WhatsApp Business has established itself as one of the essential tools for small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs and local businesses who want to boost their digital presence without investing in a traditional online store. Thanks to its digital catalogs, any business can showcase its products and services professionally, allowing customers to explore what you offer, check prices, view detailed images, and even contact you directly to place an order.
If you want to know how Create, optimize, and share your product catalog on WhatsApp BusinessIn this article, we explain everything in the most detailed way possible, updated with the latest information, and compile expert advice, best practices, and answers to the most common questions.
What is a product catalog on WhatsApp Business and what is it used for?
Un WhatsApp Business catalog It is a function that allows any business or professional to create a virtual showcase within the application itselfIts goal is to showcase products and services with photos, detailed descriptions, prices, external links, and reference codes. This way, customers can browse the catalog directly from the chat and resolve their questions, increasing the likelihood of closing a sale without leaving WhatsApp.
The main advantages of a catalog in WhatsApp Business are:
- direct interaction with the customer: you can easily answer questions, ship specific products, and receive orders.
- Visibility and organization: Products are grouped and always available for reference, without getting lost among old messages.
- Ease of upgrade: You can add, edit, or delete items at any time and keep your catalog up to date.
- Cross-platform access: Your customers will be able to view the catalog on both mobile devices and WhatsApp Web.
A catalog in WhatsApp Business can include the following items:
- Pictures and videos of each product or service (up to 10 images or videos per item; videos must be a maximum of 50MB).
- Attractive name and description of each item.
- Standard price and sale price (optional, but highly recommended for promotions).
- Link to website or online store (if you have one).
- Product code or internal reference (ideal for inventories).
WhatsApp allows uploading up to 500 products or services per catalog, making management easier even for businesses with a very large inventory.
How to create a catalog in WhatsApp Business step by step
- Download and install WhatsApp Business from the app store if you don't have it yet. Set up your professional profile and verify your business phone number (it's recommended not to use the same number as your personal WhatsApp number).
- Access the app and open the menu tap the three vertical dots (top right). Select "Business Tools" and then tap "Catalog."
- Add a new product or service: Click the “Add product or service” button to start setting up your catalog.
- Upload images or videos: You can add up to 10 images or videos per item. Choose high-quality materials that realistically reflect the product. Avoid using generic or low-resolution images.
- Complete the key data: Enter the product name, a detailed description, the price (you can indicate if it's on sale), an external link to your online store if you have one, and the item code.
- Use “Collections” to organize items: With the “Collections” feature, you can group similar products (e.g., “Summer Shoes,” “New Arrivals,” “Promotions,” etc.), making it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for.
- Save the product and repeat the process to add as many as you need.
- Wait for the validation period: WhatsApp will review the products for compliance with its sales policy. This is usually a quick process (less than 24 hours). Don't share the catalog until it's verified.
Remember that the catalog option is only available on WhatsApp Business, not on the personal version.
Create a catalog from WhatsApp Web or Desktop
- Accede to Web WhatsApp by scanning the QR code from your mobile.
- At left menu, you'll find the option to manage items and collections, just like on mobile.
- You can upload images or videos directly from your computer and edit key fields.
- A "Sale Price" field is often available on WhatsApp Web, making it easier to manage promotions.
How to share your WhatsApp Business catalog and products
Once your catalog is published and verified, it is essential share it strategically To reach more customers, you have several distribution options:
- In an individual or group chat: Enter the conversation with the customer or group, tap the paperclip icon, select "Catalog," the item you want to share, and send it. It's ideal for recommending specific products.
- Direct link to the catalog: WhatsApp generates a unique link for your catalog or for each product/collection, which you can place on your website, social media, email signatures, digital cards, or even share via other messaging services.
- Mailing lists: Allows you to send products to multiple contacts without creating a group. Recipients must have your number saved to receive the catalog.
- Share via email or third-party apps: The catalog link is universal, so you can send the information by email or apps like Telegram.
Important: The links to the catalog and articles are automatic and non-customizable, but they allow you to maintain control and traceability of visits to your catalog.
How to connect and use your catalog to sell more
- Connect your catalog to Business Manager If you work with other platforms (Meta/Facebook), you can also link your catalog to Instagram Shopping or Facebook Shop.
- Select the appropriate catalog and use the connection option to enable sending messages with products.
