A Beginner’s Guide to WhatsApp Business API in 2024

In a land of unending notifications and overflowing emails, our friend Jerome managed a booming online bakery. But, he's in deep trouble!

With more customers than a small island's population, he's having a tough time chatting with his beloved clientele over WhatsApp Messenger.

His neighbour tells him about the power of WhatsApp Business API. But Jerome isn't good with technology, and honestly, API sounds more like a fancy beer than a messaging app, doesn't it?

Gallabox helps business people who are not tech-savvy understand WhatsApp Business API through a special guide made for them. Created for business owners like Jerome, who want to use WhatsApp to convert casual conversations into loyal customers.

Learn how to use WhatsApp Business API to grow your business rapidly, surpassing even Jack's legendary beanstalk.

Why WhatsApp Business API Makes a World of Difference

The WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool designed to streamline and automate the interaction between businesses and their customers. It's like a virtual army of chatbots, always on duty, ready to fire off automated responses and deliver personalised messages.

However, WhatsApp Business API is not for everyone!

Medium to large companies that want to communicate with many customers at once can use it.

It is like Batman's utility belt, fulfilling the communication needs of businesses with smart widgets, links, and QR codes that could be embedded on a business website.

Why does it matter?

Customizing communication for customers increases involvement and creates strong, lasting connections.

When you use WhatsApp for customer service conversations it doesn’t just deliver an exceptional customer experience but also results in customer delight. Your customers will fall in love with your approach!

The Ultimate Question: WhatsApp vs. WhatsApp Business vs. WhatsApp Business API. What to Choose?

“In some countries, WhatsApp is like oxygen.” – Jan Koum, Co-Founder of WhatsApp.

So, you've got the traditional WhatsApp platform, WhatsApp Business Accounts, and WhatsApp Business API.

It's a real Goldilocks situation here; you've got to find the one from the existing WhatsApp Apps that's just right for you. But to help you speed up the process, we've done the homework. Let us break it down for you!

WhatsApp Messenger is free, supports one device, and lets you broadcast to 256 contacts. It's great for personal use but doesn't have fancy integrations or automation.

WhatsApp Business Platform is a free tool for small businesses that keeps business and personal life separate. It has automation and integration capabilities, supports up to 5 devices, and is mostly free, but beware of data charges.

The WhatsApp Business API is a robust tool for medium to large businesses. It allows automation, scalability, and integration with your CRM and customer service software. It supports multiple devices, making it great for team collaboration.

Why WhatsApp Business API is Your Best Solution

Like Jerome, most businesses oscillate between two tools here. But let's be honest, WhatsApp Business API is like the James Bond of communication tools.

The WhatsApp Business API has more advanced features such as chatbots, sequences, analytics, and even online payment collection. It also offers integration options with various tools like Zoho CRM and QuickBooks invoicing. This sets it apart from the WhatsApp Business App.

Think of the WhatsApp Business App as a free pint at your local. Designed for small businesses, it serves as a great starting point to spread the word about your business.

On the other hand, WhatsApp Business API is like a premium cocktail at a fancy schmancy bar. Yes, it's a paid service, but it has been designed it specifically for medium to large businesses.

It's not just about the size though, it's about the taste and the experience.

Businesses can use WhatsApp Business API to create personalized communication that suits their customers' needs. The WhatsApp Business API is perfect for improving and taking your business communication to a higher level.

It's like choosing between a scooter and a supercar. Which one would you hop into?

Cracking It Open: What's Inside WhatsApp Business API?

Let's explore the comprehensive capabilities of the WhatsApp Business API. This tool helps improve customer relationships and makes them more interesting and effective. Let's delve into its diverse features:

1. Automated Messaging: Ever wished for a genie to handle your routine tasks? This feature is your wish granted! It enables businesses to send automated messages like order confirmations, appointment nudges, and shipping updates.

2. Chatbots: This feature lets businesses whip up and roll out chatbots to tackle common customer questions and support issues. No more late-night customer queries keeping you up!

3. Message Templates: Say goodbye to the stress of crafting the perfect message. This feature offers pre-approved message templates for sending notifications and alerts. It's like having a wordsmith in your pocket.

27 Best WhatsApp Business Greeting Messages (Copy Now!)

4. Media Sharing: Ready to spice things up? Businesses can share all sorts of media with customers, from flashy images and videos to boring but important documents. This can help provide customers with a more vivid picture of your products and services.

5. Integration: The WhatsApp Business API isn't an island. It plays nice with all sorts of business tools, like CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, payment processors, Google Sheets, and more.

