With 1.2 billion monthly users and the expected growth of user number to over 3.5 billion by 2025, WhatsApp is not just a messaging service but has become a fantastic marketing platform.

Although many companies such as WeChat and Facebook Messenger have been enabling companies to use them as a marketing communication channel for so long, when WhatsApp joined the race, it got the advantage of two things—

1. WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app.
2. WhatsApp is the leading messaging app in 180 countries worldwide and is available in 60 languages.

So, if you want to understand how to leverage WhatsApp Business API for your business, let’s find out.

Because in this article, we’ll provide you with a complete overview and a step-by-step guide to applying for WhatsApp Business API.

What is WhatsApp Business API

WhatsApp Business API is an application program interface created by Facebook in August 2018 for medium to large businesses.

It helps businesses receive and answer unlimited WhatsApp messages and provide a tailored solution to scale their customer engagement via WhatsApp.

Here are the key features of WhatsApp Business API:

• Messages are Broadcasted for bulk notifications.
• Multi-agent access for customer support
• No app or interface, use via BSPs or CRM
• WhatsApp Chatbot & interactive messages support
• Green Tick, verified WhatsApp Business profile

Since WhatsApp API is only an interface, you need a separate CRM to use the features provided by WhatsApp Business API so that you can engage and communicate with your customers.

And you can get your CRM dashboard from Chat360 within minutes.

Requirements to use WhatsApp API

WhatsApp’s API (Application Programming Interface) allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp messaging capabilities into their applications and workflows, enabling them to communicate with customers more effectively. However, before utilizing the WhatsApp API, businesses need to meet certain requirements to ensure compliance and seamless integration. 

Here are the key requirements:

1. Business Verification:

To access the WhatsApp API, businesses need to undergo a verification process to confirm their authenticity. This involves submitting documentation to prove the legitimacy of the business entity. We will discuss that further in the blog.

2. Facebook Business Manager Account: 

WhatsApp API integration is managed through the Facebook Business Manager platform. Businesses must have a Facebook Business Manager account set up to access the WhatsApp API.

3. Approved WhatsApp Business Account: 

Businesses must have a verified WhatsApp Business Account to use the API. This involves creating a WhatsApp Business Profile and getting it approved by WhatsApp.

4. Consent: 

Obtaining user consent is crucial before sending messages via the WhatsApp API. Users must opt-in to receive messages from the business, and businesses must adhere to WhatsApp’s policies regarding message frequency and content.

5. API Access: 

After meeting the above requirements, businesses can apply for access to the WhatsApp API through the Facebook Business Manager platform. Upon approval, they will receive API credentials to integrate WhatsApp messaging into their applications or customer communication systems.

6. Compliance: 

Businesses using the WhatsApp API must comply with WhatsApp’s Business Policy and Terms of Service, as well as relevant data privacy regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Non-compliance can result in suspension of API access.

7. Technical Integration: 

Once granted access, businesses need to integrate the WhatsApp API into their existing systems or applications. This typically involves working with developers or using third-party platforms that provide API integration services.

7 Reasons Why your business need WhatsApp Business API?

Here are the four reasons why you should be using WhatsApp Business API:

1. Increasing strong brand connections:

If you want to be benefitted in the long term, you need to build strong trust and credibility among your target audience. And WhatsApp Business API helps you precisely with the same.

Here’s why:

• WhatsApp Business API provides you with the facility to communicate with your customers in a closed and personal environment.
• Businesses can create their profiles which allow them to share important information with their customers, such as contact details, website URLs, social media links, store addresses, new offers, etc.
• WhatsApp always verifies all business accounts and gives them a “green tick.” This helps them build authority so that their customers get the assurance that they’re not getting spammed.

2. Global Reach:

Since WhatsApp is free to use, it has the highest smartphone penetration rate of 95%, and it’s the most used messaging app in 104 locales.

WhatsApp is used by almost everyone globally. So, if you’re a global customer base or your customer travels globally, you can communicate hassle-free anytime.

3. Real Time Conversation:

84% of companies that work to improve their customer experience report an increase in their revenue. And by incorporating WhatsApp Business API into your business strategy, you can improve your customer experience and satisfaction exponentially.

How?

Here it is, WhatsApp chat is a two-way street, which means your customers can ask their queries directly without facing the inconvenience of phone calls and emails.

