In today’s fast-paced digital world, people are more likely to shop where it’s easy, quick, and accessible. And what’s more accessible than WhatsApp? With over a billion active users globally, it’s a no-brainer to take your products where your customers already are.
Whether you run a home-based bakery, a fashion boutique, or an electronics store, WhatsApp Catalog is one of the easiest and most affordable tools to showcase your products and increase sales.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about WhatsApp Catalogs, from what they are to how to set them up—and how to get the most out of them.
What is a WhatsApp Catalog?
A WhatsApp Catalog is your very own digital storefront that lives inside WhatsApp. It allows businesses to display a list of their products or services—complete with images, pricing, descriptions, and direct links—right inside a chat.
Customers can:
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View your product list
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Read descriptions
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See prices
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Ask questions
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Even place an order, all without leaving the app
This saves time, builds trust, and makes shopping super convenient.
Ways to Create a WhatsApp Catalog
There are two main ways to create a catalog on WhatsApp:
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Using the WhatsApp Business App (Best for small businesses)
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Using WhatsApp Business API (Perfect for growing or enterprise-level businesses)
Let’s break down how both of these work.
How to Create a WhatsApp Catalog via WhatsApp Business App
If you’re a small business owner, this method is perfect for you. All you need is the WhatsApp Business App.
🔧 Steps to Create the Catalog:
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Open the WhatsApp Business App
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Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner
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Go to Business Tools → Select Catalog
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Tap Add New Item
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Add product name, price, description, image, and website link (if any)
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Tap Save
You can now share individual items or the entire catalog with customers during chats.
Downsides of the WhatsApp Business App Method
While easy and quick, this method comes with a few limitations:
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Manual sharing is required
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No chatbot or automation options
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Limited for businesses targeting larger audiences
How to Create WhatsApp Catalog via Business API
If you’re a fast-scaling business or an online store handling many customers, this is the way to go.
With tools like Automate AI, you can:
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Automatically sync your Shopify/WooCommerce store
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Set up product flows
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Automate catalog replies via chatbot
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Track performance and sales
Here’s how it works:
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating WhatsApp Catalog via API
✅ Pre-requisites:
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Facebook Business Manager account
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Your product catalog set up in Facebook Commerce Manager
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Connected Shopify or WooCommerce store (optional but ideal)
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A WhatsApp Business API-approved number
⚙️ Steps:
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Connect Facebook Business Manager
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Sync your product catalog from Shopify/Facebook
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Open the Flow Builder in your marketing platform (like Automate AI)
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Select Catalog from the flow options
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Set a trigger keyword, like “shop”, “products”, or “offers”
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Create responses using:
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Images
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Descriptions
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Quick replies
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CTA buttons
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Save and activate the flow
Once done, whenever a customer types your trigger word, the catalog pops up automatically!
Example: WhatsApp Catalog in Action
Here’s how a typical catalog may look on a user’s phone:
🛒 Choco Bakers
Catalog Highlights:
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🍫 Chocolate Cupcake – ₹99
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🍰 Red Velvet Cheesecake – ₹199
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🎂 Carrot Cake Cupcake – ₹79
Customers can click on each item to view more details, ask questions, and even proceed with purchase links.
Benefits of Using WhatsApp Catalog
Using a WhatsApp Catalog gives your business a competitive edge with:
🛍️ Better Product Discovery
Showcase your products directly inside the chat. No need to redirect to external websites.
🚀 3X Higher Sales
Catalogs increase engagement and conversions by making the buying process seamless and mobile-first.
🤖 Automation Ready
With WhatsApp API, you can automate catalog replies, cart reminders, and promotions using a chatbot.
📈 Easy Marketing
Share product collections in bulk, segment-wise or interest-based groups, without writing individual messages.
🌍 Global Reach
Sell across borders. All your products become accessible to WhatsApp users around the world.
Tips to Make Your WhatsApp Catalog more Attractive
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Use High-Quality Images
First impressions matter. Always use sharp, clear, and vibrant visuals. -
Write Engaging Descriptions
Describe benefits, not just features. Keep it short and easy to skim. -
Update Regularly
Keep seasonal offers and inventory fresh. -
Add Promo Codes
Run time-sensitive discounts to trigger instant action. -
Use Quick Reply Buttons
For FAQs like “How to order?” or “Track my order”, make navigation easy.
Use Case Scenarios
| Industry | WhatsApp Catalog Use Case |
|---|---|
| Fashion Retail | Display clothing collections and offer size guides |
| Home Bakers | List desserts with ingredient details and delivery options |
| Furniture Stores | Showcase different product styles with dimensions |
| Educational | List different courses with prices and brochures |
| Electronics | Display gadgets, compare models, and provide warranty info |
Conclusion
If you’re not using WhatsApp Catalogs yet, you’re missing out on a powerful tool that meets customers where they already spend their time.
From product discovery to purchase, everything can now happen right inside WhatsApp—no extra apps or websites needed. Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise brand, WhatsApp Catalogs simplify sales, gain trust, and increase your conversions.
Now’s the perfect time to set up your catalog and watch your sales grow effortlessly.
