What differentiates your favorite celeb accounts on social media from their fan accounts?
It’s that little tick isn’t it?
WhatsApp too provides a green tick to signify official, verified WhatsApp business accounts so customers don’t confuse or engage with fake ones.
What is WhatsApp green tick badge?
WhatsApp green tick is a badge that verifies that you have an official and verified WhatsApp business account.
This tick is visible next to your WhatsApp number and confirms your business as an authentic and notable one, allowing your customers to trust your brand and engage in conversations.
Different types of WhatsApp Business accounts?
There are two types of Business Accounts on WhatsApp.
Regular business account
Once you start using the WhatsApp business App or WhatsApp API, it automatically makes a Business account.
A customer will see the registered number of the business along but not the business name unless they save the number in their contacts.
Official business account
The official Business account is basically a WhatsApp verified business account which comes with the Green tick. The green tick ensures customers that they are engaging with a legitimate business verified by WhatsApp.
Additionally, the name of the business will be displayed even if the customer hasn’t saved the number.
Pros and cons of the WhatsApp green tick badge application?
Pros of WhatsApp Green Tick Badge
- Builds trust and credibility: The green tick assures customers that your business is legitimate and verified by WhatsApp. This makes them more likely to engage with you confidently.
- Displays your brand name: Unlike regular business accounts, an official WhatsApp verified account shows your business name even if the customer hasn’t saved your number, enhancing brand visibility.
- Improves message read rates: With the green tick, customers are more likely to open and read your messages, as they recognize them as coming from a trusted source, which boosts your message engagement rates.
- Enhances brand image: A verified badge on your WhatsApp business account adds to your professional image. This sets your brand apart from competitors and increases customer loyalty.
- Reduces risk of fraud: It helps in minimizing the chances of impersonation and scams by giving your customers the confidence that they are communicating with the official account.
Cons of WhatsApp Green Tick Badge
- Lengthy application process: Obtaining the green tick requires going through several steps, including getting the WhatsApp Business API, increasing your business’s notability, and submitting verification documents.
- No additional features: The green tick badge doesn’t unlock any new features; it’s mainly a trust indicator. All other features of the WhatsApp Business API remain the same, regardless of verification.
- Not available for all businesses: Only well-known businesses with a solid online presence and news coverage are eligible for verification. Smaller or newer businesses may find it difficult to qualify.
- Dependent on BSPs (Business Solution Providers): You must rely on your BSP to handle the application, which can be an additional hassle if you don’t have a reliable provider.
- Reapplication wait time: If your application gets rejected, you’ll need to wait 30 days before reapplying, which can delay your plans.
To apply for a WhatsApp green tick verification, you do need to get WhatsApp API and the overall process may seem lengthy but this extra effort improves your brand image and customer experience, making it all worth it.
How to apply for WhatApp green tick badge?
Here are the instructions on how to get green tick on WhatsApp business account.
Step 1: Get the WhatsApp Business API
You can only get a green tick on WhatsApp if you use the WhatsApp Business API, so if you don’t, you will have to switch to API.
Step 2: Increase notability
Increasing notability by coming up in search results and on news websites. This should not be taken as a signal of the authenticity of the business. This helps WhatsApp to see you’re a legitimate business.
Step 3: Apply for WhatsApp green tick through your BSP
Your API provider knows how to get verified on WhatsApp and can easily apply for you as it’s already connected to your Facebook Business Manager.
Step 4: Submit relevant documents
Go to settings and select Contact support, there you will be able to ask a question. “WABiz: Request official business account status”, after that you’ll have to submit documents and information supporting your application.
Step 5: Wait for approval
Now this is the final step on how to get verified on WhatsApp, and it can take up to a week, you’ll automatically get to know when you get a WhatsApp green tick on your business account.
Okay, but doesn’t this look like a very tedious process?
Isn’t it going to be difficult to find a reliable API provider?
How will you manage to increase your engagement?
What if we told you there’s one solution to all these problems?
How to reach tier 2 or higher messaging levels?
As you can see in the image above, a higher tier of messaging enables you to reach out to more unique customers. Reaching tier 2 or higher also increases your chances of getting verified. Thus, a business can think of reaching tier 2 or higher and then applying for a green tick verification badge.
Here is how you can reach tier 2 or higher messaging level:
- Improve Message Quality: Focus on sending high-quality, relevant, and engaging messages that provide value to your customers. Avoid spamming, as consistent negative feedback can affect your messaging limits and slow down your progress to higher tiers.
