Want to leverage WhatsApp Business’s security and marketing features but are hesitant to share your personal number with your stakeholders? A virtual WhatsApp number can help.
Virtual phone numbers establish local authority, build trust, and display professionalism. This is a lucrative deal for you because 7 out of 10 customers tend to purchase more from trusted brands.
But to capitalize on both virtual numbers and WhatsApp Business, you must know how to use virtual WhatsApp numbers for business. We’ll explore that in this guide!
Compromised brand image, low customer engagement, and insecure communication can hamper customer trust and bring a dip in sales. Avoid this with a robust WhatsApp virtual number that offers advanced automation, analytics, and security features. Not just that, virtual numbers make your business look professional and help you establish a local presence which is not possible with a regular number.
What is a Virtual WhatsApp Number?
WhatsApp virtual numbers are physical sim-card-free phone numbers that you can utilize to sign up for WhatsApp and start interacting with your stakeholders over the Internet. With a virtual number, you get to keep your personal number private. But are virtual phone numbers legal? Absolutely, yes!
These numbers are not attached to a network operator or a specific location, unlike the typical phone numbers linked to a local provider. You can start using virtual numbers on your existing internet-enabled device like a laptop, smartphone, softphone, or VoIP desk phone by installing a phone number app.
Best part? Multiple users can use a common virtual number on their desired devices simultaneously without a physical sim. Virtual numbers are a perfect solution for businesses that need to efficiently track and forward all calls and messages to their agents with a single virtual number.
: How to use One Virtual WhatsApp Account on Multiple Devices?Benefits of Using a Virtual WhatsApp Number
Virtual number for WhatsApp has truly transformed the telecommunication industry with its technologically advanced features. It brings home an enhanced outreach, most instant messaging, free calls (via WhatsApp), and greater market reach. Let’s dive into some other core benefits of WhatsApp virtual numbers –
1. Multi-device synchronization
Virtual numbers support multi-device and multi-location usage. So, you can simultaneously use a single virtual number on various internet-enabled devices at multiple locations. Virtual numbers are quite suitable for businesses with remote teams as they facilitate interruption-free domestic or long-distance communication.
How? If an unavailable agent receives a customer call, they can effortlessly redirect it to an available agent who can attend to the call using the same number. This reduces missed call rates and enhances customer satisfaction.
2. High-grade privacy
Not comfortable sharing your personal number with your customers or team due to concerns about sensitive information misuse? If yes, virtual numbers are a wise choice. You can link your virtual number to your personal or private phone number. This way, all customer calls are diverted to your personal number without revealing it to your callers.
What’s more, virtual numbers offer security protocols and end-to-end encryption for added privacy. You no longer have to deal with spam or scam calls on your personal number.
3. Greater cost-effectiveness
Virtual numbers incur a 30-80% lower call bill than traditional phone lines because they do not require different lines for each business branch. Adopting a virtual phone number eliminates the need for costly hardware required to support multiple lines.
With these numbers, you just need an active service plan and an internet-enabled device. Once you get a virtual number for WhatsApp, your domestic calls will often be free of cost, and international calls will only incur a minimal cost.
4. Better internal communication
Nearly everyone is familiar with WhatsApp, making it a reliable option to effectively communicate with your internal team and stakeholders. You don’t need to set up a platform or train your team to use WhatsApp. From directing your team and sending files to receiving project updates, and sharing PDFs securely, WhatsApp virtual numbers let you do it all seamlessly and affordably.
5. Personalized experience
Most customers prefer dropping a message on WhatsApp rather than placing a call or raising a support ticket to reach out to a business. WhatsApp virtual numbers let you efficiently cater to all the inbound queries personally without incurring hefty bills. Personalized communication improves customer satisfaction and loyalty.
6. Wider international reach
Does your business operate in multiple countries, and do you want to establish a local presence in each one of them? Adopt a WhatsApp Business virtual number to achieve that. How? By acquiring a virtual number with the relevant country code. This will not just let you present your business as familiar in the customer’s eyes but also let you cut off international calling charges.
: How to Use Virtual WhatsApp Number for Free International Voice Calls?How to Create a Virtual WhatsApp Number for Business?
