WhatsApp Business has transformed communication between businesses and customers, providing innovative tools to facilitate sales and optimize customer service. Among its numerous features, Product catalogs They have become one of the essential options for businesses looking to showcase their offerings efficiently, visually, and directly from the app. If you're planning to take advantage of this tool, you'll discover here. How product catalogs work on WhatsApp Business, how to create, customize, and organize them, and all the tips to boost your digital sales and customer service to the next level.
What are product catalogs on WhatsApp Business?
A product catalog on WhatsApp Business is a visual tool which allows any business to showcase its products or services within the app itself. It's a true virtual showcase, accessible to customers in any conversation, where you can quickly and easily browse the items offered, see images, descriptions, prices, and, if available, access external links or product codes.
Each product in the catalog may include:
- Product or service name: makes it easy to quickly identify each item.
- brief description: summarizes features, uses or benefits of the offer.
- Price: allows you to indicate the cost, offers or variations according to configuration.
- Images or videos: Up to 10 photos or videos of up to 50 MB, offering a quality viewing experience.
- External link: helps you redirect your customers to the website or online store for more details.
- Product code: internal reference, ideal for inventories and management.
This catalog can be viewed from your WhatsApp business profile and shared in any individual or group chat, making it easier to find information and purchase without leaving the app.
Key benefits of WhatsApp Business catalogs for businesses
Using product catalogs on WhatsApp Business contributes to your business significant benefits both in internal management and in the customer's purchasing experience. The most relevant ones are detailed below:
- Permanent visibility: Your catalog is always available for consultation, even outside of business hours.
- Access and convenience for the customer: The user can view products instantly, without having to write messages for each query, which speeds up the purchasing process.
- Reduction of frequently asked questions: By having the details of each product well organized, repetitive questions are avoided and time is saved on customer service.
- visual attraction: The ability to display images or videos increases customer interest and confidence in your products.
- Alternative to an online storeFor small businesses that don't have a website, the WhatsApp Business catalog can be their main digital showcase.
- Increased sales opportunities: By being easy to share in chats, groups, or via external links, your catalog reaches more potential buyers.
- Improved inventory management: Product code and collection organization simplifies management and updating of the offer.
How to create and configure a product catalog in WhatsApp Business step by step
Setting up your own catalog on WhatsApp Business is a simple process that can be done from either the mobile app (Android or iOS) or the web version, allowing for flexibility based on your needs.
- Open the WhatsApp Business app from your mobile device (or access WhatsApp Web and link your account by scanning the QR code).
- On the main screen, access the menu Settings or click on “More options”, the icon with three vertical dots.
- select the section Tools for companies and then access Catalogue.
- Push the button Add product or service (or “Add a new article”).
- Go up to 10 images or videos per item. You can choose images from your gallery or take new ones right away.
- Please fill in the required fields: Name, price (optional), description, link (optional), product code (optional).
- Press on SaveYour products will be reviewed to ensure compliance with WhatsApp's business policy. Approval is typically quick, within 24 hours.
Once the item is approved, it will be visible to all customers. You can repeat the process to add as many products or services as you like and update the catalog at any time.
Add, modify, and delete products in the catalog
To update information To edit a product, go to the Catalog, select the product you want to edit, and make the necessary changes. If a product becomes unavailable, you can hide it temporarily or permanently remove it from the list.
- hide products: Long press on the item and select the “eye” icon to make it no longer visible.
- Show hidden products: repeat the previous action to make them visible again.
- Remove products: Select the product and click delete.
How to organize and group products into collections within the catalog
collections They allow you to categorize products, facilitating navigation and helping your customers quickly find what they're looking for by category, season, or any other relevant criteria.
- In the section Catalogue, Select Add a new collection.
- Assign a descriptive name to the collection (maximum 30 characters).
- Mark the products or services that will be part of that collection.
- Save your collection. You can create as many as you need and reorganize or reorder the products within them as your needs change.
- Change the order of your products using the pencil icon or the reordering options available at the top of each collection screen.
