What is WhatsApp Business API?
WhatsApp Business API is the upgraded business communication solution of WhatsApp. It offers advanced business features like automated broadcast messages, chatbot, and template messages.
WhatsApp Business API enables companies to send automated messages and notifications directly from their systems or websites. This includes personalized greetings, order confirmations, delivery updates, and more.
Additionally, it supports features such as quick replies and templates, making responding to customer inquiries faster and easier than ever.
Companies can also use the API’s integration capabilities to connect with other platforms like CRM systems or payment gateways for further automation opportunities.
Key Features of WhatsApp Business API
Below is the key feature list of WhatsApp Business API to help you understand how it can help you facilitate customer communication.
Verified WhatsApp Business Accounts
The green tick next to the brand name on the WhatsApp Business API account means that the company is officially certified by Facebook. It is a real business account representing the brand. Customers will also become more confident in communicating with the company and avoid scams.
With the WhatsApp Business API green tick verification applied, businesses can ensure authenticity and reliability for their customers. This helps build trust with potential customers and keeps your business from being banned on WhatsApp.
Many Chatalog customers prefer using WhatsApp Business API because of the green tick verification, as it helps businesses build a better brand image and strengthen the trust between customers and the business.
Automated Messaging and Customer Support Tools
The WhatsApp Business API allows SMBs to automate responding to customers quickly by using pre-defined templates. This makes it easier for them to provide timely customer service without manually responding each time.
The API also includes features such as auto-replying when someone sends a message or setting up an automated welcome message when someone starts a conversation with your business on WhatsApp.
Another great feature of the WhatsApp API is its ability to send automated responses based on keywords or phrases in incoming messages. This helps save even more time by eliminating manual labor from your workflow – allowing you to focus on other important tasks instead. You can customize these automated responses and set up triggers that automatically send notifications whenever certain criteria are met (such as an order being placed).
Customizable Templates for Quick Replies
With the WhatsApp Business API, SMBs can create custom templates that they can use to send out quick responses or personalized messages in bulk. These template messages can be used in broadcast messages. These templates are easy to set up and can be used across multiple conversations at once, making it much more efficient than typing out individual responses every time.
Integration with Third-Party Platforms
The WhatsApp Business API enables companies to integrate their existing systems with other third-party platforms like CRM software or eCommerce solutions.
This makes it possible for you to sync data between different systems to better manage customer relationships from one place while providing seamless communication experiences across all channels.
Analytics
Finally, the WhatsApp API also provides analytics about how customers interact with your business through its messaging service – giving you valuable insights into what works best for them and how they prefer communicating with companies like yours. This data can be used not only to improve customer experience but also to inform future marketing strategies.
WhatsApp Business API offers a range of features to help businesses automate their messaging and customer support processes. Businesses can optimize communication strategies by utilizing these features for better engagement and customer experience.
Benefits of Using WhatsApp Business API
By using the WhatsApp Business API, businesses can streamline their communication processes while providing better customer service at lower costs.
Automated messages allow companies to respond quickly without needing additional staff dedicated solely to this purpose. Meanwhile, templates provide a convenient way of sending out common responses in just one click.
Furthermore, integrating third-party services into existing workflows helps save time by eliminating redundant tasks such as manually entering data into multiple systems or websites separately each time a transaction occurs.
WhatsApp Business API provides businesses with a powerful tool to communicate with customers, automate customer support tasks, and integrate their services with third-party platforms. By understanding the key features of the API, businesses can maximize their growth potential.
WhatsApp Business vs WhatsApp Business API
Both WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business API offer a range of attractive business communication features, so choosing the right one can be difficult for small and medium businesses. Let’s see how they are different from each other.
First, WhatsApp Business App does not offer many of the features mentioned above, like verified WhatsApp business account (the green tick). There are also restrictions in using broadcast messages:
WhatsApp Business can send broadcast messages to up to 256 contacts in each broadcast list. However, businesses should ensure all the contacts in the broadcast list have saved your number to their address list. Otherwise, the broadcast messages can be marked as spam, and WhatsApp could probably ban your WhatsApp Business account.
With WhatsApp Business API, businesses can send broadcast messages to all contacts. It helps remove the address book restrictions and makes the broadcasting easier than ever.
As WhatsApp Business API offers more advanced features and flexibility, it’s worth considering that you create a WhatsApp Business API account for your business.
Next, we’ll go through a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a WhatsApp Business API account.
How to Create a WhatsApp Business API Account?
Creating a WhatsApp Business API account is easier than ever with Chatalog. Here’s how to get started:
- Sign up for an account on the Chatalog website and provide your business details, such as name, email address, and phone number.
- Once you have signed up for an account, you will be able to access the dashboard, where you can manage your settings and configure your WhatsApp Business accounts.
3. Finally, you can start sending messages through our platform after connecting all your accounts. You’ll be able to track message delivery status in real time, send automated responses based on keywords or customer actions, and even set up chatbots for frequently asked questions.
