Introduction
Reaching out to customers is essential for any business but can be challenging. For streamlined growth, your business needs more engagement reach, and using the wrong messaging app to communicate with customers is one of the biggest challenges businesses face in 2023.
Long story short, If you want to improve your customer engagement, reach, and communication in 2023, then WhatsApp is the perfect solution. This guide will explain how to get started with WhatsApp Business API, its features, pricing, and how to set up your WhatsApp Business API account hassle-free.
What is WhatsApp Business API?
A customized version of WhatsApp created for businesses is called WhatsApp BusinessAPI. It enables businesses to utilize WhatsApp as a communication tool to contact their clients. With this API, businesses can create an official WhatsApp account, automate messages, integrate WhatsApp with their existing systems, and enhance customer service.Â
WhatsApp Business API vs. WhatsApp Cloud API
| Feature | WhatsApp Business API | WhatsApp Cloud API |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | On-premises or via a BSP (Business Solution Provider) | Hosted on Meta's servers |
| Ease of setup | More complex | Easier to set up |
| Cost | Businesses pay for the cost of hosting, as well as per message sent or conversation | Businesses only pay per message sent or conversation |
| Latency | Can be higher due to the distance between the business's servers and WhatsApp's servers | Lower latency due to the shorter distance between the business and Meta's servers |
| Scalability | More scalable for businesses with large volumes of messages | Less scalable for businesses with large volumes of messages |
| Data access | Businesses have more control over the data they can access | Businesses have less control over the data they can access |
| Integrations | More integrations available | Fewer integrations available |
| Support | Support is provided by the BSP or Meta | Meta provides support |
WhatsApp Business API is a self-service API that allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp with their existing systems and processes. It is more flexible and customizable than WhatsApp Cloud API but also requires more technical knowledge to set up and use. WhatsApp Business API is a good option for businesses wanting more control over their integration with WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Cloud API is a managed API hosted and managed by Meta. It is easier to set up and use than WhatsApp Business API but less flexible and customizable. WhatsApp Cloud API is a good option for businesses that need more technical resources to set up and maintain WhatsApp Business API.
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What is the difference between WhatsApp API and WhatsApp Business App?
WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp Business App are two distinct offerings from WhatsApp, tailored for different types of businesses and use cases. Here’s how they differ:
|
Features/ Parameters |
WhatsApp Business API | WhatsApp Business App |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | WhatsApp Business API is designed for larger businesses and enterprises that must handle a high volume of messages and automate communication processes. It's ideal for businesses with a significant customer base. | WhatsApp Business App is intended for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) or solo entrepreneurs. It's suitable for businesses with relatively fewer customer interactions. |
| Usage of Mobile Devices | WhatsApp Business API is primarily used for customer interactions through integrations with business systems and doesn't run on individual mobile devices. Businesses access it through a backend system. | WhatsApp Business App is installed on a mobile device, allowing business owners to manage customer communication directly from their smartphones. |
| Official Business Profile | WhatsApp Business API enables businesses to create official profiles with detailed business information such as names, logos, addresses, and contact details. | WhatsApp Business App also allows for creating a business profile but is more simplified than the API version. |
| Automation and Integration | WhatsApp Business API offers advanced automation capabilities and can be integrated into existing business systems (like CRM or e-commerce platforms) to streamline customer communication. | WhatsApp Business App supports some automation features but lacks flexibility regarding integration with external systems. |
| Verification and Scale | With WhatsApp Business API, Some businesses can achieve verified status, providing customers an extra layer of trust. It is suitable for businesses with a large customer base. | WhatsApp Business App does not offer verified status and is best suited for smaller businesses with a more local or niche customer base. |
Table 1: Difference between WhatsApp API & WhatsApp Business App
How to get WhatsApp API? How Easy is it?
In a recent update, WhatsApp has made it easier for businesses to get started with WhatsApp API. Here are the changes that were implemented in the recent update:
- Facebook Business verification is now optional, required only for more business-initiated conversations or Official Business Accounts.
- WhatsApp Policy compliance and display name review are no longer prerequisites for messaging. A compliance check is automatic during sign-up; display name review follows Facebook Business verification.
