As WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps, businesses of all sizes can benefit from using it for marketing purposes. The green tick next to your WhatsApp display name symbolises trust and authenticity for your brand.
In this post, you will discover how to obtain a green 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 green tick badge is and figure out whether you need it.
What is a WhatsApp Green Tick Badge?
The famous green tick is a verification badge that appears next to a business name in WhatsApp. It’s the sign of an official WhatsApp account that has gone through an additional verification process by WhatsApp.
Seeing this badge, users can be sure they’re interacting with a real account owned by the brand and not an imposter. It adds credibility to your account and is great for brand image and trust.
WhatsApp is very strict about business verification and authentication in an effort to protect its end users from spam and fake accounts. As such, the application process takes some steps and is not always guaranteed.
To apply for the WhatsApp green tick, you need to be a user of the WhatsApp Business Platform (formerly known as WhatsApp Business API). There’s no way to do it on the free business app. Check this guide for more on the difference between WhatsApp Business app and API.
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 green 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.
Why is getting the WhatsApp green badge so important?
With a 98% open rate, WhatsApp is reshaping the digital marketing landscape. A case study conducted by the Carrefour group in 2022 showed that they had a 35% higher engagement rate with WhatsApp audiences than with email audiences.
Verification translates into trust – it’s that simple. As a messaging platform with 2.4 billion users, every way in which a business can stand out in the eyes of users matters. For WhatsApp users, the green tick is a sign that marks an Official Business Account (OBA). It gives the business a stamp of approval in terms of authenticity and reputation, and that makes it easier for customers to engage and convert.
Showcase a notable brand image – getting the WhatsApp Green Tick Verification is not an achievement that a lot of businesses can claim. Only brands that are well-established, reputable, and popular can claim the green badge.
Pros and Cons of a WhatsApp Green Tick Badge Application
| Pros | Cons |
| Shows users the account is authentic and perfectly safe to interact with so you get more engagement and less negative reactions like blocks | You have to be on the WhatsApp API to apply |
| Your brand name will be displayed instead of your phone number | Hard to obtain |
| It’s free | Doesn’t provide any additional features |
Pros:
Credibility and Trust: A WhatsApp-verified badge adds credibility and trustworthiness to your business profile. Users are likelier to trust and engage with verified accounts, knowing they interact with an authentic and recognised business.
Increased Visibility: Verified businesses may appear more prominently in WhatsApp search results. Increased visibility can help attract more customers and potential clients to your business.
Direct Communication: Verified businesses have access to the WhatsApp Business API, which enables them to send automated messages, notifications, and other important information to their customers. This can improve customer service and engagement.
Customisation: You can set up a comprehensive business profile with important information such as your address, business hours, and a description. This allows customers to get a better understanding of your business.
Access to WhatsApp Business Tools: Verified businesses can access WhatsApp Business tools and features designed to streamline customer communication. These tools include messaging templates, quick replies, labels for organizing chats, and more.
Cons:
Application Process: The application process for a WhatsApp verified badge can be stringent, and there is no approval guarantee. If your application is rejected, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to reapply.
Compliance Requirements: To maintain your verified status, you must adhere to WhatsApp’s Business Policy and Commerce Policy. Failure to comply with these policies can result in the revocation of your verified badge.
Higher Expectations: Users may have higher expectations of verified businesses in terms of response times and the quality of customer service. Meeting these expectations can be challenging, especially for smaller businesses.
Costs: Some businesses may incur costs associated with using the WhatsApp Business API and other advanced features, often available to verified accounts. These costs can add up, depending on your usage.
Potential for Misuse: While the verification badge helps prevent impersonation, some users might assume that any verified account is trustworthy. This can make verified accounts a target for scammers, so businesses must be vigilant in maintaining security.
How to prepare for the WhatsApp Green Tick application process
If it sounds like something your business could benefit from, here’s the step-by-step application process for getting the green tick verification.
1. Get WhatsApp API access
Unfortunately, you can’t get the badge on the free business app. You need WhatsApp marketing software for that.
Sign up for the API and create your WhatsApp business account with a business solution provider (BSP) and you’ll be up and running on WhatsApp today.
