Small Businesses, Big Impact: How WhatsApp is Powering Entrepreneurs in Nigeria
Small businesses are the heartbeat of communities everywhere. From local shops to online boutiques, these ventures make up the majority of businesses around the world and create millions of jobs. In Nigeria, they do more than just survive—they shape the economy, bring ideas to life, and keep people employed.
Understanding just how important these businesses are, WhatsApp has continued to provide simple yet powerful tools that help business owners connect with customers quickly, easily, and directly.
Whether it’s sending a message to confirm an order or showing off a new product, the WhatsApp Business App makes daily business smoother and more personal. It’s no surprise—nearly 80% of people globally chat with a business via messaging apps every week. And for many, WhatsApp is the go-to.
If you’re running a business or just getting started, here are five key features in WhatsApp Business that can help you stay on top of things, connect better with your customers, and grow confidently.
1. Catalogs – Let Customers Browse What You Offer
Instead of sending product pictures one by one, you can now set up a clean, organized list of your products or services. Think of it as your digital shop window—customers can scroll through, get prices, and read descriptions without leaving the chat.
How to try it: Open Business Tools and tap on Catalog. You can add images, videos, pricing, and short descriptions for each item.
2. Quick Replies – Answer Smarter, Not Harder
Tired of typing the same response again and again? Quick Replies let you save pre-written messages you can use with just a shortcut. It saves time and keeps your responses consistent.
How to try it: Head to Settings > Business Tools > Quick Replies. Add your go-to messages (like greetings or delivery info), and then use “/” during a chat to insert them instantly.
3. Labels – Keep Everything in Order
Juggling multiple chats can get messy. Labels help you tag and group conversations—like new customers, pending orders, or payments—so nothing slips through the cracks.
How to try it: In a chat, tap the three-dot menu and choose Label Chat. You can even color-code them to make things easier at a glance.
4. Away Messages – Respond Even When You’re Offline
You can’t be online 24/7, but that doesn’t mean your customers should be left hanging. Away Messages let you set up automatic replies when you’re busy or offline.
How to try it: Go to Business Tools > Away Message and write a custom message. You can even schedule it to go out during off-hours.
5. Meta Verified – A Trust Boost for Your Brand
For those looking to take their business presence up a notch, Meta Verified is a paid service that gives your business more visibility and trust. You’ll get extra support, access across devices, and a customized WhatsApp business page to share with customers.
How to try it: Open Settings or Business Tools and tap Meta Verified to explore the options.
Running a business isn’t easy—but having the right tools can make a world of difference. WhatsApp Business keeps things simple, helping you stay organized, show up professionally, and keep your customers happy.
If you’re building something great, let WhatsApp help you take it further.