WhatsApp Business API for Business: Template Message
Message Templates are pre-approved messages that start or reopen conversations after 24 hours from the contact’s last incoming message. These templates can be created in two ways: from the WhatsApp Business Solution Provider’s Console or through Chatalog.
If businesses want to initiate the conversation, you must send the message template to the customers. Businesses can only send free-form messages after receiving replies from customers.
There are 2 forms, List Message and Reply Buttons, of interactive messages, which are only available on WhatsApp Business API. Each list message allows businesses to create up to 10 items while only 3 reply buttons can be displayed each time.
WhatsApp may reject submitted Message Templates for different reasons, so it’s important to follow best practices when creating them. However, it’s important not to overuse these templates as customers might mark them as spam which could affect your Template quality rating and status on Facebook Business Manager.
WhatsApp Business API Pricing
The WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to communicate easily with their customers. WhatsApp Business API’s pricing model charges the business per conversation, including all messages delivered within 24 hours.
The first 1,000 conversations are free, allowing your business to start building experiences your customers will love without worrying about costs right away. After the initial 1000 conversations, you’ll be charged for each conversation beyond that limit. For detailed rates of each region, please refer to the Converstaion-based Pricing Rate Cards.
Starting from March 1, 2023, conversations will not be charged if customers message the business by clicking the call-to-action buttons on Ads or the Facebook page. And more importantly, the current free conversation window of messages from these entry points will be extended from 24 to 72 hours.
Also, more changes on the WhatsApp Business API pricing model will be effective from June 1, 2023. Here are some major changes as announced by Facebook:
- 4 new conversation categories will be effective from June 1, 2023: 3 business-initiated conversation categories and 1 user-initiated conversation category.
- The cost per conversation will also be updated.
Now, let’s look at some best practices to maximize the use of WhatsApp Business API.
Tips for Maximizing Your Results with WhatsApp Business API
Using the WhatsApp Business API can help small and medium businesses streamline their customer support process, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. Here are some tips to maximize your results with this powerful tool.
Personalize Your Messages Whenever Possible
Personalizing your messages is key to ensuring that customers feel heard and appreciated. Use customer data, such as their name or purchase history, to craft tailored messages that will make them feel valued. This can be done via the Chatalog platform.
Use Automation Tools to Streamline Your Workflow
Automating certain tasks can save time and effort while improving accuracy. For example, you can use automated messages to welcome new customers or send follow-up reminders after a purchase. You can also set up automated responses for frequently asked questions so that customers get quick answers without waiting for a response from an agent.
Leverage Templates to Send Quick Responses
Pre-written templates allow you to respond quickly to common inquiries without manually typing out each message. This helps reduce the time spent on responding and ensures consistency in messaging across all channels. You can customize these templates with personalized greetings or details specific to each customer interaction.
Monitor Performance Metrics Regularly
Tracking key performance metrics, such as the broadcast messages’ response times, open rates, and click-through rates, will give you valuable insights into how your team is performing and what areas need improvement. With this data in hand, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about which strategies are working best and where adjustments may be needed to optimize your workflow further down the line.
By following these best practices when using the WhatsApp Business API, you will reap the benefits of improved communication with customers while saving time and money in the long run.
FAQs about Whatsapp Business API
Is WhatsApp Business API free?
Yes, WhatsApp Business API is free for all businesses, but message fees are charged per session. Each WhatsApp Business API account will receive 1,000 free conversations per month. For detailed pricing plans, please refer to the Conversation-Based Pricing.
Does WhatsApp Business have API?
Yes, WhatsApp Business does have an API. It allows businesses to integrate their systems with the messaging platform and automate certain processes, such as sending notifications or customer service messages. The API also provides access to analytics data that can be used for marketing campaigns and other activities. It also enables developers to build custom applications on the platform, allowing them to create unique customer experiences.
Does WhatsApp Business API cost money?
Yes, WhatsApp Business API does cost money. The pricing is based on the number of messages sent and received each month. It also depends on the country to which you are sending messages.
How do I get WhatsApp Business API on WhatsApp?
To get the WhatsApp Business API on WhatsApp, you must first register your business with the WhatsApp Business Solution Provider. Chatalog is one of the best platforms to register WhatsApp Business API. For detailed information, please contact us.
WhatsApp Business API Conclusion
The WhatsApp Business API gives small and medium business owners access to all of the features available on the WhatsApp Business Platform. Through Chatalog, adding this cutting-edge communication channel into your mix is easy, with no coding required.
Businesses can create marketing campaigns using the WhatsApp API, send personalized messages, and connect directly with their customers and leads. You can use as many devices or phone numbers as needed so that scaling customer care and marketing communications are simple. Plus, it’s free for up to 1,000 messages each month. This makes it perfect for e-commerce stores, small businesses, or large enterprises.
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