Table of Contents
Introduction
With the rise in digitalization, there has been a sharp rise in threat to privacy and data security. More often than before, we receive hundreds of spam calls regularly. Compromised personal data often has led to financial losses. In such situations, it is challenging for businesses and marketing executives to run campaigns with a personal number.
However, WhatsApp offers the convenience of using a virtual number for WhatsApp business account creation to safeguard your personal details. With this, marketers can run their campaigns as usual without revealing their contact details.
But if you’re not aware of how to get a virtual number for WhatsApp, then this is the right place for you. In this article, we reveal a step-by-step method for getting a virtual number for WhatsApp. Further, we will discuss its advantages and how it can help you improve customer support. So, without further delay, let’s get started.
What is a virtual number for WhatsApp?
A virtual number for WhatsApp is a phone number that can be used on multiple devices without the original SIM card. Businesses can use a single phone number to operate through various devices. It works like a traditional phone number without requiring a phone network and works as long as your device has internet connectivity.
A virtual number for WhatsApp allows you to send and receive messages or even to make and receive calls. A virtual number lets you even engage with users for customer support from multiple online platforms such as a website, social media, or chat. These virtual numbers can be acquired by internet-based telephone providers for an appropriate charge.
What are the benefits of a virtual number for WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has over 2.5 billion users worldwide, significantly larger than any other platform. The business stands an immense chance to reach this customer base with WhatsApp, and losing this just due to the threat of data threats seems unfair.
A virtual number for WhatsApp comes with a multitude of benefits for its user, and some of them are;
• Masking your phone number: A virtual number acts as a buffer, shielding your personal phone number from being exposed to unknown contacts or businesses. This can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted calls, spam, and potential privacy breaches.
• Dividing personal and professional use: By opt-in on WhatsApp for business or work purposes, you get a virtual number that allows you to manage personal issues and business separately.
• Multiple account management: Although WhatsApp is in the process of starting to give users the possibility to have more than one account per phone, a virtual number can in some cases provide an additional account. A virtual number can be an option when multiple accounts on WhatsApp are necessary.
• Reach international users: Virtual numbers can sometimes be used to phone in other regions, and one may have a phone number from a different country, which could be a great help for one who has to communicate with people from such country.
• Avoid revealing location: Although WhatsApp mostly depends on your IP address and other details for location-related information, it might be helpful to use a virtual number from a foreign region to hide your identity further. This tactic isn’t 100% effective in protecting your location, and WhatsApp will still collect large amounts of location data, however, it can give you a small amount of privacy.
How to get a virtual number for WhatsApp?
Setting up a virtual number for WhatsApp is straightforward, and it can be done in a few steps; you should ensure that you have a WhatsApp business account to use with that virtual number.
Step 1: Choose an internet-based telephone provider
- 🔹There are many internet-based telephone providers in the market, and choosing the right one will define the convenience and profitability of your business.
- 🔹Ensure that your preferred provider has a strong data protection protocol and adheres to GDPR.
- 🔹Check through the pricing carefully and estimate the budget for long-term feasibility.
- 🔹Though WhatsApp allows the use of a free virtual number for WhatsApp, it comes with its own risk. These free numbers are less protected and available to others, which can compromise your account safety. Also, free virtual numbers are designed for temporary usage and hence won’t justify your purpose of using WhatsApp for business communication.
Step 2: Account setup
- 🔹Once you have selected your provider, check through their website to understand the registration process, service charges, and payment modes.
- 🔹Ensure you are choosing the service for your preferred region or country. Pick up your phone number or customize a number if your provider allows. Create an account with your provider.
Step 3: Activate your virtual number
- 🔹Once you have created your account, activate it by submitting the unique code received on your registered email.
Step 4: Carry out verification
- 🔹Now that your virtual number for WhatsApp is active, you can register the number with your WhatsApp business account.
- 🔹Sign up for your WhatsApp business account using the virtual number. You may receive a verification code through SMS or call. Submit this code to your WhatsApp business account.