Because of these real-time conversations, your customers will get a sense of care and personalization.

4. Data Security:

In a survey, 86% of the respondents said they feel a growing concern about data privacy, so you must keep your customers’ data secure and keep them satisfied.

And, WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted, so your customers feel secure while connecting with you.

5. Centralized Communication Hub: 

The WhatsApp Business API serves as a centralized hub for managing customer conversations. Whether you’re a small business owner or a freelancer, having all your client communications in one place makes it easier to stay organized and responsive.

6. Automated Messaging: 

With the WhatsApp Business API, you can automate repetitive tasks and messages, saving time and improving efficiency. Set up automated responses for common inquiries, send appointment reminders, or deliver personalized updates to your contacts without manual intervention.

7. Analytics and Insights:

Gain valuable insights into your messaging performance with analytics provided by the WhatsApp Business API. Track metrics such as message delivery, open rates, and response times to measure the effectiveness of your communication strategies and make data-driven decisions.

WhatsApp Business API offers individuals and businesses a range of benefits, by leveraging these features, you can enhance your customer interactions, drive engagement, and achieve your business objectives more effectively.

Who can use WhatsApp Business API?

WhatsApp Business API is accessible to businesses and organizations of all sizes and across various industries. Whether you’re a small local business, a large enterprise, or a non-profit organization, the API offers powerful tools and features to enhance communication, streamline operations, and drive success in today’s digital landscape. Following are the list of the types of businesses who can use WhatsApp Business APIs:

You must follow specific business terms and conditions to apply for the WhatsApp Business API. However, there are two main factors that you need to consider to understand whether you’re eligible for the API or not.

1. SMBs (Small and Medium-sized Businesses)

SMBs can leverage the WhatsApp Business API to establish a professional presence on the platform, communicate with customers in real-time, and provide personalized support. Whether it’s a local bakery, boutique shop, or consulting firm, SMBs can use the API to enhance customer engagement and drive growth.

2. Enterprises and Corporations:

Larger enterprises and corporations can utilize the WhatsApp Business API to streamline communication workflows, manage customer interactions at scale, and deliver seamless customer experiences. From multinational corporations to large e-commerce retailers, enterprises can leverage the API to stay connected with their audience and drive business objectives.

3. E-commerce Businesses:

E-commerce businesses can integrate the WhatsApp Business API into their platforms to facilitate order updates, shipping notifications, and customer support. By enabling direct communication with customers via WhatsApp, e-commerce businesses can enhance the shopping experience, increase customer satisfaction, and drive repeat purchases.

How to apply for WhatsApp Business API?

Here’s a step-by-step guide for you to apply for WhatsApp Business API.

1. Select the application route

There are two ways you can apply for WhatsApp Business API, and you need to choose one from them.

• Direct Signup
  Apply directly through the official Meta Business Help Center website. While this route is accessible to all businesses, medium-sized companies may encounter challenges with approval and technical implementation.
• Through a Solution Provider
  Opt for a WhatsApp Business solution provider like Chat360 for a quicker and smoother approval process. Solution providers offer assistance in navigating the application process and provide additional support for integration and maintenance.

2. Submit basic information

Next, you must submit basic information about your company and your intentions with your WhatsApp services.

This information includes—

• Company name
• Website URL
• Industry
• Country of company headquarters
• Location (s) where you want to provide your services
• Intended use cases
• Time to market(the time when you want to launch the service)
• Volume predictions (messages/day)

3. Approvals:

After submitting the required information, your brand approval process will commence. This typically takes 2-3 weeks, but actual processing times may vary. Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation to proceed with activating your WhatsApp Business account.

4. Activate your phone number

After your brand approval, you need to provide additional information to activate your phone number for your WhatsApp business account.

If you already have a phone number registered with the WhatsApp business app, you can proceed with the activation process; if not, register it beforehand.

Here is the information you need to provide for the phone number activation—

• The phone number of your WhatsApp Business account
• Name associated with the number
• Customer Facebook Business Manager ID
• The region for your app

Once your phone number is activated, you’ll have to manage all your communications on a virtual server, also known as docker, through a dashboard or a BSP system.

Remember that, however, you can register 25 phone numbers for each WhatsApp business account; each new number will require a separate docker server— resulting in a significant increase in your monthly expense.

