How to Setup a Virtual Number for WhatsApp Business Account
WhatsApp is growing beyond 2 billion users worldwide. This is making it the first choice to message and connect with your contacts – for personal or for business use. If you want to connect with your customers online business or want to connect with the brand, a virtual number for WhatsApp will help you like anything.
WhatsApp Virtual Number can be an important element in WhatsApp Commerce. If you are wondering how to get a virtual number for WhatsApp? Follow this blog further for instant setup and security.
Let us discuss everything about a virtual number for WhatsApp here.
A virtual number is a phone number that can be used on multiple devices simultaneously without any requirement of a physical SIM card. So, businesses can manage their WhatsApp communications very easily, without any regular phone line.
With a virtual WhatsApp number, you can make and receive calls, as well as send and receive messages directly through the app. These virtual numbers work on any internet-connected device supporting third-party apps.
Infact, there are several esim provider across different countries that can help business with virtual number easily, eSIM Turkey is one such example.
Using a virtual phone number for WhatsApp allows you to handle customer inquiries and support seamlessly across all online platforms—whether it’s through your website, social media, or email.
As long as you’re connected to the internet, you can reply to customer questions and concerns from anywhere.
- Set Up a Virtual Number for WhatsApp Business
- Features of a Virtual Number for WhatsApp Business
- Advantages of a Virtual Number for WhatsApp
- Comparison Between Free and Paid Virtual Numbers
- Free vs. Paid Virtual Numbers for WhatsApp: Pros and Cons
- Criteria For a Virtual Phone Number Provider
- Top Virtual Number Providers Available In 2024
- Improve Customer Support with Virtual Number for WhatsApp
- WebMaxy WhatsApp Commerce for Customer Support
- Wrapping It Up!
- Frequently Asked Questions
Shortcuts: ✂️
Set Up a Virtual Number for WhatsApp Business
You must have a WhatsApp Business account.
So, let us follow the steps below to get a VOIP number for WhatsApp.
1. Provider Selection: Searching and selecting a Reliable Virtual Number Provider
For starters, select a provider. Choosing a reputable company with positive reviews and a solid reputation in the market is a must.
Make sure to check the following:
- Confidentiality: Ensure that the provider values data privacy and adheres to GDPR or similar regulations.
- Uptime: Find providers high availability to minimize interruptions.
- Customer Support: In case of any doubts, it must have responsive and efficient customer support.
2. Account Setup: Registration and Number Selection
Once you’ve chosen your provider:
- Access the provider’s website or app.
- Follow the registration steps, inputting details like name, email, and payment information.
- Select the country or region.
- Choose your number from the available list or opt for a customized number if the service allows.
- Select a package and make the final payment.
3. Activation: Activating the Virtual Number and Ensuring Operationality
After setting up your account:
- Check your email or SMS for an activation code.
- Enter the code on the chosen provider to activate your number.
4. WhatsApp Verification
Now, with your virtual number for WhatsApp ready, it’s time to set it up in the app.
- Start the signup process by entering the provided virtual number.
- You’ll receive a verification code via SMS or call. Enter this code in WhatsApp Business.
- Complete the setup by adding company details and other necessary information.
Note: The use of a virtual number for WhatsApp is not just a trend but a necessity today. With the above given steps, you can start your journey and develop a professional presence on WhatsApp Business.
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Features of a Virtual Number for WhatsApp Business
Automated Call Forwarding and Routing
Virtual numbers simplify communication by automatically diverting incoming calls to designated lines or employees, ensuring efficient handling and minimizing missed opportunities.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
With IVR capabilities, virtual numbers enhance customer experience by offering customized menus and routing options, allowing callers to navigate to the appropriate department or service effortlessly.
Caller Identification and Segmentation
Virtual numbers empower businesses to distinguish between different types of incoming calls based on the assigned number, permitting customized responses and personalized interactions for improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Cost-effective WhatsApp Business Integration
By utilizing a free virtual number, businesses can seamlessly integrate WhatsApp into their communication strategy without the need for additional SIM cards. This reduces overhead costs while expanding outreach to clients on a messaging platform.
