Introduction: what is WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp, the most utilized messaging app, holds a special place in the digital marketing landscape.
You should also remember that nowadays, people use social messaging apps more than social media.
As a matter of fact, the user base of the top 4 messaging apps is larger than the user base of the top 4 social media platforms, as you can see in the graph below:
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging applications globally, with an estimated 2.7 billion active users each month. From an application for chatting with family and friends, WhatsApp has become a reference point for communication between companies and customers.
What is WhatsApp Business and how does it work?
WhatsApp Business is a professional version of the popular messaging app, designed for companies to easily communicate with customers.
It has the same user interface as regular WhatsApp but includes extra tools like automated responses, virtual catalogs, and a product purchase function.
Thanks to these additional features, you can transform it into an e-commerce channel with these new features.
In fact, recent statistics show that live chat is the preferred customer communication method with over 83% satisfaction. This means that you can use these functionalities to improve your marketing efforts and your customer service.
Here are the top 6 functionalities of WhatsApp Business:
- Real-Time Communication: allows customer contact through a familiar platform, aiding in brand building, product/service promotion, and automated customer service.
- Automated Response Messages: you can send pre-set replies when customers contact your business, useful for off-hours or dedicated customer service times.
- Product Catalog Display: create and show a product catalog within the app.
- Shopping Cart Service: Recently added, this feature lets customers pick products and order via the “Buy” button.
- Humanize Your Brand: like an "About Us" page, showing a responsive human on the other end helps build customer loyalty.
- Purchase Button in Chat: facilitates buying directly from the chat interface.
If you would like to improve further the functionalities of your WhatsApp Business account and fully automate your customer service with AI, you should really try TextYess.
Types of Business accounts on WhatsApp Business:
Finally, you should know that there are 2 types of business accounts on WhatsApp.
- Regular WhatsApp Business Account.
Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, these accounts offer essential business communication features. Verification, while possible, is not assured.
While regular accounts can use the WhatsApp Business app, they may need access to the WhatsApp Business API, which is often used for more advanced and automated messaging.
- Official WhatsApp Business Account.
These are typically for larger enterprises and come with advanced features. Verification is often granted by default, signifying a higher level of recognition and trust.
Incorporating these details enriches the understanding of green tick verification, highlighting its significance and the advantages it brings to different types of business accounts.
Official accounts have access to the WhatsApp Business API, making it possible to integrate WhatsApp with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, chatbots, and other tools for streamlined customer support and engagement.
If you would like to know more about WhatsApp Business and API, we suggest you read this article.
WhatsApp Green Tick is an official green checkmark provided by WhatsApp itself to show the credibility & trustworthiness of your brand.
It's a direct acknowledgment from WhatsApp that your brand is trustworthy and that customers should chat with you without worrying about it.
Accounts with Green Tick are known as official “WhatsApp Verified Accounts”.
Time to discover the green tick!
Understanding the Green Tick Verification
As we mentioned, the WhatsApp green tick badge quickly lets users recognize legitimate brand accounts on the platform. This badge confirms that the account is officially verified by WhatsApp and accurately represents the claimed company.
By sporting the green tick badge, brands assure users they are interacting with a real and authentic business. This not only enhances the account's authenticity but also plays a vital role in establishing trust and a positive reputation with customers
WhatsApp rigorously verifies and validates business accounts, ensuring user protection against spam and fraudulent accounts.
Well, this badge differentiates official brand accounts from unverified ones, acting as a hallmark of authenticity.
It's a direct acknowledgment from WhatsApp and Meta of an account's genuineness, helping businesses stand out on WhatsApp.
The benefits coming from the green tick verification on WhatsApp
Now that you know what the green tick represents, it’s time to discover what are its benefits for businesses.
- Trust and Credibility.
The green tick enhances trust among users, making them more likely to engage with verified accounts. - Direct Communication.
With access to the WhatsApp Business API, verified businesses can communicate directly with customers, offering automated messages and notifications. - Enhanced Visibility.
Verified accounts may gain prominence in WhatsApp search results, leading to increased customer reach. - Specialized Tools.
Access to WhatsApp Business tools and features streamlines customer communication, providing templates, quick replies, and chat organization options.
Now that you know all about the benefits of WhatsApp Business Tick, you should acknowledge future changes about it.
