WhatsApp is the most popular messenger in the world with 1.5 billion users and pretty much everyone I know uses it, including myself. 😄 It’s free, secure and has all the chat features needed to stay in touch with people no matter the distance.
Since it is so popular, companies started using WhatsApp accounts to communicate with customers through the chat. This prompted WhatsApp to create a separate app for companies called WhatsApp Business.
So what is the difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business? 🤔 We’ll cover all the key points and answer the frequently asked questions. 🔥You’ll learn: 👇
- WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business App similarities
- Difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business App
- Difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business API
- Wrap up
- 🚀 Make a personal sale with Kommo
WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business App similarities
At first glance, they seem very similar so they have important things in common: 🤝 They’ve got the same interface, both apps are completely free and each can be connected to only 1 phone number.
Same interface
Both apps have pretty much the same interface so if you have been using a regular WhatsApp account, you’ll need just a minute or two to get accustomed to WhatsApp Business.
Both apps are free
They are both free and there are no costs whatsoever.
1 number equals one WhatsApp account
A WhatsApp account can be connected to only 1 phone number and smartphone. This applies to both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business. If you want to have both, you will need to use a dual SIM or temporarily deactivate and transfer the number to the app of your choice.
We’ve covered the common ground between both apps, now let’s take a look at what makes WhatsApp Business different. 👇
Difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business App
WhatsApp Business was designed with the small, local business in mind. It has features which help micro and small businesses get a business presence on WhatsApp and communicate with customers on their favorite messenger app.
It is basically an upgraded WhatsApp and has additional features compared to the standard app. Here is a list of all the additional features and the difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business: 👇
New WhatsApp Business logo
WhatsApp Business comes with a brand new logo featuring the letter B (I am no Nostradamus, but it probably means Business). 🧙♂️
Here’s a screenshot I made which shows both apps side by side on a smartphone.
WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business App logos (right)
Business account notification
When you write to or receive the first message from a customer, they will see a notification in the chat which states ‘This chat is with a business account. Tap for more info’.
📚 Further reading – Differences between WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API.
WhatsApp Business profile
The profile page in WhatsApp Business is significantly upgraded compared to the regular WhatsApp where you only have a cover photo, name and description. The WhatsApp Business profile features:
- Cover photo
- Area of work
- Description
- Location
- Working hours
- Link to your website
- Product catalog
The business profile is the first impression customers get when they reach out to you on WhatsApp. Make sure you fill out all of the details and present yourself in bright colors. 💃
WhatsApp Business profile and notification in chat
WhatsApp Product catalog
The product catalog feature lets you create an online storefront of your business. 🏪 You can add pictures of your products and services and add descriptions, pricing and a code.
Your customers will be able to quickly get an overview of your products and services and you can share individual products in the chat.
WhatsApp Business product catalog
Messaging automations
WhatsApp Business comes equipped with messaging automations which will save you time and help you create an efficient communication with your customers.
It has 3 messaging automations: 👇
- WhatsApp Away message automatically responds to customers if they write to you in a period you have marked as unavailable.
- WhatsApp Greeting message as the name states, greets your customers when they initiate the conversation and write to you.
- WhatsApp Quick replies lets you create templates which you can use while chatting. These are common answers or phrases which you will be able to access and send out by entering the / symbol in the chat.
With their help you will be able to send messages faster, inform people when you are away and greet them when they send you the first message. 👋
Messaging automations in WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Labels
WhatsApp labels structure and visually mark your customers according to labels you create. It helps you understand the current communication stage of each customer and easily find chats and messages.
You’ll get 5 standard labels by WhatsApp but you’ll be free to add new ones with label name and color.
WhatsApp Business labels
WhatsApp Business Statistics
vStatistics are a useful tool which will help you get a glimpse of the effectiveness of your WhatsApp Business account as a communication tool and the stats of customer engagement. It gives you the following chats overview and number of:
- Messages sent
- Messages delivered
- Messages read
- Messages received
It is a handy little tool which will help you get a sense of how popular WhatsApp Business is as a communication channel for your company.
Short links
The short link lets you share a URL which leads directly to your WhatsApp Business chat and customers can start a conversation with you. Share this link across social media channels, embed it in your email signature and make sure people know you are on WhatsApp.
You can also set up a default message. It’s basically a fast way of telling people: Hey, we are a modern business following the latest trends in customer engagement. 👋
Difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp Business actually has 2 versions. WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API. You already learned about WhatsApp Business App in the text above.
💬 WhatsApp Business API is a separate solution designed for medium and large businesses. Contrary to WhatsApp Business App which is free, API is a paid service.
Compared to WhatsApp it has the following features:
- No standard interface.
- It requires an application to and approval by WhatsApp.
- The account can be used by the whole team on multiple devices.
- Can be connected to a CRM (WhatsApp conversations show up and can be responded to in the CRM).
- Highly customizable depending on the company needs.
- Track team performance.
- Chatbot automation of WhatsApp chats.
💬 Want to learn more about WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp Business in general?
Check out our complete Using WhatsApp for Business guide.
Wrap up
We’ve taken a look at the difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business and now you have a better idea of the features WhatsApp Business offers for businesses across the world to get in touch with their customers on the most popular messenger app.
💬 You’ve got a thirst for more knowledge? Learn how to turn WhatsApp Business API in a reliable sales and customer support weapon using the #1 WhatsApp CRM.
