As WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging platforms, companies of various scales can take advantage of it for marketing activities. The green tick beside your WhatsApp display name signifies credibility and authenticity for your brand.
Here's what a green tick badge looks like on your WhatsApp account.
In this guide, you will learn how to secure a green tick badge next to your WhatsApp display name and explore the benefits it can offer to your business.
First, let's delve into what a WhatsApp green tick badge represents and decide if it's necessary for you.
What is a WhatsApp Green Tick Badge?
A WhatsApp Green Tick Badge is a verification symbol that appears next to a business's name on WhatsApp, indicating that WhatsApp has confirmed the authenticity of the brand or organization. This badge helps users distinguish genuine businesses from potential impostors, enhancing trust and credibility among customers.
Difference Between a Regular Business Account and an Official Business Account
**Regular WhatsApp Business Account**
- **Target Audience:** Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and sole proprietors aiming to establish a presence on WhatsApp for customer communication.
- **Features:** Provides core business communication tools such as a business profile, messaging templates, quick replies, chat labeling, and automated messaging functions.
- **Verification:** Accounts can apply for verification, but it's not guaranteed and depends on WhatsApp’s specific criteria. Verified accounts may receive a badge that adds credibility.
- **Usage Scope:** Ideal for managing one-on-one customer interactions with moderate messaging volumes.
- **API Access:** While the regular account utilizes the WhatsApp Business app, advanced messaging needs may require access to the WhatsApp Business API.
**Official WhatsApp Business Account**
- **Target Audience:** Designed for larger enterprises, recognized brands, and organizations with significant customer bases and extensive messaging needs.
- **Features:** Includes access to advanced tools through the WhatsApp Business API, enabling automation, system integration, and sending of notifications and transactional messages.
- **Verification:** Official accounts are typically verified by default and display a green badge that enhances trust and authenticity.
- **Usage Scope:** Best suited for handling large volumes of customer inquiries and transactions efficiently.
- **API Access:** Provides full access to the WhatsApp Business API for comprehensive integration with CRM systems, chatbots, and other customer engagement tools, supporting extensive and scalable customer communication strategies.
**Pros and Cons of a WhatsApp Green Tick Badge Application**
**Pros:**
- **Credibility and Trust:** The WhatsApp-verified badge enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of your business profile. Users are more inclined to engage with verified accounts, recognizing them as authentic and reputable businesses.
- **Increased Visibility:** Verified businesses often enjoy better visibility in WhatsApp search results, helping attract more customers and prospects.
- **Direct Communication:** Access to the WhatsApp Business API allows verified businesses to send automated messages, notifications, and important updates to customers, enhancing customer service and engagement.
- **Customization:** A detailed business profile can be set up with critical information such as your address, business hours, and description, providing customers with a clearer understanding of your business.
- **Access to WhatsApp Business Tools:** Verified accounts gain access to specialized WhatsApp Business tools and features that help streamline communications, including messaging templates, quick replies, and chat labels.
**Cons:**
- **Application Process:** The application process for a WhatsApp verified badge is rigorous, with no assurance of approval. A rejected application can lead to frustration and the need for time-consuming reapplications.
- **Compliance Requirements:** Maintaining verified status requires adherence to WhatsApp’s Business and Commerce Policies. Non-compliance can lead to the loss of the verified badge.
- **Higher Expectations:** Verified businesses are held to higher standards regarding response times and customer service quality, which can pose challenges, particularly for smaller businesses.
- **Costs:** Utilizing the WhatsApp Business API and other advanced features may involve costs, which can accumulate based on usage.
- **Potential for Misuse:** Although the verification badge deters impersonation, it could also attract scammers who might exploit the trust associated with verified accounts, necessitating strict security measures by businesses.
Here’s how to apply for a WhatsApp Green Tick Badge, beginning with preliminary steps before initiating the formal application process.
**Sign Up for WhatsApp API Access**
Firstly, obtain access to the WhatsApp Business API by setting up a business account through a Business Solution Provider (BSP) like MBG. This step is essential for using WhatsApp for business communications.
Note that the green tick badge is not offered through the free WhatsApp Business app.
**Launch WhatsApp Campaigns**
After gaining WhatsApp API access, start sending out campaigns immediately. Aim to reach at least 1,000 people daily with business-initiated messages. This activity demonstrates to WhatsApp your serious and active use of the platform for business purposes. It’s also advisable to achieve at least Tier 2 in messaging levels to enhance your chances of obtaining the green tick badge.
