The Good and Bad of Using Virtual Numbers for WhatsApp

Using virtual numbers for WhatsApp brings both advantages and disadvantages to your business. Sobot, as an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, helps you get virtual number for whatsapp and streamline customer contact. Many companies see up to 25% cost reduction, 70% higher satisfaction, and 98% message open rates, but some face reliability and verification issues.

Consider your business needs in customer service, marketing, and support before choosing a solution like Sobot AI.

Virtual Phone Numbers Explained

What Are Virtual Phone Numbers?

Virtual phone numbers help you communicate without needing a physical phone line. These numbers work over the internet and are not tied to a specific location. You can use them on your mobile phone, computer, or even a VoIP device. Many businesses choose virtual phone numbers because they offer flexibility and cost savings.

• Virtual phone numbers are cloud-based and internet-operated.
• They forward calls to any device you choose, so you can answer from anywhere.
• Features include call routing, voicemail, call recording, and text messaging.
• You can add or remove numbers easily as your business grows.
• Businesses of all sizes, remote workers, and privacy-conscious users benefit from these numbers.

A virtual phone number can help your business look professional and reach customers in different regions without opening new offices.

How Virtual Numbers Work with WhatsApp

You can use virtual phone numbers to set up WhatsApp Business accounts. The process uses VoIP technology, which sends messages and calls over the internet. When you register your virtual number with WhatsApp, the platform sends a verification code. Your provider forwards this code to your device, so you can complete the setup.

Tip: Virtual phone numbers let you manage WhatsApp chats from multiple devices and locations, making it easier to support customers worldwide.

Businesses often connect their virtual phone numbers to other tools, such as CRM systems or help desks. This integration helps you keep track of conversations and improve customer service. Many companies use virtual phone numbers to create a local presence, segment client communication, and boost efficiency.

Sobot’s Role in Virtual Number Integration

Sobot is an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider. You can use Sobot’s platform to get a virtual phone number and connect it with WhatsApp Business API. Sobot’s contact center brings together voice, WhatsApp, and other channels in one place. Over 10,000 brands trust Sobot to improve customer satisfaction and reduce costs.

Sobot supports integration with platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Salesforce. You can customize your setup and pay based on your usage, making it easy to scale as your business grows.

Get Virtual Number for WhatsApp

Steps to Obtain a Virtual Number

You can get virtual number for whatsapp by following a clear process. Many businesses use a step-by-step approach to make sure they choose the right number and set it up correctly. Here is a simple way to get started:

1. Define your goal for using WhatsApp. Decide if you want to use it for customer support, marketing, or both.
2. Identify the type of number you need. Choose between local, national, or toll-free based on your customer base.
3. Research providers that offer virtual numbers compatible with WhatsApp Business API.
4. Plan your resources. Assign team members to handle setup and ongoing management.
5. Contact your chosen provider and request the number.
6. Complete the verification process. This usually involves receiving a code on your new number.
7. Test the setup. Make sure messages and calls work as expected.

Tip: You can map out each step with your team using a virtual whiteboard. Invite everyone involved to review the process and suggest improvements. This helps you spot any bottlenecks or delays before you go live.

Choosing a Provider Like Sobot

When you want to get virtual number for whatsapp, picking the right provider matters. Sobot stands out because it is an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider. You get access to features like bulk messaging, 24/7 chatbot support, and smart chat routing. Sobot also offers integration with platforms such as Shopify and Salesforce, making it easy to connect your new number with your existing systems.

You can trust Sobot to help you get virtual number for whatsapp quickly and securely. Many brands, including J&T Express and Luckin Coffee, use Sobot to improve customer contact and reduce costs.

Compliance and Verification Tips

You must follow compliance rules when you get virtual number for whatsapp. WhatsApp requires you to verify your business and your number. Always use accurate business information during registration. This helps avoid delays or rejections.

• Double-check your business documents before submitting them.
• Make sure your number can receive SMS or voice calls for verification.
• Review your provider’s privacy and data policies to stay compliant with regulations like GDPR.

Note: Regularly review your process with your team. Hold short sessions to discuss what works and what needs improvement. This keeps your setup efficient and compliant.

By following these steps, you can get virtual number for whatsapp and use it to reach more customers while keeping your business secure and professional.

Pros of Using Virtual Numbers for WhatsApp

Cost Savings for Customer Contact

You can lower your business expenses by using virtual numbers for WhatsApp. Many companies report up to 42% savings on support costs and a 25% reduction in operational costs when they switch to virtual numbers. You do not need to buy extra hardware or pay for traditional phone lines. Virtual numbers let you handle business calls over the internet, which reduces your monthly bills.

You can see that virtual numbers help your business save money and improve customer satisfaction at the same time.

Flexibility for Remote Teams

Virtual numbers give your team the freedom to work from anywhere. You can answer customer messages or business calls on your phone, laptop, or tablet. This flexibility helps you support customers even if your team works in different locations or time zones.

You can add or remove users as your team changes. If you hire new staff or open a new branch, you can set up new numbers quickly. Sobot’s platform lets you manage all your communication channels in one place, making it easy to keep your team connected and responsive.

