Plenty of customers would rather send a photo on WhatsApp than fill in a form or wait on the phone. The free WhatsApp Business app is built for small businesses and keeps your work separate from personal chats.
Why use the business app
It lets you set up a business profile with your name, description, hours, address and website, so customers see you are a proper firm. You also get quick replies, labels and automatic messages.
Set up the basics
- Use a number you will keep, ideally the same one as on your website and van.
- Add your business name, a short description, your opening hours and your website.
- Add a logo or a clear photo as your profile picture.
Use the helpful features
- Greeting message: a short automatic hello when someone messages you first.
- Away message: lets people know when you will reply when you are on a job.
- Quick replies: saved answers to questions you get all the time, such as how you quote or which areas you cover.
- Labels: tag chats as “new enquiry”, “quoted” or “booked” so nothing is lost.
- Catalogue: list your main services with photos if you want.
Ask for photos
Photos help you give a quicker, more accurate idea of cost. Ask customers to send pictures of the problem and any measurements.
Be careful with personal data
Do not share customers’ personal details more widely than needed, and tidy up old chats. WhatsApp is not a place to store everything.
Keep to your normal quote process
Confirm prices, dates and what is included in a written quote, not only in chat, so there is a clear record. See how to follow up a quote.
Add it to your website
Put a “Message us on WhatsApp” button next to your phone number and form. Customers pick whichever suits them. See WhatsApp, phone or form.
Use WhatsApp to make it easier to say yes to you, but keep the quote and the paperwork proper.