WhatsApp Business API stands for Application Programming Interface. It permits businesses to coordinate WhatsApp messaging capabilities in their systems, enabling computerized and customized communication with customers.
In 2018, Facebook launched WhatsApp Business API, allowing businesses to Broadcast and receive Unlimited messages to a Global audience and drive better customer experiences on WhatsApp. WhatsApp API is a potent tool that helps several companies communicate with their customers.
WhatsApp has more than 2 billion monthly active users. The service provided by WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to automate and customize interactions with users, improving customer engagement and satisfaction.
What is WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Business API works as a bridge between a WhatsApp account and a chosen WhatsApp Business Platform, such as Userlike.
Other than WhatsApp being an app for private messages, WhatsApp also offers two choices for business- the Business App and Business API. Even though both arrangements are planning for commerce utilization, they have a beautiful critical contrast regarding their highlights, capabilities, and costs.
In brief, the WhatsApp App is an arrangement for business idealists, whereas the WhatsApp Business API is suitable for accomplished deals and showcasing teams.
Features of WhatsApp Business API
1. Business Profile-
- Provides verified identification badges for authentication.
- The customizable and personalized profile picture and cover photo.
- Business title, bio, description, and contact information.
- Websites and social media links.
2. Message Templates-
- Pre-approved formats and templates for messages.
- Customizable formats with variables.
- Message preview and texting.
- Approval process for format changes.
3. Customer Support-
- Real-time support and answers.
- Automated reaction and workflows.
- Support for many customer support agents.
- Integration with CRM and promoting marketing automation.
4. Surveys and Feedback-
- Editable survey templates.
- Support for different question types.
- Real-time input and analytics.
- Integration with CMR and consumer feedback software.
4 Key Benefits of WhatsApp Business API
1. Enhanced Customer Experience-
- Personalized messaging and interactions.
- Timely responses and support.
- Convenient and accessible communication.
- Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
2. Increased Engagement-
- Higher open and response rates compared to traditional channels.
- Interactive messaging and feedback mechanism.
- Targeted and relevant communication.
- Improved customer participation and loyalty.
3. Security and Compliance-
- End-to-end encryption and highly secure messaging.
- Fulfill data protection regulations.
- Secure authentication and authorization.
- Regular security audits and testing.
4. Cost Effective-
- Reduced communication costs.
- Lower customer support costs.
- Enhanced productivity and efficiency.
- Better return on investment and power revenue growth.
How Is WhatsApp Business API Different From WhatsApp Business App?
Now, it’s time to understand the fundamental difference between them; many people may find this troublesome, but as we discussed earlier, WhatsApp has two types of business services: WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API.
These are two alternatives offered by WhatsApp for businesses. Both services help brands communicate with their customers. But here is the crucial difference: the functionality of both varies, which is the key to understanding them well and making a good investment in your company.
WhatsApp Business App-
- Designed for small businesses.
- Free to download and use.
- Verified business profile.
- Automated greetings and away messages.
- Quick replies and labels.
- Basic analytics.
- Limited to 1 phone number.
- Manual messaging.
WhatsApp Business API-
- Designed for medium to large businesses.
- Paid solution (partner fees apply).
- Advanced WhatsApp business automation and integration.
- Customizable messaging workflows.
- Support for multiple agents.
- Incorporation with CRM, ERP, and marketing tools.
- Expandable infrastructure.
- Priority support.
Here are the key differences:
1. Automation: WhatsApp Business API offers advanced automation, while the App has limited automation capabilities.
2. Integration: WhatsApp Business API integrates with external systems, while the App does not.
3. Scalability: WhatsApp Business API supports large volumes and multiple agents, while the App is limited to 1 phone number.
4. Customization: WhatsApp Business API offers customizable workflows, while the App has pre-defined features.
5. Support: WhatsApp Business API provides priority support, while the App has standard support.
However, WhatsApp Business API requires approval and setup through a verified partner, unlike the WhatsApp Business App, which can be downloaded directly from the App Store or Play Store for free without paying any money. At the same time, you have to pay for using WhatsApp Business API.
Who uses WhatsApp Business API?