What to do after setting up WhatsApp Business API?

Once you’ve set up your WhatsApp Business API, look at the following essential steps.

• Get your green tick badge.

Having a green tick next to your business name will build the trust and credibility of your brand among your customers.

Although, you’re eligible for a green tick badge only if you send 500 messages/day and have an international presence of your brand.

Sometimes, getting a green tick badge from WhatsApp is very hard. But,Chat360 can help you to get it faster.

• Integrate it with Chat360

With Chat360, you can build, deploy and integrate WhatsApp bot on your number and drive better ROI for your business.

• Provide a smooth customer experience
• Increase lead for your business
• Reduce abandoned cart recovery
• Set up the marketing campaign
• Create your own E-commerce store

If you don’t want to follow this tedious and mundane process, then we can provide an end-to-end WhatsApp solution for your business. Book a free consultation call with Chat360. Schedule a free demo today!

Suggested read:

How to add WhatsApp bot to group?

Explore WhatsApp Chatbot Features

Meta’s announcement of the WhatsApp Cloud API marks a pivotal moment for businesses worldwide, offering a streamlined path to leverage WhatsApp at scale. Earlier, businesses invested in business service providers to receive their API. But now, businesses worldwide are customizing their experiences with Whatsapp Cloud API. This cloud-hosted API provides businesses with direct access to WhatsApp messaging capabilities, eliminating the need for third-party providers. The most significant advantage? Businesses can now obtain instant and free approval for WhatsApp Cloud API accounts directly from Meta. This blog is a complete guide to know everything you want to know about WhatsApp Cloud API.

What is Whatsapp Business API?

Application Programming Interface or API assists two software programs in communicating with each other easily. Meta launched Whatsapp Business API back in 2018. It assists businesses in communicating with customers through unlimited messages. This tailored option helped businesses improve customer engagement to a great extent.

What Is WhatsApp Cloud API?

WhatsApp restricted direct access to WhatsApp Business API before introducing WhatsApp Cloud API, and businesses had to stroll through numerous solution providers to get access. But now, they can get their WhatsApp Business API accounts directly verified by Facebook.

WhatsApp Cloud API is the cloud version of Meta’s WhatsApp Business API. All businesses worldwide can seamlessly get started with Whatsapp Business, which eliminated the lengthy process involved in accessing WhatsApp Business API.

A secure cloud-hosted API assists businesses in easily accessing and customizing WhatsApp APIs based on their preferences. It ensures small and medium-sized businesses can improve their customer experience without the hassle. Lastly, it comes off as a cost-effective method for businesses.

WhatsApp Business On-Premise API Vs. Cloud API

Businesses searching for an API have two options:

• On-Premise API- hosted by business service providers (360dialog, Twilio)
• Cloud API hosted by Meta

You can learn the complete difference here: WhatsApp cloud API vs WhatsApp on-premise API

Features Of WhatsApp Cloud API

Let’s look at some Amazing features of this API:

• Easy integration with your CRM, analytic tools, or other third-party apps
• Enjoy the benefits of a green badged verified WhatsApp Business profile
• Bulk messaging and WhatsApp Broadcasting
• Run WhatsApp chatbot using third-party apps
• Large-scale WhatsApp message scheduling ensures fluent communication
• Interactive messaging features like CTA messages improve the overall experience
• Provide Live Human Chat Support across multiple devices
• Enhance messages with lists, quick replies and CTA(call to action )buttons to engage with customers effectively.

Related: Check out WhatsApp Chatbot Features

Benefits of WhatsApp Cloud API

1. Quicker Approval Process:

Receive a super-quick approval for WhatsApp business API from Facebook. Escape the hassle of creating a Facebook Manager Account.

2. Cost Saving:

It is cost-effective compared to third-party partner platforms. However, you will need further investment in acquiring a platform to initiate conversations.

3. Support from Meta:

Meta will act as a hosting service and take responsibility for maintenance, computation, storage, network, etc.

Major Limitations Of WhatsApp Cloud API

1. Integration Requirements:

Facebook doesn’t provide complete access to the platform required for effective communication. It doesn’t provide any platform to access WhatsApp cloud API. You need to integrate your API with a platform like Chat360 to communicate with your audience.

