What is WhatsApp Business API and why it is useful for businesses?
WhatsApp Business API is a cloud-based solution that allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp with their existing customer communication tools. It provides more advanced features than the basic WhatsApp Business app, such as automation, chatbot integration, and the ability to send interactive messages in bulk.
WhatsApp Business API is useful for businesses because it enables them to:
Reach out to customers on their preferred messaging platform
Provide customer service, support, and feedback
Send updates and notifications about orders, deliveries, appointments, etc.
Promote products and services with rich media content
Build trust and loyalty with a verified business account
Measure and optimize their messaging performance
How to request access to WhatsApp Business API?
To use WhatsApp Business API, businesses need to request access from WhatsApp or sign up with an API provider. The process involves:
Creating a Facebook Business Manager account
Verifying their business identity and phone number
Creating a WhatsApp business account
Submitting their account for review and approval by WhatsApp
Choosing an API provider or setting up their own hosting environment
Generating an access token and a certificate
Downloading and installing the WhatsApp Business API client
WhatsApp Business API client download options
The WhatsApp Business API client can be downloaded and installed in different ways, depending on the purpose and the scale of the business. There are two main types of setups: developer setups for testing and production setups for sending messages to customers.
Developer setups for testing
Developer setups are meant for testing purposes only and should not be used for a production environment. They allow businesses to get familiar with the setup process and the features of the WhatsApp Business API client. There are three options for developer setups:
Single instance with Docker Compose
This is a simple setup that uses Docker Compose to run one Coreapp instance on a single machine. It is suitable for small-scale testing and development. To download and install this setup, follow the instructions here.
High availability/Multiconnect with Docker Compose or Minikube
This is an advanced setup that uses Docker Compose or Minikube to run multiple Coreapp instances on multiple machines. It helps avoid a single point of failure and provides higher availability and scalability. It also supports Multiconnect, which allows businesses to use multiple phone numbers with one WhatsApp Business API account. To download and install this setup, follow the instructions here or here.
Production setups for sending messages to customers
Production setups are meant for sending messages to customers in a live environment. They require more resources and security measures than developer setups. They also need to comply with the WhatsApp Business Policy and the WhatsApp Commerce Policy. There are three options for production setups:
Single instance with one Coreapp instance
This is a basic setup that uses one Coreapp instance on a single machine. It is suitable for small businesses that have low message volume and do not need high availability or Multiconnect. To download and install this setup, follow the instructions here.
High availability/Multiconnect with multiple Coreapp instances
This is a recommended setup that uses multiple Coreapp instances on multiple machines. It provides high availability and scalability, as well as Multiconnect functionality. It is suitable for medium to large businesses that have high message volume and need to use multiple phone numbers. To download and install this setup, follow the instructions here.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) deployment
This is an optional setup that uses AWS cloud services to host the WhatsApp Business API client. It offers the benefits of AWS, such as security, reliability, and flexibility. It also simplifies the installation and maintenance process. To download and install this setup, follow the instructions here.
Migration from developer setup to production setup
If businesses want to migrate from a developer setup to a production setup, they need to follow some steps to ensure a smooth transition. These steps include:
Backing up their data and configuration files
Uninstalling their developer setup
Installing their production setup
Restoring their data and configuration files
Updating their access token and certificate
Testing their production setup
To learn more about the migration process, refer to this guide.
WhatsApp Business API features and benefits
WhatsApp Business API offers many features and benefits for businesses that want to communicate with their customers effectively and efficiently. Some of these features and benefits are:
Automation and integration with existing tools and systems
WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to automate their messaging workflows and integrate them with their existing tools and systems, such as CRM, chatbot, or e-commerce platforms. This way, they can save time, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction.
Interactive and rich media messages
WhatsApp Business API enables businesses to send interactive and rich media messages to their customers, such as text, images, videos, audio, documents, location, contacts, buttons, quick replies, lists, carousels, etc. These messages can enhance the customer experience and engagement.
Official green tick verified business account
WhatsApp Business API gives businesses an official green tick verified business account that shows their customers that they are dealing with a legitimate and trustworthy business. This can increase customer confidence and loyalty.
Data tracking and analysis
WhatsApp Business API provides businesses with data tracking and analysis tools that help them measure and optimize their messaging performance. They can access metrics such as delivery rate, read rate, response rate, block rate, opt-in rate, etc. They can also use webhooks to receive real-time updates on message events.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Business API is a powerful solution for businesses that want to connect with their customers on WhatsApp at scale. It offers many features and benefits that can help businesses improve their customer communication and grow their business.
To get started with WhatsApp Business API, businesses need to request access from WhatsApp or sign up with an API provider. Then, they need to choose a suitable option for downloading and installing the WhatsApp Business API client. They can also migrate from a developer setup to a production setup if they want to send messages to customers in a live environment.
