As WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps, businesses of all sizes can benefit from using it for marketing purposes. The blue tick next to your WhatsApp display name symbolises trust and authenticity for your brand.
Here’s how a blue tick badge appears on your WhatsApp Account.
In this blog, you will know how to obtain a blue tick badge next to your WhatsApp display name and understand the advantages it can bring to your business.
First, let’s understand what a WhatsApp blue tick badge is and figure out whether you need it.
What is a WhatsApp Blue Tick Badge?
The Blue tick badge on WhatsApp allows users to identify official brand accounts on the platform quickly. It signifies that it’s a WhatsApp-verified account and belongs to the company it claims to be.
With this badge, users can be confident that they’re communicating with a genuine brand, not a fake one. This feature not only increases the authenticity of your account but also contributes to building trust and reputation for the brand.
WhatsApp takes verification and validation of business accounts seriously to safeguard its users from spam and fake accounts.
Now that you know about the WhatsApp blue tick badge, let’s look at how to get started with the verification process.
Difference Between a Regular Business Account and an Official Business Account
Regular WhatsApp Business Account
For Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: Regular WhatsApp Business accounts are designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and sole proprietors. They are suitable for businesses looking to have a presence on WhatsApp to communicate with customers.
Features: Regular WhatsApp Business accounts provide essential business communication features such as a business profile, messaging templates, quick replies, labels for organising chats, and automated messaging.
Verification: Regular WhatsApp Business accounts can apply for verification, but verification is not guaranteed and is subject to WhatsApp’s criteria. Verified accounts may receive a verification badge, adding credibility to their profile.
Limited Scale: Regular accounts are typically used for one-on-one customer interactions and are suitable for businesses with relatively low messaging volumes.
API Access: While regular accounts can use the WhatsApp Business app, they may need access to the WhatsApp Business API, which is often used for more advanced and automated messaging.
Official WhatsApp Business Account
For Large Enterprises and Brands: Official WhatsApp Business accounts are intended for larger enterprises, brands, and organisations with a significant customer base and high messaging volumes. These accounts are designed for businesses that need to scale their customer communication.
Features: Official WhatsApp Business accounts come with advanced features like the WhatsApp Business API, which allows for automation, integration with external systems, and the ability to send notifications and transactional messages.
Verification: Official WhatsApp Business accounts are typically verified by default, and they often have a blue verification badge indicating their official status. This badge adds credibility and trust.
Scale: These accounts are suitable for businesses that need to handle a high volume of customer inquiries and transactions efficiently.
API Access: Official accounts have access to the WhatsApp Business API, making it possible to integrate WhatsApp with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, chatbots, and other tools for streamlined customer support and engagement.
Pros and Cons of a WhatsApp Blue Tick Badge Application
Pros:
- Credibility and Trust: A WhatsApp verified badge adds credibility to your business. Users are more likely to trust and engage with verified accounts, knowing they’re interacting with a legitimate business.
- Increased Visibility: Verified businesses may appear more prominently in WhatsApp search results, helping attract more customers and potential clients.
- Direct Communication: Verified businesses can use the WhatsApp Business API to send automated messages, notifications, and important information to customers, improving customer service and engagement.
- Customisation: You can create a detailed business profile that includes your address, business hours, and a description, helping customers better understand your business.
- Access to WhatsApp Business Tools: Verified businesses can use various tools to enhance communication, including messaging templates, quick replies, and chat organization features.
Cons:
- Application Process: The process to apply for a WhatsApp verified badge can be strict, and there’s no guarantee of approval. If rejected, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to reapply.
- Compliance Requirements: To keep your verified status, you must follow WhatsApp’s Business and Commerce Policies. Not complying can lead to losing your verified badge.
- Higher Expectations: Users often expect quicker responses and better service from verified businesses, which can be challenging for smaller companies to meet.
- Costs: Some businesses may face costs for using the WhatsApp Business API and other advanced features available to verified accounts, which can add up depending on usage.
