What is Catalog in Whatsapp business? How to make and maintain it ?

August 7, 2023

Catalog in Whatsapp business in today's digital age, businesses/e-commerce are constantly exploring new avenues to connect with their customers and showcase their products or services. With over two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become an essential platform for businesses to reach their target audience. One of the key features that Whatsapp Business offers is the Catalogue feature, allowing businesses to create a virtual storefront and display their products or services. In this blog, we will explore the process of creating and maintaining a Whatsapp Business Catalogue, and how it can benefit your business.

Table of Contents

What is Whatsapp Buisness Catalog?

I. Understanding the WhatsApp Business Catalog The WhatsApp Business Catalogue is a powerful tool that allows businesses to create a digital storefront, showcasing their products or services in a visually appealing manner. This dedicated section within the WhatsApp Business app enables you to display product details, images, pricing, and descriptions, offering customers a convenient way to browse, inquire, and make purchases. Before delving into the process of creating and optimizing your WhatsApp Business Catalogue, let's explore its benefits for your business.

II. Creating a WhatsApp Business Catalogue.

  • Setting up your WhatsApp Business Account: We will guide you through the process of setting up a WhatsApp Business account, enabling you to access the Catalog feature. This includes creating an account, verifying your business, and configuring the necessary settings.
  • Organizing and Preparing Your Product Portfolio: Before building your Catalog, it's crucial to organize your product portfolio effectively. We will discuss strategies for categorizing your offerings, collecting essential product information, and capturing compelling product images.
  • Adding Products to Your Catalog Step by step, we will explain how to add products to your WhatsApp Business Catalogue. This involves providing accurate product names, detailed descriptions, pricing information, high-quality images, and other relevant details to entice potential customers.
  • Customizing Your Catalog: Personalization is key to creating a unique and engaging Catalogue. We will explore customization options such as selecting the appropriate theme, layout, colors, and branding elements that align with your business identity.

III. Optimizing and Maintaining Your WhatsApp Business Catalog.

What is Catalog in WhatsApp Business?
  • Regularly Updating Product Information: Keeping your Catalogue up to date is essential to ensure accuracy and relevancy. We will discuss how to efficiently update product details, pricing, descriptions, images, and other information as your offerings evolve.
  • Showcasing New Products or Services: Introducing new products or services is a crucial aspect of business growth. We will guide you on how to add new offerings to your Catalogue, effectively highlight them, and entice customers to explore and engage with these additions.
  • Managing Inventory and Availability: If you have limited stock or seasonal products, managing inventory becomes vital. We will explore techniques for effectively managing stock availability, marking products as out of stock, setting quantity limits, and communicating stock updates to customers.
  • Responding to Customer Inquiries and Orders: The Catalogue feature empowers customers to inquire about products and place orders directly through WhatsApp. We will provide insights on managing customer inquiries, providing prompt and personalized responses, and efficiently processing and fulfilling orders.

IV. Promoting Your WhatsApp Business Catalogue Creating an impressive Catalogue is just the first step; promoting it is equally important. We will delve into various strategies to promote your WhatsApp Business Catalogue, including leveraging social media platforms, embedding Catalogue links on your website or blog, utilizing WhatsApp Business API for advanced integrations, and engaging with your existing customer base to drive awareness and sales.

The WhatsApp Business Catalogue is a game-changer for businesses seeking to establish a strong online presence and enhance customer interactions. By following the steps and insights provided in this blog, you can create a visually appealing and informative Catalogue, effectively showcasing your products or services to a wide audience. Embrace the power of the WhatsApp Business Catalogue, unlock its potential, and pave the way for success in the digital marketplace.

How to Make and Maintain it?

With the increasing popularity of WhatsApp Business as a communication platform for businesses, leveraging the Catalogue feature has become essential for showcasing products and services to potential customers. In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to create and maintain a successful WhatsApp Business Catalogue, ensuring that it remains up to date and optimized for maximum impact.

