The WhatsApp Business API is Finally Here – Here’s What You Need to Know
Just a few weeks after Facebook announced the Business API, WhatsApp released their version of it today. If you’re wondering what the WhatsApp Business API is and how you can use it, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at how this affects WhatsApp users and how to use it in your own business!
How will this help me connect with my customers?
Facebook’s flagship chat app, WhatsApp, released its first public business application programming interface (API) at a conference in Sao Paulo on Wednesday. The new features allow businesses to create a unique profile and have private one-on-one conversations with customers. The addition of the business API allows companies of all sizes, even if they don’t have their own customer support staff, the opportunity to communicate directly with consumers. Conversations can be in groups or one-on-one, but will eventually be encrypted.
How do I register my account on WhatsApp?
To register for the app, you can click here, download the mobile app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up with your mobile number. Once your account has been created, you’ll receive a welcome message to help you get started. Once you’re set up, it’s important that you use your business phone number when joining.
Where do I find a local number?
When you create your company profile on WhatsApp, you will have the option of connecting it with a phone number. When you add this number, you can customize the voicemail and outgoing message as well as other settings.
How much does this cost?
WhatsApp will charge $1,00 a year for businesses that have less than 100,000 users. For those with more than 100,000 users, the service will cost $3,00 a year. The company has not yet announced when it will start charging for the service. Interested companies can apply here and enter their business name and number of active monthly users.
What kinds of communications can I send using the WhatsApp Business API?
When we first heard that WhatsApp was developing a business API, many of us wondered how this would impact our traditional marketing strategies. But now that the WhatsApp Business API has officially launched, we have our answer. While the service does allow for marketing-related communications like promoting an offer or a new product, it can also be used for customer service inquiries and other time-sensitive conversations. Plus, you can use it on behalf of your customers who might not know how or don’t want to install the app themselves.
Can I start sending communications from day 1, or do I need to wait for approval?
Most of the features for consumers and businesses are the same, but there are a few differences you should be aware of. First, if you’re just testing out an idea for a business and want to send messages, group chats or create a contact list then all that needs to happen is that you provide your company name and a physical address in your settings. If you’re starting up with immediate intent on using these tools as part of your business plan though, some things may need more time.