- Potential for Misuse: While the verification badge helps prevent impersonation, some users might assume all verified accounts are trustworthy, making them potential targets for scammers. Businesses need to stay vigilant about security.
How to Download and Set up the Regular WhatsApp Business app
- Download and Launch the App:
Download the WhatsApp Business app for free from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Once downloaded, tap the WhatsApp Business icon on your home screen to open it. - Review the Terms of Service:
Read through the WhatsApp Business Terms of Service. Once you understand the terms, tap Agree and Continue to accept them. - Register Your Phone Number:
Select your country from the drop-down list to add your country code. Enter your phone number in international format, then tap Done or Next. Tap OK to receive a 6-digit registration code via SMS or phone call. Enter the code to complete your registration. - Allow Access to Contacts and Photos:
Grant access to your phone’s contacts so you can easily add them to the WhatsApp Business app. You can also allow access to your photos, videos, and files if needed. - Create Your Account:
Fill in your business name, select a business category, and choose a profile picture. - Build Your Business Profile:
Tap EXPLORE > Business Profile. Here, you can add important information about your business, such as your address, description, hours of operation, and more. - Start a Chat:
Your business profile is now set up! Tap the chat
or , then search for or select a contact to message. Type your message in the text field and tap send.
, then search for or select a contact to message. Type your message in the text field and tap send.Now you’re ready to engage with your customers on WhatsApp Business!
How to Apply for a WhatsApp Blue Tick Badge
Before You Start
1. Sign Up for WhatsApp API Access
- First, register for the WhatsApp Business API and set up a business account through a Business Solution Provider (BSP) like Wati. This is necessary to use WhatsApp for your business needs.
- Note: The blue tick badge is not available on the free WhatsApp Business app.
- After obtaining your WhatsApp API access, send out WhatsApp Campaigns as soon as possible. To improve your chances of getting the blue tick, aim to reach at least 1,000 people daily through business-initiated messages. This shows WhatsApp that you are actively using the platform for business.
2. Reach Tier 2 or Higher Messaging Levels
To qualify for the blue tick badge, demonstrate to WhatsApp that your business is actively engaging with customers. Here are steps to reach Tier 2 messaging levels:
- Respond Promptly: Quickly reply to customer messages on WhatsApp.
- Maintain High Response Rates: Keep your response rate high by replying within the specified time frame.
- Use Quick Replies: Utilize pre-written responses for common questions to save time.
- Organize Chats: Use labels to categorize and manage customer chats efficiently.
- Avoid Spammy Behavior: Ensure your messaging complies with WhatsApp’s policies to avoid being blocked.
- Encourage Engagement: Promote your WhatsApp contact on your website and social media to encourage interactions.
- Use WhatsApp Business Tools: Leverage tools like messaging templates to streamline communication.
- Monitor Analytics: Use WhatsApp Business Insights to track performance and improve where necessary.
- Train Your Team: If you have a team, ensure they are trained to provide excellent customer service.
- Collect Feedback: Encourage customers to share their feedback about their interactions.
- Stay Compliant: Always follow WhatsApp’s Business Policy and Commerce Policy.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Be clear with customers about response times and what types of inquiries you can assist with.
Reaching Tier 2 takes dedication and time, so be patient and focus on improving your customer service.
Verify Your Business on Meta Business Manager
- Log in to Meta Business Manager (formerly Facebook Business Manager).
- Verify your account to show it belongs to a reputable organization. To be eligible, your business must be legally registered and have a valid phone number and physical address.
Build Brand Value
Having a recognizable brand increases your chances of getting the blue tick. Aim for 3-5 media coverage links from reputable sources (not paid content) to support your application.
Enable 2-Step Verification
Activate 2-step verification on your WhatsApp Business API account to enhance security. This requires a unique six-digit PIN in addition to your phone number for registration.