2. Start sending WhatsApp campaigns
Reaching over 1,000 people daily with business-initiated messages increases your chances of being granted the green badge. This shows that you’re active and serious about your WhatsApp efforts.
3. Enable two-factor authentication
In your Meta Business settings, turn on two-factor authentication. You must complete this step.
4. Verify your Meta Business account
In order to qualify for an official WhatsApp green tick, you’ll need your Meta Business account verified too. This is done in the same place as 2FA.
Meta will then prompt you for the information needed.
5. Apply for the green tick through Meta
In your Meta Business Manager go to “Business Settings”, then “WhatsApp Accounts” and choose the one you’re applying for a green tick for. Click on “Settings” -> “Contact Support” -> “Ask a question” -> “WABiz: Request official business account status”. You’ll be asked to submit documents and information in support of your application. Make sure you have two-factor authentication enabled.
6. Wait for approval
How long does WhatsApp take to make a decision about your green tick application? A few days. You’ll know it worked if the green badge appears automatically in your account.
Businesses That Can’t Apply for Green Tick Verification
WhatsApp disallows specific business categories for WhatsApp API and, hence for WhatsApp Green Tick Verification. Businesses dealing in the following products/services cannot get approval for using WhatsApp Business APIs:
- Drugs
- Tobacco Items
- Gambling Businesses
- Alcohol Brands
- Weapons & Ammunition Businesses
- Live Animals
- Adult Product/Services
- Medical & Healthcare Products
- Dating Services
- Cryptocurrencies
You can refer to WhatsApp’s Commerce Policy for the complete list and updated details about the prohibited category of products and services.
4 tips that will boost your chances of getting a WhatsApp Green Tick Verification
Based on the experience of 360dialog’s customer support team, if you want to boost your chances and take the best possible approach to get an Official Business Account on WhatsApp, make sure to check these points off your list:
Create an official website and email address
Nobody wants to deal with a business that doesn’t even take the time to create official contact information. Having an email address and a website is one of the standards for professionalism today.
Run Click-to-WhatsApp ad campaigns
WhatsApp marketing campaigns show both audiences and Meta that you are an advanced platform user. The wider the range of your WhatsApp marketing activities, the more reasons there are for your business to get a WhatsApp green badge.
Maintain a high-quality rating for your WhatsApp phone number
Scaling your WhatsApp API account gives you a bigger claim when appealing for an OBA. So, if you want the best shot at getting verified on WhatsApp, you need to make sure that your messaging volume and quality rating are impressive.
Raise your brand awareness
According to Meta, notability is one of the crucial factors for a business to get verified on WhatsApp. To become a notable entity, your business needs to establish a strong online presence. That means getting a lot of good publicity through PR campaigns on sites with high traffic.
Negotiate publishing press releases about your business on niche-relevant websites and popular news sites. During the application process, you will be able to reference up to five publications. Make sure that each of them counts.
Use WhatsApp links and QR codes to invite customers to follow your business on Facebook/Instagram and leave positive reviews about your business.
Benefits of a WhatsApp Green Tick Badge:
A green tick badge indicates that your brand is genuine, one-of-a-kind, and trustworthy.
Credibility and Trustworthiness: A verification badge adds a layer of credibility to a WhatsApp Business account. It signals to users that the account is authentic and officially verified by WhatsApp. This can help users trust the information and communication from the business.
Enhanced Visibility: Verified business accounts may appear more prominently in search results when users look for businesses on WhatsApp. Increased visibility can help businesses attract more customers and potential clients.
Direct Communication: Verified business accounts can use WhatsApp Business API, which allows them to send automated messages, notifications, and other helpful information to their customers. This can improve customer service and engagement.
Customization: WhatsApp Business accounts with verification badges can set up a business profile with essential information such as address, business hours, and a description. This allows customers to get a better understanding of the business.
WhatsApp Business Tools: Verified businesses can access WhatsApp Business tools and features designed to streamline customer communication. These tools include messaging templates, quick replies, labels for organising chats, and more.
Official Presence: The verification badge distinguishes the business as an official WhatsApp presence. It helps prevent impersonation and fraud by clarifying which accounts are legitimate businesses.
WhatsApp Business API: With verification, businesses may have access to the WhatsApp Business API, which enables integration with external systems and services, making it easier to manage customer interactions at scale.
[…] 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 […]