Introduction
The introduction of WhatsApp Business has enhanced the platform's power, enabling businesses of all sizes to leverage its potential.
However, as businesses harness this power, they also shoulder the responsibility of maintaining trust and credibility. This is where WhatsApp Business verification plays a crucial role.
You might be wondering, “Why?”.
Did you know that 84% of consumers consider messaging a pivotal factor when choosing a business? With a multitude of businesses vying for attention, it becomes essential to differentiate oneself and establish trust with customers. This is precisely where WhatsApp Business verification steps in.
Within this article, we will examine the concept of WhatsApp Business verification, elucidate its importance, and provide a guide on obtaining verification. Additionally, we will address common queries about the verification process and offer valuable tips to expedite and simplify the verification journey.
So, let’s begin the comprehensive review on WhatsApp Business verification.
What is WhatsApp Business verification?
WhatsApp Business verification is the process of verifying a business account on WhatsApp to substantiate that it's a legitimate business. This verification is denoted by a green checkmark badge next to the business name, distinguishing it from personal accounts.
WhatsApp Business verification enhances the credibility of the business, assuring users that they are interacting with an official and trustworthy entity.
Types of WhatsApp Business Verification
There are two kinds of verification: gray tick verification and green tick verification.
Green tick verification
Green tick verification is the highest level of verification on WhatsApp Business. It confirms that a business account belongs to a verified business and that the phone number is registered to that business. To get green tick verification, a business needs to provide certain documents to WhatsApp, such as a business registration certificate.
Gray tick verification
Gray tick verification is a lower level of verification on WhatsApp Business. It confirms that a business account belongs to a business. However, gray tick verification doesn't confirm that the phone number associated with the account is registered to that business. To get gray tick verification, a business needs to provide basic information about the business, such as its name and address.
Why is WhatsApp Business verification important?
WhatsApp Business verification is important for several reasons. Some of them are given below:
Builds trust with customers
When a business is verified on WhatsApp, it builds trust with its customers. Clients know that they're talking to an actual business and not a defrauder or impersonator. It enables businesses to establish a great reputation on the platform and attract more clients.
Building trust with customers is crucial for any business, and WhatsApp Business verification can help with that. Verification of a business signifies its authenticity after undergoing a thorough verification procedure.
This verification process plays a crucial role in instilling confidence in customers. Consequently, customers tend to trust the business more and actively participate in its activities on the platform. By establishing this trust and credibility on WhatsApp, businesses can build a solid reputation and gradually attract a larger customer base.
Increases visibility
Verified businesses on WhatsApp are more visible to customers. When a business is verified, it gets a green tick or gray tick badge next to its name, which makes it stand out from unverified businesses. This attracts more customers and increases the visibility of the business on the platform.
Visibility is key for any business, and WhatsApp Business verification can help with that. When a business is verified, it gets a badge next to its name that shows that it's a verified business. This badge can help the business to stand out from unverified businesses and attract more customers. Customers are more likely to engage with verified businesses because they know that they're talking to a legitimate business.
Enables certain features
WhatsApp Business verification enables certain features that are not available to unverified businesses. For example, verified businesses can use WhatsApp Business API to send automated messages to customers, which can save time and improve customer service.
Prevents fraud
WhatsApp Business verification helps to prevent fraud on the platform. When businesses are verified, it's harder for scammers and impersonators to create fake accounts and scam customers. This can help to protect customers and businesses from fraud.
Fraud is a major concern for businesses and customers on any platform, and WhatsApp is no exception. WhatsApp Business verification can help to prevent fraud by making it harder for scammers and impersonators to create fake accounts.
When businesses are verified, it shows that they're legitimate businesses that have gone through a verification process. This can help to deter scammers and impersonators from creating fake accounts and scamming customers. As a result, customers and businesses are more protected from fraud on the platform.