There are two ways of getting started with WhatsApp Business API. You can either get it from WhatsApp, where you need to have a bit of technical understanding to complete the process and integrate your WhatsApp API, or you can simply go to an official BSP (Business Solution Provider) like Gupshup (official partner of Kenyt) to do the documentation and technical verification for you.
However, in the latter scenario, the BSP charges extra for the hassle and manages your Business API account, including the server cost to store and save your data with optimum security.
Whereas, when getting the API directly from WhatsApp, you can save some cost as WhatsApp offers free secure storage and serve hosting for your Business API. If you are going on your own and wish to set up your WhatsApp API, you need a Facebook business verification first.
Steps for Facebook Business Verification
Here are steps to get your business Facebook Verified:
Step 1 Creating a Facebook Business Page:Â
This is the first step in getting Facebook Verification. You can create a Facebook Business Page by going to Facebook and clicking on the “Create Page” button. Once you have created a Facebook Business Page, you must verify your account by entering your phone number and receiving a verification code.
Step 2 Verifying your Facebook Business Page:Â
This is a mandatory step in getting Facebook Verification. By verifying your account, you confirm that you are the business owner and are using Facebook for legitimate purposes. You need some documents for this purpose, which vary based on your country/region. You can navigate to document verification like this:
Go to Business infopage>Business.facebook.com/settings to update your documents for verification.
| Sr.no. | List of Documents For Indian Businesses | List of Documents For Middle Eastern Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business Bank Statement | VAT Registration Certificate |
| 2 | Business License | Business/Trade License |
| 3 | Certificate of Incorporation | Estate Bill |
| 4 | GST Certificate | Electricity Bill |
| 5 | PAN Card | Bank Statement |
| 6 | Shop Establishment Certificate | - |
| 7 | Udyog Aadhar (UID) | - |
| 8 | Utility Bill | - |
Table 2: List of documents required for Facebook Business Verification
Note:Â For Middle Eastern Businesses, Consider only the top 2 as a top preference; in case of their unavailability, you can use the others provided that the legal business name and address are present.
Step 3 Entering your Facebook Business Page ID:Â
When you apply for WhatsApp Business API, you must enter your Facebook Business Page ID. Your Facebook Business Page ID is in your Business Page URL.
Step 4 Waiting for your application to be approved:Â
The approval process typically takes a few days. Once your application is approved, you can use WhatsApp Business API with your Facebook Business Page.
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WhatsApp API Process
After this Facebook Business Verification, you can proceed to the WhatsApp Business API setup process. Here is a step-by-step guide to get started with your WhatsApp Business API:
Step-1 Creating a WhatsApp Business account:Â
This is the first step in getting WhatsApp Business API. You can create a WhatsApp Business account by downloading the WhatsApp Business app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have created a WhatsApp Business account, you will need to verify your account by entering your phone number and receiving a verification code.
Step 2 Verifying your WhatsApp Business account:Â
This is an important step in getting WhatsApp Business API. By verifying your account, you confirm that you are the business’s owner and are using WhatsApp Business for legitimate purposes.
Step 3 Applying for a WhatsApp Business API account:Â
Once you have verified your WhatsApp Business account, you can apply for a WhatsApp Business API account. You ca
Step 4 Filling out the application form:Â
The application form will ask for your business information, such as your company name, website, and contact information. You will also need to describe how you plan to use WhatsApp Business API briefly.
Step 5 Paying the application fee:Â
The application fee is USD 10. WhatsApp charges it for the API key. This fee is non-refundable.
Step 6 Waiting for your application to be approved:
The approval process typically takes from 2-7 days. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with your API credentials. Keep checking your inbox for any updates from the WhatsApp official account.
How many messages can you send in a day with WhatsApp Business API?
The number of messages you can send in a day with WhatsApp Business API depends on your account’s tier. There are three tiers:
Tier 1: You can send up to 1,000 messages per day.
Tier 2: You can send up to 10,000 messages per day.
Tier 3: You can send up to 100,000 messages per day.