2. API Compatibility:

Another major limitation is that you cannot use the same WhatsApp number for on-premise WhatsApp Business API & cloud WhatsApp API. The transfer from one preference to the other is possible. Yet, you cannot use them simultaneously.

Pro Tip: respond within the 24-hour timeframe for efficient customer support and minimal cost. Use a reliable chatbot builder to create chatbots for quick responses.

How to get Started With WhatsApp Cloud API 

Anyone can get started with WhatsApp Cloud API whether they have an approved Facebook Business Manager account or not. Be prepared with an active Facebook and WhatsApp account. Let’s now look at the steps required to get started with WA Cloud API.

1. Open Facebook Developers Page and register as a Meta Developer

2. Click on Create First App

3. Select Business from the available app types

4. Insert your Display name and work email id. Leave it blank if you don’t have an approved Facebook Business Manager account

5. Fill in the information and click on Create App.

6. Next, click on WhatsApp from the presented integrations to link your WhatsApp account.

7. Select continue on the presented screen to create your Business account

8. Claim the temporary token access that expires in 23 hours. You will receive a test phone number to send messages to up to 5 people.

9. Next, create and send a sample WhatsApp template message. Either you can use a pre-approved template or create a personalized one for your business.

10. The recipient will receive your message.

What’s The Pricing Structure Of WhatsApp Cloud API?

Cloud API is free to access for users. But sending Whatsapp messages through cloud API follows conversation-based pricing. On 1st February 2022, they switched from a template charge to a complete conversation model. There are two different scenarios in this case:

1. User-initiated conversation:

In this type of conversation a user sends in a query to the business. It’s considered a user-initiated conversation when the business successfully responds in a 24-hour timeframe.

2. Business-initiated conversations:

It is the conversations where businesses(after the 24 hour session window or as  a new message) send in relevant information to the customers.

The pricing varies based on who initiated the conversation. WhatsApp introduced this model to ensure users are free from frequent notifications. Furthermore, it promoted the idea of keeping WhatsApp a two-way communication channel for successfully resolving queries.

Resourceful guide: WhatsApp Chatbot Pricing in 2023

How to integrate the chatbot with your WhatsApp account

• Signup for the chat360 account
• Create your WhatsApp bot
• Deploy it on your WhatsApp business number

Suggested read:

How to Integrate Chatbot with WhatsApp?

How to create WhatsApp Bot?

WA API FAQs

1. Can Businesses Switch To WhatsApp Cloud API?

Yes, businesses with existing WhatsApp Business API can switch to cloud API. But the reason behind preferring cloud API is acquiring API without any hassle. It wouldn’t mean anything if you switch from your existing choice.

2. How is WhatsApp Cloud API useful for new users?

Cloud API assists new users in successfully getting their accounts approved. The account approval takes a few minutes and is completely free. Also, ditch the earlier process of having mandatory FB Business Manager Account approval using the cloud API.

3. Can I get access to WhatsApp Cloud API for free?

You can acquire access directly from Facebook. Accessing Cloud API is free, yet you need a platform to communicate with your audience. Therefore, you need to invest in a WhatsApp partner to make the most of it.

4. What is the conversation model of pricing?

There are two types of conversations- user-initiated and business initiated. User-initiated conversations are the queries sent in by the users and responded to within a 24-hour timeframe. Business-initiated conversations are the notifications sent by businesses. User-initiated conversations are charged less as Meta aims at helping users resolve their queries quickly and reduce spam messages from businesses.

5. What’s the major difference between WhatsApp On-Premise API and Cloud API?

On-premise APIs need to be accessed through business service providers. On the other hand, you can get free access to Cloud API from Meta.

6. What are the most useful features of Cloud API?

Some useful features of Cloud API include integration with CRM and third-party apps, broadcasting, scheduling messages at a large scale, chat automation using different platforms, and other interactive messaging features.

7. What’s the 24-hour time frame in WhatsApp Cloud API?

Meta recently launched the conversation-based pricing model. Let’s say a user reached out to you with a query via Whatsapp. It’s considered a user-initiated conversation if you reply within 24 hours. If not, it comes under business-initiated conversation. The price for user-initiated conversations is comparatively less and cost-effective for businesses.