The procedure of creating a virtual phone number for WhatsApp varies with the virtual number provider. Here are the basic steps you need to follow to get a virtual number for WhatsApp regardless of your provider –
Step 1: Sign up and create a new business account with your chosen phone number provider’s virtual phone number apps.
Step 2: Choose your desired country code and preferred phone number type–mobile, national, toll-free, and local. (Get a free phone number by signing up for a free trial.)
Step 3: Select a suitable pricing plan based on your budget and subscription period.
Step 4: Make the required payment using your preferred online payment method–PayPal or credit card to get the virtual number.
Step 5: Create and verify WhatsApp account by entering your new virtual number and the verification code when prompted. Now, you can finally receive and send messages or calls using your new WhatsApp virtual number.
How to Use Virtual WhatsApp Number for Your Business?
After creating and getting a free virtual number for WhatsApp, it’s time to start utilizing it in a smarter way for business communication. ControlHippo’s WhatsApp Shared Inbox makes managing and using virtual WhatsApp numbers easy in various ways. Here’s how:
1. Manage Multiple Virtual WhatsApp Numbers from One Dashboard
ControlHippo provides a single centralized dashboard where you can manage your multiple WhatsApp Accounts in one place that you have created with your multiple virtual phone number, making it easier to keep track of communications and streamline operations.
With this feature, you can monitor and manage all customer interactions efficiently, ensuring no message is missed.
2. Inviting Multiple Team Members to Manage Virtual WhatsApp Numbers
With ControlHippo, businesses can invite multiple team members to manage virtual WhatsApp numbers. By granting access to the centralized dashboard, team members can collectively handle customer inquiries, ensuring prompt responses and efficient communication.
This shared access allows each team member to see all interactions and distribute workload, which will reduce the risk of missed messages.
3. Assign and Label Chats to Team Members
ControlHippo allows businesses to assign and label chats to specific team members or departments that have been invited and given access to their virtual WhatsApp account. This will ensure that the customer inquiries are directed to the right person.
Additionally, labeling these chats helps in organizing and categorizing interactions based on criteria such as department, project, or priority.
4. Send Quick Replies from a virtual WhatsApp number to boost Sales
Sending automated quick replies on WhatsApp from a virtual WhatsApp number allows you to respond to common customer inquiries swiftly and consistently. This feature reduces response time, providing customers with immediate answers and keeping them engaged.
71% of consumers (age 16-24) believe that a quick response from a support team can drastically improve their customer experience.
Here are some use cases of WhatsApp quick replies–
- Product release updates with special launch discounts
- Regular discount offers for existing customers
- Re-engage inactive customers with irresistible offers
- Upsell to existing customers
: Top 10 WhatsApp Tools with Pros & Cons1. CallHippo
CallHippo is a leading virtual phone system provider that offers virtual numbers for WhatsApp. It provides numbers from over 50 countries and a range of features like call recording, call routing, and a user-friendly interface.
CallHippo is a perfect option for businesses looking for a reliable and feature-rich virtual number for WhatsApp.
Key Features
- Call routing
- Auto-dialer
- Call recording
- Global coverage
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail
- Call analytics
Pros
- The platform provides easy access via API.
- The tool supports virtual numbers from over 50 countries.
- The platform offers seamless integration with WhatsApp.
Cons
- It offers limited advanced features in the basic plan.
- Voicemail transcription isn't always accurate.
Pricing
- Starter – $18 Per user/Month
- Professional – $30 Per user/Month
- Ultimate – $42 Per user/Month
*Pricing as of 23-08-2024.
2. Google Voice
Google Voice is a well-known option for getting a free virtual number, making it an excellent choice for personal use or small businesses. It allows users to make calls, send texts, and check voicemail from any device.
While it may not have all the advanced features of paid services, its simplicity and integration with other Google services make it a solid choice.
Key Features
- Free U.S. number
- Call screening
- Text messaging
- Voicemail transcription
- Integration with Google Workspace
Pros
- The platform offers a free U.S.-based virtual number.
- The tool provides easy integration with other Google services.
- It offers unlimited texting and calls within the U.S.