I. Creating Your WhatsApp Business Catalogue

  • Set Up Your WhatsApp Business Account: If you haven't already, create a WhatsApp Business account and complete the verification process. This will grant you access to the Catalogue feature.
  • Organize Your Product Information: Before adding products to your Catalogue, ensure that you have a clear organization system in place. Categorize your products or services to make it easier for customers to navigate and find what they're looking for.
  • Collect and Prepare Product Details: Gather all the necessary information about your products or services, such as names, descriptions, pricing, and images. Ensure that the information is accurate, engaging, and appealing to potential customers.
  • Add Products to Your Catalogue: Follow the step-by-step process within the WhatsApp Business app to add your products or services to the Catalogue. Provide all the relevant information for each item, including high-quality images, clear descriptions, and accurate pricing.

II. Maintaining Your WhatsApp Business Catalogue

  • Regularly Update Product Information: Keep your Catalogue up to date by promptly updating any changes to product details, pricing, availability, or descriptions. This ensures that customers have accurate and relevant information at all times.
  • Highlight New Products or Services: Introduce new offerings to your Catalogue by regularly adding and promoting them. Feature them prominently and provide detailed descriptions to attract attention and generate interest from customers.
  • Manage Inventory and Availability: If your products have limited stock or seasonal availability, proactively manage inventory within your Catalogue. Update stock levels, mark items as out of stock when necessary, and communicate availability changes to customers.
  • Optimize Product Descriptions and Images: Continuously improve the quality of your Catalogue by optimizing product descriptions and images. Use compelling language, highlight unique selling points, and ensure that your images are high resolution and visually appealing.
  • Respond to Customer Inquiries and Orders: Promptly and professionally respond to customer inquiries and orders received through the Catalogue. Provide accurate information, address customer concerns, and assist with order processing, ensuring a positive customer experience.
  • Seek Customer Feedback: Encourage customers to provide feedback on their experience with your Catalogue and products. Use their input to improve your offerings, address any issues, and enhance the overall shopping experience.
catalog in WhatsApp Business

III. Promoting Your WhatsApp Business Catalogue

  • Share Catalogue Links: Share your Catalogue links across various channels, including social media platforms, your website, email newsletters, and other communication channels. Make it easy for customers to access and explore your products.
  • Utilize WhatsApp Business Tools: Take advantage of the promotional tools provided by WhatsApp Business, such as broadcast lists and labels, to engage with existing customers and promote your Catalog effectively.
  • Collaborate with Influencers or Partners: Collaborate with influencers or complementary businesses to showcase your products or services. Leverage their audience and reach to expand your customer base and increase awareness of your Catalogue.
  • Monitor Analytics and Metrics: Use the analytics and metrics provided by WhatsApp Business to track the performance of your Catalog. Monitor engagement, click-through rates, and conversion rates to identify areas for improvement and refine your marketing strategies.

Creating and Maintaining a WhatsApp Business Catalog requires careful attention to detail and consistent updates. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can effectively showcase your products or services, provide a seamless shopping experience, and engage with customers on a popular messaging platform. Stay proactive in managing your Catalogue, adapt to customer needs, and leverage promotional opportunities to drive business growth and success.

How It Works

how Catalog in WhatsApp Business work

WhatsApp Business Catalog works as a digital storefront within the WhatsApp Business app, allowing businesses to showcase their products or services to potential customers. Here's an overview of how it works:

  • Creation and Setup:
    To access the Catalogue feature, you need to have a WhatsApp Business account. Once you have set up your account and verified your business, you can navigate to the Catalogue section within the app.
  • Adding Products:
    Within the Catalogue section, you can add individual products or services by providing relevant information. This includes the product name, description, pricing, product code (optional), and high-quality images. You can also specify if the product is available or out of stock.
  • Categorization and Organization:
    To make it easier for customers to navigate your Catalog, you can categorize your products into different sections. This allows customers to browse through specific categories and find what they are looking for more efficiently.
  • Product Details and Descriptions:
    Each product in the Catalogue can have detailed information, such as a description, product variants (if applicable), and pricing details. This helps customers understand the features and benefits of the product, making informed purchasing decisions.
  • Product Images:
    Adding visually appealing and high-quality images is crucial in showcasing your products effectively. You can upload images for each product, allowing customers to get a clear visual representation of what they are considering.
  • Customer Interaction:
    Customers can view your Catalog by accessing your WhatsApp Business profile or by clicking on a shared Catalog link. They can browse through the products, view images, read descriptions, and even inquire about specific items directly through the WhatsApp chat.
  • Inquiries and Orders:
    The Catalog feature also allows customers to initiate conversations and inquire about products or services. They can ask questions, request additional information, or even place orders by sending messages through the WhatsApp chat interface.
  • Catalogue Updates:
    It is essential to keep your Catalog up to date. You can edit or update existing products, including their descriptions, prices, or availability status. This ensures that customers have accurate and current information about your offerings.
  • Inventory Management:
    If you have limited stock for certain products, you can mark them as out of stock within the Catalog. This helps manage customer expectations and prevents orders for products that are temporarily unavailable.
  • Promotional Opportunities:
    You can share your Catalog with customers and potential buyers through various channels, including social media, your website, or even by sharing the Catalog link directly. This enables you to promote your products and attract more customers to your WhatsApp Business Catalog.

