The Ultimate Guide to Selling on WhatsApp in Kenya (Part 1): Getting Ready to Start Selling

It’s where business meets everyday life. But what many don’t realize is that with just a few tweaks, WhatsApp can do way more — it can become your shop, marketing tool, and customer service desk all in one.

In this two-part series, we’ll show you how to turn WhatsApp into a space where your hustle can actually make money.

This is Part 1, where we cover all the basics — the simple but important steps you need to take to get your business ready to start selling on this seriously underrated platform.

Let’s dive in.

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The first thing you need to do is download the WhatsApp Business app.

It’s a different app from the regular WhatsApp you already use — but don’t worry, it’s free and available on both the Google Play Store and App Store.

Once ume-dowload, install the app halafu uweke phone number utakua unatumia for all biz-related communications.

Next, verify the number. Verification process ni kama tu ya normal WhatsApp.

Keep in mind that huwezi tumia the same number for WhatsApp Business and regular WhatsApp. Itabidi u-buy a specific line for WhatsApp Business.

If you can’t get a second line, the only other option would be to move your account from regular WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business. You can learn how to do that by clicking this link.

Honestly, though, you’re better off just getting a second line. It keeps your business dealings separate from your family and friends' chats.

Before you open the app, it helps to know what to expect. WhatsApp Business looks a lot like the regular WhatsApp you already use, but the two are very different ikikam kwa features.

WhatsApp Business lets you set up your business profile, complete with the name of your hustle, logo, and a bio that tells your customers exactly what your biz is all about.

On top of that, inakam na other tools kama:

● Catalogue: Think of this as your mini online store. This is where you upload product photos, prices, and short descriptions so customers can browse without you forwarding a million pictures.

● Labels: Ii feature inakusaidia kupanga chats zako. Unaeza mark mtu kama New Lead, Pending Payment, ama Repeat Buyer. No more getting lost in random messages.

● Quick replies. This one lets you save common replies like delivery details or payment info, then send them with one tap. This way, you don’t have to type the same thing every time a customer sends an inquiry.

● Greeting message: Automatically welcomes new customers when they text you for the first time, which sets a friendly tone right away.

● Away message: Automatically replies when you’re not available, letting customers know you’ve seen their message and will get back to them soon.

● Short Link / QR Code: The app lets you generate a shareable link that takes people straight to your WhatsApp chat (Perfect for posters, IG bios, Facebook pages, or business cards).

You don’t have to memorize each single feature; I just wanted to give you a quick preview of the tools you’ll be using so that niki-mention a specific feature, utakua unajua kitu naongelea—-you can always come back to the above list and double-check if you’re not sure.

After, ume-install the app, uka-verify number, na ukajua what to expect features-wise, unaeza anza kujenga your Business Profile. Here’s how to do it:

1. After verifying your number, you’ll be asked to add a profile picture, fill in your business name, category, and description (i.e., your bio). Do that and hit “Next”.

2. Utaletewa menu iko na the following options: Business Profile, Catalogue, and Messaging tools. Pale chini utaona button inasema “Explore.” Tap it, then select “Business Profile” in the next menu.

3. After clicking “Business Profile”, you’ll be prompted to fill in deets kama business hours, location, email, your socials, website (optional), and so on. Fill in as much info as you can.

4. Tap Save — and that’s it. Your business profile is now public to anyone who messages you

Tip: You can set up your Away Message, Greeting Message, and Quick Replies by selecting each of those options in step 2 above.

Right after clicking “Explore” in step 2, utaona izi options zote. They’re pretty self-explanatory.

Trust me, this is simpler than it sounds. But before you do it, make sure uko na high-quality photos of whatever you’re selling.

Keep in mind that “high-quality” doesn’t always require expensive equipment. You can actually create high-quality product photos with any decent phone.

Here’s a guide on how to do that: How to take good photos of your products using a smartphone.

Once you’ve got your photos ready, unaeza anza ku-create your first catalogue by following these steps:

1. Open the app and click on “Tools”. Iko kwa izo buttons ukua pale chini, next to button ya “Updates”.

2. In the next window, find option ya “Catalogue” and click on it. This will open up a window where you can add your catalogue.

3. To add a product, click on “Add new item” and then fill in the details.

4. Repeat this process for every single product. WhatsApp Business allows you to add up to 500 products to your catalogue, so you should be able to fit all your items.

To do that, you’ll first need to generate your WhatsApp link. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open the app and click on “Tools” in the bottom menu. This will open a window with various business tools.

2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner. Utaona izi options: “Advertise”, “Short Link”, “Setting”.

3. Click on “Short Link”. Utaona link, na option ya ku-share that link.

Copy the link and paste it anywhere you’re promoting your biz: Facebook, Instagram, Posters, or Fliers, etc.

Once people start showing interest by clicking your WhatsApp link, it’s time to send that first product message.

Open the customer’s chat, tap the paperclip icon, and select “Catalogue.”

Chagua product wali-show interest in (or the one that best fits their needs), and add a short, friendly caption like “Hey, this is our most popular hoodie — available in black, grey, and navy. Free delivery around Nairobi CBD.”

Send it, then follow up naturally. Unaeza sema kitu ka, “Would you like me to reserve one for you?” or “We uvaa size gani?”

As tempting as it is, avoid sending long sales paragraphs. Keep it conversational and real, just like you’d talk to a returning customer at your shop.

And that’s a wrap for Part 1 of this series!

By now, you’ve learned how to set up everything you need to start selling on WhatsApp — from installing the Business app to building your profile, creating a catalogue, and sharing your link so customers can reach you easily.

Next up in Part 2 is how to level up your selling game on the platform. Expect to learn cool stuff like how to:

● Promote your products in groups and online communities without looking spammy

● Turn casual chats into actual sales

● Use WhatsApp Business tools and automations to save time and grow faster