Set Up WhatsApp for Small Business Leads

Learn how to set up WhatsApp Business for growing small businesses handling leads from ads and websites.

For serious business operators who are ready to move off personal WhatsApp, set up a proper business number, delegate replies to a team, and prepare for automation.

On this page

Goals

This setup is designed to:

  1. Use a dedicated business number, separate from personal WhatsApp.
  2. Receive local calls from customers.
  3. Share WhatsApp access with a team.
  4. Avoid a second phone where possible by using a single device.

Get a Business Phone Number

WhatsApp Business needs a separate number from your personal WhatsApp.

You have three options. We recommend 1 or 2.

Option 1: Same Phone (eSIM – Recommended)

Use an eSIM to add a second business number to the same phone.

  • No second phone needed
  • Personal and business stay separate

The next section explains this setup.

Option 2: Purchase a Physical SIM

Use a second phone with a new SIM.

  • Buy a SIM and activate the number
  • Use this phone as the main business device

Option 3: Convert Personal Number (Not Recommended)

Switching a personal number to WhatsApp Business is not recommended.

  • Existing chats can be lost
  • Personal and business get mixed

For growing businesses, start with a new business number.

Using an eSIM (No Physical SIM)

An eSIM lets you add a second phone number to the same phone without a physical SIM.

Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

No eSIM option = not supported.

Buy an eSIM

Recommended: Visit a carrier store and ask a rep to set up an eSIM for you.

  • Tell them you need a new business number
  • Ask them to install it as an eSIM
  • Confirm it can receive calls and SMS

This is the simplest and safest option.

Optional: Do it yourself

If you prefer, you can buy an eSIM online from a carrier’s website.

  • Make sure it works in your country
  • Buy the eSIM
  • Activate it using the QR code or install link

Once activated, the number is ready for WhatsApp Business.

Install & Set Up WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business is a separate app from WhatsApp. Install it on your main phone.

  1. Install and open WhatsApp Business
  2. Enter the business number
    (SIM or eSIM must already be active)
  3. Follow the verification process
  4. Setup your WhatsApp business profile (name and photo)

Setup is complete.

Download WhatsApp Business:

Link Other Phones (Optional)

Use this only if more than one person needs access.

On the Main Phone

  1. WhatsApp Business → Settings
  2. Tap Linked Devices
  3. Tap Link a Device
  4. QR code appears

On the Other Phone

  1. Install WhatsApp Business
  2. Open the app
  3. Tap Link to existing number
  4. Scan the QR code

Repeat for each phone.

Notes

  • The phone with the SIM/eSIM is the main phone
  • Keep the main phone on and online
  • Messages sync across all linked phones

Quick Check

Before using with customers:

  • Send a message from another number to your new number
  • View the profile from another phone so it represents your business

You’re done.