Harnessing digital platforms is crucial in the dynamic Indian business landscape. Introduced in 2019, WhatsApp Business Catalog is a free, impactful tool for showcasing products and services. This guide provides a step-by-step process for creating an effective catalog on WhatsApp Business tailored 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. Then, sync your WhatsApp account across devices.
On the mobile app, go to Settings, access Business Tools, and select Catalog. Click “Add new item” to start creating your catalog.
Adding up to 10 images per product or service provides a visual feast for your customers. Use the “Take Photo” option for on-the-spot images or choose existing ones from your photo library. Ensure WhatsApp Business has camera access for a seamless experience.
Enter essential details such as item name, price, and description. If applicable, include a product or service link and an item code. Complete the process by clicking “Save” in the top right corner.
For desktop users, the procedure is straightforward. Open WhatsApp on your computer, access the dropdown menu at the top right corner of your chat list and select Catalog. Click “Add new item,” upload up to 10 images from your computer, and input product details such as name, price, description, link, and item code. To finalize, click “Add to Catalog” and save changes.
This ensures your products or services seamlessly integrate into your WhatsApp Business Catalog.
Read More: WhatsApp Now Allows Users to Pin Messages While Doing Chat
How to Hide Items in Your WhatsApp Catalog:
Flexibility is crucial when managing your catalog, especially for temporarily unavailable items.
For mobile users, open the WhatsApp Business app, access Tools, and select Catalog. Choose an item, tap the three dots for options, click “Edit,” toggle “Hide this item,” and save.
On the desktop app, click the dropdown menu, select Catalog, and choose the desired product or service. Click “Edit” at the top, check the “Hide item” box, or hover over an item, click the dropdown button, and select “Hide item.”
How to Delete Items From Your Catalog:
Efficient catalog management includes removing items when necessary. Mobile users can do this by navigating to Tools in the WhatsApp Business app, selecting Catalog, swiping left on the item to delete, and confirming the action. Alternatively, click on the item, access the three dots at the top right, select “Edit,” tap “Delete” at the bottom, and confirm the deletion in the prompt.
For desktop users, navigate to Catalog, select an item, click “Edit,” scroll to the bottom of the product detail section, click “Delete item,” and confirm the deletion by clicking “OK” in the prompt.
Sharing Items From Your Catalog:
Enhancing your catalog’s reach and utility is easy. On mobile, go to Tools, select Catalog, choose an item, click the three dots, and select “Forward” or “Share.” Forwarding shares the item with anyone on your chat list, while sharing allows you to communicate through other apps with your catalog as a link.
Desktop users can open WhatsApp Business, access the dropdown menu, choose Catalog, select an item, click “Share” at the top, and either send the product directly to a contact or copy the link for sharing on any platform.
How to Use Collections to Organise Your Catalog:
WhatsApp Business enhances catalog organization with the Collections feature.
To use this feature, ensure you have items in your catalog. Mobile users can navigate to the Tools tab in the WhatsApp Business app, open Catalog, tap “Add new collection,” name the collection, and select the items to include. Confirm by clicking “Done” at the top of the page. Edit your collection by clicking the three dots for additional options or add items by clicking “Add” at the bottom.
Desktop users can follow a similar process. Open WhatsApp on your computer, click the dropdown menu, open Catalog, select “Add new collection,” name it, and choose the items to include. Finish by clicking the tick symbol at the bottom.
Once created, WhatsApp’s team will review your collection to ensure compliance with community guidelines, typically within 24 hours. After approval, your collection will be seamlessly integrated into your catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start creating a catalog on WhatsApp Business?
Begin by downloading and installing the WhatsApp Business app on your mobile device or desktop. Ensure your WhatsApp account is synchronized across devices.
Where can I find the option to create a catalog on the mobile app?
On the mobile app, go to Settings, access Business Tools, and select Catalog. Click “Add new item” to start creating your catalog.
How many images can I add for each product or service?
You can add up to 10 images per product or service.
What details should I include when adding an item to the catalog?
Include essential details such as the the item name, price, and description. If applicable,e, add a product or service link and an item code.
How do I create a catalog on the desktop version of WhatsApp Business?
On the desktop app, open WhatsApp, access the dropdown menu at the top right corner of your chat list and select Catalog. Click “Add new item,” upload images, and input product details. Finalize by clicking “Add to Catalog” and save changes.
How can I hide an item in my catalog if it is temporarily unavailable?
On mobile, go to the Catalog, select the item, tap the three dots for options, click “Edit,” toggle “Hide this item,” and save. On the desktop, select the item, click “Edit,” check the “Hide item” box, or hover over the item and select “Hide item” from the dropdown.
How do I remove an item from my catalog?
On mobile, swipe left on the item to delete it, or access the three dots, select “Edit,” tap “Delete” at the bottom, and confirm. On the desktop, select the item, click “Edit,” scroll to the bottom, click “Delete item,” and confirm.
Can I share my catalog items with others?
Yes. On mobile, go to Tools, select Catalog, choose an item, click the three dots, and select “Forward” or “Share.” On the desktop, select the item, click “Share” at the top, and either send it directly to a contact or copy the link for sharing.
What is the Collections feature, and how do I use it?
The Collections feature helps organize your catalog. On mobile, go to Tools, open Catalog, tap “Add new collection,” name it, and select items. Confirm by clicking “Done.” On the desktop, open Catalog, select “Add new collection,” name it, and choose items, then click the tick symbol.
Conclusion
Creating and managing a catalog on WhatsApp Business is a powerful way to showcase your products and services, enhancing your business’s digital presence. You can maintain an up-to-date and relevant catalog by utilizing features like item addition, editing, hiding, and removal. Sharing catalog items and organizing them into collections further boosts their reach and utility.
With a straightforward process on both mobile and desktop, WhatsApp Business makes it easy for businesses to connect with customers and streamline their product offerings. Embrace these tools to maximize your business’s potential and stay competitive in the dynamic digital marketplace.