You can upgrade your account tier anytime by contacting WhatsApp Business API support. In addition to the daily message limits, there are limits on the number of messages you can send to a single contact in a day. These limits are:
Tier 1: 100 messages
Tier 2: 250 messages
Tier 3: 500 messages
What is the pricing for WhatsApp Bulk Send Messages?
There is a bit of complexity regarding WhatsApp Bulk send messages pricing. WhatsApp has fixed charges for different messages based on the intent of the conversation. Here is an overview of WhatsApp pricing for broadcasting messages, and it differs for different countries and regions:Â
| Sr.no. | Intent of Conversation | Prices in USD/Msg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing | $0.0099 |
| 2 | Utility | $0.0042 |
| 3 | Authentication | $0.0042 |
| 4 | Service Conversations | $0.004 |
| 5 | First 1,000 service conversations per month per WABA | Free |
| 6 | Conversations starting from Ads that click to WhatsApp or Facebook page CTAs | Free |
Table 3: WhatsApp per conversation fee
Note: This is the pricing charged by WhatsApp, and you need to pay this only if you are not using any WhatsApp BSP to send messages. However, if you use official BSP to send messages, they charge on top of it. At Kenyt, we are the official partner of Gupshup, an official BSP of WhatsApp, and we recommend Gupshup for the best deal on the BSP fee.Â
| Sr.no. | Message Type | Prices in USD/Msg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Template message (for outgoing text/media up to 64KB) | $0.001 |
| 2 | Session message (for outgoing text/media up to 64KB and all incoming text/media) | $0.001 |
| 3 | Additional media (for outgoing text/media above 64KB) | $0.001 / 5 MB |
Table 4: Gupshup per message fee (includes all messages in conversation)
BONUS: Gupshup offers free credit worth 5$ to help you try out Business API.Â
Best Ways to Getting Started with WABA. How does Kenyt help?
Kenyt’s Broadcasting Service for WhatsApp API is a powerful tool designed to simplify and enhance your business communication on WhatsApp. It offers a user-friendly platform allowing business owners to integrate WhatsApp messaging into their operations seamlessly.
Here is a step-by-step guide to use Kenyt and automate your campaigns:
Step 1 Easy Integration with API Key
Business owners must obtain an API key from a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) or directly from WhatsApp to get started. This key acts as the gateway to unlock the potential of WhatsApp for business.
Step 2 Kenyt Campaigns Platform
Once you have your API key, you can integrate it into the Kenyt Campaigns platform. This platform serves as your central hub for managing your WhatsApp communication.
Exclusive Features of Kenyt WhatsApp Broadcasting
ChatGPT-Integrated for Template Creation
A standout feature of Kenyt’s platform is the ChatGPT-integrated template creation panel. Here, you can effortlessly craft message templates tailored to your business needs. These templates can then initiate conversations and send messages to your contacts.
Comprehensive Dashboard
Kenyt provides a user-friendly dashboard that empowers you with valuable insights into the performance of your message campaigns. You can track critical metrics such as how many people have read your messages and the delivery status of your messages.
Contact Management
Kenyt’s platform makes it simple to import and manage your contacts. You can seamlessly organize your contact list, ensuring that your messages reach the right audience.
In-Depth Campaign Analysis
With detailed insights at your fingertips, you can understand how your message campaigns are faring. This information allows you to pinpoint areas where your campaigns excel and areas needing improvement.
Automation for Efficiency
Perhaps the most significant advantage of Kenyt’s Broadcasting Service is its automation capabilities. Say goodbye to the manual process of sending messages one by one. With automation, you can streamline your message-sending process, saving time and effort.
BONUS: Kenyt offers 5,000 free messages as a starter for you to try out automated campaigns and the platform. Try now!
Wrapping Up
Using WhatsApp for marketing and sales activities is no longer a choice for businesses but a necessity; with over 2 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world.
It is a one-stop solution for a multitude of problems. It is a great way to reach customers on their terms, as they already use the app. In addition to being a popular messaging app, WhatsApp is also a powerful advertising channel. Businesses can use WhatsApp Business API to send targeted customer messages and automate customer support and other tasks.