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Want to learn how to get your WhatsApp Business account to display your name instead of your number? You’re in the right place.
The right WhatsApp display name can help you make the best impression possible on new and returning customers. If you want to display your business name instead of your number, you’ll need to get verification and approval from WhatsApp.
Let’s take a closer look at WhatsApp Business display names, including what they are, why they’re important, and how to make sure that yours gets approval. We’ll also walk you through the step-by-step process of changing your WhatsApp display name on a variety of different devices.
What is a WhatsApp display name, and why is it important?
Your WhatsApp Business display name is the name that customers and contacts will see when they interact with your WhatsApp Business account. It’s crucial that this name accurately represents your business identity to other WhatsApp users, and choosing the right name can help to build trust and brand recognition with your contacts.
When you register your WhatsApp Business account, you’ll need to choose a WhatsApp display name that is associated with your phone number. This name will be visible to your contacts on your WhatsApp Business profile.
If your account meets certain criteria, you’ll need to get business verification and approval for your display name. In some circumstances, you won’t need to worry about this. You don’t need to seek approval for your display name if:
- You only need a maximum of two phone numbers for your WhatsApp Business account.
- You send fewer than 50 message templates per 24-hour cycle.
- You receive unlimited user-initiated messages.
If you’d like to send more messages or add additional phone numbers to your WhatsApp Business account, you will need to verify your Facebook Business Account and get your display name approved by WhatsApp.
Why does my WhatsApp Business account display a number instead of my name?
The way that users will see your WhatsApp Business account at the top of their chat lists depends on your business account type.
If the user has saved your business number into their address book, the name that they have entered into their address book will be displayed.
If you have an official verified WhatsApp Business account, the display name will show in your contact’s chat lists, chat screens, chat groups and their contacts view. This will show instead of the phone number, along with a green tick.
If you have a standard, unverified WhatsApp Business account, your number will appear at the top of your chat next to your logo instead of the display name. The display name will show instead in the contacts view in smaller text, or if a contact taps on the number at the top of their chat screen.
How to change your WhatsApp Business display name on different devices
If you have a standard, unverified business account, you can easily change your WhatsApp Business display name using an Android or iPhone device.
Note: You can’t change your business name on the web or desktop version of WhatsApp Business. Use a mobile device to edit your business name instead.
If you use the WhatsApp Business platform, follow the instructions here to change your WhatsApp Business display name.
How to change your WhatsApp Business display name on Android
- Open the WhatsApp Business app.
- Tap the three dot menu icon, then Business Tools, then Business Profile.
- Tap the pencil icon to edit your business name.
- Enter your desired business name.
- Tap save.
How to change your WhatsApp Business display name on Android
- Open the WhatsApp Business app.
- Tap WhatsApp Settings, then Business Tools, then Business Profile.
- Tap on the business name field to update it.
- Enter your desired business name.
- Tap save.
How to make sure your display name will be approved on WhatsApp Business
Take care when choosing your display name to ensure it will be verified by WhatsApp. You must make sure your name complies with WhatsApp’s guidelines, linked here:
Here are some top tips to help you choose a good WhatsApp Business display name and make the verification and approval process as smooth as possible.
Choose an authentic name
Make sure that your display name is true to your business itself and accurately represents your brand. That means the display name should reflect the name that your business is known by. Consider your branding, the registered organisation’s name, or a commonly used abbreviation. Your display name should match the brand name used on your website and marketing materials.
Make it clear
Your display name must have a minimum of three characters. Avoid unnecessary or potentially confusing symbols, characters, emojis or punctuation. Make sure it is clear, straightforward and easy to read for your contacts.
Unless your external branding also breaks these rules, try to follow good spelling and grammar practices in your display name. Capitalise only the first letter of each word, except for acronyms, which should be written in all capitals.
Keep it specific
Consider including additional words or information in your display name to make it as specific as possible and allow customers to easily identify your business. For example, if the brand name is ambiguous or part of a franchise, you may want to include a few more words to clarify exactly who your WhatsApp Business account represents.
Avoid generic words without clarifying information, such as ‘Practice’ or ‘Clinic’, or geographical locations, such as ‘London’. Don’t use slogans, long descriptions, or people’s full names, unless these are part of the name used on your company’s external branding.
Keep it compliant
Your display name must fully comply with the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy and Terms of Service in order to be accepted. It needs to be suitable for a general audience, and must not infringe on intellectual property rights.
You must follow WhatsApp’s restrictions on banned products and services, like tobacco, alcohol, live animals or firearms.
Consider feedback during the verification process
If you submit a name to WhatsApp for approval and it isn’t granted, WhatsApp will provide their reasons for rejecting it. Take this feedback into account when deciding on a new display name to put forward for review.
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Author:
George Lineker
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