Social media platforms are unusual in that most of them are free to use. From Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok to WhatsApp and LinkedIn, these platforms have comprehensive free tiers that are accessible to countless users.
The most impressive of the platforms in terms of users is WhatsApp. South Africa has an estimated 28 to 29 million active WhatsApp users and ranks as the number one overall social and communication platform in the country. Additionally, the platform has been quite useful for businesses that might not have a website or those leveraging its proprietary technology to conduct their business.
For years, WhatsApp has been one of the few apps most South Africans could rely on being completely free, save for the data required to use it. That has now changed. WhatsApp Plus, a new optional subscription tier from Meta, has officially rolled out locally. If you’ve recently opened your settings menu and spotted an unfamiliar “Subscribe” option, this is what it’s referring to.
If you’re running a small business, understanding how WhatsApp Plus works, what it costs, and where it fits alongside tools like WhatsApp Business can help you make an informed decision on how to leverage the platform for your business.
In this article, we break down exactly what WhatsApp Plus is, what’s included, how to sign up and whether it’s worth your rand and your business.
What is WhatsApp Plus?
WhatsApp Plus is an optional, paid monthly subscription offered by Meta that adds cosmetic personalisation and organisation tools, such as custom themes, extra pinned chats, and exclusive ringtones. It does not replace the free version of the app or affect core messaging and security.
Benefits of WhatsApp Plus
With a WhatsApp Plus subscription, you can access the following benefits:
- Share exclusive stickers with special effects
- Choose unique app themes and icons to personalise how your WhatsApp looks
- Pin up to 20 chats so important conversations stay at the top
- Set exclusive ringtones for your most important contacts
- Customise chat lists with custom alerts, ringtones and themes
WhatsApp Plus benefits may vary by region and account. Available benefits will be shown to you during registration before you subscribe.
How to Subscribe to WhatsApp Plus
Before you subscribe to WhatsApp Plus, review the following:
- Eligibility: To subscribe to WhatsApp Plus, you must:
i) Have a phone number from a country where WhatsApp Plus is available.
ii) Have an active WhatsApp account
iii) Agree to the Meta Subscription Terms of Service and follow the WhatsApp Terms of Service and Meta Community Standards.
- Automatic Renewal: WhatsApp Plus renews automatically monthly, unless you cancel. You are charged on the same date each month as your original purchase date. A free-month promotion when you are a first-time subscriber.
- Manage where you purchased: You need to manage your subscription directly on your WhatsApp app, same device type, and account you purchased from.
- Mobile only: You can only subscribe to WhatsApp Plus through WhatsApp Messenger on iPhone or Android.
- One account per subscription: Only one WhatsApp Plus subscription can be purchased per WhatsApp account.
Once you have subscribed to WhatsApp Plus, you will be able to access your benefits. Simply go to WhatsApp settings > subscriptions > WhatsApp Plus to see your list of benefits.
WhatsApp Plus vs WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Plus and WhatsApp Business serve completely different purposes: WhatsApp Plus is an optional customised consumer subscription, whereas WhatsApp Business is an official, free app built for small companies.
Why Small Businesses Should Leverage WhatsApp Business
Free to download, WhatsApp Business offers tools to help you establish your business presence and build trust with your customers, streamline and manage chats, and effectively showcase products and services using the catalogue feature.
Core Use Cases for Small Businesses
Here are some of the things you can do on WhatsApp Business for your business.
1) Great First Impression With Our Business Profile
On WhatsApp Business, you can create a business presence with a WhatsApp Business profile. Your profile includes a business description, email, website link, address and any other information a potential customer might want to know about your business.
2) Utilise the Catalogue Feature to Showcase Your Offerings
Show off your products and services with a WhatsApp Business catalogue. The catalogue feature lets your customers browse, select and share the products or services they are interested in, making for a seamless sales experience.
3) Enhanced Messaging Tools
With WhatsApp Business, you gain access to chat management features and business-focused messaging tools. Use automated greetings and away messages to provide efficient service to your customers and quick replies with pre-written responses to common customer questions.
Prevent messages from getting buried; use labels and lists to organise your chats and contacts for easy follow-up and management.
4) Access to Measurement Tools
WhatsApp Business provides you with access to stats on your conversations and the messages you send out to help you see what works and better understand your customers.
5) Grow your Business With Ads
The WhatsApp Business app makes it easy for small business owners to run ads. By placing an ad that goes directly to your WhatsApp business profile, you can reach new customers and increase sales.
Advantages of WhatsApp Business for Small Businesses
In addition to the various tools available on the platform to help you manage your business, there are other benefits to using WhatsApp for your business.
Look Professional
A completed business profile helps even the smallest, newest business look more established to new customers. With a professional business profile, you can increase customer trust and attract new customers.
Separate Work and Personal Chats
Enjoy clearer separation between work and personal chats with labels. Additionally, with away messages and quick replies, you can respond to your customers even when you’re not working, ensuring a better work-life balance.
Also, labels on chats help you easily identify customer chats and help you prioritise responding to the most timely and important messages in your inbox.
Enhanced Customer Service
With WhatsApp Business, you can provide seamless customer service at any time. Automated greeting and away messages and the convenience of simply sharing your catalogue help you respond quickly, and detailed customer notes ensure you always remember important details.
Reach New Customers
When you create a business profile using WhatsApp Business, potential customers can search for your product or service and find your business organically. From there, you can reach out directly to them through WhatsApp chat, providing an evergreen way to grow your business.
Small businesses looking to use WhatsApp Business can rest assured that it requires minimal investment. You just need to download the app, sign up with your business details and begin growing your business. Also, your customers can continue to message your business through WhatsApp, making for seamless communication and a customer experience.
