A WhatsApp channel for your business: how to start and grow it

WhatsApp channels have become one of the popular ways for Israeli businesses, news sites and creators to update an audience. Almost everyone in Israel uses WhatsApp, and a channel sends updates to everyone who follows it without a group and without exposing phone numbers. This guide covers how to start and how to grow the channel.

Channel or group

A group is a conversation: everyone writes, and members' phone numbers are visible. A channel is a one-way broadcast: only admins post, followers don't see the admins' numbers, and admins don't see followers' numbers. There is no limit on followers, and there are no comments, only reactions and polls. For a business that means less noise and more privacy.

How to open a channel

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the Updates tab.
2. Tap + and choose New channel.
3. Write a name people recognize, such as the business name, a short description of what the channel offers, and upload a logo.
4. Copy the channel link: that is how you invite people.

What to post

• Deals and perks that exist only in the channel, so there is a reason to follow.
• Updates: new products, holiday opening hours, events.
• Behind the scenes: a photo from the kitchen, the studio or the warehouse.
• Short polls, which show the channel is alive.

Post a little and regularly, for example two to four times a week, rather than ten updates in one day followed by a week of silence.

How to get the first followers

• The channel link in your Instagram and TikTok bio and on your website.
• A QR code at the checkout, on the table or on the bag.
• A message to existing customers and a WhatsApp status.
• A line at the end of every social post: "We post the best deals in our channel first."

Why an empty channel doesn't work

Someone opening a new channel first sees how many followers it has and how many reactions its updates get. A channel with 12 followers and no reactions looks abandoned, even with good content. Services can help here: WhatsApp channel followers give you a base, and reactions on updates show that updates are read. As on any network, keep it in proportion and keep bringing real followers in the ways above.