Let's cut the chase and address the elephant in the room.Using a
Your WhatsApp phone number, whether existing, new or virtual, plays a pivotal role in determining your business’ reach, growth, and customer satisfaction rates of your business when you switch to WhatsApp Business API.
Think with Google Survey shows that 68% of customers prefer engaging with businesses through text messages, including WhatsApp.
However, if they are met with hindered communication, approximately 59% of them might switch to a competitor😲
The objective of this article is simple yet profound—to assist you in making the best phone number choice for your WhatsApp Business API account.
We'll look at the efficiency, cost, and scalability of using your existing business number, acquiring a new one, or opting for a virtual number.
By the time you finish reading this blog, you'll have a better idea of the critical factors that can make or break your dream to build a business empire on WhatsApp.
Choosing the Right Phone Number for WhatsApp Business
Now, venturing into the world of WhatsApp Business or upgrading to WhatsApp Business API is akin to stepping into a new arena.
While the latter is suitable for medium and large businesses, the former is handy for new small businesses. In both cases, your phone number is your unique identifier and has the power to impact your customer conversations.
So, making the painstakingly right choice is not just important; it's paramount—considering the long term.
The Comfort of Familiarity: Using Your Existing Business Phone Number
There's a certain comfort in sticking with what we already know.
The same principle applies when deciding on maintaining an existing business phone number when moving to WhatsApp Business API.
It provides a smooth transition without the necessity of changing all your business cards, online presences, and customer communications where your number is heavily referenced.
Listed below are some pro's of using your existing phone number:
- The familiar air: Your existing customers already know your current number and are aware that it's directly connected to your business.
- Seamless transition: No need to update business cards, websites, marketing materials, etc. with a new number.
- Saves a ton of time: You don't have to spend valuable time to share your new number known in your customer base.
- Cost-effective: There is no need to dish out extra cash from your pockets to keep both your new and existing numbers active.
The Invisible Pitfalls of Using the Same WhatsApp Number
While familiarity can be a comforting trait, using your existing business phone number for your WhatsApp Business API might not be a great choice.
Here are some possible roadblocks your business could face:
- When you enable the WhatsApp Business API on your existing number, the WhatsApp Business application on your phone will cease to function.
- You will neither have access to your conversation history nor will your contacts migrate automatically to your chosen WhatsApp Business API Platform.
- Training wheels aka the learning curve? There's your next hiccup. You may need some time getting used to your WhatsApp Automation Tool and in the mean time, your business conversations will have to make a hard stop.
The Road Less Travelled: Opting for a New WhatsApp Business Number
Are you in the "New Year, New Me" mood or a fan of the 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'?
Then, a new phone number could be right up your alley!
Cutting the cord with your old number might seem like a stressful task, but it can indeed bear fruits if executed well. By opting for a new phone number for your WhatsApp Business profile, you can set a professional tone right from the get-go.
The Sweet Side of Getting a New Phone Number
- You'll love the fact that your chat history and existing business number stays intact as you transition to WhatsApp Business API.
- When you're starting anew, you get the chance to reassess your branding and pave a path that number that aligns with your brand's voice.
- Once you get out of your training wheels, you can add your existing number to your WhatsApp Business API Account, making it easier to streamline conversations and manage customer relationships, all in one place.
The Flip Side of Using a New WhatsApp Business Number
- The challenges with a new phone number could start with your customers not recognising it. It’s like moving house without telling anyone - no visitors!
- You may lose your existing WhatsApp customer base as they might fail to recognise the new number and may be on the dire need to rebuild your contact base from scratch.
The Future is Here: The Concept and Acquisition of Virtual Phone Numbers
Opting for a virtual number is like being a globe-trotting entrepreneur who doesn't own a permanent office.
Doesn't that sound fun?
A virtual number is a phone number without a directly associated phone line or a physical SIM card.
The best part?
You've all the freedom to choose a number with any specific area code or country code, irrespective of your actual geographic location.
But note that this path isn't devoid of thorns.
Customers are often wary of virtual numbers. Also, you may have to consider the additional costs that are associated with a virtual phone number service.
Weighing Your Options: Making the Perfect WhatsApp Number Choice
The saga of choosing the ideal WhatsApp Business phone number might feel like it has many twists and turns.
It is your dice to roll, and it’s your call to decide whether to use an existing number, venture out with a new one, or embrace the future with a virtual number.
Each path comes with its own set of advantages and cautionary tales, shaped by varying factors such as cost, convenience, scalability, and impact on business operations.
There is no one-size-fits-all decision.
Each business is unique and what works for one might not work for another.
However, with the insights, steps, and top tips shared in this article, you're now equipped to make an informed, bespoke choice that will help shape the journey of your business.
No matter which way you swing, transitioning to WhatsApp Business API is a remarkable stride towards progress.
The journey doesn't end here. Firmly grounding your presence in bustling WhatsApp requires continuous learning and adaptation. WhatsApp Business API Providers like Gallabox are here to make your journey smoother and effortless.
With Gallabox, you can rest easy knowing that no matter what route you choose for your WhatsApp Business number, you are backed by a team of experts whose singular goal is to drive your business to the forefront.
Take Gallabox for a free spin and see how groundbreaking features like WhatsApp Flows to AI Chatbots can set you on the path way to success.
Starting your WhatsApp Business API journey on Gallabox is easy peasy!
