How to use WhatsApp Business to increase sales for local shops.
The Complete Guide to Growing Your Local Business with WhatsApp Business
- February 1, 2026
- 9 minutes read
Many local store owners and even online shops and businesses struggle with the same problem:
Customers enter the store, ask questions, and then do not buy anything.
Some others want to buy from the store but cannot visit during business hours.
At the same time, big brands are winning since they reply to customers faster.
Responding to customers more quickly increases their trust and encourages them to buy from you
The solution for responding quickly to customers is using WhatsApp Business.
According to e-commerce business data from 2026, more than 72% of customers prefer to message instead of making phone calls and ask their questions through messaging apps rather than calling stores.
And chat-based sales convert up to 35% better than in-person sales.
If you are a local store owner or an online store owner, WhatsApp Business can turn visitors into loyal and repeat customers.
In this guide, you will learn the following:
- What WhatsApp Business is and why it works
- How to use it for selling (not just chatting)
- Different ways to sell products
- Mistakes you should avoid
- A simple strategy you can use today
Why is WhatsApp Business the best choice for local stores?
People use WhatsApp every day. You do not need to teach them something new.
That is why it can increase sales:
Most customers like to talk to the seller and ask questions about the product before buying.
1. Fast responses to customers = more trust
Fast replies reduce customer doubt.
When customers feel supported, they buy faster and trust that business more.
2. Direct communication = fewer lost customers
Customers like to talk to the seller before buying.
3. Customers remember the stores they personally talk to and become loyal customers.
4. Using free marketing tools
At the beginning, there is no need to spend a lot of money on advertising. Just use marketing tools wisely.
Properly set up WhatsApp Business
Things you need to do:
Download WhatsApp Business (not regular WhatsApp).
Enter the following sections:
- Business name
- Address
- Store working hours
- Category (clothing, groceries, etc.)
- Description (about your business in a way that increases customer trust)
Customers trust profiles that look professional and are more likely to buy from them.
A complete profile answers basic customer questions without you having to type them again and again.
Create automated messages in WhatsApp Business
Be sure to use these features:
Welcome message: when someone sends the first message, an automatic message is sent to them, which increases customer trust.
Away message: for when the store is closed.
Quick replies: useful for frequently asked customer questions.
Example:
Thank you for messaging the store.
How can I help you today?
We open tomorrow at 8 a.m. I will reply then.
Most customers expect a fast response.
Sending an automatic message assures the customer that you have received their message and will respond to it.
Create a product catalog in WhatsApp Business
Add:
- Product photos
- Prices
- Short and suitable product descriptions
Example:
“Blue cotton shirt – $15”
“Phone charger – fast charging – $8”
Customers can browse without visiting your store, directly in WhatsApp. This turns WhatsApp into a small online shop and allows customers to see your products.
Turn chats into sales (step by step method)
- Respond quickly and friendly to customers.
- Use the customer’s name if possible.
- Ask the customer what they need.
“Are you looking for a sports bicycle or a mountain bike?”
What price range do they want the product in?
4. Send real photos of the product.
Real photos from your store work better than stock photos.
5. Suggest related items.
For example, if they buy shoes, suggest socks.
6. Make the ordering process easy.
Customers prefer businesses that have an easy ordering process.
For example:
- You can reserve it right now.
- Pay on delivery.
- We deliver today.
Shipping this product is free.
This feels like a human conversation, not advertising. Customers feel helped, not sold to.
This method is the best way to make ordering easier.
Methods that increase product sales
- New arrivals
- Holiday discounts
- Limited-time offers
Example:
New summer clothes arrived today. 20% discount on these products for 2 days.
Why is this strategy the best choice for local stores and online stores?
According to customer behavior studies in 2026, message-based sales convert 2.8 times better than social media advertising for small local businesses.
Final recommendation from the experience of real store owners:
Stores that respond faster and speak kindly to customers attract more customers.
At the beginning, you do not need a website.
At the beginning, you do not need advertising. You only need:
- Good responses
- Honest prices
- Respect for customers
- Proper product presentation to customers
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is WhatsApp Business free? | Yes. It is completely free to use. |
| Can I use my old WhatsApp number? | Yes. However, if possible, it is better to use a separate business number. |
| Is WhatsApp Business suitable for small shops? | Yes. It is completely suitable for small businesses. |
| Can I really increase sales with WhatsApp Business? | Yes. Shops that use chat-based selling see 15% to 35% more repeat purchases compared to in-person customers. |
| What other methods can we use to grow a business? | Creating a website, introducing products on social media, doing website SEO, and running advertisements also help grow a business. |
Mohammad Hossein
SEO expert and online business consultant
My name is Mohammad Hossein. I am an SEO specialist and an online business consultant, and here I share my experiences with you.
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