Leveraging digital platforms is essential in India’s evolving business environment. WhatsApp Business Catalog, launched in 2019, offers a free and powerful way for businesses to showcase their products and services. This guide will walk you through creating an effective catalog on WhatsApp Business specifically designed for an Indian audience.
How to Create a Catalog on WhatsApp Business
Start by downloading and installing the WhatsApp Business app on your mobile device or desktop, ensuring your account is synchronized across devices.
Go to Settings, then Business Tools, and select Catalog on the mobile app. Tap “Add new item” to begin creating your catalog.
You can upload up to 10 images per product or service, showcasing your offerings with rich visuals. Use the “Take Photo” option for instant pictures or select from your existing photo library. For a smooth process, make sure to grant WhatsApp Business access to your camera.
Please fill in the necessary details, such as the item name, price, and description, and, if relevant, include a product or service link and item code. Then, click “Save” in the top right corner to complete the form.
For desktop users, open WhatsApp, click the dropdown menu at the top right of your chat list, and select Catalog. Click “Add new item,” upload up to 10 images, and provide product details such as name, price, description, link, and item code. Finalize by clicking “Add to Catalog” and save your changes.
This process ensures that your WhatsApp Business Catalog effectively showcases your products or services.
Read More: WhatsApp Now Allows Users to Pin Messages While Doing Chat
How to Hide Items in Your WhatsApp Catalog
Flexibility is essential for managing your catalog, mainly when items are temporarily unavailable.
For mobile users, open the WhatsApp Business app, access Tools, and select Catalog. Choose the item, tap the three dots for more options, select “Edit,” toggle the “Hide this item” option, and save.
On the desktop app, access the dropdown menu, select Catalog, and choose the item. Click “Edit” at the top and check the “Hide item” box, or hover over the item, click the dropdown button, and select “Hide item.”
How to Delete Items From Your Catalog
Efficient catalog management also involves removing items when needed.
For mobile users, go to Tools in the WhatsApp Business app, select Catalog, swipe left on the item to delete, and confirm the action. Alternatively, tap the item, click the three dots at the top right, select “Edit,” and then tap “Delete” at the bottom. Confirm the deletion in the prompt.
For desktop users, navigate to Catalog, select the item, click “Edit,” scroll to the bottom of the product detail section, and click “Delete item.” Confirm by clicking “OK” in the prompt.
Sharing Items From Your Catalog
Sharing your catalog extends its reach and usefulness.
On mobile, go to Tools, select Catalog, choose an item, tap the three dots, and select “Forward” or “Share.” Forwarding sends the item to anyone in your chat list while sharing presents the catalog as a link for use in other apps.
For desktop users, open WhatsApp Business, access the dropdown menu, select Catalog, choose an item, and click “Share” at the top. You can send the product directly to a contact or copy the link to share on other platforms.
How to Use Collections to Organise Your Catalog
WhatsApp Business enhances catalog organization with the Collections feature.
To use this, first ensure you have items added to your catalog. On mobile, go to the Tools tab in the WhatsApp Business app, open Catalog, tap “Add new collection,” name it, and select the items to include. Confirm by clicking “Done” at the top.
You can edit the collection by tapping the three dots for additional options or add items by selecting “Add” at the bottom.
For desktop users, open WhatsApp on your computer, click the dropdown menu, go to Catalog, select “Add new collection,” name it, and choose the items. Click the tick symbol at the bottom to finish. WhatsApp will review your collection for compliance with community guidelines, typically within 24 hours. Once approved, the collection will be integrated into your customer catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a catalog on WhatsApp Business?
Mobile: Open the WhatsApp Business app, go to Settings, select Business Tools, and then Catalog. Tap “Add new item” to begin. Upload images, enter product details, and save.
Desktop: Open WhatsApp on your computer, go to the dropdown menu, select Catalog, click “Add new item,” upload images, fill in product details, and click “Add to Catalog.”
What types of details can I include for each catalog item?
You can include the item name, price, description, product or service link, and code. You can also upload up to 10 images per item.
How do I edit or hide items in my catalog?
Mobile: Go to Tools in the WhatsApp Business app, select Catalog, choose the item, tap the three dots, select “Edit,” and toggle the “Hide this item” option. Save your changes.
Desktop: Click the dropdown menu, select Catalog, choose the item, click “Edit,” and check the “Hide item” box. Alternatively, hover over the item, click the dropdown, and select “Hide item.”
How can I delete an item from my catalog?
Mobile: Navigate to Tools in the WhatsApp Business app, select Catalog, swipe left on the item to delete, or tap the item, click the three dots, select “Edit,” and tap “Delete” at the bottom. Confirm the deletion.
Desktop: Open WhatsApp, select Catalog, click “Edit” for the item, scroll to the bottom, and click “Delete item.” Confirm by clicking “OK.”
How do I share my catalog with others?
Mobile: Go to Tools, select Catalog, choose an item, tap the three dots, and select “Forward” or “Share.” Forwarding shares the item with chat list contacts, while sharing provides a link for other apps.
Desktop: Click the dropdown menu, select Catalog, choose an item, and click “Share.” You can send the product directly to a contact or copy the link to share it on other platforms.
What is the Collections feature, and how do I use it?
Collections allow you to organize items into groups.
Mobile: Go to Tools, open Catalog, tap “Add new collection,” name it, select items, and click “Done.” Desktop: Open WhatsApp, go to Catalog, click “Add new collection,” name it, choose items, and click the tick symbol. WhatsApp will review your collection for compliance and will be available in your catalog once approved.
How long does it take for a collection to be approved?
The approval process for a collection typically takes 24 hours. WhatsApp’s team will review your collection to ensure it meets community guidelines.
Conclusion
Creating and managing a catalog on WhatsApp Business is a powerful way to showcase your products or services, enhance customer engagement, and streamline your business operations. By leveraging features such as item addition, editing, sharing, and organizing with Collections, you can effectively present your offerings and ensure they are easily accessible to your audience.
Whether you’re using a mobile or desktop app, the process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. Regular updates and management of your catalog will help maintain its relevance and appeal, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and engaging customer experience.