With more than 2 billion active daily users on WhatsApp, you'll be sure to give your products and services a little boost by featuring them neatly on this popular global messaging channel. And WhatsApp Business offers a great feature for it: the product catalogue.
From retail and eCommerce to restaurants and fast food services. The catalog feature makes it possible to highlight your products or services directly on WhatsApp. You can add products and services with in-depth information such as pictures and descriptions and you can even categorise them as you please.
What Is the WhatsApp Product Catalog?
The WhatsApp Product Catalog allows you to showcase your products and services directly inside the app, making it easier for your customers to view products and complete orders.
In the product catalog, you'll be able to add up to 500 products and/or services, including meta descriptions and information such as:
- Product or service name
- Photo/image of your product or service
- Price of the product or service
- Description of the product or service
- Link to your website
- Product or service code (for easy bookkeeping)
How to Use the WhatsApp Product Catalog
The product catalogue is a great addition to your WhatsApp Business services, this is how to go get started:
- Open your WhatsApp for Business app.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Go to [Business settings] and you'll find the [Catalog] option.
- Tap on [Catalog] to open the catalog manager.
- Tap [Add new item] or the [+]-icon (depending on your UI) and start creating your catalog.
- Start adding your products or services. Add images and provide the name, description and all other information you wish to disclose.
- Don't forget to save.
Don't see the product catalogue option under [Business tools]? Then you probably need to update your app!
It is good to note that WhatsApp wants to check if your products and services (including images) meet the WhatsApp Commerce Policy. That’s why every product and service you upload to the catalogue, will be subjected to a review.
Tips for Using the WhatsApp Product Catalog
So, you've now made your first product catalog and you're ready to boost your sales on WhatsApp. But how do you get the best results? Creating the catalogue is the first step, but there's a little more to consider.
Keep these two tips in mind when you create your WhatsApp product catalog:
First Impressions Count
Choose the images or photos you use for your products and services wisely. They are the first thing a customer will see when they open your business profile on WhatsApp and they serve as the first impression of your business. Make sure your images are good quality, clear and inviting.
Be Brief
A good picture will only go so far. Don't overwhelm your customers with a wall of text next to your products or services: Keep it short and sweet. Highlight what is truly important and use the other options (such as price and product code) that WhatsApp Business offers to provide more detail.
WhatsApp Business via CM.com
The above article has been prepared to assume you have access to the WhatsApp Business API. If you don't, we're here to help you get started.