Introduction
WhatsApp has become vital for business-customer communications with over 2 billion users globally chatting on the platform monthly as per current estimates (Meta, 2022). For enterprises, securing the coveted verified badge for WhatsApp Business accounts boosts brand authenticity and trust that drives higher engagement.
Recent surveys reveal 68% of consumers only actively engage with verified business profiles on messaging apps (Zipwhip, 2021). Statistics also show verified businesses on WhatsApp acquire customers at over 20% lower acquisition costs (WhatsApp).
Gaining verification requires submitting key documents to activate enhanced account features like bolstered messaging delivery and response rates for smoother customer interactions. The badge also provides brands access to more expansive business messaging tools over time.
However, the verification submission process has several crucial prerequisites and guidelines to meet before qualifying for review. This includes factors like business incorporation dates, websites with adequate content history showcasing legitimacy and active daily engagement rates with customers across messages.
This step-by-step guide supports enterprises in compiling and preparing the necessary verification materials for WhatsApp Business accounts. We also outline tips once verified to leverage exclusive capabilities for optimal customer experience.
Why Verify Your WhatsApp Business Account?
A WhatsApp Business account comes with a host of advantages that can help your business to be profitable.
- Increased credibility: It shows your customers that you're a legitimate business that's easy to reach. This can help build trust and credibility with your customers.
- Access to additional features: It unlocks additional features like the green check mark badge that shows your account has been verified.
- Improved customer experience: With WhatsApp Business, you can automate messages and provide quick and efficient customer support. A verified account can help ensure that your customers are getting the best possible experience when they interact with your business.
Risks of an Unverified WhatsApp Business Account
While there are many benefits to verifying your account, there are also risks associated with having an unverified account
- Loss of credibility: Without a verified account, your customers may be hesitant to trust your business. This can lead to a loss of credibility and ultimately hurt your bottom line.
- Limited access to features: An unverified account may not have access to all of the features that a verified account does. This can limit your ability to provide the best possible customer experience.
- Increased risk of fraud: An unverified account may be more susceptible to fraud and scams. This can put your business and your customers at risk.
Now that we've explored the benefits and risks of verifying your WhatsApp Business account, let's take a look at who is eligible to verify their account.
Who can Verify a WhatsApp Business Account?
To be eligible for WhatsApp Business account verification, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your business must be registered: You must have a registered business with a valid business number.
- Your business must be active: Your business must be actively operating and providing goods or services.
- Your business must have a WhatsApp Business account: You must have a WhatsApp Business account set up and ready to be verified.
Types of Businesses that can Verify their WhatsApp Business Account
WhatsApp Business account verification is available to a wide range of businesses, including:
- Small businesses: Whether you're a one-person operation or a small team, WhatsApp Business can help you connect with your customers and grow your business.
- Medium-sized businesses: If you're a medium-sized business, WhatsApp Business can help you streamline your customer communication and provide quick and efficient support.
- Large businesses: Even if you're a large business, WhatsApp Business can help you provide personalized customer support and build stronger relationships with your customers.
What do you Need to Verify your WhatsApp Business Account?
To verify your account, you'll need to provide several documents and meet certain technical requirements. The required documents include a business registration document, proof of ownership, business address proof, and identity proof. These documents prove that your business is registered and legally operating, that you own the business, that your business has a physical address, and that you are the owner of the business, respectively.
In addition to the required documents, you'll also need to meet certain technical requirements. These include having:
- a smartphone that can receive SMS messages and phone calls
- a stable internet connection to download and use the WhatsApp Business app
- a phone number that's not already associated with a WhatsApp account
- a WhatsApp Business account that's set up and ready to be verified
How to Verify Your WhatsApp Business Account?
To verify you WhatsApp business account, follow these steps:
Step 1
Create a WhatsApp Business account
If you haven't already, create a WhatsApp Business account. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2
Choose a Business Solution Provider (BSP)
Choose a BSP that meets your business's specific needs and budget. Some popular BSPs include BotPenguin, Twilio, MessageBird, and Infobip.
And taking your first step towards chatbot-enabled WhatsApp automation isn't that tough. Meet Botpenguin, the home of chatbot solutions. It not only provides chatbot for WhatsApp but also caters to the demand of all users by offering chatbot solutions for multiple platforms:
- WhatsApp Chatbot
- Facebook Chatbot
- Wordpress Chatbot
- Telegram Chatbot
- Website Chatbot
- Squarespace Chatbot
- Woocommerce Chatbot
- Instagram Chatbot
Step 3
Submit your business details to the Business Solution Provider
Provide your business details to the BSP, including your business name, address, and phone number.
Step 4
Provide the required documents to the Business Solution Provider
Upload the required documents to the BSP. They will review your documents and verify your account.
Step 5
Wait for the Business Solution Provider to verify your account
The BSP will review your documents and verify your account. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the BSP and the complexity of your business.
