Setting Up WhatsApp Business Without a Personal Number
Explore our handy guide on setting up WhatsApp Business using a virtual phone number. Skip the hassle of a personal number and boost your business digitally with gosimless
Running a business on WhatsApp is a great way to reach customers where they already chat, but handing out your personal number isn't always ideal. Whether you want to keep work and life separate, look more professional, or avoid buying a second phone, you can set up WhatsApp Business using a gosimless WhatsApp number instead. This guide walks you through the process so you can get a dedicated business line without an extra SIM card.
Key takeaways
- Use a virtual number instead of your personal number: You can set up WhatsApp Business with a gosimless virtual number or eSIM, so you keep work and life separate, look more professional, and avoid a second phone or SIM.
- Pick a provider and get a virtual number: Choose a provider like gosimless that offers WhatsApp-ready numbers, sign up, and select a virtual phone number or eSIM mobile plan.
- Verify and customise your Business profile: Verify your business in the app for the green checkmark, then add your business name, logo, contact details, hours, and a short description.
- Use Business features to save time: Set up automated messages (quick replies, away messages), use labels to organise contacts, and use broadcast lists for updates and promotions.
- Track and stay compliant: Use in-app analytics for engagement and response times, and follow WhatsApp Business policies and anti-spam rules to protect your account and reputation.
Use a virtual number instead of your personal number
You can set up WhatsApp Business with a gosimless virtual number or eSIM, so you keep work and life separate, look more professional, and avoid a second phone or SIM.
Choose the right service provider
The first step in your journey towards setting up WhatsApp Business without a personal number is to select a reliable business number provider. Platforms like gosimless offer WhatsApp numbers and business eSIMs that are specifically designed to unlock the full potential of digital services like WhatsApp Business. By choosing a reputable provider, you can ensure seamless connectivity and reliable customer support throughout the setup process.
Sign up for a virtual number or eSIM for business
Once you have chosen your service provider, the next step is to sign up for a business number. The process is simple and typically involves creating an account on the provider's website and selecting a virtual phone number that suits your business needs. With options to customise features like call forwarding and voicemail, you can tailor your virtual number to align with your communication preferences.
Verify and customise your Business profile
Verify your business in the app for the green checkmark, then add your business name, logo, contact details, hours, and a short description.
Download the WhatsApp Business app
With your virtual phone number or eSIM in hand, the next step is to download the WhatsApp Business app from the respective app store on your device. The app is available for both Android and iOS platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Once downloaded, proceed to install the app on your device and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account. By following these steps, you are well on your way to harnessing the power of WhatsApp Business with a gosimless WhatsApp number.
Verify your business profile
After installing the WhatsApp Business app on your device, it is essential to verify your business profile to gain credibility and trust among your customers. Verification adds a green checkmark next to your business name, indicating to users that they are interacting with a legitimate business. To verify your business profile, follow the prompts within the app and provide the necessary documentation to complete the verification process.
Customise your business profile
With your business profile verified, it's time to customise it to reflect your brand identity and appeal to your target audience. Add essential information such as your business name, image or logo, contact details, business hours, and a brief description of your products or services. You can also add business profile information through the WhatsApp API, if you are a keen developer and prefer this method. By creating a compelling profile, you can attract customers and establish a strong online presence on WhatsApp Business.
Use Business features to save time
Set up automated messages (quick replies, away messages), use labels to organise contacts, and use broadcast lists for updates and promotions.
Set up automated messages
One of the key advantages of using WhatsApp Business is the ability to set up automated messages to handle frequently asked questions and provide instant responses to customer inquiries. Utilise features like quick replies and away messages to streamline your communication and enhance customer satisfaction. By automating certain aspects of your customer service, you can save time and resources while delivering a seamless experience to your customers.
Utilise labels and organise your contacts
Managing a large volume of customer conversations can be overwhelming without proper organisation. WhatsApp Business offers a convenient feature called labels that allows you to categorise your contacts based on different criteria such as leads, customers, suppliers, or specific projects. By using labels effectively, you can streamline your communication process, prioritise interactions, and provide personalised responses to each contact.
Explore analytics tools
To track the performance of your WhatsApp Business account and gain insights into customer engagement, take advantage of the analytical tools offered within the app. Monitor metrics such as message open rates, response times, and customer feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of your communication strategies and allows you to stay on the safe side of WhatsApp policies to prevent getting banned. By analysing these data points, you can make informed decisions to improve your customer interactions and drive business growth.
Engage with customers through broadcast lists
Stay connected with your customers by creating broadcast lists to send updates, promotions, or announcements to multiple contacts simultaneously. Broadcast lists enable you to engage with your audience in a personalised manner without spamming individual contacts. Segment your contacts into relevant lists based on their interests or purchasing behaviour to deliver targeted messages and enhance customer engagement.
Maintain compliance with WhatsApp Business policies
As you navigate the world of WhatsApp Business, it is essential to stay informed about the platform's policies and guidelines to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of your business operations. Familiarise yourself with WhatsApp's terms of service, privacy policies, and anti-spam regulations to avoid any potential violations that could result in account suspension or penalties. By adhering to best practices, you can build trust with your customers and safeguard your business reputation.
Wrapping it up
Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the art of going digital by setting up your WhatsApp Business account with a virtual phone number. Embrace the power of seamless communication, personalised interactions, and efficient customer service to take your business to new heights. For more insights and tips on leveraging WhatsApp Business and virtual phone numbers, visit the gosimless blog.
Remember, at gosimless we are dedicated to simplifying customer communications and empowering businesses to thrive in the digital era. Transform the way you connect with your customers and unlock the full potential of WhatsApp Business with our innovative virtual phone number solutions. Get connected today and experience the future of business communication with gosimless.