Search for WhatsApp
Enable your customers to search and shop your entire product catalog directly through WhatsApp conversations using natural language.
What Is WhatsApp Search?
A specialized search feature designed specifically for WhatsApp commerce that lets customers browse and discover products through conversational messaging.
Unlike website search, WhatsApp Search returns complete product information (images, prices, links) ready to share instantly in a chat conversation.
How It Works
Your customers message your WhatsApp Business number and can search naturally:
Customer types: "Show me red dresses"
They receive:
- Product images
- Product names
- Prices (including sale prices)
- Direct links to purchase
- All formatted for easy mobile viewing
Why WhatsApp Search?
Meet Customers Where They Are
WhatsApp is how many customers prefer to shop:
- 2+ billion active users worldwide
- Familiar, trusted platform
- Easy back-and-forth conversation
- No app download or account creation needed
Complete Shopping Experience
Customers can:
- Search your full catalog
- Ask questions about products
- Compare options
- Get recommendations
- Complete purchases
- Track orders
All without leaving WhatsApp.
Natural Conversation
No rigid commands or specific keywords needed. Customers search the way they talk:
- "Do you have comfortable shoes?"
- "I need a gift for my sister"
- "Show me winter coats under $200"
- "What's on sale?"
Use Cases
Direct Customer Sales
Small businesses and boutiques can sell directly through WhatsApp without needing a full e-commerce website.
Customer Service Enhancement
Support teams can quickly find and share products when customers ask questions.
Personal Shopping
Sales associates can act as personal shoppers, searching and sharing products based on customer needs.
Post-Purchase Support
Help customers find complementary items or replacement products through chat.
International Markets
Reach customers in regions where WhatsApp is the primary shopping channel (Latin America, India, parts of Europe and Africa).
Benefits
For Your Customers
- Convenient - Shop from anywhere using their favorite messaging app
- Personal - Feels like texting with a friend or personal shopper
- Fast - Get product recommendations in seconds
- Mobile-optimized - All images and links work perfectly on mobile
- No friction - No accounts, apps, or websites to navigate
For Your Business
- Lower barriers to purchase - Easy access increases conversions
- Global reach - Access WhatsApp's massive user base
- Cost-effective - Less expensive than building custom apps
- Relationship building - Direct, personal channel with customers
- Rich analytics - Track what customers search for and want
Best Practices
Respond Quickly
In messaging, speed matters:
- Set up automated responses
- Use chatbots for instant search results
- Have team members ready to assist
Use Clear Product Data
Ensure your catalog has:
- High-quality mobile-friendly images
- Accurate pricing
- Clear product names
- Detailed descriptions
Train Your Team
If using WhatsApp with human support:
- Teach staff how to search effectively
- Create quick response templates
- Establish tone and brand voice guidelines
Monitor Popular Searches
Track what customers ask for most to:
- Identify trending products
- Discover gaps in your catalog
- Improve product descriptions
- Plan inventory
💡 Pro Tip: Customers often use different language in WhatsApp than on your website. Review your WhatsApp search queries to discover new keywords and phrases to add to your product descriptions.
Getting Started
WhatsApp Search works with:
- WhatsApp Business API - For larger businesses
- WhatsApp Business App - For small businesses (manual responses)
- Third-party chatbot platforms - Automated shopping assistants
For technical setup, your development team can find implementation details in the Developer Guide - Detailed Search API.
Related Features
- Smart Product Search - Search for your website
- Similar Products - Recommend complementary items in conversations
- Behaviors - Target WhatsApp campaigns by customer segments