Tip: Use virtual numbers to create local phone numbers for different regions. This helps your business look local and builds trust with customers.

Privacy and Separation of Business Communication

Virtual numbers help you keep your personal life private. You can use one number for business and another for personal calls. This separation protects your privacy and makes it easier to manage work-life balance.

• You can assign different numbers to departments or regions, making call management simple.
• Disposable virtual numbers help you avoid sharing your real number, reducing unwanted calls and spam.
• Using a virtual number limits personal data collection and protects against identity theft.
• Freelancers and small business owners can keep their private numbers safe while looking professional.

Features like call forwarding, voicemail, and IVR menus help you create a professional image, even if you run a small business.

Scalability for Growing Businesses

Virtual numbers make it easy to grow your business. You can add new numbers or extensions without buying extra hardware. This helps you handle more calls and messages as your customer base grows.

• You can expand into new markets by setting up local numbers, even if you do not have a physical office there.
• Virtual call centers let remote teams support customers efficiently.
• Features like call analytics and CRM integration help you track performance and improve service.

VoIP technology supports this growth by letting you scale up or down as needed. Sobot’s solutions help you manage large teams and high call volumes, so your business can keep growing without extra cost.

Enhanced Features with Sobot WhatsApp API

Sobot’s WhatsApp API gives your business advanced tools to improve customer contact. You get official WhatsApp Business Account certification, bulk messaging, and 24/7 chatbot support. Sobot’s AI handles over 50% of customer interactions, which boosts efficiency and saves time.

• The platform supports chat, email, voice, and social media, so you can reach customers on any channel.
• AI-powered features help you automate routine tasks and provide fast responses.
• Secure data centers and compliance with privacy laws keep your business safe.
• Integration with platforms like Shopify and Salesforce lets you manage all your data in one place.

Sobot’s scenario-based AI supports every step of the customer journey, from pre-sales to post-sales. This helps your business increase sales, improve retention, and deliver a seamless customer experience.

Cons of Using Virtual Numbers for WhatsApp

Reliability and Service Limitations

You may face reliability issues when you use virtual numbers for WhatsApp. Sometimes, messages do not get delivered, or notifications arrive late. These problems can affect your customer response time and satisfaction. Service performance data shows that delivery rates for virtual numbers can drop below the 90-95% benchmark. Open rates and reply rates may also fall short of expectations. If you want to troubleshoot, you need to check your provider’s support for WhatsApp verification, your internet connection, and your notification settings.

Note: Virtual numbers may also have trouble with real-time analytics and deep customer insights. You may need to connect your WhatsApp account to a CRM system for better tracking.

Verification and Support Challenges

You might find it hard to verify your virtual number with WhatsApp. Some providers do not support WhatsApp verification, which can cause delays or failures. If you cannot receive the verification code by SMS or call, you cannot activate your account. Support teams may not always solve these issues quickly. You should always check if your provider is compatible with WhatsApp and offers strong customer support.

• Make sure your virtual number can receive both SMS and calls.
• Ask your provider about their WhatsApp verification process.
• Keep your business documents ready for quick verification.

Tip: Sobot, as an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, helps you with verification and ongoing support, making the process smoother.

Trust and Customer Perception

Customers may not always trust messages from virtual numbers. Many people worry about privacy, identity theft, and data breaches. Surveys show that 55% of consumers fear identity theft, and 53% worry about companies selling their personal information. Only 30% of consumers say they highly trust businesses, even though 90% of business leaders believe otherwise (source). This trust gap can make customers ignore or block messages from unfamiliar numbers.

Customers often judge security by their experience, not technical details. You should use clear branding and official WhatsApp Business Accounts to build trust.

Potential Extra Costs

Using virtual numbers for WhatsApp can lead to extra costs. You may pay more as you add agents or advanced features like AI, IVR, or CRM integration. Cloud solutions have monthly fees, while on-premises setups need hardware and licenses. You might also pay for premium support, training, or compliance tools. Call and SMS charges can add up, especially for international communication.

Note: Always review your provider’s pricing and ask about hidden fees before you choose a solution.

Virtual Numbers vs. SIM-Based Numbers

Security and Compliance

You want your business to keep customer data safe. SIM-based numbers often provide stronger security than virtual numbers. Many experts say SIM-based numbers protect against spoofing and fraud better. These numbers work well for secure SMS verification because they use real mobile networks. Providers use end-to-end encryption, IP whitelisting, and real-time threat monitoring to keep your messages safe. Regular security audits and updates help you stay ahead of new threats. You should also train your team to spot phishing attempts.

Compliance is important for every business. SIM-based numbers help you follow rules like GDPR and PSD2. Best practices include recording verification attempts, deleting SMS codes quickly, and using double opt-in for customer sign-ups. A clear SMS privacy policy helps you avoid legal problems, such as blacklisted numbers or failed message delivery. Virtual numbers can meet many compliance needs, but some platforms prefer SIM-based numbers for extra safety.

