WhatsApp Business vs Website: Which is Better for Selling Online in 2025?

For years, selling online followed a simple formula: build a website, upload products, let customers browse, add to cart, and check out.

Author

Team THRIVE
November 20, 2025

For years, selling online followed a simple formula: build a website, upload products, let customers browse, add to cart, and check out.

But in 2018, everything changed when WhatsApp Business launched, turning the world’s most popular messaging app into a serious e-commerce tool. Suddenly, businesses could create catalogs, set prices, automate messages, and even close sales all within the regular WhatsApp messaging platform.

Now, in 2025, entrepreneurs face a dilemma: stick with a website, focus on WhatsApp, or combine both? Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Table of Contents

Selling on WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business is now home to over 200 million businesses worldwide. It’s free, easy to set up, and customers are already familiar with the app. For advanced use, the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) lets you integrate your websites and apps with the APIs, send bulk messages to 100k+ users, and even add AI chatbots.

Pros of WhatsApp Business

  • Sell directly to contacts who already know you, view your status, or browse your catalog.

  • Setup takes less than 10 minutes, and customers are already familiar with the interface.

  • Showcase your products with descriptions, share promotional updates via WhatsApp status, and even create groups to sell to a more targeted audience.

  • WhatsApp offers automated messages, opening hours, and product listings at zero cost.

  • Anyone can set up a WhatsApp store without writing a single line of code.

  • The WhatsApp Advanced API has cool features, such as analytics, bulk messaging to 100,000 people at once with the API, AI chatbots, and automated order confirmations.

Cons of WhatsApp Business

  • You can only sell to people who have your contact details or discover you through referrals.

  • It is not scalable for large volumes, as handling hundreds of daily orders is difficult.

  • Unlike a website, WhatsApp doesn’t establish strong brand credibility across a wider audience.

Selling Through a Website

In 2025, having a website will remain non-negotiable for serious businesses. A website is your digital headquarters. It builds credibility, attracts new leads through search engines, and provides a professional brand identity.

Pros of Websites

  • With a website, you can sell to anyone, anywhere. Platforms like Shopify and Amazon operate in 170+ countries with multiple currencies.

  • A domain name like cakesinlagos.com ensures customers can easily find you on Google.

  • Tools like Shopify make building websites accessible. You can even partner with agencies like OATS Africa Technologies for expert setup.

  • Comes with endless automations with features like delivery tracking, advanced checkout, and CRM integrations, making scaling easier.

  • Your domain is yours alone. No duplicates, unlike the regular WhatsApp business names.

Cons of Websites

  • The setup cost can sometimes be expensive for entrepreneurs starting out.

  • The initial transition may feel complicated for beginners.

  • Without proper search optimization, your website may not attract the right traffic.

WhatsApp vs Website: The Real Difference

Think of it this way:

  • Website = Discovery & Credibility, which attracts new leads through Google, builds trust, and presents your brand professionally.

  • WhatsApp = Conversion & Engagement, helps close deals instantly, drives business to customer conversations, and keeps customers close.

Your website is the “old guard”, a long-term plan for access to unlimited visibility. WhatsApp is the “new kid on the block”, a great tool for quick sale capabilities.

The smartest businesses don’t choose one; rather, they integrate both.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, whether you use WhatsApp, a website, or both, one thing remains true: systems and strategy win, not just tools.

Without clear marketing structures, smooth operations, and automation, you will struggle to scale. If you want to learn how to build those systems, check out our previous blog (link to - Structured Marketing: How to Scale Your Business Beyond the Basics)

Team Thrive

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