In an increasingly connected world, even in rural areas, WhatsApp has become an essential communication channel. However, for those who manage a small business, such as a shop, workshop, rural accommodation or agri-food operation, there is a version specially designed to facilitate professional communication with customers: WhatsApp Business. This free tool, available for Android and iOS mobiles, offers extra features designed for small and medium-sized businesses. And the best thing: it is easy to use and very intuitive.
Why use WhatsApp Business and not WhatsApp personal?
Although both applications are similar in appearance, WhatsApp Business adds features designed specifically for business that make a difference in the day-to-day life of rural entrepreneurs. Here are some of the main differences:
| Feature | WhatApp (personal) | WhatsApp Business |
| Personal profile | Name and photo | Professional profile with business name, opening hours, address, website, networks... |
| Catalogue | Not available | You can display products/services with photos, prices and descriptions |
| Automatic messages | Not available | Welcome messages, absence or quick replies |
| Tags to organize chats | Not available | Group chats by customer type or order status |
| Basic statistics | Not available | Display how many messages have been sent, received and read |
| Business tools | Not availabl | Ideal for customer service and order management on mobile phones |
Can I Have WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business on the same phone?
Yes! You can have both on the same phone, but each one needs a different number. This allows you to separate personal and business life, manage messages in a more professional way, and have everything tidy and under control. For example:
- You can continue to use your personal number with the normal WhatsApp.
- Use a second number (SIM card or virtual number) for the business WhatsApp Business.
How to get started step by step?
- Download WhatsApp Business from your app shop.
- Verify your number (you must use a different number than the one you already have on your personal WhatsApp).
- Create your business profile: add your logo, business name, location, opening hours, social networks, etc.
- Activate automatic messages:
a) Welcome: to greet the customer when they write to you for the first time.
b) Absence: to reply if you are out of hours. - Upload your catalogue: include photos, prices, descriptions, links or additional information.
- Organise your chats with tags: e.g. ‘new customer’, ‘order ready’, ‘general enquiry’...
- Start using it: communicate promotions, answer orders, improve your proximity and loyalty...
As you can see, it is an ideal tool for rural entrepreneurs who want to take a step forward in their digital transformation in an easy way.
Once you have broken the ice with this accessible tool, you can access other tools and services offered by digitalisation. DIGIS3 will advise you and help you in the process. Consult our services and contact us at info@digis3.eu. Our team of experts will work with you.