Cons
- No free trials are available on the platform.
- Users cannot automate any responses for text messages outside working hours.
Pricing
- Business Starter: $10 per user/month
- Business Standard: $20 per user/month
- Business Plus: $30 per user/month
- Enterprise: Contact Sales
3. Phone.com
Phone.com offers a flexible virtual phone system that is ideal for small businesses. It provides local and toll-free numbers, along with features such as call forwarding, voicemail, and SMS capabilities.
Phone.com is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to improve their communication without significant overhead costs.
Key Features
- Unlimited extensions
- Call recording
- SMS capabilities
- Video conferencing
- Custom greetings
Pros
- The tool provides virtual numbers with SMS capabilities.
- The tool supports WhatsApp for business communication.
- It offers excellent call quality with multiple phone number options.
Cons
- Limited advanced features on lower-tier plans.
- The platform faces occasional call connection issues.
Pricing
- Basic users: $10 per user/month
- Plus users: $20 per user/month
- Pro users: $30 per user/month
4. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking a professional virtual phone system. It provides local and toll-free numbers, along with features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and an auto-attendant.
The platform is easy to set up and requires no additional hardware, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to integrate WhatsApp with a business line.
Key Features
- Virtual receptionist
- Multiple extensions
- Voicemail transcription
- Call forwarding
- Business texting
Pros
- The tool provides business texting for WhatsApp setup.
- User can use their existing device instead of hardware.
- The tool also offers advanced voicemail transcription and call routing.
Cons
- The platform is not ideal for larger businesses.
- It charges higher pricing for additional extensions.
Pricing
- True Solo: $14 per user/month
- Solo Plus: $25 per user/month
- Small Business: $55 per user/month
5. Dialpad
Dialpad is a cloud-based communication platform powered by AI, offering a suite of features like VoIP, SMS, video conferencing, and CRM integration. It caters to businesses of all sizes, providing international virtual numbers and seamless integration with WhatsApp.
Its AI-driven tools help improve communication efficiency, making it a solid choice for teams looking for smart communication solutions.
Key Features
- AI-powered call routing
- VoIP and SMS support
- International virtual numbers
- CRM integrations
- Video conferencing
Pros
- The platform offers AI-powered features for smarter communication.
- The tool provides seamless WhatsApp integration with global numbers.
- It offers excellent call quality and real-time transcription.
Cons
- It can be expensive for smaller teams.
- The platform has limited customization options for lower-tier plans.
Pricing
- Standard: $27/per user/per month
- Pro: $35/per user/per month
- Enterprise: custom pricing
- Free trial available
Wrapping Up
With WhatsApp Virtual Number connecting with ControlHippo, you can use features like chat assignment, multi-user access, and sending promotional messages to efficiently manage business conversations and drive sales. Note that you must register your virtual number on WhatsApp Business API to capitalize on these capabilities.
As API doesn’t have a separate interface, adopt a trusted WhatsApp business solution provider like ControlHippo to best utilize your WhatsApp virtual number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can get a virtual number for WhatsApp through a reliable virtual phone number provider like CallHippo, DialerHQ, RingCentral, and Freshdesk. However, if you want a virtual number for WhatsApp Business (free), sign up for free trials of free virtual phone number(s) providers.
To get a free virtual number for WhatsApp, you just have to sign up for a free trial for a trusted virtual number provider like CallHippo, DialerHQ, and Freshdesk. These virtual phone number providers offer basic calling features like call forwarding, SMS messages, and call recording.
Yes, you can create an Indian virtual number in WhatsApp by choosing paid or free virtual phone number providers, selecting India in the country section, tapping on your desired number type, selecting a pricing plan, and making the required payment.
To get free virtual phone numbers (US) for WhatsApp, sign up for a free US number trial on your selected virtual phone number provider’s platform.
Updated : September 6, 2024
Dharmik Joshi is an ardent learner of business management and channels his passion for articulating ideas into writing. With a wealth of experience spanning 2 years in content creation, he remains committed to staying abreast of industry trends and evolving content strategies. He thrives on the dynamic nature of digital marketing, constantly looking for fresh approaches to captivate audiences and deliver measurable results.
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