If you are interested in using WhatsApp Business API for your business, you can contact us today for more information and assistance. We are an experienced API provider that can help you set up your WhatsApp Business API account, integrate it with your existing tools and systems, and provide you with ongoing support and guidance.
FAQs
What is the difference between WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp Business app?
The WhatsApp Business app is a free app that allows small businesses to create a business profile, manage their catalog, and communicate with their customers on WhatsApp. It has limited features and can only be used on one device at a time.
The WhatsApp Business API is a paid solution that allows medium to large businesses to integrate WhatsApp with their existing customer communication tools. It has more advanced features and can be used on multiple devices and phone numbers at the same time.
How much does WhatsApp Business API cost?
The WhatsApp Business API has two types of costs: fixed costs and variable costs. The fixed costs are the fees charged by the API provider or the hosting service for setting up and maintaining the WhatsApp Business API account. The variable costs are the fees charged by WhatsApp for sending messages to customers. These fees depend on the type, volume, and destination of the messages, as well as the local regulations and taxes.
To get an estimate of the WhatsApp Business API costs, you can use this calculator.
How can I integrate WhatsApp Business API with my CRM or chatbot platform?
To integrate WhatsApp Business API with your CRM or chatbot platform, you need to use a third-party service that can connect your WhatsApp Business API account with your CRM or chatbot platform. Some examples of such services are:
Twilio: A cloud communications platform that provides APIs for voice, video, SMS, and WhatsApp.
MessageBird: A cloud communications platform that provides APIs for SMS, voice, email, and WhatsApp.
Dialogflow: A natural language understanding platform that provides tools for building conversational agents and chatbots.
ManyChat: A chat marketing platform that allows you to create and manage chatbots for Facebook Messenger, SMS, and WhatsApp.
To learn more about how to integrate WhatsApp Business API with your CRM or chatbot platform, you can refer to the documentation of the service you choose.
What are the message template guidelines and categories for WhatsApp Business API?
Message templates are pre-approved messages that businesses can use to send notifications to customers who have opted in to receive them. They are required for sending messages outside the 24-hour window after the last customer interaction. They must follow certain guidelines and belong to one of the approved categories by WhatsApp.
The message template guidelines include:
Using clear and concise language
Avoiding promotional or marketing content
Avoiding sensitive or abusive content
Using placeholders for variables
Using correct spelling and grammar
Using appropriate tone and style
The message template categories include:
CategoryDescriptionExample
Account UpdateNotifications about changes or updates to a user's account settings or statusYour account has been activated. Welcome to 1!
Alert UpdateNotifications about changes or updates to an existing alert that a user has subscribed toYour flight 1 has been delayed by 2 minutes.
Appointment UpdateNotifications about changes or updates to an existing appointment or bookingYour appointment with 1 has been rescheduled to 2.
Auto-ReplyAutomated responses to user messages when a business is not available or during off-hoursWe are closed for the day. We will get back to you tomorrow.
Issue ResolutionNotifications about the resolution of a customer issue or inquiryYour refund request has been processed. You will receive 1 in your account within 2 days.
Payment UpdateNotifications about changes or updates to a payment or transaction statusYour payment of 1 has been received. Thank you for your purchase.
Personal Finance UpdateNotifications about changes or updates to a user's personal finance account or informationYour balance for 1 is 2 as of 3.
Reservation UpdateNotifications about changes or updates to an existing reservation or bookingYour reservation for 1 at 2 has been confirmed. Your confirmation number is 3.
Shipping UpdateNotifications about changes or updates to a shipping status or delivery informationYour order 1 has been shipped. You can track it here.
Ticket UpdateNotifications about changes or updates to an existing ticket or eventYour ticket for 1 at 2 has been upgraded to 3. Enjoy the show!
Transportation UpdateNotifications about changes or updates to a transportation service or itineraryYour ride with 1 is arriving in 2 minutes. Your driver's name is 3 and the license plate is 4.
To learn more about how to create and use message templates, refer to this guide.
How can I get support for WhatsApp Business API?
If you have any questions or issues with WhatsApp Business API, you can get support from different sources, such as:
The WhatsApp Business API documentation, which provides detailed information and instructions on how to use the WhatsApp Business API client and its features.
The WhatsApp Business API community, which is a forum where you can ask questions, share feedback, and connect with other WhatsApp Business API users and experts.
The WhatsApp Business API support team, which is available 24/7 to help you with any technical issues or queries. You can contact them through the WhatsApp Business API dashboard or by email.
Your API provider, if you have signed up with one. They can help you with the setup, integration, and maintenance of your WhatsApp Business API account.
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