So, there you have it!

The WhatsApp Business API is a Swiss Army Knife tool with tons of features that help businesses communicate with their customers more effectively.

And trust us, it's way more capable than your average WhatsApp or even the much cooler WhatsApp Business variant.

Still Oscillating? Check If WhatsApp Business API Is Right for You!

Well, if you're running a close-knit operation with just a few customers, then the WhatsApp Business app might be your best bet.

However, as your business starts busting at the seams, it's time to consider switching gears to the WhatsApp Business API.

1. Business Size

Think of WhatsApp Business API as the 'Big Brother' designed for medium to large businesses, who need to chat up a storm with their customers.

If you're a small business, the free WhatsApp Business App might be your cup of tea.

2. Communication Volume

If you need to send messages by truckload, then WhatsApp Business API could be your new best friend. With its ability to send messages in bulk and use chatbots for automated conversations, it can help you manage customer communications easily.

3. Integration with Other Tools

If you're using other third-party tools like CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, or payment processors the WhatsApp Business API, with its knack for integrating with these systems, might just be the ace up your sleeve.

4. Compliance Requirements

If you're operating in a straight-laced industry like healthcare or finance, with more rules than a game of cricket, then the WhatsApp Business API's ability to offer pre-approved message templates can help ensure that your team doesn’t turn a blind eye to the ever-evolving land of compliance.

5. Commerce Policy

WhatsApp has a rigid commerce policy for using its Business API.

It's important to ensure your business does not fall into their prohibited categories, such as casinos, adult entertainment, alcohol and tobacco sales, among others.

Understanding these restrictions can help streamline your application process and ensure that there are no denials or delays.

So, if you're a growing business with a genuine need for out-of-the-box features like Click to WhatsApp Ads, payment collections on WhatsApp, and the need to engage customers at scale, the WhatsApp Business API could be everything you need.

And hey, if you're looking for a helping hand to help you in the process, Gallabox is just a call away.

How to Get Started with WhatsApp Business API in 2024?

So, you've set your eyes on the WhatsApp Business API, eh? Brilliant choice! But, how do you get started? Don't worry, we're here to walk you through it step by step.

Step 1: Fill Your Basket with Requirements

Before diving in, you need to get your ducks in a row. Here's what you need:

• Phone number: A fresh, never-before-used-on-WhatsApp number. No, your personal number from 2010 won't do.
• A Facebook Business Manager ID: Yes, Facebook and WhatsApp are buddies, remember? So, your Facebook Business account needs to be verified!

Step 2: Select the Right Business Service Provider

Once you've sorted out your requirements, it's time to select an ideal Business Service Provider (BSP). BSPs like Gallabox help businesses improve customer communication on WhatsApp with intelligent chatbots, a shared team inbox, drip marketing functionality, AI-assisted responses, and more.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Business Profile

Proceed to step three: setting up your WhatsApp Business profile. Download the WhatsApp Business app, input your phone number, and follow the guide. Need help? Refer to how to open a WhatsApp Business account.

Provide basic information such as business name, address, website and operating hours. Customers often appreciate businesses that take the time to offer as much detail as possible.

Step 4: Verification

Next up, you need to verify your WhatsApp Business account with the phone number provided. This can be done via IVR, call, or message.

While you can access WhatsApp Business API without verifying your Facebook Business account, it will only offer you limited functionality.

In addition to this, make sure all your key business info is spot on for your WhatsApp Business API account. Because, Meta, like a hawk-eyed detective, will be verifying two main titbits:

• Address Verification
• Business Name Verification

Step 5: Grab the Coveted Green Tick

Once you've jumped through these hoops, your Business Service Provider will liaise with WhatsApp to assist with your business verification.

If all your business details pass the WhatsApp scrutiny and you've been a good sport (read: not violated any WhatsApp policies), you'll get a shiny Green Tick next to your Business Name.

Heads up, though: Getting a Green Tick verification may not be instant for small and medium businesses. But hey, it's a badge of trust and reliability for your customers!

Ready, Set, Launch!

Verification done? Great! Now, all you need to do is take your setup live. Make sure your message templates are top-notch, and you're ready to roll!

You can create template messages (Meta's nod of approval is required, of course) and send these out as automatic broadcast notifications to your customers.

These template messages are like your business's secret weapon, adaptable for any scenario. To know more about WhatsApp Notifications and how Gallabox can help you harness their full potential, learn how to set up automated notifications.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your WhatsApp Business API setup. It takes time, patience, and a trusted WhatsApp BSP by your side.

And that's it! You're now a proud owner of a WhatsApp Business API, ready to take your customer communication to new heights.