WhatsApp tick changes: from green to blue
In this article, we’ve talked about the WhatsApp tick as a “green tick”.
But changes are coming.
In fact, the” green tick” on WhatsApp Business profiles, in these months is undergoing a significant change. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has recently announced the transition of the WhatsApp verification checkmark from green to blue.
Let’s understand why Meta changed the color of the tick and what are the implications for business.
The main reason for color change is maintaining a homogeneous visual identity across all “touchpoints” of Meta platforms.
In fact, the shift to blue aims to unify the visual identity across Meta's services like Facebook and Instagram, strengthen brand identity, combat misinformation, and enhance user experience.
But what are the implications for businesses?
Well, this change will likely increase trust in business profiles and offer a competitive edge, ensuring brand consistency across Meta platforms and enhancing visibility in search results and user chats.
This means that your brand should foster visual recognition between all the Meta platforms.
Now that you understand the WhatsApp tick and how it works, it’s time to understand how you can obtain it.
Obtaining the WhatsApp Tick
Applying for the WhatsApp Green Tick requires meeting specific criteria and navigating a detailed process, with important considerations at each step.
Here is the process that you should follow to understand if you’re eligible and what actions you should put in place to receive it.
Eligibility for WhatsApp tick:
First of all, you should understand if you’re able to initiate the process to obtain the WhatsApp tick.
The basic requirements required to businesses in order to receive the tick are the following:
- must have a WhatsApp Business API account,
- enable 2-step authentication,
- should have at least 3 organic PRs, note that paid PR doesn't count!
You must be using WhatsApp Business API Account (must have Facebook Business Verification), you can't simply apply with your WhatsApp Account on the Business App.
If you would like to know more about WhatsApp Business API, you should read this article.
Secondly, you must enable a 2-step verification process to provide additional security to your WhatsApp Business API account. This feature requires registration of your phone number on WhatsApp to be accompanied by a unique six-digit PIN that you create, adding an extra layer of protection to your WhatsApp Business Account.
Lastly, a crucial aspect often not considered enough, is establishing the business's legitimacy, which is usually demonstrated through press coverage.
In particular, it's essential for businesses to build a recognizable brand presence, as press coverage plays a significant role in the verification process.
Businesses in certain sectors, including drugs, gambling, and alcohol brands, are ineligible for the WhatsApp Business API and, consequently, for the green tick verification.
Why is that? What are the implications?
Well, this policy underscores WhatsApp’s commitment to ethical business practices and user safety, as the previously mentioned categories often require more stringent regulatory compliance.
Application Process for WhatsApp tick:
The process involves registering for the WhatsApp Business API, demonstrating active use of the platform, and adhering to Meta’s compliance standards.
The application process can vary, depending on what application options you choose. In fact, businesses can apply via Meta Business Manager or through a Business Service Provider (BSP). Choosing the right channel for application is vital. BSPs can offer guidance and support, potentially streamlining the process.
TextYess can do that for you, by improving and automating your customer service.
By the way, the application process is rigorous. Businesses must consistently comply with WhatsApp’s policies to maintain their verified status.
In particular, post-verification, businesses need to uphold certain standards and practices to retain the green tick.
Once you’ve received your WhatsApp API access, before moving to the next step, send out WhatsApp Campaigns as soon as possible.
To increase the chance of getting a WhatsApp green tick badge, reach a minimum of 1,000 people daily through business-initiated messages. Through these messages, you will demonstrate to WhatsApp that you are actively and seriously utilizing the platform for your business efforts.
Embracing the Power of WhatsApp Business and the Green Tick
WhatsApp Business emerges as a pivotal tool in the realm of digital marketing, harnessing the immense popularity of messaging apps to forge stronger connections between companies and customers.
Its unique features, like real-time communication, automated responses, and in-chat purchasing, elevate customer engagement and service to new heights.
If you would like to learn more about the power of WhatsApp, you should read this article.
The WhatsApp Green Tick, evolving in the next months from green to blue, symbolizes a brand's authenticity and trustworthiness, a crucial asset in the digital marketplace. Obtaining this badge involves a meticulous process, emphasizing the importance of a robust business presence and adherence to Meta's stringent guidelines.
As we adapt to these evolving digital landscapes, businesses must navigate these processes astutely, understanding that platforms like WhatsApp are more than just communication tools, they're gateways to enhanced customer relationships and business growth.