Can you get a free virtual number for WhatsApp?

Introduction

WhatsApp has become an integral part of business communication. Businesses can reach their customers seamlessly using the many features of WhatsApp. Different departments of a business could use a dedicated number to coordinate their internal activities.

However, every WhatsApp business account needs to be linked to a unique phone number. At the time of registration, an OTP is sent to this number. Therefore, businesses need to have many unique numbers with SMS access to create multiple WhatsApp accounts for effective customer management.

The caveats of having multiple SIM cards

1. Access to a physical SIM Card and a physical device is needed: Every SIM card needs to be connected to a physical device to receive messages. This makes it extremely difficult for businesses with virtual teams or with teams spread across different locations. With physical SIM cards, the dependency on employees to keep the SIM card remains active is also a lot.

2. SIM cards take time to get activated: SIM cards typically take a couple of hours to get activated. After purchasing the physical SIM from a store, it takes time for the number to start being of use. The business will also have to select from the available plans and recharge them frequently. 

3. Sim cards require a minimum balance: SIM cards need to have a minimum balance to remain activated. Different phone numbers will also have to be recharged at different times. Keeping track of how each number is being used could be a big hassle for the business.

4. Usage control is low: SIM cards will usually be with employees and might even be linked to their personal devices. This makes it extremely hard for businesses to keep track of how these numbers are being used by the employees. Businesses could lose important customer conversations because of this. 

Here’s where Virtual Numbers come into the picture.

1. Virtual Numbers are SIM-free numbers that do not need to be connected to any physical device.
2. Platforms like Alohaa offer an integrated dashboard through which users can be added and removed easily.
3. Users from anywhere can access a Virtual Number. The number is assigned to users through the dashboards.
4. A new Virtual Number can be activated within minutes.
5. The integrated dashboard allows admins to view all SMSes received to any Virtual Numbers on a single screen.

Though there are some free Virtual Numbers for WhatsApp that can be used, businesses should have a robust system to maintain seamless communication with their customers. 

Free Virtual Numbers for WhatsApp may not provide businesses with multiple numbers that the business can use for a long duration. Businesses also have to keep in mind that Virtual Numbers resemble regular numbers. Therefore, it is important for the business to have access to the Virtual Number beyond a WhatsApp verification. This may not be possible with all free Virtual Numbers for WhatsApp in the market.

How businesses can leverage Virtual Numbers for WhatsApp.

1. Deliveries: WhatsApp’s feature that allows sharing of live location and a pinned location makes it convenient for businesses to conduct seamless deliveries. When customers order a product from a business, they can share their location with the delivery executives through WhatsApp. However, businesses can streamline this process by using Virtual Numbers and assigning them to delivery executives for each delivery. 

2. Promotional Updates: Companies can share special menus or portfolios directly through WhatsApp. This makes it extremely easy for customers to access the new offers of a business. Businesses can have special Virtual Numbers assigned to share promotional offers, special menus, and updated portfolios using a dedicated Virtual Number. This way, the other customer service conversations can be kept separate. Moreover, employees will not feel the need to share their personal numbers with customers while sharing these promotional updates.

3. Photoshoots: Photography or Videography agencies can share photos and videos using WhatsApp’s features. It becomes convenient for customers to download and share photos and videos with their friends and family. The photographers can also maintain a proper work-life balance by not sharing their personal numbers with the clients and not mixing their private WhatsApp conversations with their business conversations. Big agencies that manage many clients at the same time can access all their customer conversations through an integrated dashboard as well and won’t have to worry about losing their customers to independent photographers.

4. Online Consultations: Aggregator platforms like the ones that provide online consultations for health-related queries or fitness plans can use Whatsapp for carrying out video calls. This makes it very convenient for customers who don’t have to download any other app or sign in anywhere. Each service provider can also be given a unique Virtual Number, so their privacy is 100% protected. Further, the customers will have to contact the service provider through the Virtual Number only.

5. Daily broadcasts: News service providers could give their customers daily updates using the broadcast message feature. They can also create customer segments based on the news categories and customer preferences to send personalised updates. These channels could also create different Virtual Numbers to manage and coordinate with their virtual teams in different cities. By using Virtual Numbers, the privacy of all employees can be protected. The business can also get seamless access to conversations with customers and clients.

Hassle-free options for Virtual Numbers

India’s #1 virtual Number service provider, Alohaa, brings a lot to the table!

• Integrated dashboard to easily manage active and inactive users and reassign Alohaa Virtual Numbers to users.
• Virtual Inbox to view all messages received on all Alohaa Virtual Numbers on a single screen. This virtual inbox will also help businesses retain their conversations for long-term usage.
• Activate new Virtual Numbers instantly. There is no wait time for activating a new number. Businesses can activate an Alohaa Virtual Number and assign it to a user sitting anywhere in the world.
• Sim-free access. Alohaa’s Virtual Numbers don’t depend on a physical device or a SIM card to operate.

Alohaa’s solutions are curated for a business and its needs. Explore the wonderful features of Alohaa today. Book a demo with Alohaa.