- Use autoresponders to send products based on your customers' keywords or frequently asked questions.
- Ask for feedback after the sale: You can ask your customers to send you their review directly from WhatsApp after receiving the product.
Tips to optimize your WhatsApp Business catalog
- Use high-quality photos and videos: The optimal recommendation is square images (minimum 800x800 pixels at 72 DPI), well-lit, and without filters that distort the product. Avoid using misleading photos to avoid claims and convey trust.
- Shows multiple angles and details: If you sell fashion, include photos of the fabric or finishes; if they're technical products, highlight their distinguishing features.
- Clear and eye-catching titles: Use easy-to-identify names so the customer has no doubts.
- Complete, brief descriptions focused on resolving doubts: Indicate materials, measurements, use, available colors and any relevant information to reduce the need for additional messages.
- Update the catalog frequently: remove out-of-stock products and add new releases or promotions.
- Includes all available fields: Although some (price, code, link) are optional, they help automate the process and reduce queries.
- Competitive and clear prices: Check that they're up to date to avoid complaints. If you have temporary offers, use them to generate urgency.
- Take advantage of the “Collections”: Organize your products into categories to make browsing easier, especially if your catalog is extensive.
- Do not mix personal and company products: Use a dedicated phone number for your business. If you only have one, make sure your profile information, photo, and statuses are professional.
How to manage your catalog: hide, show, and reorder products
- Hide articles temporarily: Long-press a product in the catalog menu and select the eye icon to hide it without deleting it. Useful for items that are temporarily out of stock.
- Reorder products and collections: From the editing menu for each collection, you can organize the order of the products to display the most important ones first or the ones you want to highlight.
- Edit or delete products easily: You can modify any field or delete items without the catalog ceasing to be visible to customers.
- Do periodic cleaning: Check that items are properly categorized, images are still displayed correctly, and remove obsolete products.
Advanced best practices and professional tips
- Prioritize naturalness and authenticity: Personal photos generate more trust than stock images. If you can, invest in professional photography.
- Use neutral or white backgrounds: This way, the product stands out more and looks professional. If you show the item in context, it's even better.
- Avoid mass messaging abuse: WhatsApp limits and monitors the sending of promotional messages. Broadcast lists are useful, but only abuse them if you have permission and follow the app's anti-spam policy.
- Follow up on inquiries: Responds quickly to messages generated by the catalog. Many sales are closed due to the speed of service.
- Ask customers for reviews: Positive reviews, even screenshots of good conversations, can help improve your brand perception.
- Use WhatsApp on other channels: Link your catalog on Instagram, Facebook, and your website to multiply its reach.
- Automate frequent responses: Set up WhatsApp Business to automatically send information or answers to frequently asked questions about products in your catalog.
- Check the statistics: WhatsApp lets you see which products have been viewed or shared the most, which can help you adjust your offering.
WhatsApp Legal Considerations, Policies, and Rules
Before publishing your catalog, make sure you:
- Comply with WhatsApp Business policy: The sale of certain products (alcohol, weapons, medicines, animals, etc.) is prohibited. Check and review the rules periodically to avoid catalog suspension.
- Check image ownership: Avoid legal issues by using only photographs that you own or have rights to use.
- Offers transparent and real information: Never publish false prices or features to avoid claims and legal issues.
- Properly manage your customer data: complies with local data protection and privacy legislation.
Frequently asked questions about product catalogs on WhatsApp Business
- Can I share a catalog PDF via WhatsApp? Yes, although the digital catalog is the most interactive option, you can attach a PDF file using the clip, just like any document.
- How many products can I upload? Up to 500 products or services in total.
- Can I use the catalog on Instagram or Facebook? By connecting Meta Business Manager, your catalog can be linked across both platforms, expanding your visibility.
- Is there any cost to use the catalog? It's a completely free feature within WhatsApp Business.
- Can my customers place orders directly from the catalog? They can send you a message about any product, and you'll manage the sale from the chat.
Master the creation and management of a product catalog on WhatsApp Business It's one of the best decisions you can make for your business. You'll not only make your offer more accessible and professional, but you will improve the customer experienceYou'll optimize your time and increase your sales potential. An up-to-date, well-structured, and visually appealing catalog can be the advantage that propels your business to new heights in today's digital world.