In summary, the WhatsApp Business Catalog serves as an interactive platform for businesses to display their products or services, engage with customers, and facilitate seamless communication and transactions. It allows businesses to leverage the popularity and convenience of WhatsApp to showcase their offerings and build meaningful customer relationships.

How to share the products of your catalogue on WhatsApp?

Sharing the products from your WhatsApp Business Catalog with customers or potential buyers is a simple process. Here's how you can share products from your Catalog on WhatsApp:

  • Open WhatsApp Business:
    Launch the WhatsApp Business app on your smartphone or computer and ensure that you are logged into your business account.
  • Access the Catalogue:
    Navigate to the Catalogue section within the app. You can usually find it in the main menu or toolbar.
  • Choose a Product to Share:
    Browse through your Catalog and select the specific product that you want to share. Tap on the product to open its details page.
  • Share Product via Chat:
    On the product details page, you will find a "Share" button or icon. Tap on it to open the sharing options.
  • Select Contact or Group:
    Choose the recipient(s) you want to share the product with. You can select individual contacts, groups, or even create a new chat.
  • Add a Message (Optional):
    You can add a personalized message to accompany the shared product. This can be a brief description, a special offer, or any other relevant information you want to include.
  • Send the Product:
    Tap on the "Send" button to share the product with the selected contact or group. The shared product will appear as a thumbnail image, along with its name and description.
  • Repeat for Other Products (Optional):
    If you want to share multiple products, repeat the process for each product by selecting and sharing them individually.

Tips for Sharing Products from Your Catalogue:

  • Utilize Broadcast Lists: To share products with multiple contacts at once, create a broadcast list that includes all the relevant recipients. This allows you to reach a wider audience with just one message.
  • Use Labels: If you have categorized your contacts using labels (e.g., "Prospects," "Existing Customers," "VIP Clients"), you can easily filter and share products with specific groups of contacts based on their labels.
  • Share Catalogue Links: Instead of sharing individual products, you can also share the link to your entire Catalog. This provides recipients with a direct access point to browse through all your products at once.
  • Combine with Social Media: Leverage your social media channels by sharing links to specific products or your Catalog. This allows you to reach a broader audience and drive traffic to your WhatsApp Business Catalog.
products Catalog in WhatsApp Business

By following these steps and leveraging the sharing options within the WhatsApp Business app, you can easily share products from your Catalog with customers, prospects, and other interested parties, expanding your reach and increasing engagement.

How many Admin manage catalog through WhatsApp Business?

WhatsApp Business allows multiple admins to manage the Catalog for a business account. This feature enables collaboration and delegation of tasks among team members. The number of admins who can manage the Catalog depends on the type of WhatsApp Business account you have. Here's a breakdown:

  • WhatsApp Business App:
    If you are using the regular WhatsApp Business app, only one admin can manage the Catalog. This means that the person who initially set up the WhatsApp Business account will have sole access to create, edit, and update the Catalog.
  • WhatsApp Business API:
    If you are using the WhatsApp Business API, Whatsapp api which is typically used by larger businesses and enterprises, multiple admins can manage the Catalogue simultaneously. This allows for better team collaboration and delegation of responsibilities.

The number of admins who can manage the Catalog via the WhatsApp Business API may vary depending on the specific configuration and permissions set by the business. It is best to consult the WhatsApp Business API documentation or contact the WhatsApp Business API provider to determine the exact number of admins allowed for your account.

In summary, while the regular WhatsApp Business app supports one admin managing the Catalog, the WhatsApp Business API provides the flexibility for multiple admins to collaborate on Catalog management tasks.