**How to Reach Tier 2 or Higher Messaging Levels**
Achieving Tier 2 messaging levels is pivotal for increasing your likelihood of verification. Here’s how to enhance your engagement and service levels on WhatsApp:
- **Respond Promptly to Customer Inquiries:** Ensure quick and consistent responses to customer messages to maintain high engagement.
- **Maintain High Response Rates:** Aim for rapid replies within a set timeframe to sustain a high response rate.
- **Utilize Quick Replies:** Employ quick replies for frequent customer questions to speed up response times.
- **Organize and Label Chats:** Categorize customer chats with labels for better management and oversight.
- **Avoid Blockages:** Steer clear of behaviors that could lead to blocks, such as spamming or excessive promotions, which violate WhatsApp’s policies.
- **Promote Customer Engagement:** Encourage interaction by promoting your WhatsApp channel through your website, social media, and other platforms. Consider incentives for customers to connect.
- **Leverage WhatsApp Business Tools:** Use tools like messaging templates for standardized communications such as order confirmations and delivery updates.
- **Monitor Analytics:** Keep track of your messaging performance using WhatsApp Business Insights to assess response times and volumes.
- **Train Your Team:** Ensure that your team is well-prepared to deliver excellent customer service consistently.
- **Collect Customer Feedback:** Solicit feedback on your WhatsApp service to gauge satisfaction and areas for improvement.
- **Ensure Compliance:** Regularly verify that your practices adhere to WhatsApp’s Business and Commerce Policies.
- **Set Realistic Expectations:** Clearly communicate with customers about what they can expect regarding response times and query handling.
**Monitoring Your Progress**
Check your messaging limits and performance through the WhatsApp Manager under the Insights tab in the Overview Dashboard. This area will indicate if your messaging limit has increased beyond the default.
Following these guidelines will help prepare you for applying for the WhatsApp Green Tick Badge, enhancing your business's credibility and trustworthiness on the platform.
Verify Your Business on Meta Business Manager
It’s important to note that Facebook Business Manager has been renamed to Meta Business Manager, so don’t be surprised if you see the names used interchangeably.
Verifying your account through Meta Business Manager is crucial as it confirms your business’s authenticity and ensures it is recognized as a reputable organization. To qualify for verification, your business must be legally registered with local authorities, and you need to provide a valid phone number and physical address.
**Build Brand Value**
Obtaining a WhatsApp Green Tick Badge is not achievable for every business, as Meta only awards it to entities that are frequently searched for and recognized as notable or prominent. To enhance your chances of being recognized as an official business account, it is beneficial to have 3-5 media coverage links from reputable news outlets or magazines. Note that Meta does not consider paid or promotional content as valid sources for evaluation. Furthermore, Meta awards green tick badges solely to businesses, excluding individuals or influencers.
**Enable 2-Step Verification**
For added security on your WhatsApp Business API account, it's essential to enable 2-step verification. This security measure requires your registered phone number on WhatsApp to be linked with a unique six-digit PIN that you create, providing an additional layer of protection. For more details on setting up this feature, you can refer to a comprehensive article provided by Facebook on this topic.
Now, let’s move on to the next part of the article.
You can either apply for a WhatsApp green tick verification on your META Business Manager or with the help of a Business Service Provider (BSPs) like MBG.
If you apply for a green tick independently, it usually takes 2-4 business days to know if your application was accepted.
Suppose you are currently utilising WhatsApp Business API or On-premises API. In that case, you can obtain assistance with the application process from a Business Solution Provider (BSP). However, it’s worth noting that BSPs typically charge businesses for this service.
The procedure for WhatsApp Business verification may vary depending on the WhatsApp Partner. So, contact your BSP for information on the application process and any associated fees.
Based on your Business Solution Provider (BSP), they may either submit an application for an Official Business Account on your behalf or provide instructions on how to do it independently through their dashboards. If the BSP applies on your behalf, the process from application to approval can take up to three weeks.
It’s important to note that the decision to award the green badge to a business is made solely by META.
The responsibility of the WhatsApp Business API provider/vendor is to submit the business’s green tick application to META. So, they are only responsible if your application gets accepted.
You can reapply for green tick badge verification after 30 days if your application gets denied. However, META suggests that businesses take the time to establish their presence in news articles before reapplying.
WhatsApp typically provides a reason for the rejection in their communication to you. Reviewing the rejection message carefully is essential to understand why your application was not approved. This information will be crucial in addressing the issue.
Once you have identified the reason for rejection, take steps to correct any issues or discrepancies. This may involve updating your business information, ensuring compliance with WhatsApp’s policies and guidelines, or resolving technical or operational problems.
Expanding your brand’s media coverage through organic articles can help establish your business’s credibility. Positive coverage can also demonstrate to WhatsApp that your business is legitimate and noteworthy.