We have learned the difference between the WhatsApp Business API and the WhatsApp Business App. The API is especially launched for medium—to large-sized companies or businesses. WhatsApp Business API helps companies scale their sales and provide support and marketing efforts. Various industries, companies, and businesses use WhatsApp Business API to enhance customer engagement.
1. Travel and Hospitality
WhatsApp Business API helps to grow in the travel and hospitality industry. It enables businesses to grow more and provides services related to travel, tourism, and accommodation.
2. Financial Institutions
With the help of WhatsApp Business API, financial institutions like banks, insurance companies, and investment firms acquire a large audience and interact with them easily. It empowers customer services with real-time account balances and statements.
3. Healthcare Institutes
WhatsApp Business API engages with institutes that deliver patients’ medical, care, and support services. It automates healthcare tasks like appointment reminders, scheduling with doctors, and confirmation of health checkups.
4. E-commerce Companies
WhatsApp Business API also emerges with online businesses or platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Walmart that sell products or services directly to customers through digital channels and provide facilities to connect with consumers.
5. Telecommunications
WhatsApp Business API serves companies that provide communication services, such as phone, internet, and data services. Examples include mobile network operators and Internet service providers.
6. Government Agencies
Organizations that provide public services, regulate activities, and enforce laws also seek services from WhatsApp Business API
7. Food Delivery and Restaurants
WhatsApp Business API allows food delivery platforms and restaurants to create and share notification templates to their customer that capture order details and update them on the status of their orders.
8. Retail and Consumer Goods
WhatsApp Business API allows businesses that sell products directly to consumers, either online or offline, to provide services in real-time updates by messaging to a large number of audiences at the same time.
9. Education and Learning
Institutions that provide educational services, training, and development programs will also likely use WhatsApp Business API to reach a large audience.
10. Real Estate and Property
WhatsApp Business API helps real estate agents, property developers, and rental services send property listings and appointment reminders to their customers and interact with them, which leads to improved customer engagement and satisfaction.
How Does WhatsApp Business API Work?
WhatsApp Business API helps businesses interact with customers on WhatsApp with features like automated messaging, customized customer interaction, scalable communication, and data-driven insights. It is more like an exceptional messenger service than an ordinary messenger for businesses to grow and maintain their business effectively.
- Business Registration: Businesses register for WhatsApp Business API access through a certified partner, verifying their phone number to ensure authenticity. WhatsApp reviews and approves the application, ensuring the business meets the requirements.
- Phone Number Verification: The business verifies its phone number to ensure authenticity. WhatsApp sends a verification code to the registered phone number, which the business enters to confirm ownership.
- API Access: WhatsApp provides businesses API access, allowing integration into their systems using programming languages like Java, Python, and others.
- Message Templates: Businesses create templates for everyday interactions, such as welcome messages or order updates, to interact with customers. WhatsApp reviews and approves these templates to ensure compliance with guidelines.
- Customer Opt-in: Customers opt-in to receive messages from the business, providing consent and phone numbers. Businesses store this information securely.
- Message Sending: Businesses send messages to customers using the WhatsApp Business API, formatting messages according to guidelines.
- Message Receipt: Customers receive messages and can respond. Businesses receive incoming messages via webhooks.
- Response Handling: Businesses handle customer responses manually or through automated workflows, triggering additional messaging or integrations as needed.
- Analytics: WhatsApp provides messaging analytics, offering insights into delivery rates, response rates, and more.
- Compliance: Businesses ensure compliance with WhatsApp policies and also seek data protection regulations, undergoing regular security audits and testing to ensure the privacy protection of the customer.
Conclusion
However, WhatsApp Business API is not just to connect millions of people simultaneously. Still, it also helps industries, businesses, and companies to boost their engagement with customers, and this further helps in better revenue growth and return on investment.
WhatsApp Business API has a powerful reach and is cost-effective for businesses. It is suitable for accomplishing deals and showcasing teams.
WhatsApp Business API is important for businesses to enhance customer engagement, support, and marketing efforts. It offers a wide range of services to improve and grow businesses. It provides advanced features, scalability, and customization suitable for medium to large businesses across various industries. By understanding how it works, its technical aspects, and its benefits, businesses can effectively leverage WhatsApp Business API to drive growth and improve customer experiences.