Here's how to create a product catalog on WhatsApp Business in 7 simple steps:

Certainly! Here's an updated version of the steps to create a product catalog in WhatsApp Business:

  • Open the WhatsApp Business app:
    Launch the WhatsApp Business app on your smartphone or computer and ensure that you are logged into your business account.
  • Access the Catalogue feature:
    Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and go to Settings > Business tools > Catalogue.
  • Create a new catalogue:
    Click on the "Add new item" button to create a new catalogue.
  • Add product images:
    Tap on the "+" (plus) icon to add images to your catalogue. You can either choose photos from your gallery or capture new ones using the camera.
  • Provide product details:
    Add a name to each photo, and if desired, enter additional details such as price, description, website link, and product/service code. This information helps customers understand your offerings.
  • Save your changes:
    Once you have added the necessary details for each product, click on the "Save" button to save your changes and update the catalogue.
  • Repeat for additional products:
    If you have more products to add, click on the "Add new item" button and follow the same process to add them to your catalogue.

By following these steps, you can create a product catalogue on WhatsApp Business. Remember to add compelling images, accurate product information, and engaging descriptions to attract and inform your customers effectively.

Difference in E-commerce & Whatsapp catalouge.

E-commerce and WhatsApp Catalog are two different platforms that serve distinct purposes in the realm of online business. Here's a comparison highlighting the key differences and benefits of each:

  1. Platform and User Base:
  • E-commerce: E-commerce platforms provide a dedicated online marketplace where businesses can showcase and sell their products or services. These platforms typically have their own websites or mobile applications with a wide user base.
  • WhatsApp Catalog: WhatsApp Catalog is an extension of the popular messaging app WhatsApp, allowing businesses to display their products within the app. It leverages the existing user base of WhatsApp, which consists of billions of active users worldwide.
  1. 1 Product Showcase:
  • E-commerce: E-commerce platforms provide comprehensive features for showcasing products. Businesses can create detailed product listings, including images, descriptions, specifications, and customer reviews. They can customize the layout, categorize products, and implement search and filtering options for easy navigation.
  • WhatsApp Catalog: WhatsApp Catalog offers a more simplified product showcase within the messaging interface. It provides a structured format to display product images, descriptions, prices, and links. While it may not offer the same level of customization and advanced features as e-commerce platforms, it provides a convenient way to present products within a messaging context.
  1. 2 Shopping Experience:
  • E-commerce: E-commerce platforms are designed to offer a complete shopping experience. Users can browse through various product categories, compare options, add items to a cart, make secure payments, and track order status. These platforms often include additional features like customer reviews, ratings, and personalized recommendations.
  • WhatsApp Catalog: WhatsApp Catalog focuses on providing a simplified shopping experience within the messaging app. Users can view product details, inquire about products directly through chat, and place orders by interacting with the business representative. While the transaction process may require some back-and-forth communication, it offers a more conversational and personalized approach.
  1. 3 Customer Engagement:
  • E-commerce: E-commerce platforms provide various means of customer engagement, including customer reviews, ratings, product Q&A, and dedicated customer support channels. Additionally, marketing features like email campaigns, targeted advertisements, and loyalty programs can be utilized to engage customers.
  • WhatsApp Catalog: WhatsApp Catalog facilitates direct customer engagement through real-time conversations. Customers can inquire about products, ask questions, and receive personalized assistance from the business representative. This immediate and interactive communication fosters a more personalized and engaging experience.
  1. 4 Reach and Visibility:
  • E-commerce: E-commerce platforms offer a wider reach as they attract users specifically looking for products or services. They often employ search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, online advertising, and social media integration to drive traffic and increase visibility.
  • WhatsApp Catalogue: WhatsApp Catalogue leverages the extensive user base of WhatsApp, which already has billions of active users. It allows businesses to tap into this existing user network, potentially reaching a larger audience without relying on external traffic sources.

E-commerce platforms provide comprehensive online marketplaces with advanced features, a complete shopping experience, and extensive customer engagement options. On the other hand, WhatsApp Catalogue offers a simplified product showcase within the messaging app, fostering personalized conversations and leveraging the vast user base of WhatsApp. Both platforms have their unique benefits and can be utilized depending on the business's goals, target audience, and marketing strategies.