Conclusion

With this WhatsApp API, you will enjoy seamless communication with your target audience. As highlighted in the blog, your business needs a cost-effective and quick way of accessing an API that can be provided by Chat360.

Schedule a free demo today!

Further, read:

How to add bot in WhatsApp group?

A WhatsApp away message for the business is beneficial as the customers don’t need to wait for long hours. And you know what? Most businesses have many spam-related queries, support, and messages from new customers in their WhatsApp business DM. But due to many messages, it becomes difficult for the business to figure out the essential messages and reply to them.

The late reply is the primary cause of the customer’s frustration, and it is a fact that the majority of customers judge a business service through their communication skills. And late replies directly distort a business image in the customer’s mind, and you will lose a potential customer.

Thus, if you don’t want to lose customers and want to create a good image in the first meeting, you must have WhatsApp away messages. A WhatsApp away message does two things at a time – firstly, it tells you that you are away from the keyboard due to a specific reason, and Secondly, your customers don’t feel ignored.

In this blog, you will learn What is WhatsApp away messages with essential tips and examples.

What is a WhatsApp Away (Auto-reply) Message?

WhatsApp away messages are predefined responses used to communicate with customers automatically in many specific situations.

These WhatsApp away messages clearly define the customers whether you’re busy, out of the office, on holiday, etc.

The best thing about these WhatsApp away messages or autoreply is that they maintain a business and customer connection and also indicate to the customer that the company is not available at the very moment.

For example, suppose you’re on holiday and not working currently. In that case, a personalized response consisting of all your required details with your subsequent working availability will be given to the customer.

Why are Away Messages Important for Business?

Automated reply messages help businesses fulfill an ideal expectation of any business to provide a real-time response to its customers.

Automated replies or away messages helps the business in several ways:

• It allows companies to establish transparent communication with their clients and keep them updated about everything.
• These away messages help businesses continuously engage with customers on different channels.
• It is especially beneficial in the case of customer support because when a business does a quick reply message for business-related queries or any technical error, it immediately establishes a trust factor between both parties.

Benefits of Using Away Messages In Expanding Business

There are several benefits of automated replies or away messages for the short and long term both:

• These away messages inform the customers about your limited working hours and set your expectations accordingly.
• These messages are most beneficial when the customers come to ask for support.
• These away messages can inform the customers regarding the alternative channels to have a real-time conversation.
• These away messages don’t let customers feel ignored and unattended.
• You won’t lose any of the business-generating opportunities due to non-communication.

How to Setup an Auto-Reply in the Whatsapp Business Application?

1. Out-of-business hours
2. Always
3. At specific times

You can set up automated replies in the application during business hours if you have already updated your working hours in the application.

Your working hours will be visible to your customers in your profile, and you can also select whether you want to send these away messages to your contacts or everybody.

Simple setup process:

1. Open your WhatsApp business application and tap the three dots at the top right corner.
2. Now, tap the setting>Business Setting>Away message.
3. Click on the ‘Send away message’ button.
4. Next, fill in your required message in the “away message.”
5. Now, select your required schedule.
6. At last, you need to choose the recipients you want an auto-reply to send to.

Limitations of WhatsApp Auto-reply Feature

• You can’t provide 24/7 support to your customers:
• Restrict message templates
• No third-party integrations

With Chat360, you can achieve greater ROI for your business:

• Lead generation
• 24/7 customer support
• Multiplatform integration
• Rich media support

Top-20 WhatsApp Business Auto-Reply Message Samples

There are several types of WhatsApp business auto-reply messages, and here we are going to show you the top 20 samples

Generic

• Thanks for reaching out to [Business Name]! We’ll get in touch with you within 24 hours.
• Thank you for contacting us! We’ll get connected very soon, till you may have a look at our FAQ page {Link}.
• Hey there! We received your message and will connect you before our office closes today {Closing Time}.
• Hi there! We welcome you at {Business Name}. We will connect with you as soon as possible. Kind regards, the {Business Name} team.

Event-Based

• “Hi there, how may I help you? We want to inform you that our services are slower than the usual speed.”
• We would like to inform you that due to some recent issues in our career, some orders may not be delivered on time. For more information, check out our website {Link}.

Welcome New Customers

• Thanks for the purchase! We are always here to answer all your queries regarding your new product. Contact us at {Contact Information}.
• Welcome to {Company Name}; please let us know how we can help you?

