WhatsApp Business API: All You Should Know In 2023

Learn everything there is to know about WhatsApp API to get started in 2023.
March 24, 2023
Vishnu (NVP)
Product Marketing Manager, Donut.cx

Introduction

Imagine a world where your business communication is like a well-oiled machine, running smoothly and efficiently. That's exactly what the WhatsApp Business API can do for you in 2023! 

It's the ultimate tool for streamlining communication with your customers and keeping them happy. Think of it as the duct tape of your business communication - it can fix just about anything! 

WhatsApp Business API is a messaging solution offered by WhatsApp that provides advanced features such as automation and integration to businesses. 

WhatsApp is already very popular, with over 2 billion users worldwide, making it the most popular instant messaging app. One can only imagine what could be done with improved API features and the host platform WhatsApp's extensive reach and connectivity.

Let's discover together!

Welcome to the world of WhatsApp Business API, where staying connected with your customers just got much easier! In 2023, this powerful tool will be a must-have for any business!

What is WhatsApp API?

WhatsApp API is an upgraded version of WhatsApp Business that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of medium to large businesses. WhatsApp Business API includes advanced tools for sending automated messages, handling customer inquiries, and integrating WhatsApp messaging into existing systems and workflows.

WhatsApp API, an application program interface, uses channels off of WhatsApp to drive organic awareness about your WhatsApp numbers, such as your website or storefront. It also allows you to reach out to your customers with business with customizable message templates and can be text-based, media-based, or interactive.

It enables businesses to interact with their customers more personally and efficiently, providing them with a better overall experience through feature-rich communications. The API also provides analytics and metrics for businesses to track the performance of their WhatsApp messaging campaigns.

Some key notes to consider for WhatsApp API

  • To use the WhatsApp Business API platform, businesses must be approved by WhatsApp and must adhere to WhatsApp's policies and guidelines. 
  • WhatsApp API is not free to use, and different pricing models are available for WhatsApp Business API, including message-based and subscription-based pricing.
  • The WhatsApp API can be integrated with a business's existing systems and tools to provide a seamless communication experience for customers. This allows businesses to provide real-time updates, such as order confirmations, delivery status, and appointment reminders, without relying on traditional channels like email or SMS.
  • The main purpose of WhatsApp API is to allow businesses to interact with customers through the WhatsApp messaging platform in an automated and seamless way, providing security and efficiency.

How is WhatsApp API different from WhatsApp & WhatsApp Business?

WhatsApp

WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business API

Personal messaging app

Free messaging app for small businesses

Paid service for medium to large businesses

Limited messaging capabilities

Advanced messaging capabilities

Advanced messaging capabilities and detailed metrics and analytics

No business verification

No business verification

Business verification

No automated messaging

Automated messaging

Automated messaging and integration with other systems

No broadcast limit

256 people broadcast limit

100,000 people broadcast limit

No chatbots

No chatbots

Live chatbots for customer service

No session message

No session message

24-hour session message

No message scheduling

No message scheduling

Message scheduling

No catalog

Catalog

Catalog

In short, WhatsApp is a personal messaging app, WhatsApp Business is a free messaging app for small businesses and WhatsApp Business API is a paid service for medium to large businesses with advanced messaging capabilities and detailed metrics and analytics, automation and integration with other systems. 

WhatsApp Business API Benefits

Businesses can gain a variety of advantages from the WhatsApp Business API, some of which are:

  • Increased customer engagement: The WhatsApp API allows businesses to interact with customers through a popular messaging platform, which can help to increase engagement and build stronger relationships.

With WhatsApp API Integration, you can increase cross-selling and upselling by allowing businesses to track customer interactions and purchase history. This can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, needs, and behaviors, which can help businesses to identify opportunities to offer related or complementary products and services.

Businesses can recover 45-60% of abandoned carts and application drop-offs by communicating and engaging with WhatsApp.

  • Enhanced communications: The API enables businesses to send automated messages, such as order confirmations, delivery status updates, and appointment reminders, which can help to keep customers informed and improve their overall experience.

Some reports from 2023 claim that using the WhatsApp chatbot will save businesses 2.5 billion hours.

WhatsApp API allows businesses to send automated responses to frequently asked questions, saving time and resources. Additionally, businesses can track and analyze customer interactions, which can help them to identify and address any issues or concerns that customers may have. 

  • Cost savings: By using the WhatsApp API, businesses can reduce the costs associated with traditional customer services channels, such as phone or email.

Providing excellent customer service and personalized communication through WhatsApp API can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to increased sales and repeat customers, potentially leading to increased revenue.

  • Better data collection and analysis: WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to collect and analyze data on customer interactions in a way that traditional communication channels do not.

By integrating WhatsApp messaging into existing systems and workflows, businesses can automatically track and record customer inquiries, purchase history, and other relevant data. This data can then be analyzed to gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.