- Ensure High Message Delivery and Read Rates: WhatsApp monitors the delivery and read rates of your messages. Higher delivery rates with more customers opening and engaging with your messages signal that your business is providing valuable communication, helping you move up to higher messaging tiers.
- Increase Customer Engagement: Use interactive messages, quick replies, and multimedia content (like images, videos, and buttons) to make your conversations more engaging. Higher engagement rates indicate that customers find your messages useful, which can boost your tier status.
- Follow WhatsApp’s Messaging Rules: Comply with WhatsApp's Business Policy by sending only permitted messages and avoiding prohibited content like promotional spam. Adherence to guidelines helps maintain a positive rating, essential for reaching higher tiers.
- Regularly Use Message Templates: To increase the volume of messages sent and approved, use message templates for recurring business needs like order updates, appointment reminders, or feedback requests. Approved templates help you maintain a good compliance record.
- Monitor and Optimize Performance: Use WhatsApp analytics tools to track the performance of your messages. Pay attention to metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and response times to identify areas for improvement. Continuous optimization can help you climb to a higher messaging level faster.
- Leverage Broadcasts Smartly: While broadcasting messages, ensure that they are targeted, personalized, and sent to customers who have opted-in to receive updates. Proper use of broadcasts can increase your interaction levels, helping to reach higher tiers.
- Build a Positive Customer Experience: Encourage satisfied customers to engage with your account by replying, reacting, or forwarding your messages. High customer satisfaction and frequent positive interactions are key factors that WhatsApp considers when evaluating your account for higher messaging levels.
Ways to apply for WhatsApp green tick badge
- Through Your Business Solution Provider (BSP):
BSPs manage your WhatsApp API account and can handle the green tick application on your behalf. Provide them with business details, and they’ll submit the application for you.
- Direct Application via Facebook Business Manager:
You can apply directly through your Facebook Business Manager account by navigating to “Business Settings” > “WhatsApp Accounts” and submitting the necessary documents.
- Using WhatsApp’s In-App Support:
Request the green tick by contacting support within your WhatsApp Business API settings. Follow the instructions to submit relevant information.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval:
- Ensure your business is notable with a strong online presence, including an active website, social media accounts, and coverage on news or media sites.
- Keep your Facebook Business Manager account verified and up-to-date.
- Maintain compliance with WhatsApp’s business policies and avoid sending spammy or prohibited content.
What to do if your application is rejected?
Don’t worry. These steps are a complete guide on how to get WhatsApp green tick and verified WhatsApp Business number.
You can always reapply for verification in the unlikely event that you don’t get verified, after 30 days.
The easier way?
With Engati as your official partner, you can get that trustworthy tick in 1-2 business days- even if it requires Facebook Business Manager verification first.
In the meantime, while your verification is being processed, you can continue with your business on WhatsApp normally.
What is the eligibility criteria to get a WhatsApp green tick?
To qualify for a WhatsApp green tick, businesses must meet certain requirements that establish their authenticity and notability. Here's a breakdown:
Businesses That Can Apply for Green Tick Verification
- Registered Businesses Using WhatsApp API:
Only businesses using the WhatsApp Business API are eligible for green tick verification. This means regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App users cannot apply.
- Verified Facebook Business Manager Account:
Your business must have a verified Facebook Business Manager account to ensure that your company information aligns with WhatsApp’s requirements.
- Two-Step Verification Enabled:
Enabling 2-step verification adds a layer of security to your WhatsApp Business account, making it a crucial criterion for verification.
- Well-Known Brands:
Your business should have a certain level of online presence, such as news coverage, a well-maintained website, or notable mentions on trusted sources. This helps establish your brand’s notability.
- Legitimate Business Entities:
Only official businesses can apply. Personal accounts, sole traders without formal business registration, or informal businesses without proper documentation are not eligible.
Businesses That Can’t Apply for Green Tick Verification
- Unregistered or Informal Businesses:
Businesses without proper registration or legal standing cannot apply for verification. The green tick is reserved for formal entities only.
- Individuals or Personal Accounts:
WhatsApp does not verify individual accounts or personal profiles. Verification is strictly for business entities.
- Businesses with No Public Presence:
If your business lacks an online presence, news coverage, or brand awareness, it will struggle to meet the notability requirements for verification.
- Restricted Industries:
Certain industries, such as gambling, drugs, or adult content, are not eligible for the green tick, even if they meet other criteria.