Engaging in more WhatsApp conversations and reaching a tier 2 or above messaging level can demonstrate to WhatsApp that your business is active and responsive on the platform. This can be a positive factor when reapplying for verification.
Enhance your online presence by adding a WhatsApp widget to your website. This makes it easy for website visitors to initiate conversations with your business directly through WhatsApp. Additionally, include WhatsApp links on your social media handles to encourage interaction with your audience.
If you believe your application was rejected in error or need further clarification on the rejection reason, consider contacting WhatsApp’s support team. They can provide additional guidance on how to proceed or offer assistance in resolving any issues.
Ensure that your business and communication practices comply with WhatsApp’s Business Policy and Commerce Policy. WhatsApp has specific guidelines for businesses, and compliance is essential for verification.
Enhance your business profile on WhatsApp with accurate and detailed information. This includes providing a complete business description, contact information, business hours, and a professional profile picture.
Depending on the nature of the rejection, you may need to wait for a certain period before reapplying for verification. WhatsApp might specify a waiting period in their rejection message. During this time, focus on improving your business practices and profile.
If you’re facing challenges in the verification process, consider seeking assistance from professionals or consultants specialising in WhatsApp Business verification and compliance. They can offer guidance and support in navigating the process.
Keep yourself updated with WhatsApp’s policies and guidelines, as they may change over time. Ensure that your business practices and communications continue to align with WhatsApp’s requirements.
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:
You can refer to WhatsApp’s Commerce Policy for the complete list and updated details about the prohibited category of products and services.
### Benefits of a WhatsApp Green Tick Badge:
**Credibility and Trustworthiness:** The green tick badge on a WhatsApp Business account signifies that the brand is genuine, unique, and trustworthy. It adds a layer of credibility and ensures that the account is authentic and officially verified by WhatsApp, fostering trust among users.
**Enhanced Visibility:** Verified accounts often feature more prominently in WhatsApp search results, enhancing visibility. This increased exposure can attract more customers and potential clients to the business.
**Direct Communication:** Businesses with a verified account can utilize the WhatsApp Business API to send automated messages, notifications, and other useful information to their customers, improving customer service and engagement.
**Customization:** Verification allows businesses to set up a detailed business profile with crucial information like business hours, address, and a description, helping customers understand the business better.
**Access to WhatsApp Business Tools:** Verified businesses gain access to advanced tools and features designed to streamline communication, such as messaging templates, quick replies, and chat labels.
**Official Presence:** The verification badge serves as a mark of authenticity, helping to prevent impersonation and fraud by distinguishing legitimate businesses.
**WhatsApp Business API:** Verification provides access to the WhatsApp Business API, enabling integration with external systems and efficient management of customer interactions at scale.
### Using WhatsApp APIs Without Green Tick
Businesses without a Green Tick can still use WhatsApp Business APIs to:
- Broadcast marketing campaigns and promotional messages.
- Run Click-to-WhatsApp ads.
- Schedule messages at scale.
The WhatsApp Green Tick Verification elevates your brand's trustworthiness and aligns your business with other successful entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is WhatsApp Green Tick Verification?
- It's a process that verifies the authenticity of a business account on WhatsApp, adding a green verification badge to signify genuineness.
2. Why should I apply for WhatsApp Green Tick Verification?
- It enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of your business, helping customers identify your business as a verified presence on WhatsApp.
3. How do I apply for WhatsApp Green Tick Verification?
- Ensure your business meets WhatsApp’s eligibility criteria.
- Open the WhatsApp Business app, go to Settings > Business settings > Verify Business, and follow the instructions.
4. What are WhatsApp’s eligibility criteria for Green Tick Verification?
- Criteria may include having a complete business profile, adhering to policies, and demonstrating an active and legitimate business presence.
5. How long does it take to get verified on WhatsApp?
- The process may take several weeks. Ensure your business profile meets all requirements.
6. What documents are required for verification?
- Documents such as a business license and proof of address may be required. The specific documents vary by region and business type.
7. What happens if my application is rejected?
- You will receive a notification with the reason for rejection. Address the issues and reapply for verification.
8. Is there a fee for WhatsApp Green Tick Verification?
- As of the last update in September 2021, there was no fee. However, some WhatsApp Business features may incur costs.
9. Can I use a personal WhatsApp account for business purposes?
- It's recommended to use a dedicated WhatsApp Business account to avoid limitations and ensure compliance with WhatsApp’s policies.
10. How can I improve my chances of getting verified on WhatsApp?
- Complete your business profile, engage actively with customers, adhere to policies, and provide excellent customer service.