Advantages of a Virtual Number for WhatsApp
Using a virtual number for WhatsApp offers various benefits for businesses. Let’s explore some of these.
- Enhanced internal communication: By using a virtual phone number for WhatsApp, businesses can simplify internal communication, making it easy for teams to collaborate and coordinate their efforts.
- Personalized customer experience: With a virtual number, you can provide a personalized customer experience by addressing customer queries promptly and offering tailored solutions.
- Number masking: A virtual number allows businesses to mask their actual phone number when communicating with customers. This gives privacy and prevents customers from contacting you directly on your personal number.
- Enhanced marketing ROI: WhatsApp is an efficient marketing tool, and with a virtual no, businesses can track and measure the ROI of their WhatsApp marketing campaign more effectively.
- Improved business reach: With a virtual number, businesses can expand their reach and cater to customers from different locations. This can help develop the customer base and increase sales.
Comparison Between Free and Paid Virtual Numbers
Virtual numbers for WhatsApp can be either free or paid. Users can select according to their specific needs, budget, required features etc.
So, you can enjoy smooth communication by signing up for a free virtual number for WhatsApp and protect your privacy.
Experience flexible communication with a virtual number for WhatsApp free online – no personal number needed!
| Feature | Free Virtual Numbers | Paid Virtual Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Subscription based or usage-based fees |
| Features | Basic texting and calling | Advanced features (call forwarding, CRM integration) |
| Reliability | Potentially less reliable | High reliability and uptime |
| Customer Support | Limited or no support | Robust customer support |
| Privacy | Can display ads/collect data | Better privacy protections |
| Customization | Limited customization | High level of customization |
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Free vs. Paid Virtual Numbers for WhatsApp: Pros and Cons
Let us explore Pros and Cons of Free and Paid virtual numbers for WhatsApp here:
Criteria For a Virtual Phone Number Provider
For any size of business, Customer communication improvement is a must. 83% of customers feel good customer service is one of the deciding factors for selecting a product or service.
Along with a business email account, business phone systems may provide smooth customer communication.
Thus, when you are looking for a virtual phone number service for your business, it’s obvious to consider below given factors:
- Price: Select a virtual phone service provider that meets your budget and not required for you to pay for features you are not using.
- Number selection: Reling on your target market, you will need a local phone number, toll-free number, international number, or all.
- Call management features: Apart from basic features like call forwarding, call recording, call transfer, and texting, select a company that addresses your specific needs. These may have integration with CRM tools, unlimited calls, analytics reports, and video conferencing tools.
- Desktop and mobile apps: They can manage calls more easily for small businesses, as you don’t miss them while carrying out other tasks.
Top Virtual Number Providers Available In 2024
1. GoogleVoice
It is most suitable for Google Workspace users and available free. Google Voice has features like call forwarding, voicemail, call screening, along with call recording.
To utilize this service, sign in for a Google account, choose a phone number, and start receiving calls.
It has a free virtual phone number option, but paid plans are recommended for businesses.
The integration with other Google tools, like Google Calendar and Google Contacts. So, it makes it possible for businesses to manage workflow from one place. Google Voice also comes with the well-known Google Workspace look, so it is easier to adapt. And it offers low-cost international calls.
Key features are Call spam protection and Google Workspace integration. Google’s AI will warn you about suspected calls i.e. spam. The integration feature supports businesses managing calls within their existing Google accounts.
2. CloudTalk
The starting Price of this service is $25/month and suits medium-sized businesses.
CloudTalk offers a cloud-based call center and business phone system developed to boost your customer support efforts for all communication channels and is customized to cater to the typical needs of both sales and support teams.
CloudTalk is available with advanced features like IVR, click-to-call, power dialers, and more, CloudTalk makes sure a smooth upgradation of your communication processes.
