Step-by-Step Guide to Use WhatsApp Business Numbers for Promotions

A WhatsApp Business number is a phone line (mobile, landline, or virtual) registered on the WhatsApp Business Platform to message customers at scale. You can use it for customer support, sending notifications, and running promotional campaigns. Below are the steps to obtain, verify, and use one effectively for your business.

With over 2 billion users globally, WhatsApp is a dominant messaging platform. For businesses, the WhatsApp Business Platform is a powerful tool, enabling direct and engaging communication with customers. Leveraging a dedicated business number, especially a virtual one, can unlock significant marketing and support opportunities.

How to Get a WhatsApp Business Number in 5 Steps

Follow these steps to get a virtual number and set it up on the WhatsApp Business Platform:

1. Choose a business solution provider: Select a provider like MyOperator that offers virtual numbers and WhatsApp API access. 
2. Select your country and area code: One of the best aspects of a virtual number for WhatsApp is the ability to have a number from any country, from anywhere. Choose a country and area code that aligns with your target market to establish a local presence.
3. Choose your number type: You can typically choose from local, mobile, or toll-free numbers. To activate a WhatsApp Business account, you will need a number capable of receiving an SMS or a voice call for verification.
4. Select a plan: Providers offer various subscription models, from monthly plans to pay-as-you-go services. Choose a plan that fits your expected message volume and budget.
5. Activate and verify your number:.After purchasing your plan, your provider will guide you through activating the number and verifying it with WhatsApp via the Meta Business Manager. This involves receiving a 6-digit code via SMS or phone call to your new virtual number.

How To Use MyOperator’s Virtual Number For WhatsApp To Combat Scammers?

Earlier, Truecaller recorded 29.7 billion spam calls and 8.5 billion spam SMS for its 150 million monthly active users in India, ranking it as one of the top ten spam-hit nations in the world.

India’s leading cloud communications provider, MyOperator, is addressing the issue’s root cause by giving customers a backup 10-digit SIM-free mobile number that can be shared with anyone, anywhere.

In order to sign up for these services, customers can utilise this app-based virtual number rather than their actual phone number. This safeguards not only their online identity but also their right to privacy.

Businesses can have a unique digital identity with the help of MyOperator’s virtual number for WhatsApp.

By giving users a layer of anonymity and safety, it can be utilized to combat spam and scams.

If a fraudster or spammer receives the virtual number, they cannot use it to obtain personal data or harm because it is not linked to a specific individual or thing.

There are several ways to use MyOperator virtual numbers for WhatsApp business number to combat such spam:

Call masking:

Users of MyOperator virtual numbers can place and receive calls using a virtual number rather than their own mobile number, a process known as call masking. By helping to conceal the user’s real phone number, spammers and scammers will have a harder time obtaining it.

Call Forwarding:

It enables MyOperator virtual numbers to route incoming calls to another number, such as a mobile phone or virtual call center software. This helps consumers to filter calls and steer clear of any spam or fraud.

Call Blocking:

MyOperator virtual numbers for WhatsApp provide call-blocking features that let customers stop calls from undesired numbers, such as scammers from reaching them.

Call recording:

This feature of MyOperator virtual numbers can be used to confirm and identify the origin of spam or phishing calls.

All things considered, the MyOperator WhatsApp business number gives consumers a variety of tools and capabilities to combat spam and fraud, making it simpler to safeguard sensitive data and remain truly secure.

What is a Virtual Number and How Does it Work with WhatsApp?

A virtual phone number is a telephone number that is not tied to a specific physical phone line or SIM card. Instead, it uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to forward incoming calls and messages to one or more pre-set phone numbers or applications.

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When you use a virtual number for WhatsApp, it works similarly. The number can receive the necessary verification code (via SMS or call) to activate your WhatsApp Business account. Once set up, all incoming WhatsApp messages are routed through the internet to your business communication platform, like MyOperator, allowing you to manage conversations from a central dashboard rather than a single phone.

Key capabilities of a WhatsApp virtual number

A virtual number gives you complete control over how communications are handled. You can:

• Route incoming messages to a shared team inbox for multi-agent support.
• Integrate with CRM systems to log conversations and customer data automatically..Set up automated replies and chatbots to handle common queries 24/7.
• Send promotional and transactional messages in bulk using approved message templates.

WhatsApp Business App vs. API: Which is Right for You?

Before getting a number, it's crucial to understand the two versions of WhatsApp Business. Your choice impacts scalability, features, and cost.

Policy and Compliance: How to Avoid Being Flagged as Spam

Before launching any campaigns, it's critical to understand and adhere to Meta's policies to avoid having your number blocked or banned. Familiarize yourself with the WhatsApp Business and Commerce Policies.

Compliance checklist:

• ✅ Obtain explicit opt-in: Only message users who have explicitly consented to receive messages from your business.
• ✅ Use approved message templates: All business-initiated conversations must use pre-approved High-Structured Messages (HSMs) or message templates.
• ✅ Provide value: Ensure your messages are useful and relevant to the recipient. Avoid overly promotional content.
• ✅ Respect opt-outs: Provide a clear and easy way for users to opt out of future communications and honor all requests promptly.
• ✅ Monitor frequency: Do not bombard users with too many messages in a short period.

Benefits of Using a Virtual Number for WhatsApp Promotions

1. Wider reach: With a virtual number, you can establish a local presence in countries where you don't have a physical office, making it easier to connect with a global audience.
2. Enhanced customer service:  Route incoming messages to the right team or agent automatically. Features like shared inboxes, chatbots, and CRM integrations ensure timely and consistent support.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Virtual numbers are often more affordable than traditional business lines, especially for international communication. They eliminate the need for extra hardware or SIM cards.
4. Scalability and flexibility: As your business grows, you can easily add more agents, integrate more tools, and manage higher message volumes without changing your number. This is made possible when using the WhatsApp Business API. 
5. Advanced analytics and tracking: Business Solution Providers like MyOperator offer dashboards to monitor key metrics like delivery rates, read rates, and response times, helping you optimize your campaigns.
6. Professional branding: A dedicated business number enhances your company's credibility and trustworthiness. You can also apply for a Green Tick to get an Official Business Account, further solidifying your brand's authenticity.

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The power of Truecaller integration

By integrating MyOperator with Truecaller’s extensive database of verified identities and spam numbers, businesses gain several advantages:

• Improved productivity: By automatically filtering spam calls, your team can focus on legitimate customer interactions, boosting efficiency and reducing wasted time.
• Enhanced security: The integration helps protect your business and customers from fraud, phishing attempts, and identity theft, creating a safer communication ecosystem.
• Comprehensive caller ID: Truecaller's Verified Business Caller ID displays your brand name, logo, and reason for calling, increasing trust and answer rates for your outbound calls.

Supercharge Your Customer Conversations on WhatsApp

A virtual phone number for WhatsApp can be an effective marketing strategy for companies wishing to promote their offerings and services on WhatsApp.

They offer tremendous flexibility, enabling businesses to reach a wider audience and build meaningful, two-way conversations with customers. By choosing the right provider, adhering to WhatsApp's policies, and leveraging powerful integrations, a virtual number can be a fantastic way to connect with customers and grow your business.

Ready to enhance your business communication with a WhatsApp Business number? Contact MyOperator today to get started with our integrated solutions.

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