How to migrate to WhatsApp Business: a comprehensive guide

WhatsApp has become a popular communication channel with 2 billion active users worldwide, not just for friends and families but also for businesses to chat with customers. With the launch of WhatsApp Business, companies now have an even more effective tool for interacting with customers. If you're looking to migrate from WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make a smooth transition.

Make sure you understand your options before starting the WhatsApp Business migration process. Choose between migrating to the free WhatsApp Business App or the WhatsApp Business API.

Wondering what’s the difference between the two? Check out the comparison table for WhatsApp Business vs WhatsApp Business API.

Why migrate to WhatsApp Business?

Before we delve into the WhatsApp Business migration process, it's important to understand why WhatsApp Business is beneficial for businesses. WhatsApp Business offers a range of features that regular WhatsApp doesn't, such as:

• A reliable WhatsApp Business profile: you can create a business profile with your company's address, website, and other relevant information. If eligible, you can even apply for a green tick verification using a WhatsApp Business API (WABA) account.

• Automated messages: Set up automated messages and quick replies to greet customers or send out-of-office replies.

• Labels: organize your chats with labels to keep track of different conversations and prioritize important clients or members.

• WhatsApp catalog: After you migrate from WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business, you can create a catalog of your products or services to share with customers.

Complete your WhatsApp Business migration and move to the WhatsApp Cloud API to access advanced features such as chat buttons and powerful integrations such as in-chat payment links or e-commerce stores to draft orders in the chat.

Preparing for WhatsApp Business migration

Before you begin the WhatsApp Business migration process, you'll need to prepare a few things:

Backup your chat history

Prior to migrating from WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business, make sure to back up your chat history on regular WhatsApp. To do this, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Choose the option to backup now, and wait for the process to complete.

Create a WhatsApp Business account

Next, download and install the WhatsApp Business app on your smartphone. Once installed, open the app and follow the instructions to create a business account. You'll need to provide your business name, profile picture, and other details.

Migrating to WhatsApp Business

Now that you're prepared, it's time to migrate to WhatsApp Business. Here's how:

Step 1: Verify your phone number

Open the WhatsApp Business app and verify your phone number. You'll receive an SMS with a verification code. Enter the code to proceed.

Step 2: Restore your chat history

After verifying your phone number, WhatsApp Business will ask if you want to restore your chat history. Choose the option to restore from the backup you created in regular WhatsApp.

Step 3: Set up your business profile

Once your chat history is restored, it's time to set up your business profile. Provide your business name, profile picture, and any other relevant information. Make sure to fill out all the fields to create a complete business profile.

Step 4: Customize your settings

After setting up your profile, customize your settings to meet your business needs. For example, you can set up automated messages or enable labels to organize your chats.

Step 5: Notify your contacts

Let your contacts know that you've migrated to WhatsApp Business. You can send a broadcast message or set up an automated message to notify them of your new business number.

WhatsApp Business Migrator

If you're looking for a simpler way to migrate to WhatsApp Business, you can use a WhatsApp Business migrator tool. These tools automate the WhatsApp Business migration process and make it easier to transfer your chat history and settings. Some popular WhatsApp Business migrators include:

• WazzapMigrator

• Wondershare MobileTrans

Keep in mind that these tools may not be as reliable as migrating manually, and there's always a risk of losing data or encountering other issues.

Conclusion: migrate to WhatsApp Business to sell better

Migrating from WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business can be a game-changer for your business. With its range of features and capabilities, WhatsApp Business can help you engage customers more effectively and efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can migrate to WhatsApp Business smoothly and avoid any potential issues or data loss.

Remember to back up your chat history, create a WhatsApp Business account, and notify your contacts before migrating. Once you've migrated, customize your settings to meet your business needs and make sure to notify your contacts of your new business number.

If you're unsure about migrating manually, you can always use a WhatsApp Business migrator tool. However, be aware of the risks associated with using these tools.

Overall, migrating to WhatsApp Business is a smart move for businesses looking to improve their communication strategies. With its range of features and capabilities, WhatsApp Business can help you engage your customers more effectively and efficiently.