A number is selected from over 160 supported countries. It is the gateway for instant optimization of your workflow.
Also, CloudTalk supports 35 robust integrations, ranging from helpdesk, e-commerce, and CRM systems like HubSpot and Zendesk.
CloudTalk Key features are as follows:
- Analytics: You can access everything you wish to know regarding your agent’s performance and call statistics and use it to make result predictions and optimize your strategy. You can centralize the data.
- IVR: you can create your own multi-level interactive voice response (IVR) menu to guide the caller with different options. Ensure that they are always diverted to the right department, agent or team of agents and that they are getting the right information through customized messages.
3. CallHippo
CallHippo starting price is $16/month. It is suitable for medium to large companies with overseas customers.
This virtual number provider allows businesses to purchase local phone numbers in 50 plus countries, dropping down the cost of international calls. It carries basic features- call forwarding, call recording, texting, and call routing for all plans.
Advanced features of CallHippo are available on higher-tier plans. They mainly include auto attendant, call queuing, conference calling, custom reports, and post-call surveys. Users of the Platinum plan also benefit from exclusive customer service and additional call management tools, also private onboarding support and a VIP hotline.
Key Features
- AI call routing: Applies AI algorithms to confirm which telephony provider works best. It will track and route your call via the most suitable network, improving call satisfaction.
- Intelligent outgoing ID: CallHippo automatically shifts your outgoing number to a local reachable number to support increase pickup rates.
4. RingCentral
RingCentral price starts with $19.99/month. It is very suitable for medium to large businesses.
This is a cloud-based business phone system. It permits businesses to handle their voice communications, online meetings, conferences within one platform.
RingCentral provides local, global, and toll-free virtual phone numbers. So, it is the most preferred option for a business with local and international audiences. RingCentral integrates with many apps to boost your workflow, including Google Workspace, Salesforce and Microsoft Teams. It is more expensive than any other virtual phone number system.
Key Features
- Analytics portal: It offers statistics and reports of meeting usage, call performance, account activity, and customizable dashboards.
- Admin tools: Administrators can track system changes with an audit trail, manage user extensions and apply phone system settings to many users at once.
5. MightyCall
MightyCall pricing starts at $15/month. It is fit for all kinds of businesses.
MightyCall provides a variety of phone number options, such as toll-free, local, vanity, and international numbers. Besides number porting, this provider you transfer your current phone number to them.
The integration with popular CRM systems like Salesforce and Zoho CRM keeps it apart from all other providers. It enables you to save call information and transfer it to the CRM, refining your workflow.
Key Features
- Interactive voice response (IVR): It offers various call-handling options like keypad based or voice input, supporting forward calls and route callers between various office locations.
- Caller ID Name (CNAM): While calling a customer, CNAM shows your business name on people’s phones and not just a number. This may lead to best pickup rates.
6. Talkroute
Talkroute price starts at $19/month. It is suitable for medium to large businesses (specifically in the healthcare industry)
Talkroute has various options for local, toll-free, vanity, and 800 numbers, and number porting services. You can just select a number, download the Talkroute app on your desktop or mobile phone, configure the settings, and start managing all business phone calls.
This virtual business phone number provider offers advanced routing tools like an auto attendant, call stacking, interactive voice response (IVR) and simultaneous ringing on many phones. This service doesn’t provide international calling, so it may be better for local companies, as call rates are high.
Talkroute stands apart for its Business Associates Agreement (BAA). When it comes to phone communications, businesses that handle PHA (Protected Health Information) may be compliant with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This compliance is essential for clinics, pharmacies, and various healthcare-related businesses.
All plans offer unlimited calls and desktop, mobile, and web apps.
Key Features
- Unlimited extensions: Select between single-digit phone extensions for menu options or multiple-digit ones for routing every caller directly to the responsible team.
- Voice studio: Talkroute provides voice-over services to record your business’ custom greetings.
7. Grasshopper
Grasshopper prices start at $28/month, and it is suitable for businesses with a national level audience.
