. This alone saves hours per week for product-based businesses.
Quick replies
Save responses to common questions. Type “/” and select a saved reply. Perfect for “what are your hours?”, “do you deliver?”, and “what are your prices?”
Away messages
Automatic replies when you’re not available. “Thanks for your message! We’re currently closed and will respond when we open at 8am.”
Greeting messages
Automatic first message when someone contacts you for the first time. “Welcome to [Business]! How can we help you today?”
Labels
Organise chats: “New Customer”, “Pending Order”, “Completed”, “Follow Up”. Filter by label to see all chats in a category.
How to switch
- Download WhatsApp Business (separate app, available on Android and iOS)
- Register with your business phone number (you can transfer your existing number)
- Set up your business profile completely
- Add your catalogue
- Set up quick replies, away messages, and greeting messages
- Create your labels
Your existing chats transfer with you. Customers don’t need to do anything.
WhatsApp Business + Website
The most powerful combination is WhatsApp Business linked from your website. A click-to-chat button on your site opens a WhatsApp conversation with a pre-filled message. The customer finds you on Google, visits your site, and WhatsApps you in three taps.
WhatsApp Business is free and takes 15 minutes to set up. There’s genuinely no reason not to switch today.