In a world dominated by conversational commerce, ease of discovery and quick purchasing decisions can make or break a sale. That’s why WhatsApp Product Catalogs have become crucial for businesses looking to scale on one of the most engaging messaging platforms. These catalogs enable brands to showcase their offerings directly inside the WhatsApp chat window, making product browsing as seamless as a conversation.
With Interakt, businesses can take this functionality even further by integrating their product catalogs using the WhatsApp Business API. This ensures smooth, automated, and highly personalized product interactions with customers at scale.
What Is a WhatsApp Business API Product Catalog?
A WhatsApp Business API Product Catalog is a curated list of products or services that can be showcased within WhatsApp chats. It’s managed via Facebook Commerce Manager and linked to your WhatsApp Business account. Once set up, it allows businesses to:
-Share individual products through Quick Replies or Catalog Message Templates
-Sync catalog updates automatically between Facebook manager & Interakt
-Provide a rich, visual shopping experience without redirecting users to external websites
For growing D2C brands and service providers, the WhatsApp API catalog setup streamlines the customer journey, from discovery to checkout, all within WhatsApp.
Requirements to Enable WhatsApp Product Catalogs
Before you begin the catalog integration, ensure you have the following:
1.A verified WhatsApp Business API account (you can apply and get started quickly with a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider like Interakt)
2.A Facebook Business Manager account with admin access
3.A Commerce Account in Facebook Commerce Manager
4.Your product catalog which was created and published in the same Commerce Manager
5.Valid product images that meet Meta’s catalog guidelines
Interakt ticks off all the boxes for you, right from account setup to catalog deployment, making the process completely frictionless.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Enabling product catalogs via the WhatsApp Business API involves two key phases:
(1) Creating and managing your catalog on Meta’s Commerce Manager, and
(2) Linking the catalog to your WhatsApp Business Account via a solution provider like Interakt.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:
Step 1: Create a Meta Product Catalog
1.Go to the Commerce Manager from your Meta Business Suite or Business Manager account.
2.Click on “Add Catalogue” and select the type of catalog (typically “E-commerce”).
3.Name your catalog and assign it to the appropriate business portfolio.
Step 2: Add Products to the Catalog
You can add products in three different ways:
-Data Feed Upload: Upload a CSV, TSV, XML, or JSON file containing your product details.
-Manual Entry: Add products one by one by entering key information like name, image, description, price, and availability.
– Connect to a Data Source: Automatically sync product data by integrating your eCommerce website or app using Meta Pixel or the Meta App SDK.
Step 3: Organize and Manage Your Catalog
-Create Product Sets: Group similar products using filters (e.g., category, price range, brand) to make targeted product recommendations or ads.
-Assign Permissions: Add team members or partners and manage their access to your catalog.
-Set Up Regular Syncing: Ensure your catalog stays up to date by scheduling regular syncs, especially if you’re using a feed or integration.
-Monitor for Errors: Use Commerce Manager’s diagnostics tool to fix any errors or warnings in your product feed.
Step 4: Link the Catalog to WhatsApp via Business API
Once your catalog is ready and published:
-Your WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP)—like Interakt—will link the catalog to your WhatsApp Business Account using Meta’s Graph API.
-This allows you to send products through chats using Catalog Message Templates or Quick Replies.
Step 5: Start Sharing Products in Chats
With the catalog integrated, you can begin sharing product cards directly within WhatsApp conversations, either manually through your team or automatically via workflows on Interakt’s platform.
How Long Does It Take to Enable Catalogs?
The end-to-end process is very quick & easy, depending on:
-How quickly your Facebook Business and Commerce accounts are approved
-The completeness of your catalog data
-Your solution provider’s integration capabilities
With Interakt’s automated onboarding and catalog sync workflows, businesses can go live within minutes.
Tips to Speed Up Catalog Enablement
1.Prepare your catalog early: Avoid delays by uploading complete and compliant product data, including descriptions and high-quality images.
2.Choose the right BSP: A trusted WhatsApp Business Solution Provider like Interakt helps fast-track verification, integration, and approvals.
3.Automate catalog updates: Use dynamic product feeds or APIs to keep your catalog fresh without manual intervention.
4.Use predefined templates: Get started faster with Interakt’s pre-approved message templates tailored for catalog sharing.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Some businesses run into issues during catalog integration. Here’s how to resolve them:
-Catalog not syncing: Check if your Commerce Manager has been correctly linked and the catalog is published.
-Missing product images: Ensure images meet Meta’s guidelines (no text overlays, clear backgrounds).
-Invalid template error: Ensure you’re using the right syntax and approved message templates for catalog sharing.
-Access denied to API: Confirm your WhatsApp number and Facebook Business Manager are correctly connected and verified.
Interakt’s support team helps you resolve these issues swiftly, ensuring minimal downtime.
Best Practices for Catalog Presentation
-High-Quality Images: Use sharp, professional images with neutral backgrounds
-Concise Descriptions: Keep product copy short but informative—focus on key benefits
-Logical Categorization: Group products into categories for easier navigation
-Pricing Transparency: Display clear and competitive pricing
-Personalized Messaging: Combine product sharing with customer-specific recommendations using Interakt’s CRM capabilities
Enabling a WhatsApp API Product Catalog is a powerful way to elevate your sales and customer engagement strategy. From showcasing products to driving qualified conversions inside WhatsApp, the catalog feature transforms how customers shop.
Partnering with a trusted BSP like Interakt makes the setup and execution effortless. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your WhatsApp commerce journey, Interakt equips you with all the tools—catalog messaging templates, automation, CRM, and campaign analytics—to grow your business on autopilot.
Ready to enable your catalog on WhatsApp? Get in touch with Interakt today.
