10 Must-Have WhatsApp Business Features to Help SMBs Maximise Ramadan Sales

Ramadan is not only a significant spiritual period for Muslims, but also one of the busiest retail seasons in Singapore. For small and medium businesses (SMBs), the holy month presents a major opportunity to drive sales, especially with changing consumer habits, surging pre-iftar orders and heightened demand leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

With 65% of Singaporeans now messaging a business every week, chat has become one of the most powerful tools for commerce, from product enquiries and recommendations to confirming orders and completing purchases. As customer expectations for speed and convenience grow, businesses must be prepared to respond quickly and efficiently.

Here are 10 WhatsApp Business features SMBs can leverage to supercharge their operations and capitalise on the Ramadan rush.

1. Build Credibility with a Complete Business Profile

First impressions matter. A fully completed WhatsApp Business profile, including business description, category, address and contact details reassures customers that they are dealing with a legitimate and trustworthy brand. During peak periods, this instant credibility can make all the difference in converting enquiries into sales.

2. Update Ramadan Operating Hours

Operating hours may shift during Ramadan to accommodate iftar and prayer times. Keeping business hours updated on WhatsApp helps manage expectations and prevents customers from reaching out during non-operational periods.

3. Use Automatic Greeting Messages

High chat volumes during Ramadan can make it difficult to respond instantly. Setting up an automatic greeting message ensures customers feel acknowledged the moment they reach out, even before a manual reply is sent. This simple step enhances professionalism and customer satisfaction.

4. Stay Organised with Labels (or Lists)

With orders pouring in, organisation is critical. WhatsApp’s Labels feature, now known as Lists for some businesses, allows chats to be categorised by status, such as “Paid – Ready for Shipping,” “Raya Hamper Enquiry,” or “Iftar Orders.” Colour-coded categories make it easier to prioritise and manage increased demand.

5. Speed Up Responses with Quick Replies

Answering frequently asked questions repeatedly can slow operations. Quick Replies allow businesses to create message shortcuts for common queries such as pricing, delivery timelines or product availability, ensuring faster and more consistent responses.

6. Showcase Products with a Ramadan Catalogue

WhatsApp’s catalogue feature transforms chats into a digital storefront. Businesses can display iftar packages, Raya hampers and limited-edition bundles directly within the app, allowing customers to browse and shop seamlessly without leaving the conversation. Products can also be grouped into Collections for easier navigation.

7. Drive Urgency Through Status Updates

WhatsApp Status can be used to promote flash sales, limited-time Ramadan discounts or last-minute bundle deals. Since customers frequently check Status updates, this feature helps create urgency and encourages faster purchase decisions.

8. Generate Sales with Click-to-WhatsApp Ads

Businesses can extend their reach by running Click-to-WhatsApp ads on Facebook and Instagram. These ads direct interested customers straight into a WhatsApp chat, turning marketing efforts into measurable conversations and potential sales.

9. Strengthen Trust with Meta Verified

A Meta Verified subscription provides businesses with a verified badge, reinforcing authenticity and protecting against impersonation. The badge is displayed prominently across profiles and call tabs, helping build trust, especially among new customers during the busy festive season.

10. Re-Engage Customers with Business Broadcasts

As businesses scale, WhatsApp Business Broadcasts allow messages to be sent to multiple customers simultaneously. This is particularly useful for promoting festive deals, announcing new bundles or sending timely reminders, helping boost engagement and repeat purchases.