- 🔹Complete your account set by adding your complete business details. Now your account is ready to work with a virtual number for WhatsApp.
How to create a virtual number for WhatsApp Business
Creating a virtual number for WhatsApp Business is straightforward by following the steps below;
• Step 1: Connect with your internet-based telephone provider to register a virtual number for yourself.
• Step 2: Download the WhatsApp business app and create a WhatsApp business account with a virtual number.
• Step 3: Verify your WhatsApp business account using the code shared by WhatsApp through SMS or call to verify user authenticity.
- • Step 4: Once you enter the code, your account will be verified, and you’re all set to use your WhatsApp business account with your virtual number.
How you can improve customer support with a virtual number for WhatsApp?
Here are some ways that will help you improve customer support with a virtual number for WhatsApp;
Business profile customization
A unique and distinguished business profile is your identity in the digital world. Portray your brand identity with your business logo, profile description, and contact details. It conveys trust in the minds of your users and allows you to stand out in the crowd.
Recognizable brand identity will allow users to reach out to you with their queries without confusion, ensuring minimal detours and maximum customer satisfaction.
Leverage automated responses
Faster, relevant responses are essential for good customer service. After setting up your WhatsApp business account with a virtual number, it is time to set up automated responses for common queries and FAQs, using a chatbot. A chatbot is efficient in engaging users with human-like conversation while providing them with accurate responses to their questions.
Monitor KPIs
Using WhatsApp analytics or a third-party analytics tool it is possible to analyze the performance of your customer support. Look for metrics such as response rate, customer satisfaction rate, and number of queries resolved. Data for these metrics will indicate the state of your customer support and help identify the scope of improvement.
Offer multilingual support
Using chatbots, it is possible to cater support to people in different regions in their native language. New-age conversational AI chatbots use natural language processing and machine learning to engage with users in their native language.
CRM integration
You can standardize your operations and support by integrating your virtual number for WhatsApp with CRM. Uninterrupted access to customer data allows chatbots and support executives to personalize their conversations and provide relevant responses for higher customer satisfaction.
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Conclusion
Ultimately, there are several strong reasons to use virtual numbers for WhatsApp, including improved privacy, flexibility for multiple accounts, and separation between work and personal life. This can be especially beneficial for those looking for additional security when dealing with online markets, international contacts, or temporary communication needs.
In the end, the choice of whether or not to use a virtual number for WhatsApp depends on weighing the specific needs and preferences of each person. They can be a wonderful tool if privacy and flexibility are top priorities and you’re willing to understand the risks. However, using responsibly, being aware of WhatsApp’s policies, and picking reputable services are key to a good experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is necessary to provide a phone number to register and set up a WhatsApp account. With a phone number, WhatsApp ensures the authenticity of the users. If you’re concerned about using your number for WhatsApp, you can choose to register on WhatsApp using a virtual number.
There are many internet-based telephone providers offering virtual numbers for a specific charge. Some known providers are Twilio and Freshdesk.
A virtual number for WhatsApp masks your phone number from being visible to your contacts, which increases your personal safety. It also helps you keep your personal and professional communication separate. However, choose a provider that thoroughly checks its data security protocols and implements additional measures to protect sensitive data leaks.
Yes, it is legal to use a virtual phone number for WhatsApp Business. Just ensure to comply with WhatsApp terms and services to avoid any violations.
Yes, WhatsApp accepts virtual phone numbers to register and set up accounts on its platform.
No, virtual numbers are legal to use in India. Often, businesses use virtual numbers for verifications, customer support, etc. However, ensure that while using the virtual number, you comply with the regulations of the platform on which you are using the number and follow the telecom regulations of the region.
Nisha Sneha
Nisha Sneha is a passionate content writer with 5 years of experience creating impactful content for SAAS products, new-age technologies, and software applications. Currently, she is contributing to Kenyt.AI by crafting engaging content for its readers. Creating captivating content that provides accurate information about the latest advancements in science and technology has been at the core of her creativity.
In addition to writing, she enjoys gardening, reading, and swimming as hobbies.
