WhatsApp Business
The main difference between the two options is scalability. O WhatsApp Business is suitable for small and medium-sized companies that want to use the WhatsApp as a customer service channel more efficiently. WhatsApp API is aimed at larger companies that need to integrate WhatsApp with their customer management systems, enabling large-scale messaging and process automation.
Another important difference is the homologacao. To use the WhatsApp API, you must have an approved number with Facebook, which is the company that owns the application. Approval is a rigorous process that involves sending documentation and proving that the company meets security and privacy requirements. WhatsApp Business does not require approval, as it is a free version for any company.
WhatsApp-API
to use to WhatsApp API For businesses, companies need to sign up for the WhatsApp Business partner program and have a verified account. Additionally, the API can only be used for commercial purposes and companies must follow WhatsApp Business' usage policies.
The WhatsApp for Business API is a useful tool for companies that want to provide an efficient and modern customer service channel, as well as being able to utilize features such as chatbots and integrations with other platforms to improve the customer experience.
Examples of use with WhatsApp API
- Automated customer service: Businesses can use chatbots integrated with WhatsApp API to provide automated customer service and support. You chatbots They can answer frequently asked questions, provide information about products and services, and guide customers through the purchasing process.
- Sales and transactions: Businesses can use WhatsApp API to carry out sales and transactions with their customers, such as online purchases, booking services, paying invoices and sending receipts.
- Notifications and alerts: Businesses can use the WhatsApp API to send notifications and alerts to their customers, such as delivery updates, payment confirmations, and appointment reminders.
- Marketing and engagement: Businesses can use WhatsApp API to promote marketing campaigns and engage their customers with relevant content such as exclusive offers, personalized content and satisfaction surveys.
- Integrations with other platforms: Businesses can integrate WhatsApp API with other business platforms and tools such as CRM systems and inventory management, to automate and optimize business processes.
Therefore, with the number approved by Facebook and using the WhatsApp API, companies can offer a customer service experience more efficient, modern and personalized, in addition to carrying out commercial transactions, promoting marketing campaigns and integrating with other platforms to improve your business processes.
Assess business needs
For companies that wish to have a number approved by Facebook, with an official API, it is necessary to look for a business solutions provider, such as Gupshup, for example. Gupshup is a business communication solutions provider that offers WhatsApp API approval for companies. With this, it is possible to integrate WhatsApp with customer management systems and send messages on a large scale, securely and efficiently.
In short, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API are two different solutions for customer service through WhatsApp. Choosing the best option depends on the business needs and the size of the company. If you need a number approved by Facebook, it is important to look for a business solutions provider, such as Gupshup, which offers WhatsApp API approval.
How to obtain approval from Facebook?
- Create a Facebook Business Manager account: To use the WhatsApp API, a company needs to have an account on Facebook Business Manager. If the company already has an account, this step can be skipped.
- Request access to the WhatsApp Business API: After creating the Facebook Business Manager account, the company needs to request access to the WhatsApp Business API. To do this, the company must provide information about the company, such as business address, telephone number, and contact information.
- Choose a solution provider: After having access to the WhatsApp Business API, the company needs to choose a solution provider to connect to the API. There are several solution providers available, including Twilio, Infobip, and Vonage.
- Set up your WhatsApp Business account: After choosing a solution provider, the company needs to set up the WhatsApp Business account. This includes creating a company profile, verifying your account, and setting up automatic messages.
- Connect the number to the WhatsApp Business API: After setting up the WhatsApp Business account, the company needs to connect the WhatsApp number to the API. This involves verifying the number and creating an authentication session.
- Submit an approval request: After connecting the number to the WhatsApp Business API, the company needs to send an approval request to Facebook. This involves providing information about the company such as the company name, address and contact information.
- Wait for approval: After submitting the approval request, the company must wait for Facebook's approval. The approval process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the order and the volume of requests.
About Facebook Approval
After the company submits the approval request, Facebook evaluates the request based on several criteria, such as compliance with WhatsApp Business API policies, the authenticity of the information provided and the commercial necessity of using the API.
The approval process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the order and the volume of requests. During this period, the company may need to provide further information or supporting documents if requested by Facebook.
If the approval request is approved, the company will receive an official confirmation from Facebook and will be able to start using the WhatsApp API to communicate with its customers. However, it is important to remember that approval is an ongoing process and that the company must follow WhatsApp Business API policies at all times to avoid violations and possible sanctions.
So, WhatsApp Business or WhatsApp API?
WhatsApp Business is a more affordable and easier-to-use option for small businesses that want to improve communication with their customers. It allows businesses to create a business profile, manage contacts, and use features like automatic messaging and chat tags to organize conversations. It is a good option for companies that want to provide a more efficient and modern customer service channel without having to invest in a more advanced technology solution.
On the other hand, WhatsApp API is a more advanced and flexible option that allows commercial transactions, conversation management with chatbots, and customer support. It's a good option for larger, more resourceful companies that want to implement a more advanced technology solution to improve their communication with customers. Using the WhatsApp API requires investment in technology resources, time and budget, in addition to going through the number approval process with Facebook.
Therefore, it is recommended to use WhatsApp Business in situations where the company has a moderate volume of customers and wants to provide a more efficient and modern customer service channel without needing to invest in a more advanced technology solution. On the other hand, it is recommended to use WhatsApp API in situations where the company has a large volume of customers and needs a more advanced technology solution to carry out commercial transactions, manage conversations with chatbots and customer support.
In summary, the choice between WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API depends on the company's needs and resources. It is important to carefully evaluate the differences between the two options and consider factors such as customer volume, budget and customer communication needs before deciding which option is best suited for your business.
Conclusions
WhatsApp Business is a version of the WhatsApp app designed specifically for small businesses. It allows businesses to create a business profile, provide important company information, manage contacts, and use features like automatic messaging and chat tags to organize conversations. WhatsApp Business is a more affordable and easier-to-use option for companies that want to improve their communication with customers, but don't have the resources to invest in a more advanced solution.
On the other hand, WhatsApp API is a more advanced option that offers more features and flexibility for businesses. It allows businesses to integrate with the WhatsApp messaging app through an API and carry out business transactions, manage conversations with chatbots, provide customer support, and much more. However, using the WhatsApp API requires more investment in technology resources, time and budget, in addition to going through the number approval process with Facebook.
When choosing between WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API, companies should consider their business needs and capabilities, as well as their expectations for communicating with their customers. For smaller companies or those who want a simple and affordable communication solution, WhatsApp Business may be the best option. For larger businesses with more advanced needs and the resources to invest in a more advanced technology solution, WhatsApp API may be a better choice.
In summary, it is important for businesses to carefully analyze the differences between WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API and evaluate their needs and capabilities before deciding which option is best for their business.