How to verify a WhatsApp Business account
Given below are the steps to verify a WhatsApp Business account:
Step 1: Download WhatsApp Business
The first step to verifying a WhatsApp Business account is to download the WhatsApp Business app. You can download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, depending on your device. Once you've downloaded the app, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Set up your WhatsApp Business account
Once you've downloaded the app, you'll need to set up your account. It involves entering your profile picture, business name, and other basic information about your business. You'll also need to verify your phone number, which involves receiving a verification code via SMS or phone call.
It's vital to ensure that the information you provide is precise and up-to-date. This will help to make sure that your account is verified effortlessly.
Step 3: Request verification
After you've set up your WhatsApp Business account, you can request verification by following these steps:
- Open WhatsApp Business and go to Settings.
- Tap on Account and then tap on Request verification.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to provide the required information, such as your business registration certificate or other documents.
You'll need to provide certain documents to WhatsApp to prove that you're a legitimate business. The documents required depend on the level of verification that you're seeking.
For green tick verification, you'll provide a business registration certificate or other documents that prove that you're a registered business. For gray tick verification, you'll need to provide basic information about your business, such as its name and address.
It's important to make sure that you provide the correct documents and information to WhatsApp. This will help to ensure that your account is verified quickly and easily.
Step 4: Wait for verification
After you've requested verification, you'll need to wait for WhatsApp to verify your account. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the volume of requests that WhatsApp is processing. During this time, it's important to be patient and wait for WhatsApp to verify your account.
It's also important to make sure that you continue to use WhatsApp Business professionally and legitimately while you're waiting for verification. This will help to ensure that your account is verified and that you can take advantage of the benefits of being a verified WhatsApp Business account.
Step 5: Get verified
Once your account is verified, you'll receive a green tick or gray tick badge next to your business name, depending on the level of verification that you've received. This badge shows that your account is a verified WhatsApp Business account. Congratulations, you're now a verified WhatsApp Business account!
It's important to make sure that you continue to use WhatsApp Business professionally and legitimately after you've been verified. This will help to ensure that you maintain your verified status and continue to enjoy the benefits of being a verified WhatsApp Business account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, officially verifying a WhatsApp Business account unlocks key capabilities for enhanced customer experience and brand trust-building. According to surveys, 68% of consumers expect to see the verified badge before engaging further with a business on messaging platforms (Zipwhip, 2021).
Additionally, verified accounts gain access to exclusive features like upgraded message delivery and response rates for ensured visibility. This enables managing interactions at scale while conveying brand authenticity.
As Retargeting notes, verified WhatsApp Business profiles see up to 58% higher user engagement based on response metrics (Retargeting, 2022). This verification is especially important for businesses aiming to establish a professional online presence. As it not only instills confidence in customers but also unlocks additional features, such as more advanced communication options
As digital engagement intensifies, WhatsApp Business verification marks the key to long-term competitive strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What documents are required for verification?
The documents required for verification depend on the level of verification that you're seeking. For green tick verification, you'll need to provide a business registration certificate or other documents that prove that you're a registered business. For gray tick verification, you'll need to provide basic information about your business, such as its name and address.
How long does the verification process take?
The verification process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the volume of requests that WhatsApp is processing. It's important to be patient and wait for WhatsApp to verify your account.
Can a WhatsApp Business account be verified without a website?
Yes, a WhatsApp Business account can be verified without a website. However, you'll need to provide other documents that prove that you're a legitimate business, such as a business registration certificate.
What happens if a WhatsApp Business account is not verified?
If a WhatsApp Business account is not verified, it will not have a green tick or gray tick badge next to its name. This can make it harder for the business to attract customers and establish a strong reputation on the platform.
Can a WhatsApp Business account be verified if it's not registered in the same country as the phone number?
Yes, a WhatsApp Business account can be verified even if it's not registered in the same country as the phone number. However, you'll need to provide additional documents to prove that you're a legitimate business.
Can a WhatsApp Business account be verified if it's a sole proprietorship?
Yes, a WhatsApp Business account can be verified if it's a sole proprietorship. You'll need to provide documents that prove that you're a legitimate business, such as a business registration certificate.