Additionally, WhatsApp Business API also provides businesses with real-time analytics and metrics that can help them evaluate the performance of their messaging campaigns. These metrics include information on message delivery, engagement, and customer response rates. 

With this data, businesses can make data-driven decisions about optimizing their messaging strategies and improving customer interactions. Overall, WhatsApp Business API enables businesses to collect, analyze, and make sense of customer data to make the customer journey more personalized and efficient.

  • Increased scalability: With the WhatsApp API, businesses can handle many customer interactions simultaneously, enabling them to scale their customer service operations as their business grows.

WhatsApp API integration allows businesses to respond to customer inquiries and concerns in real-time, which can help to increase the likelihood of them converting into paying customers. The convenience and immediacy of WhatsApp can also lead to increased customer engagement and, ultimately, higher conversion rates.

The conversion rate of SMS and email is only about 2-5%. On the other hand, WhatsApp has a conversion rate of 45-60%.

  • Increased security: WhatsApp Business API is a highly secure platform that uses end-to-end encryption to protect the messaging conversations between businesses and customers. Only the intended parties can read the messages, and no one else, including WhatsApp, can access them.

 Additionally, the API is built on top of the WhatsApp infrastructure, which is designed to protect user data and privacy. Businesses also can verify their WhatsApp Business Account, which adds an extra layer of security and authenticity to their messaging interactions. 

With these security features in place, businesses can rest assured that their communication with customers through WhatsApp Business API is safe and protected.

Use Cases for Whatsapp Business API?

1. E-commerce businesses: E-commerce businesses can use WhatsApp Business API to communicate with customers about their orders, tracking, and returns and handle customer service inquiries. Additionally, e-commerce businesses can use the API to send targeted promotions and offers to customers, increasing the chances of conversions and sales. 

Example- By creating personalized marketing campaigns using artificial intelligence on WhatsApp, 6thStreet achieved a 20x ROI compared to SMS over 30 days, doubled its click-through rate, and improved customer satisfaction.

2. Retail businesses: Retail Businesses can use WhatsApp Business API to improve their customer engagement and sales, similarly to e-commerce businesses. Retail businesses can also use WhatsApp Business API to handle real-time customer service inquiries, providing customers with quick and efficient assistance.

3. Service providers: Service providers such as coaching centers, salons, gyms, and repair services can use WhatsApp Business API to improve customer engagement and communication. For example, service providers can use the API to send automated customer messages about their appointments, including confirmation, reminders, and cancellation updates. This can help keep customers informed about their appointments and improve their overall experience. 

Example- By developing two distinct chatbots using WhatsApp, Digify Africa enables effective interactive training that drives learner engagement and professional opportunities.

4. Healthcare providers: Healthcare providers such as hospitals and clinics can use WhatsApp Business API to improve communication with patients and provide better customer service. For example, healthcare providers can use the API to send automated messages to patients about their appointments, including confirmation, reminders, and cancellation updates. This can help keep patients informed about their appointments and improve their overall experience.

Example- Hospital El Cruce developed a virtual assistant using the WhatsApp Business Platform to provide the hospital’s Intelligent Communication Center with a channel to help provide care to patients and their families with greater speed and personalization while reducing call volumes.

5. Financial institutions: Financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies can use WhatsApp Business API to communicate with customers about account information, transactions, and fraud prevention. 

They can also use the API to send reminders and notifications, such as account balance alerts or payment-due notifications. Financial institutions can also use WhatsApp Business API to communicate with customers about their financial-related questions and provide them with additional support if needed. 

6. Travel and hospitality: Travel and hospitality businesses such as hotels and airlines can use WhatsApp Business API to engage with customers about reservations, and cancellations, send reminders and notifications, such as check-in and check-out times or flight departure times, and changes to itineraries.

Example- By consolidating all Las Fallas festival events from almost 400 local committees on the WhatsApp Business Platform, the Visit Valencia Foundation makes destination information available to thousands of visitors in nine languages. The solution reduces costs, better engages tourists, and diversifies participation by exposing local attractions.

7. Automotive: Automotive businesses such as car dealerships and repair shops can use WhatsApp Business API to communicate with customers about appointments, parts availability, and service updates. 

8. Government agencies: Government Agencies can use WhatsApp Business API to communicate with citizens about services, programs, and updates. Government agencies can use the API to send automated messages to citizens about services, programs, and updates, which can help keep citizens updated on government services in real-time.

How to get WhatsApp Business API?

Meta has mentioned the process of getting WhatsApp Business API and its eligibility requirements. To be eligible for WhatsApp Business API integration, businesses must have a presence in one of the Meta-specified countries, be in good standing, and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. 

They must also provide proof of their physical address, phone number, and website and have valid email addresses and phone numbers. Businesses must also follow all laws and regulations regarding data privacy and security. 