After Hours

• Hello, thanks for contacting {Business Name}. We are not in our working hours right now but will be getting back to you on Monday within our operating hours.
• Hey there! Thanks for showing your interest in {Business Name}. We have working hours of (hours of work), and we will contact you as soon as we are up again.

Out-of-Office Automated Reply

• Hey there, thanks for reaching out to {Business Name}. I am out of the office from {date} to {date}, but We will surely respond to you once I am back. Meanwhile, you can check out the website {Link} if you want.
• Thanks for your message. I am out of the office from {date} until {date} but will reply after I return. For urgent requirements, please contact {Contact Number}. In case of an emergency, you can contact me at {Emergency Number}.

Thanks For Visiting Automated Reply

• Thanks for reaching out to {Business Name} on our website. We have a lot to show and offer you. One of our team members will get in touch with you very soon until you can get more information here {Link}.
• Thanks for purchasing! Here’s your 20% off coupon for your next purchase.

Holidays

• Wishing you a merry Christmas. If you have any queries, please drop them here; we will get back to you on them very soon.
• We wish you a very Happy (Festive)! Thanks for reaching out to {Business Name}. We are getting a little busier than usual, but we will respond to you soon.

Too Many Messages

• Hey there! All of our agents are busy, but they will contact you soon.
• Hi there! I want to inform you that all of our agents are busy right now. We will get there shortly. Thanks for your patience!
• Hello there! We are a bit busier than usual but we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Customer Support

• Thank you for reaching out to {Business Name}. Whatever your issue may be, our support team will contact you as soon as possible and resolve your issue.

Tips to Create the Best and Concise Whatsapp Away Message

It would help if you focused on creating a clear, professional, and helpful message for your business. Such away messages will have better readability and understandability for the customers.

Follow these basic steps to create a foolproof WhatsApp business away message:

1. Plan

It would help if you tried to create your away messages a few days before to craft them in the manner required and get satisfying results.

2. Proofread

Assure your messages are free from spelling and grammatical mistakes. Try to keep your message tone friendly and professional, which would be easy to understand for the readers.

3. Mention Dates

Always mention the correct dates in your messages to establish clear communication.

4. Include a Timeline

Always include the timeline in your messages so that your customers will know when you will be available.

5. Include Some Contact Details

It would help if you tried to add some alternative contact details in your message in case you are unavailable. So that your leads, potential customers, and co-workers wouldn’t get stuck.

6. Provide Relevant Links

Instead of navigating all the things in your message, mention the redirect link in the message so that customers would find it a way easier.

7. Include Emergency Contact Information

You should also include emergency contact numbers to help everyone in an emergency.

Conclusion

We hope you liked the article and found it informative. You can take inspiration from the above WhatsApp away message for your business. You can also create one of your own that is engaging enough. Let us know in the comments section if you have any queries regarding WhatsApp auto-reply messages.

Suggested read:

How to set auto-reply on Facebook Messenger?

How to add WhatsApp bot for groups?

Explore WhatsApp Chatbot Features

WhatsApp has become a go-to platform for businesses because of its simplicity and ease of use. Many businesses have already integrated WhatsApp bots into their marketing strategy and gained excellent results. The best part about the WhatsApp bot is that you don’t need any technical knowledge or coding skills to get started! Whatsapp bots take care of customer queries and send alerts to initiate the actions.

Engaging the customer becomes difficult with the increase in business size. Customers expect an instant response at all times, and delayed answers often leave them frustrated and provoke them to spread negative reviews. And an unhappy customer doesn’t just spread negativity, their negativity is also directly proportional to the loss in revenue. This implies to both new customers and existing customers.

There is a popular statistic related to the significant losses businesses incur due to cart abandonment, where eCommerce brands suffer a loss of $18 billion in sales annually.

This article will walk you through what is WhatsApp bot, its benefits, and how to create a WhatsApp bot for your business.

What Is a Whatsapp Chatbot?

Whatsapp chatbot is an AI-powered automated software that runs on the Whatsapp Business platform. It assists customers with common queries or complaints and sends important notifications by focusing on providing an experience of interacting with an actual individual.

