How Do I Get Started on WhatsApp Business API?

Key Takeaways

Messaging apps like WhatsApp have transformed business communication
The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) is a dynamic solution for effective customer engagement
Pre-requisites for the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) include a valid email, phone number, and a Meta Business Manager Account
Getting started on the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) involves creating a Convrs account, integrating 360Dialog, setting up the WhatsApp Business Account, and linking to Convrs
The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) differentiates from WhatsApp Business App with higher volume handling, advanced automation, system integration, customization, and security features
The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) enhances communication, streamlines processes, and expands global reach
Convrs simplifies implementation, empowering businesses to unlock WhatsApp's full potential

Introduction

Communication has grown to be one of the most important aspects of a business’ operations, changing the way businesses communicate with their customers. The rise of messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, and others, have played a pivotal role in this change. These messaging apps have reshaped the landscape of customer engagement, causing businesses big and small to seek innovative tools to enhance their communication strategies.

Enter the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) — a dynamic solution designed to elevate the way businesses connect with their audience. With how messaging apps have become indispensable for both personal and professional communication, WhatsApp, with its extensive user base, has emerged as a key player in this space. The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) empowers businesses to communicate effectively while elevating customer engagement strategies.

Getting Started with Convrs: Step-by-Step Guide

Before diving into the implementation of the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), it's essential for businesses to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and to process it with a Meta Verified Technical Partner such as Convrs. Not only will Convrs help you with the integration process with WhatsApp, there is also an easily accessible set up guide and an enterprise level support offering.

Setting Up Your WhatsApp Business Platform (API) Account

Prepare the Following Before the Setup

Full admin access to the Facebook Business Manager account

It's best to have your Facebook Business Manager account verified by Meta to unlock the benefits, such as a higher messaging limit (starting at 1K unique customers a day per 24-hour period) and the ability to add up to 20 numbers to your account.
However, setting up a WhatsApp Business Platform (API) account is still possible even if your business has not yet been verified.

A number (VoIP, mobile, or landline) that can receive an international call or message for the OTP

Ensure that the number is not currently connected to a WhatsApp account (personal or business).
If it is, delete the account on the associated mobile device to onboard it to the WhatsApp Business Platform (API).

Credit card details to pay for the following:

A monthly subscription fee of USD25 (per registered number) paid directly to 360Dialog (our BSP for WhatsApp Business API)
Conversation fees paid directly to Meta via conversation funds on your 360Dialog client hub.

Follow Through the Setup Guide for WhatsApp Business API

The setup process begins on the Convrs dashboard through the person who has full admin access to the Facebook Business Manager account.
Go through the steps according to the guide. Once the stack is created, authorize Convrs to access the number to create the bot on your dashboard.

Create Templates for Uploading

Templates are used to start conversations or to reopen conversations that have lapsed the 24-hour window.
Convrs has available preset templates your business can review and use accordingly.
Meta's approval time for these can range from a minute to a couple of days.

Understanding the WhatsApp Business Platform (API)

Defining the WhatsApp Business Platform (API)

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) is a messaging solution specifically designed to meet the needs of medium to large sized businesses. It provides a robust platform for businesses to engage with their customers and prospects seamlessly. It is often confused with the WhatsApp Business App, a mobile app that can be downloaded from any app store, built for small businesses, and has limited capabilities.

Distinguishing features of the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) includes its ability to handle higher messaging volumes and its exclusive features that go beyond the capabilities of the standard WhatsApp Business App version.

Key Differences

Scale and Volume Handling:

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) is tailored for enterprises dealing with substantial messaging volumes, excelling in managing a higher scale of interactions, ensuring a smooth and reliable communication flow even during peak times for businesses.

In comparison, the WhatsApp Business App is designed for smaller businesses with modest messaging needs, WhatsApp Business Accounts may struggle with larger volume handling.

Automation Capabilities:

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) offers advanced automation capabilities, enabling businesses to integrate advanced chatbots and automated responses. This ensures an efficient handling of common queries and allows businesses to focus on more complex customer interactions.

The WhatsApp Business App has automation features available; however, they are limited in scope. Businesses may find it challenging to implement complex automated workflows.

Integration with Existing Systems:

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) provides a robust framework for integration with existing CRM systems, databases, and other business applications. Cohesive integration ensures a unified and streamlined communication process, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The WhatsApp Business App does not allow for seamless integration with existing business systems and software, potentially leading to disjointed workflows.

Customization and Personalization:

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) allows businesses to create personalized and branded communication experiences. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining brand consistency and meeting the unique needs of a business’ diverse customer segments.

For the WhatsApp Business App, there is a less tailored customer experience as personalization is limited.

Message Templates:

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) has message templates that enable businesses to create pre-approved formats for various categories of messages. In comparison, the WhatsApp Business App does not have message templates, which could result in inconsistencies of business communication.

Security Measures:

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) incorporates security features like two-factor authentication, providing an extra layer of protection for customer interactions. The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) is also GDPR compliant, these security features are essential for businesses to prioritize the security and confidentiality of their customers’ data.

Understanding these key differences is vital for businesses when using the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). Want to know more? See our blog WhatsApp Business Platform (API) compared to the WhatsApp Business App.

Key Features of the WhatsApp Business Platform (API)

Bulk Messaging

One of the standout features of the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) is its bulk messaging feature with WhatsApp Campaigns. For businesses dealing with large audiences, bulk messaging is a crucial feature provided by the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). This capability enables businesses to send messages to thousands of customers simultaneously, making it an efficient tool for broadcasting important announcements, promotions, or updates.