Getting access to the WhatsApp Business API Account may seem daunting, but it is quite straightforward once you understand the steps involved. There are several ways via which any business can get access to the WhatsApp API. Some of them are

  • On-Premises API Method
  • Sign-up Methods
  • Cloud Method
  • Via Donut.cx 

And, the prerequisite requirements are-

  • A Facebook Business Manager account
  • A verified business
  • A WhatsApp business account
  • A Line of Credit for your WhatsApp business account

Accessing the WhatsApp API via Donut.cx appears to be the simplest option. Because the On-Premises and Cloud methods are relatively difficult for non-developers, the sign-up efforts do not provide access to the more effective version of WhatsApp API.

Donut.cx is a customer experience and engagement platform that provides access to the advanced capabilities of the WhatsApp API. Donut.cx supports your team with a powerful multi-agent & multichannel inbox that provides automated customer support 24/7 and single-view operations management. 

Donut.cx centralized inbox contextually supports and delights customers as it consolidates all your inbound customer interactions in one place improving efficiency via real-time support. 

Donut.cx helps businesses scale by allowing them to curate attractive customized broadcasts with minimal effort to engage and re-engage with old and new customers to promote their latest product or service.

It also allows you to measure the success of your campaigns and gain insights into the best-performing campaigns to execute the best marketing strategy. And not to forget the power of its multichannel inbox that lets you pick up a conversation with leads from different channels such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp and save you from missing any opportunity to convert and engage. 

The procedure for obtaining the WhatsApp API and integrating it with Donut.cx is as follows-

  • Step 1: Open “Integration” on the Setting menu and click WhatsApp

Step 1: Open “Integration” on the Setting menu and click WhatsApp
  • Step 2: Make sure that you meet all the prerequisite requirements to connect with the WhatsApp Business API. 
Step 2: Make sure that you meet all the prerequisite requirements to connect with the WhatsApp Business API.
  • Step 3: You will be directed to Facebook to connect your Facebook Business Manager account.
Step 3: You will be directed to Facebook to connect your Facebook Business Manager account.
  • Step 4: After completing all the requirements on Facebook Business Manager, copy the number you will use, select WhatsApp or SMS and click " Verify Code".
Step 4: After completing all the requirements on Facebook Business Manager, copy the number you will use, select WhatsApp or SMS and click " Verify Code".
  • Step 5: After receiving the notification code, input it and click “Verify”.
Step 5: After receiving the notification code, input it and click “Verify”.
  • Step 6: Now your WhatsApp is connected with Facebook Business Manager! Complete your WhatsApp Business Profile and click “Save”
Step 6: Now your WhatsApp is connected with Facebook Business Manager! Complete your WhatsApp Business Profile and click “Save”
  •  Step 7: You have successfully connected your Donut with WhatsApp!
 Step 7: You have successfully connected your Donut with WhatsApp!

Now you can start interacting with your WhatsApp customers effectively with Donut.cx Chat Widget.

What is WhatsApp Business API pricing?

WhatsApp Business API pricing is based on the number of messages sent and received per month. The cost can vary depending on the country and specific messaging use case. There may also be additional costs for certain features, such as chatbots or integration with other systems. 

WhatsApp Business Platform conversations fall into two categories that are priced differently:

  • User-initiated: A conversation that initiates in response to a user message. Whenever a business replies to a user within the 24-hour customer service window, that message will be associated with a user-initiated conversation. Businesses can send free-form messages within this 24-hour customer service window.
  • Business-initiated: A conversation that initiates from a business sending a user a message outside the 24-hour customer service window. Messages that initiate a business-initiated conversation will require a message template.

To get precise pricing, you need to contact WhatsApp or its partners and provide them with your specific messaging use case and volume. It's also worth noting that WhatsApp API pricing is not disclosed publicly, but it's typically considered more expensive than other messaging channels; it has a vast reach and user base, which makes it a good investment for businesses.

You can download the individual rate cards from here

Conclusion

WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool that enables businesses to reach their customers on the world’s most popular messaging app. WhatsApp Business API is becoming increasingly popular among businesses as it offers many benefits. 

With the WhatsApp Business API becoming more widely available, businesses need to understand its necessity and relevance in the current market. By meeting the eligibility criteria and providing the necessary documentation, businesses can gain access to advanced messaging capabilities and detailed metrics and analytics. 

The WhatsApp Business API is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, including e-commerce, retail, service providers, healthcare providers, financial institutions, etc. WhatsApp Business API is more effective when used in conjunction with an engagement platform, allowing businesses to reach their full potential. 

WhatsApp Business API is like the secret ingredient in your business's communication recipe, it takes it from bland to grand! So, don't be left behind in the communication game, add the WhatsApp Business API to your business's toolkit and see the magic happen!"

With Donut.cx's multichannel and multi-agent inbox, you can carry out customer service and business operations more effectively using WhatsApp.

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