Customer Experience in Contact Centers

Your customers expect fast and reliable service. Virtual numbers give your team flexibility. You can use internet-based calling to answer messages from anywhere. This helps remote teams and global businesses stay connected. Sobot’s WhatsApp API supports both virtual and SIM-based numbers, so you can choose what fits your needs.

SIM-based numbers often build more trust with customers. People feel safer when they see a familiar local number. This can lead to higher response rates and better customer satisfaction. Virtual numbers let you scale your support quickly, but you may need to work harder to earn customer trust.

Tip: Use official WhatsApp Business Accounts and clear branding to help customers recognize your messages.

Use Cases in Ecommerce and Support

Ecommerce companies need to reach customers fast. Virtual numbers help you set up support lines in new markets without extra hardware. You can manage orders, send updates, and answer questions using internet-based calling. Sobot’s platform lets you automate replies and track conversations, making your business more efficient.

SIM-based numbers work well for sensitive tasks, like payment confirmations or account recovery. Many financial services and regulated industries choose SIM-based numbers for these reasons. You can use both types of numbers in your business. For example, use virtual numbers for marketing and SIM-based numbers for secure transactions.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Decision Checklist

Choosing the right virtual number solution for WhatsApp can shape your business success. You can use a structured approach to make the best decision. Here is a simple checklist to guide you:

1. List your goals: Decide if you want to improve customer support, marketing, or both.
2. Set your must-have features: Identify what you cannot compromise on, such as WhatsApp API access or integration with your CRM.
3. Compare costs and benefits: Look at setup fees, monthly charges, and the value each provider offers.
4. Check provider reliability: Review uptime guarantees and customer support options.
5. Evaluate security and compliance: Make sure the solution meets privacy laws and protects customer data.
6. Test scalability: Confirm that you can add users or numbers as your business grows.
7. Document your findings: Keep notes on why you chose or rejected each option.

Tip: Use a solution selection matrix to compare providers side by side. This helps you see which option matches your priorities.

Sobot Customer Success Story: J&T Express

J&T Express, a global logistics leader, wanted to boost delivery rates and cut costs. They chose Sobot’s WhatsApp Business API with virtual numbers. After switching, J&T Express saw a 35% increase in delivery rates and a 50% reduction in costs. Sobot’s platform helped automate order confirmations and improved address accuracy. Couriers used WhatsApp to contact customers quickly, which led to faster deliveries and higher satisfaction. This story shows how the right solution can transform your operations.

You can read more about J&T Express’s results in Sobot’s official case study.

When to Use Virtual Numbers

You should consider virtual numbers when you want flexibility and easy scaling. Virtual numbers work well if your team is remote or you serve customers in many regions. They help you separate personal and business communication. If you need to launch support or marketing campaigns fast, virtual numbers let you do this without extra hardware. For growing companies, virtual numbers make it simple to add new lines as your needs change.

Note: If your business handles sensitive data or needs extra security, review compliance features before choosing a provider.

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Using virtual numbers for WhatsApp brings many benefits to your business. You gain flexibility, cost savings, and features like call forwarding and CRM integration. You can support remote teams and reach new markets easily. However, you may face challenges such as internet reliability, trust issues, and extra fees. Sobot helps you get virtual number for WhatsApp and supports you with official WhatsApp Business API, automation, and expert guidance.

• Pros: Flexible device use, cost-effective scaling, advanced features, support for remote work, local presence.
• Cons: Internet dependence, possible trust issues, extra costs, setup complexity.

To get started, consult with Sobot or book a demo. Make sure your choice matches your business goals and customer service needs.

FAQ

How do you get virtual number for WhatsApp?

You can get virtual number for WhatsApp by choosing a provider like Sobot, signing up, and completing the verification process. Sobot guides you through each step and helps you connect your number to WhatsApp Business API for seamless customer communication.

Can you use one virtual number for multiple WhatsApp agents?

Yes, you can. Sobot’s WhatsApp API allows multiple agents to use the same virtual number. This feature helps your team manage customer chats efficiently and ensures no message gets missed, even during busy hours.

Is it safe to get virtual number for WhatsApp for business use?

You stay safe when you use a trusted provider. Sobot uses secure data centers and follows privacy laws like GDPR. Always verify your provider’s security measures before you get virtual number for WhatsApp to protect your business and customer data.

What are the main benefits if you get virtual number for WhatsApp?

You gain flexibility, cost savings, and easy scaling. For example, Sobot customers report up to 25% lower costs and 70% higher satisfaction. You can support remote teams, launch campaigns quickly, and keep business and personal communication separate.

Can you switch from a SIM-based number to a virtual number on WhatsApp?

Yes, you can switch. You need to back up your chat history, register your new virtual number, and complete WhatsApp’s verification. Sobot’s support team can help you migrate smoothly and avoid service interruptions when you get virtual number for WhatsApp.

Tip: Always test your new setup before going live to ensure all features work as expected.

See Also

Steps To Easily Integrate WhatsApp On Your Website

Ways To Begin WhatsApp Chats Without Saving Contacts

Top Techniques For Adding WhatsApp To Your Website

Reasons WhatsApp Chat Increases User Interaction Online

Guide To Configuring Bulk Messaging In WhatsApp Business