About WhatsApp Profiles

WhatsApp Profiles are an essential feature for businesses using the WhatsApp Business API, allowing you to customize your business’s identity on WhatsApp and enhance customer communication. By creating and managing a WhatsApp Profile, businesses can establish a professional presence on the platform, engage with customers efficiently, and utilize WhatsApp's advanced features.

What is a WhatsApp Profile?

A WhatsApp Profile represents your business’s identity within the WhatsApp ecosystem. It includes crucial details such as your business name, display picture, business description, contact information, and more. This profile makes it easy for customers to identify and interact with your business.

Key Elements of a WhatsApp Business Profile:

1. Display Name: The name that appears to customers when they interact with your business on WhatsApp. It should align with your registered business name and stay consistent across all communication channels.

   • Display Name Guidelines:
     The display name must comply with WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy and should represent your business or service accurately. Avoid using generic terms or locations (e.g., "Fashion," "New York") or terms like "Official" or "Verified," as this could mislead customers into thinking your business has a special status. Also, do not use promotional or advertising language, such as "20% off sale."
     The name should be consistent with your business’s legal identity and external branding across websites, marketing materials, or other official sources.
   • Display Name Verification:
     The display name is linked to the creation of a certificate for registering a WhatsApp Business account. Verified display names signify an official status, whereas unverified names will show the phone number instead. Once your business qualifies for higher messaging limits, your display name will be eligible for review by WhatsApp.

2. Profile Picture: The image displayed when customers contact your business. This is often your business logo or an image that represents your brand.

3. Business Description: A brief description of your business, products, or services, helping customers understand what your business offers.

4. Contact Information: Your business phone number and additional details like email, website URL, or physical address.

5. Category: The business category or type that best describes your business (e.g., Retail, Services, E-commerce). This helps customers better understand your business and find it more easily in searches.

6. Catalog & Products: If applicable, display your products or services directly through WhatsApp, allowing customers to browse your offerings.

Viewing WhatsApp Profiles

To view your WhatsApp Business Profile or other connected profiles, follow these simple steps:

1. Open WhatsApp Profiles Screen:
   Start by accessing the WhatsApp Profiles screen to view existing profiles or make updates. Here's how you can do it:
   • Click on the Navigation Icon featuring the Phone icon on your dashboard.
   • Alternatively, navigate to the drawer menu, select WhatsApp Business Account, and then click on WhatsApp Profiles to access the list of all connected profiles.
2. View Profile Details
   Once you're on the WhatsApp Profiles screen, you can view detailed information for each profile, such as the display name, contact info, business hours, and description. You can also manage the settings for each profile.

By following these steps, you can easily access and manage your WhatsApp Business Profile anytime.

Requirements for WhatsApp Profile Creation

To create a WhatsApp Profile, businesses must use a landline number or a phone number that is not already registered on WhatsApp Messenger, WhatsApp Business, or the WhatsApp Business Platform. This ensures that the number is exclusively associated with the WhatsApp Business API, and it will not conflict with existing personal or business WhatsApp accounts.

WhatsApp Profile Verification

After setting up your WhatsApp Profile, the next step is to verify the business phone number. Verification is essential for establishing trust and authenticity. Once the profile is verified, the verification status remains valid for 14 days. During this period, you can register your WhatsApp Profile with the WhatsApp Cloud API.

For more details on enabling or disabling your WhatsApp Profile, refer to the official guide here.

Important Points Regarding Profile Verification:

• Verification Duration: Once a WhatsApp Profile is verified, the verification status will remain active for 14 days. After this period, the verification will automatically expire.
• Re-verification Process: To continue using the WhatsApp Profile after 14 days, you will need to reverify the phone number. Simply follow the verification steps again to reactivate your profile.
• Phone Number Access: It's important to maintain access to the phone number used for profile verification. You don’t need to recharge the number unless you’re using it for other purposes. However, ensure that you don’t lose access to the SIM card. If you lose access to the phone number or SIM, you will not be able to verify your profile when prompted by Facebook, and there will be no alternative option to complete the verification.

Verified Blue Checkmark for WhatsApp Business Profile

To obtain the verified blue checkmark next to your WhatsApp Business Profile Display Name, you must meet the eligibility requirements for an Official Business Account. WhatsApp verifies businesses to ensure authenticity and trust with customers. To qualify for the blue checkmark, your business must meet the following criteria:

1. Official Business Account: Your business must be recognized as an official entity by WhatsApp. This typically means your business should have a significant online presence or be a brand recognized by a large audience.
2. Business Documentation: WhatsApp may require businesses to provide documents that verify the legitimacy of your business, such as business registration or other official records.
3. Brand Recognition: WhatsApp tends to prioritize businesses that are well-known brands, public figures, or businesses with a high volume of customer interaction on the platform.
4. Adherence to WhatsApp's Policies: Your business must comply with WhatsApp’s policies and guidelines for messaging and communication.

Once you meet these requirements, WhatsApp may grant you the blue checkmark to signify your account as an Official Business Account. If your account is verified, this checkmark will appear next to your business name on WhatsApp, helping customers to easily identify your business as legitimate and trustworthy.

Managing Your WhatsApp Profile

Businesses can manage their WhatsApp Profiles through the WhatsApp Business API. You can update your business details, add or change your catalog, adjust your contact information, and modify your business category as needed.

• Profile Encryption: WhatsApp ensures that all profiles are encrypted to protect your business and customer data.
• Profile Insights: WhatsApp Business API also provides valuable insights into your profile’s performance, allowing you to track customer interactions and optimize your engagement strategy.

Profile Compliance and Messaging Limits

It’s essential to comply with WhatsApp’s policies when creating and managing your profile. WhatsApp also enforces messaging limits to ensure that businesses send meaningful and relevant messages to their customers while preventing spam.