Applying for the WhatsApp Blue Tick Badge
Method 1: Meta Business Manager
- In Meta Business Manager, go to Business Settings > WhatsApp Accounts > WhatsApp Manager.
- Under Account tools, select phone number.
- Click the Settings icon next to your WhatsApp account details.
- Fill in the required details in the Profile section and click Submit Request.
- Your request will show as in review status. It typically takes 2-4 business days to get a response.
Method 2: Business Service Provider
If you’re using the WhatsApp Business API, you can get help from a BSP like Wati. They can guide you through the application process, although they may charge for their services.
- Your BSP may submit the application on your behalf or provide instructions for independent submission. Approval may take up to three weeks.
What to Do If Your Application Gets Rejected
If your application is denied, you can reapply after 30 days. Here’s how to improve your chances for the next attempt:
- Review Rejection Reason: Check the reason provided for the rejection.
- Correct Issues: Fix any identified issues or discrepancies in your application.
- Increase Media Coverage: Enhance your business’s media presence with organic articles to boost credibility.
- Engage More on WhatsApp: Increase your customer interactions and reach Tier 2 messaging levels.
- Add a WhatsApp Widget: Make it easier for customers to reach you by adding a WhatsApp widget on your website.
- Contact Support: If you feel your application was wrongly rejected, contact WhatsApp Support for clarification.
- Ensure Compliance: Always align your practices with WhatsApp’s guidelines.
- Improve Your Business Profile: Make sure your business profile is complete and detailed.
- Wait and Reapply: Focus on improving your practices during the waiting period.
- Seek Professional Help: Consider hiring consultants who specialize in WhatsApp Business verification.
Businesses That Can’t Apply for Blue Tick Verification
Certain businesses are prohibited from using WhatsApp Business API, and thus cannot apply for the Blue Tick badge, including those involved in:
- Weapons
- Live animals
- Adult products/services
- Drugs
- Tobacco
- Gambling
- Alcohol
- Medical/healthcare products
- Dating services
- Cryptocurrencies
Check WhatsApp’s Commerce Policy for the complete list of prohibited categories.
Benefits of a WhatsApp Blue Tick Badge
- Credibility and Trustworthiness: Signals that your account is verified and authentic.
- Enhanced Visibility: Increases your profile’s prominence in search results.
- Direct Communication: Use the WhatsApp Business API for automated messages and notifications.
- Customization: Set up a comprehensive business profile.
- Access to Business Tools: Utilize features designed to improve customer communication.
- Official Presence: Helps prevent impersonation and fraud.
- API Access: Integrate with external systems for better management of customer interactions.
Using WhatsApp APIs Without Blue Tick
You can still use WhatsApp Business APIs without the Blue Tick. Features include:
- Broadcasting marketing campaigns.
- Running Click-to-WhatsApp ads.
- Scheduling messages at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is WhatsApp Blue Tick Verification?
It’s a process that verifies the authenticity of a business account, indicated by a blue badge. - Why should I apply?
It enhances your business’s credibility and helps customers identify you as a legitimate presence on WhatsApp. - How do I apply?
Ensure your business meets WhatsApp’s eligibility criteria and follow the steps in the Meta Business Manager or work with a BSP. - What are the eligibility criteria?
These may include having a complete business profile, following WhatsApp’s policies, and showing an active business presence. - How long does it take to get verified?
It can take several weeks; be patient while WhatsApp reviews your application. - What documents are required?
You may need a business license, proof of address, and other relevant documentation. - What if my application is rejected?
You can reapply after addressing the issues outlined in the rejection notice. - Is there a fee?
As of now, there’s no fee for verification, but using certain WhatsApp Business features may incur costs. - Can I use a personal WhatsApp account for business?
No, it’s best to use a dedicated WhatsApp Business account. - How can I improve my chances of getting verified?
Maintain a complete profile, engage actively with customers, adhere to policies, and provide excellent customer service.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can enhance your chances of getting your WhatsApp Blue Tick badge and improve your business’s credibility on the platform.