This popular virtual phone number provider provides many number options, including local, vanity, and toll-free. But this phone system is not available for international virtual phone numbers.
Grasshopper allows businesses to select the right plan based on virtual phone lines and extensions they need. This is a good feature for small businesses. You need not pay for extra numbers which you will not use. But as the business expands, you can add extra numbers if required.
All plans are with basic VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) carrying features like texting, call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, extensions, and tailor-made greetings.
Key Features
- Voicemail transcription: Grasshopper changes all your voicemails to text, allowing them conveniently accessible over your cell phone or computer.
- Live receptionist: Grasshopper collaborates with Ruby Receptionist, a virtual receptionist provider, to give answers and forward your calls, take messages, and also answer questions.
8. eVoice
The pricing starts at $16/month. This provider is best suited for businesses with international customers.
eVoice, also known as eReceptionist depending upon your location, provides various virtual number options, from international to local numbers. These virtual phone services are also simple to use – select a number, set up your preferences, and start your business calls.
What keeps apart eVoice is its international call service. It allows you to have numbers virtually anywhere, with all routing back to your existing number. The auto-attendant service makes sure that all customers are professionally greeted and forwarded for the correct extension.
Also, it offers a virtual office system for businesses in specific regions so you can establish virtual locations across the world. But eVoice doesn’t offer business texting services if you have an international phone number.
Key Features
- Global call forwarding: Any calls received on your main phone number will be easily diverted to the employee or your preferred location.
- Call scheduling: Promptly forward calls based on the time with your availability to ensure you are not missing any customer calls.
9. Phone.com
The price is starting at $11.99/month, it’s suitable for small-to-medium businesses.
This virtual business number provider has plans for all business types. All Phone.com plans include text messaging, voicemail, queues, video meetings, call transfers, conference calls and sending faxes from phones.
With local and toll-free numbers, it provides international numbers having low rates as well. To do the et up is easy – just select a business phone number, manage your preferences, and start receiving phone calls.
Phone.com follows HIPAA regulations for voice calling and video conferencing. It will also alert patients to utilize other methods for knowing protected health information, as texting is not HIPAA compliant.
Key Features
- Click-to-call: Allot a button on your website that enables customers to contact your business by simply providing their numbers. Phone.com will call the customers and connect them to you.
- Call handling rules: Direct incoming calls to various destinations are time dependent or the caller ID dependent.
10. 800.com
The price of 800.com starts at $25/month. It is suitable for businesses looking for toll-free numbers.
This provider focuses on toll-free phone numbers. And it is a good option for small business owners looking to allot one extra communication channel with customers.
Every plan comes with the same calling features. The difference is the number of toll-free numbers and the monthly minutes you receive.
800.com offers call tracking and bulk SMS marketing services, which are useful features for businesses running multiple campaigns. Anyhow, the number activation can take several hours or days upon the purchase.
Also, it has a call analytics feature, supporting businesses finding out trends and opportunities, and improving their service.
Key Features
- Call tracking: This feature helps businesses to track the performance of ads, keywords, and their campaigns.
- SMS API (Application Programming Interface): It makes it simple to automate business texting and setting up auto-reply for triggers, which are helpful for running SMS marketing campaigns.
11. Nextiva
Pricing for Nextiva starts at $18.95/ month, suitable for all types of businesses.
Nextiva has a full communication package including virtual workspaces, video conferencing, mobile phones, and a cloud private branch exchange (PBX) in one system.
You just pick a plan, add users, transfer numbers, or pick new numbers, and start getting business calls.
Nextiva caters a local numbers, toll-free numbers, and number porting services.
This provider integrates with trending collaboration tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365. This helps to improve your workflow. Nextiva offers businesses advanced call analytics to monitor and enhance call performance and customer experience.
Key Features
- Call parking: You can simply put inbound and outbound calls on hold in a communal parking spot so any team member can attain them, also from a different phone or extension.