- Businesses Violating WhatsApp Policies:
If your business has a history of violating WhatsApp’s business policies, your application may be denied.
Using WhatsApp APIs without green tick
Even without a green tick, businesses can still leverage the full potential of WhatsApp Business APIs. Here’s what you need to know about using the API without verification:
- Access to All Core Features: You can still use all the essential features of the WhatsApp Business API, such as sending notifications, customer support messages, and automated responses. The green tick does not unlock any special features; it only enhances brand visibility.
- Maintained Customer Communication: Your ability to communicate with customers isn’t affected without the green tick. You can still send and receive messages, handle queries, and conduct business as usual.
- Brand Recognition and Trust: Although you won’t have the green tick, your business can still build trust through consistent branding, excellent service, and personalized communication. The API allows you to display your business name and profile picture, which helps establish credibility.
- Cost-Effective Solution: You don’t need to wait for a green tick to start using WhatsApp Business APIs. Getting started without verification can be more cost-effective and allows you to immediately enhance customer engagement.
- Ability to Reapply for Verification: Even if you start without the green tick, you can work towards increasing your brand’s notability and reapply for verification later. Use the API to boost your brand presence and customer interaction, making your next application more likely to succeed.
- Full API Functionality: You’ll still have access to all API features, including broadcasting messages to subscribers, integrating chatbots, and automating responses, helping you manage customer interactions efficiently.
Engati’s WhatsApp Chatbot
Engati’s WhatsApp Chatbot comes with API integration. So you don’t have to go looking for a reliable and cost-efficient solution. The chatbot will take care of all your customer conversations of you, giving you the flexibility to switch between live chat too, whenever necessary.
You can run targeted campaigns using the chatbots, not only will you get to engage with a huge audience but also generate quality leads and convert them.
With Engati, you’ll also be able to easily take care of the verification process from start to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I get access to any additional features with the WhatsApp green tick verification?
No, the green tick doesn’t provide any additional features, apart from displaying your business name to new customers, who might not have your number saved. It will make your business more professional looking.
2. Can you use WhatsApp API without a green tick?
Yes, you can still use WhatsApp API without a green tick. It also won’t restrict you from using any features as WhatsApp green tick verification doesn’t provide any new features.
3. How much does it cost to get a green tick?
With Engati’s chatbot, you can get your API integration and WhatsApp green tick verification at zero cost.
4. How long does it take to get the WhatsApp green tick?
It generally takes 1-2 business days. However, it might take a week in some cases.
5. How to get WhatsApp AI?
You can now implement GPT on your WhatsApp bot by training it using your website, help docs, articles, etc. Schedule your exclusive demo now!
6. What is WhatsApp Green Tick Verification?
WhatsApp Green Tick Verification is a process that verifies your business as an official and legitimate account on WhatsApp. Once verified, a green tick appears next to your business name, indicating that your business is authentic. This badge is particularly important in distinguishing your brand from unofficial or fake accounts, boosting customer trust and credibility.
7. Why should I get WhatsApp Green Tick Verification?
Getting the WhatsApp Green Tick Verification enhances your brand’s credibility and professionalism. The green tick shows customers that they are interacting with a verified business, not just any account. It improves trust, increases open rates, and boosts overall engagement, making customers more likely to interact with your messages. Plus, it displays your business name even to users who haven’t saved your contact, increasing brand recognition.
8. What do I need to qualify for WhatsApp Green Tick Verification?
To qualify for WhatsApp Green Tick Verification, your business must meet the following criteria:
- Use WhatsApp Business API.
- Have a verified Facebook Business Manager account.
- Enable 2-Step Verification on WhatsApp.
- Be a notable brand, ideally with some media coverage or online presence.
- The account must represent a business; WhatsApp does not verify personal accounts or individual users.
9. What documents do I need for WhatsApp Green Tick Verification?
When applying for the green tick verification, you will need to provide:
- Proof of your business’s authenticity, such as official business registration documents.
- Verified Facebook Business Manager ID.
- Supporting evidence of your brand’s notability, like links to news articles or social media presence.
- Information about your business’s operations, including website links and a description of your services.
10. Can I use my personal WhatsApp for business?
No, WhatsApp does not allow personal accounts to be used for business purposes. To conduct business on WhatsApp, you must use a WhatsApp Business Account or WhatsApp Business API. These accounts are specifically designed for businesses, allowing access to features like automated messaging, API integration, and, if verified, the green tick badge.