Messaging Templates

To send bulk messages through the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), the business must have a pre-approved messaging template. These templates are customizable message formats that enable businesses to streamline their communications. Whether sending order confirmations, appointment reminders, or updates, messaging templates ensure a consistent and professional approach in customer interactions.

Interactive Messaging

One unique feature of the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) is its Interactive buttons. Businesses can send messages with interactive buttons such as list messages and reply buttons. This is helpful for businesses to provide a simple and concise format for customers to find what they need from the business, ensuring great customer experiences.

Multimedia Messaging

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) facilitates multimedia messaging, allowing businesses to send not only text but also images, videos, and documents. This capability enriches the communication experience, enabling businesses to convey information more effectively and engagingly.

AI Chatbots

Automation plays a pivotal role in optimizing customer service processes. The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) allows businesses to leverage chatbots for automated replies, efficiently handling customer queries and improving response times.

What the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) Can Do for Your Business

Enhanced Customer Engagement

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) elevates customer engagement by facilitating real-time, personalized interactions by utilizing AI chatbots, interactive messaging, and instant messaging, to name a few. Businesses can establish a direct line of communication with their audience, offering responsiveness and customer satisfaction.

Rich Media Sharing

Visual content is a powerful tool for communication. The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) enables businesses to share images, videos, and documents to their messages. This makes communication more engaging and allows your business to showcase products or services.

Transactional Messaging

It’s important to keep customers informed about their transactions with your business. With the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), businesses can send transactional messages by providing updates on orders, appointments, and other transactions.

Global Reach

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) allows businesses to connect with customers worldwide, breaking down barriers and enabling global communication. Real-time message translation is a feature your business can utilize when you integrate the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) with the Convrs dashboard.

Conversational Marketing

Conversational marketing is a strategy that focuses on engaging your audience in real-time, two-way conversations. The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) empowers businesses to adopt conversational marketing into their strategies. This allows your business to foster meaningful connections and effectively respond to customer needs.

Best Practices for Using the WhatsApp Business Platform (API)

Opt-in Messages

Opt-in messages are fundamental when using the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). Implementing opt-in messages ensures that customers have explicitly given permission to receive messages from a business. This aligns with WhatsApp’s regulations and also contributes to building a positive and trusting relationship with customers.

Personalization

Personalization is a key element of effective communication. With the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), businesses can customize messages to create a more personalized experience for customers. Personalized messages resonate better with the audience, making them more likely to engage and respond positively.

Monitoring and Analytics

To optimize the performance of messaging campaigns, businesses should leverage monitoring and analytics tools provided by the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). These tools offer insights into message delivery, customer engagement, and other key metrics. With this data, your business can make informed decisions to improve messaging strategies and overall performance.

The Possibilities of WhatsApp Business Platform (API)

Interactive Customer Service

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) opens new possibilities for interactive customer service. Your business can provide real-time support, address customer queries, and resolve issues promptly through the messaging platform. This can be done through AI chatbots, quick replies and buttons, and two-way communication.

E-commerce Integration

For businesses involved in e-commerce, the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) offers seamless integration possibilities. Transactions, order updates, and product inquiries can all be handled within the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), providing a convenient experience for customers.

Event Notifications

Keeping your customers informed about upcoming events, promotions, and launches is made more accessible through the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). Businesses can leverage the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) to send event notifications, ensuring customers are well-informed and engaged.

Surveys and Feedback

Gathering customer insights is invaluable for your business’ improvement. The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) facilitates the implementation of surveys and feedback requests. This allows businesses to collect information from their customers. This can be done through the interactive buttons feature of the WhatsApp Business Platform (API).

Future Trends and Innovations in the WhatsApp Business Platform (API)

As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we communicate. The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) is a platform poised for future trends and innovations.

AI Writing Assistants and Conversational Sentiment Analysis

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making significant strides in the field of messaging. AI Writing Assistants can enhance the quality of messages, ensuring they are grammatically correct and align with the brand’s tone and style. Conversational Sentiment Analysis can help businesses gauge customer sentiment in real-time, allowing for more nuanced and empathetic responses.

To know more see our blog post, AI Writing Assistants and Conversational Sentiment Analysis with Convrs.

Gamification in Messaging

Businesses can use the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) to introduce gamified experiences, tuning interactions into engaging and rewarding experiences for customers. This adds an element of fun and interaction and boosts customer participation and loyalty.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Businesses can leverage analytics tools to derive insights into customer behavior, preferences, and engagement patterns. This data-driven approach empowers businesses to make informed decisions, refine strategies, and optimize communication efforts.

Collaborative Customer Support

The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) can facilitate collaborative customer support, involving multiple team members collaborating customer queries in real-time. This allows teams to seamlessly work together to provide comprehensive and efficient support. This not only enhances the speed of issue resolution but also ensures a consistent and unique customer experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) represents a strategic move for businesses looking to supercharge their customer communication strategies. The features and capabilities offered by this advanced messaging solution provide a wide array of tools for enhancing customer engagement, streamlining processes, and expanding global reach.

With a seamless application process, integration support, and a commitment to simplifying the complexities of the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), Convrs empowers businesses to unlock the full potential of WhatsApp. Start your journey today and redefine the way you connect with your audience through the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). To elevate your messaging experience and build stronger relationships, book a free, no-commitment demo with Convrs.

5 min read