- VoIP call center: This feature manages higher call volumes and provides automation for multichannel customer support and self-service options.
Improve Customer Support with a Virtual Number for WhatsApp
Let’s talk about steps you can incorporate to enhance customer support using your virtual number for WhatsApp.
1. Customization and Branding
For startups, customize your WhatsApp business profile to reflect your brand identity. This includes adding your logo, company description in detail, and contact information to ensure a regular brand experience for customers.
2. Setting Up Automated Responses
The next step is implementing automated responses or WhatsApp chatbots to handle common queries and offer instant customer assistance. You can configure these automated solutions to provide relevant information based on keywords or predetermined triggers.
3. Monitoring and Analytics
Use WhatsApp’s built-in analytics tools or integrate with third-party analytics platforms to monitor performance metrics like response time, resolution rate, and customer satisfaction. Apply these insights to improve your customer support automation strategy continuously.
4. Integrating with CRM Systems
Integrate WhatsApp virtual numbers with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to ensure smooth data management and tracking of customer interactions. This integration allows support agents to access customer information and history to provide personalized assistance.
WebMaxy WhatsApp Commerce for Customer Support
WebMaxy WhatsApp Commerce is an end-to-end WhatsApp Business API solution. By using strong chatbots, integrations, and customer intelligence features, it provides simplified sales, marketing, and customer support processes.
By using Webmaxy WhatsApp Commerce, you can:
Send customized messages: Our solution allows you to send transactional messages as well as promotional messages to your customers. These include automated product alerts, service recommendations, special offer notifications, etc. In addition to boosting customer support, these also help build long-lasting relationships.
- Broadcast campaigns: The Broadcast feature allows you to create a WhatsApp broadcast list and campaigns conveniently. So, you can create and run WhatsApp Campaigns for every individual contact on WhatsApp. It also allows you to connect with your customers in their language and dialect. The result of this is stronger connections and better support.
- Facilitate customer management: A key feature of WebMaxy WhatsApp Commerce is the Shared Team Inbox. It offers customer management and prospect communication. By allowing team collaboration, it also brings transparency and allows for more personalization. In other words, it helps you to manage conversations with ease.
All these advantages help businesses.
Wrapping It Up!
Virtual numbers for WhatsApp play a major role in modern communication. They offer numerous benefits for businesses and individual users alike, allowing for efficient and cost-effective communication.
With WebMaxy WhatsApp Commerce, you can use features like custom notifications, bulk WhatsApp broadcast, shared team inbox, and more to effectively manage business conversations and make the most of your virtual number for WhatsApp.
So, get your virtual number for WhatsApp and manage conversations with ease! Be connected securely by getting your virtual number for WhatsApp online in minutes!
For more clarifications and information, you can mail us at: info@webmaxy.co.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A virtual number for WhatsApp Business is a phone number that allows businesses to communicate with customers via WhatsApp without need of a physical SIM card.
You can obtain a virtual WhatsApp Business number through various online services or providers specializing in offering virtual phone numbers.
Yes. Some of the ones that you can use include DialerHQ, Twilio, and Freshdesk. Some other leading providers are Teloz, Callhippo, Mightycall, TextNow, RingCentral, CloudTalk, and 2ndLine.
Costs for obtaining and using a virtual number for WhatsApp Business vary depending on the provider and the features included, ranging from monthly subscriptions to per-minute usage fees. The average price for obtaining it typically ranges from $10 to $30 per month, depending on the provider and included features.
Using a virtual mobile number for WhatsApp Business can enhance security by keeping personal and business communication separate. That said, it’s essential to choose reputable providers and implement additional security measures to safeguard sensitive information.
Adam Wilson
Adam Wilson comes with an experience of 12+ years in the IT industry. As a Customer Success Manager, he has been researching and trying to understand the customers’ behavior in different scenarios. He has also studied human psychology to relate it to the purchase journey of the customers. His published books on customer psychology and behavior have received many honors and awards from various enterprises.
