WhatsApp Business Accounts: A Simple Guide
WhatsApp has different business accounts: Free Business App: Catalogs & quick replies for small shops. Pro API: Chatbots & team inboxes for big teams. Official Business Account (OBA) with Green Badge: Trust tick for famous brands.
WhatsApp offers special accounts for businesses to chat with customers easily. There are two main ways to set up a business account, plus an extra badge some big brands get. This guide explains each one in plain words—so you can pick what's best for your shop or company.
1. WhatsApp Business App (The Free Phone App)
Perfect for small shops, freelancers, or startups.
- How to get it: Download the free app from Google Play or Apple Store. Use a new phone number (or switch an old one).
- What you see: A green "Business" label in chats.
Cool tools:
- Business profile (add address, hours, website, and photos).
- Product catalog to show items.
- Quick replies (save common answers like "Hi, We can help you!").
- Auto-greetings ("Hi! How can we help?") and away messages ("Back tomorrow!").
- Labels to organize chats (e.g., "PAID" or "IMP Customer").
- Broadcast lists (send one message to up to 256 people).
Limits:
- Works on one phone (or WhatsApp Web, but it logs out often).
- Only 1–4 people can reply at once.
- No big automations or team dashboards.
- Best for: A local bakery, tutor, or plumber who chats with 20–50 customers a day.
2. WhatsApp Business Platform (The Pro Version, also called API)
Built for growing teams and big companies.
- How to get it: Sign up through an official partner (like Interakt, Twilio, or Respond.io). Costs money per chat.
- What you see: Still a green "Business" label—same as the app.
Super tools:
- Unlimited team members log in from computers.
- Chatbots that answer 24/7 (e.g., "Track my order").
- Send bulk updates (thousands at once) with photos or buttons.
- Connect to your website, CRM (like Shopify or HubSpot), or payment apps.
- Detailed reports: who opened your message, reply speed, etc.
- Shared inbox so everyone sees the same chats.
Limits:
- No free version—pay for messages.
- Needs a partner to set up.
- Best for: Online stores, hotels, or support teams handling 100+ chats daily.
3. Official Business Account (The Green Check-Mark Badge)
Not a separate account—just a VIP upgrade.
- What it looks like: Your name shows up everywhere (even if the customer didn’t save your number) + a green ✓ check-mark.
- How to get it: WhatsApp picks famous brands (think Nike or Coca-Cola). You apply after verifying your business on Meta.
- Why it matters: Customers trust you more—no phone number confusion.
- Good to know: Most businesses stay "normal" business accounts and do just fine.
Quick Comparison Table
Which One Should You Pick?
- Just starting? → Grab the free App today.
- Team growing or lots of orders? → Upgrade to the Platform.
- Want the green badge? → Focus on growing your brand first—WhatsApp will notice!
Pro tip: Always ask customers to opt in before messaging. It keeps your account safe and happy customers coming back.
Ready to start? Search "WhatsApp Business" in your app store or visit business.whatsapp.com.