Businesses can receive and respond to unlimited WhatsApp messages using WhatsApp Business API, an application programming interface. With it, medium and large businesses can increase consumer engagement using WhatsApp, a bespoke solution Facebook created in August 2018.
The use of personal WhatsApp accounts as a primary communication tool by small companies has increased in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia during 2017-18. These companies were not WhatsApp-first but WhatsApp-only. This was when Facebook decided to make API WhatsApp available for commercial use.
WhatsApp Business API requires a CRM separate from WhatsApp to interact with clients. This implies that businesses must have a dashboard to access all of the functionalityWhatsApp API gives.
Who can use WhatsApp Business API?
Before delving deeper into WhatsApp API, AI chatbot online, and the application procedure, check to see whether your company can gain permission from Facebook. Before applying for the API, various business terms and conditions must be met.
Aside from the terms and conditions, there are two more considerations. The size of your company and the sector you work in.
1. Company Size
WhatsApp chatbot online is complex and time-consuming to create and integrate. It is now easier for WhatsApp to approve large and medium-sized businesses.
It is uncommon for small companies to receive approval for the WhatsApp Business API, sometimes called WhatsApp Enterprise. WhatsApp Business is a free application that can exchange instant messages and other functionalities (non-interactive).
2. Industry
Regarding the WhatsApp Business API, WhatsApp has a strict commerce policy. It cannot be used by independent software providers, real-money industries such as gaming and gambling, adult material and entertainment, weapons, alcohol and tobacco, supplements, and other medical treatments.
The remaining sectors are telecommunications, real estate, education, tourism, and hospitality. WhatsApp API can be used by businesses in various ways depending on their industry.
However, the next portion of this post will discuss some common advantages of the WhatsApp API.
The Advantages of Using WhatsApp Business API
Medium and enormous enterprises can profit from the WhatsApp Business API in the following ways:
- Effortless two-way communication
The WhatsApp Business API’s two-way chat functionality allows you to answer your clients’ questions, offer critical information, and keep them updated on their orders, delivery, payment, and more.
- Improves the consumer experience
The WhatsApp Business API provides you with a tailored environment in which to engage with consumers. You may gain their confidence and loyalty by providing helpful information and assistance.
- Proactively initiate the conversation
Create message templates and tell your consumers to take the following actions to start a discussion.
- Strong security combined with consumer communications
WhatsApp introduces two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption standard security features to improve customer and company security. When clients opt-in to receive messages from you, WhatsApp Business API checks your business account and validates your identity.
- Extended range
WhatsApp Business API extends enterprises’ access to a large spectrum of prospective consumers thanks to its user base of over two billion individuals in more than 180 countries.
- Conversations with brands
When you use WhatsApp Business APIs to communicate with your consumers, the conversation is infused with brand identification and has a professional feel. You may include a photo for your company profile, a website link, contact information, retail locations, product catalogs, promotional information, and more.