Catalogs on WhatsApp Web: convenient management from your computer
If you prefer to work from your computer, WhatsApp Web allows you to manage your business catalog with complete comfort:
- Access WhatsApp Web and sync your mobile account.
- In the left menu, select Catalog and use the buttons to add or edit products and collections.
- Images can be uploaded directly from your computer, making it easier to use higher quality files.
- On the website, additional options such as "Sale Price" sometimes appear, which is useful for specific campaigns.
Can customers place orders directly from the catalog?
One of the great advantages of WhatsApp Business catalogs is the possibility of add products to a shopping cart Virtual. The customer selects the items they're interested in and, upon completion, sends the order summary to the company via chat message.
Currently, the integrated payment function Direct payment on WhatsApp isn't available in all countries, so many businesses choose to send an external payment link (such as PayPal, Stripe, or other gateways) or coordinate payment and delivery through the chat. WhatsApp continues to expand direct payment options, so it's important to stay tuned for updates in your region.
Share and promote your catalog: strategies to reach more customers
Once you have created your catalog, you can share it easily with your contacts:
- Within a chat, tap the "clip" icon and select the option Catalogue to share a specific product or the entire catalog with a single click.
- Send direct links to your catalog through other digital channels, including social media, email campaigns, or your website.
- Integrate the catalog into campaigns diffusion and segmented messages to announce promotions, launches or thematic collections.
- Create custom QR codes to share your catalog link physically on your storefront, cards, packaging, or advertising.
Practical recommendations to optimize your product catalog on WhatsApp Business
1. Use high-quality images and videos
La first impression is visual. To maximize impact, use square format images. 800 x 800 px and minimum resolution of 72 dpiIf possible, use neutral or white backgrounds, avoid unnecessary filters, and use good lighting. Offer multiple views of the product to show details and use short videos to illustrate usage or features.
2. Write attractive and clear descriptions
It includes key benefits and relevant features. Avoid technical jargon and use language that's understandable to your target audience. A good description can be crucial in closing the sale.
3. Keep your catalog always updated
Eliminate out-of-stock products, adjust prices, and add new products regularly. An outdated catalog can discourage buyers and diminish trust.
4. Promote offers and featured products
Take advantage of the "Sale Price" options to display temporary discounts and organize your collections by season, promotions, or special releases.
5. Respect WhatsApp's business policies
Before adding products, review the regulations to avoid rejections during review and ensure compliance with platform rules.
6. Usability and efficient management
- If you take photos with a mobile phone, use a tripod to get sharp images.
- Avoid excessive use of bulk messages, which can affect the user experience and the rating of your business number.
- Use authentic images, avoiding over-editing or filters that alter the actual appearance of the product.
Advanced solutions to manage your catalog and customer service
For companies with a wide variety of products or high volume of customers, there are external tools and advanced features that further enhance the WhatsApp Business experience:
- Smart chatbots: They automate catalog delivery, 24/7 customer service, and product segmentation for each customer, improving both conversion and satisfaction.
- Message automation: Allows you to send campaigns, notifications, or catalog updates in real time.
- CRM Platforms: They integrate the customer database with purchase history, facilitating personalized service and optimizing offers.
- Acceptance of digital payments: Some external tools help you integrate payment gateways to close the sale without leaving the chat.
WhatsApp is constantly evolving, and these integrations allow you to scale your digital business and respond professionally and efficiently.
- Create multiple collections if your business has different product lines, customer segments, or geographic areas.
- Customize the experience sending only the relevant collections according to the customer's interest.
- Rely on external resources such as landing pages or websites to expand the catalog information and attract traffic from different channels.
- Use WhatsApp as your primary channel of attention if your audience prefers it, but always integrate other contact channels (email, social networks, web) for a complete experience.
- Use QR codes so that customers can access your catalog directly from physical or digital advertising.
Incorporate the aforementioned tips and features to make your WhatsApp Business catalog the heart of your immediate sales, inventory management, and customer loyalty strategy. Remember to keep your catalog up-to-date and take advantage of WhatsApp's ease of use, proximity, and immediacy to differentiate yourself and increase your conversions. By applying these best practices, your catalog will be a magnet for new buyers and an efficient channel for returning customers.