WhatsApp Business API Pricing Demystified

WhatsApp Business API pricing is not calculated per message but per conversation. Once your messages are delivered, this offers 24 hours of free entry-point conversations with customers. Looking to understand what conversation-based pricing means, what are the message costs, and how they are categorised? Let us explain.

Different Conversation Categories in the WhatsApp Business Platform

WhatsApp Business API includes various conversation types:

1. Marketing Messages — These are promotional messages with updates and offers.
2. Utility Conversations — These messages assist with transactions such as confirmations, updates, and notifications.
3. Authentication-Related Messages — These messages authenticate users with one-time passcodes and other verification steps.
4. Service Texts — These are customer-initiated conversations and are often handled within a customer service window.

Marketing, utility, and authentication conversations start with template messages and are business-initiated.

On the other hand, received messages (service texts) can be answered within a customer service window, and they can contain free-form content.

WhatsApp Automation Made Affordable with Flexible Pricing Plans

The message costs may vary based on the category and location.

These rate cards align with your WhatsApp Business Account's currency based on your country/region for a conversation category. Listed below are message costs for WhatsApp Business conversations:

• The Mighty Dollar Rate Card
• The Aussie Dollar Rate Card
• The Euro Rate Card
• The British Pound Rate Card
• The Indonesian Rupiah Rate Card
• The Indian Rupee Rate Card

Case Study: How Gallabox Became a Complex System's Best Friend

Have you ever wondered how some companies keep their clients happy as a lark? They respond to every 'ping' without missing a beat, and you're left wondering whether they've got a team of octopuses running their customer service.

Well, let's lift the curtain on the magic trick: the WhatsApp Business API and some automation alongside chatbots. It's not as scary as it sounds, promise!

So, gather around, and let's sneak a peek at this little customer testimonial.

Once upon a time, in a world not unlike ours, there was a business... they had a really complex system that gave even seasoned coders a run for their money. They needed a WhatsApp Chatbot that would integrate easily with their existing tech stack.

Then, the business discovered Gallabox. It was like finding the secret cheat code in a video game. They implemented it, and boy, did things change!

Here's how Gallabox, known for simple API integrations, became an important tool for the system to gain and keep customers:

"We have an extremely complex system that required a chatbot that could easily integrate with our system. Gallabox made API integrations easier, so we use it to acquire and retain customers."

1. Quick Response: Offer instant automated responses, improving customer-business interaction.
2. 24/7 Availability: Ensure constant availability, providing immediate responses.
3. Personalised Messages: Provide room for tailored messages, enhancing customer relations.

So, what's the moral of this story? If you desire to scale up your customer engagement game, you know what actions to take.

Power Up Your WhatsApp Business APIs with Gallabox

Kick-Starting Your Journey With Gallabox

Ready to shake things up in your customer communication game? Look no further, than Gallabox. With its advanced WhatsApp Business API solution, Gallabox is the missing puzzle piece you've been looking for.

It's like giving your business a superpower to chat with customers at scale, equipped with a tonne of cool features and mind-blowing integration options. Setting up your account on Gallabox and linking it with your WhatsApp Business API account is so simple.

A retail business can link its WhatsApp Business API account to its Shopify e-commerce platform using Gallabox. This automates post-purchase notifications and sends shipping updates smoothly. Once you're all linked up, Gallabox's wide range of functionalities and automation features are yours to command.

Learn how Sattvic stores reduced RTO by 10% in a month with Gallabox

A healthcare business requires message templates for health queries. They also need automated replies for appointments. Additionally, they need assistance with incoming customer messages when their support team is not available. Gallabox's AI-powered chatbots can do all that and much more.

And, it doesn't just stop at messaging. It also serves up juicy analytics data to help you fine-tune your messaging strategy. A travel business, for example, could track metrics like message delivery rates, open rates, and response rates, ensuring customers get the info they need, right when they need it.

In a nutshell, whether you're a retail mogul, healthcare hero, travel tycoon, or even a budding baker like Jerome, Gallabox can supercharge your customer communication and deliver a personalised experience.

Sign up today to take your customer communication game to stratospheric levels with Gallabox.

Further Reading

Here are a few other articles you might be interested in:

• What is WhatsApp Broadcast and How to Send Bulk Messages
• How to Choose the Perfect WhatsApp Business Solution Provider
• WhatsApp Newsletters: A Game Changer for Influencers and Brands
• How to Get Meta WhatsApp Cloud API in 2023
• WhatsApp Green Tick: An Ultimate Guide for 2023