Step 6
Complete the verification process with WhatsApp
Once your account has been verified by the BSP, you'll need to complete the verification process with WhatsApp. This involves entering a verification code that's sent to your phone number.
Tips for a Smooth Verification Process of Your WhatsApp Business Account
While the verification process is straightforward, there are a few tips that can help make the process go more smoothly:
- Double-check your documents: Make sure that your documents are valid and up-to-date. If your documents are expired or incorrect, your verification may be delayed or denied.
- Choose a reputable BSP: Choose a BSP that has a good reputation and positive reviews. This can help ensure that your verification process goes smoothly.
- Be patient: The verification process can take some time, so be patient and don't panic if it takes longer than expected.
- Contact customer support if you need help: If you're having trouble with the verification process, don't hesitate to contact customer support. They can help you troubleshoot any issues and get your account verified as quickly as possible.
When to Expect Your WhatsApp Business Account to be Verified?
The verification process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on several factors. Some of the factors that can affect the verification process include:
- BSP processing time: The Business Solution Provider (BSP) that you choose will review your documents and verify your account. The processing time for each BSP can vary, so it's important to choose a reputable BSP that has a good track record for timely verifications. Some BSPs may take longer to verify accounts due to a high volume of requests or other factors.
- The complexity of your business: If your business is more complex, it may take longer to verify your account. For example, if you have multiple locations or a large number of employees, it may take longer to verify your account. This is because the BSP will need to review more documents and information to verify your account.
- Accuracy of your documents: If your documents are inaccurate or incomplete, your verification may be delayed or denied. Make sure that your documents are valid and up-to-date before submitting them to the BSP. This can help prevent delays or denials.
Suggested Reading:
7 best WhatsApp Business API provider
What to do if your account is not verified
If your account is not verified within a reasonable amount of time, there are a few steps that you can take:
- Contact the BSP: If your account is not verified within the expected timeframe, contact the BSP to inquire about the status of your verification. They may be able to provide you with more information about the verification process and any issues that are delaying your verification.
- Contact WhatsApp customer support: If you're having trouble with the verification process, don't hesitate to contact WhatsApp customer support. They can help you troubleshoot any issues and get your account verified as quickly as possible. You can contact WhatsApp customer support through the app or their website.
- Double-check your documents: If your account is not verified, double-check your documents to make sure that they are accurate and up-to-date. If there are any issues with your documents, correct them and resubmit them to the BSP. This can help prevent delays or denials in the verification process.
Conclusion
As the guide demonstrates, securing WhatsApp Business account verification requires showcasing authenticity across multiple materials like incorporation certificates, websites and customer engagement history.
Recent surveys indicate over 86% of consumers engage with verified branded profiles compared to just 29% with non verified entities (Social Samosa, 2021). Further, data shows verification drives 53% higher response rates (Impact, 2022).
Platforms like BotPenguin facilitate compiling all prerequisite verification documentation for submission to WhatsApp through an automated portal. Post verification tools from BotPenguin also allow creating AI-powered chatbots equipped with natural language and media handling capabilities for richer customer experiences via WhatsApp messaging.
Statistics underline how combining verification markers with advanced conversational interfaces leads to over 62% higher user interactions and 79% greater satisfaction scores (Retargeting, 2021).
As digital engagement intensifies across regions and demographics, blending credibility indicators with cutting-edge solutions holds the key to long-term impact and sustainable advantage. With pioneering innovation in conversational AI for leading platforms, BotPenguin enables future-proof customer experiences on WhatsApp Business today.
So, what are you waiting for?
Get started today and take your business communication to the next level with WhatsApp Business!
Suggested Reading:
How to Create Whatsapp Chatbot using Whatsapp API?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I verify my WhatsApp Business account?
Verifying your WhatsApp Business account adds a confirmation checkmark next to your profile, increasing credibility and trust with customers. It helps showcase your brand as legitimate on WhatsApp's platform.
What do I need to verify my WhatsApp Business account?
To verify your account, you will need to provide information that confirms the legal registration and operations of your business. This typically includes business incorporation documents, business address, tax details etc that WhatsApp can cross-check.
How long does WhatsApp Business account verification take?
The verification process usually takes a few business days after submitting the required documents. WhatsApp reviews the information to confirm authenticity and ensure it matches what was shared during initial account registration.
I received a 'Verification Rejected' message. What should I do?
If your verification was rejected, first confirm all submitted documents are valid and current. Also ensure your business category, name and address match accurately across the board. Once fixed, go through the verification process again providing the updated documents.
Is there any fee or charge for WhatsApp Business account verification?
No. WhatsApp does not charge any fee for verifying your WhatsApp Business profile currently. It's a free verification process when done directly through their platform. If facing any other issues getting that coveted checkmark for your WhatsApp Business profile, don't hesitate to reach out! We're here to help ensure smooth verification.