Benefits of WhatsApp Bot

Here are the benefits businesses can reap by using a reliable WhatsApp platform for creating and integrating a Whatsapp chatbot:

1. Provide Instant Customer Support

As of 2022, Whatsapp is the most popular messaging app, with over two billion monthly users.

Eliminating dissatisfaction amongst customers through quick responses using Whatsapp bots has become the need of the hour.

Excellent customer support often becomes a huge reason for continuing or ditching a product/service, providing convenience to customers on the preferred platform.

Automating FAQs saves time invested in answering repetitive questions.

2. Increase Sales

Did you know that Whatsapp generated over $8.7 million solely through the Whatsapp business app in 2021?

Whatsapp bots often assist customers based on their requests. Showcasing products based on a user’s response increases the chances of sales.

Also, platforms like Chat360 often help businesses in saving resources costs by 2X.

3. Reduce The Cart Abandonment Rate

Businesses often suffer huge losses due to cart abandonment. Sending relevant notifications regarding discounts, coupons, etc., often reduces the cart abandonment rate. A gentle reminder often goes a long way.

Let’s now move further to understanding the meaning of Whatsapp API. Chatbots cannot be created without purchasing an API.

What Is A Whatsapp API?

Whatsapp Business API is an application program that assists businesses in sending and receiving messages seamlessly.

It was introduced in 2018 to provide small and large companies with a tailored solution for improving customer engagement.

Signup with chat360 to get your WhatsApp business API without any hassle.

Questions To Ask Before Getting Started

Asking the right questions often prevents a wave of confusion once the process begins. Here are the important questions to sort out common doubts:

1. What are the Whatsapp API Limitations?

Whatsapp business API explicitly suits the needs of medium to large businesses, and small business owners often face difficulty acquiring WhatsApp API access. Apart from the size of the company.

Here are some more limitations businesses must keep in mind:

• 24-hour limitations restrict companies from directly reaching out to customers with proactive messages. A customer has to raise a query, and enterprises have a 24-hour time frame to respond.
• The conversation closes after that period. This rule protects customers from receiving heavily promotional content.
• Substantial limitations based on the purpose of chatbots. Promotional content or advertisements are least likely to make it through.
• Tricky to access specific industries like government, political organizations, tobacco, alcohol, etc.
• Compliance with WhatsApp business policies is a must.

2. Is my business registered on Whatsapp Business App?

You can create either an official business account or a business profile. The official account has a green badge with a display of the official business name.

Here is a glance at the eligibility criteria for an official business account:

• Must use WhatsApp API Approved Business Account
• Verification of Facebook Business Manager
• It should strictly be an established business
• A strong online presence and credibility
• Enable two-factor authentication

3. How to Request Whatsapp API access?

You can partner with a business solution provider or move with API self-request.

But remember that Facebook prefers businesses with a solution provider.

The chances of getting API access drastically increase with a trusted partner.

4. What are the pricing structures of Whatsapp Business API?

Whatsapp Business API introduced a conversational-based pricing model on February 1, 2022.

The new model charge businesses irrespective of who initiated the conversation.

Get ready to deal with the pricing whether the user puts up a query or approaches your solutions.

How To Create A Whatsapp BOT In 2022 (A Step-By-Step Guide)

Let’s look at the steps required for seamlessly creating a Whatsapp bot.

Step-1: Creating an account with chat360

Create an account by filling out a four-field form demanding basic information. We understand the frustration behind filling in multiple personal and business details before accessing a tool.

You can Signup for chat360 to get started within 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create your First Whatsapp Bot

Let’s cover all the necessary points to create your first Whatsapp Bot seamlessly:

• Click on “Add New Chatbot” on your dashboard’s right-hand side.

Some businesses like following a personalized approach, while others need quick template messages and a short template to hurry up the process.

We provide both options to our customers for a satisfying experience.

• Click on “start from scratch” to create your chatbots using Chat360’s configurable components.

• Insert your bot name and select the WhatsApp icon from the available options.
• Click “Create,” and your Whatsapp Bot will appear on the dashboard.

Step 3: Build Your Custom Bot with an Easy Drag & Drop Builder.

Step 4: Set up a Whatsapp Testing Channel

Here are the steps to successfully set up your Whatsapp testing channel:

• Open the dashboard and click on “Channels” appearing on the left-hand side
• Click on “Add New Channel,” appearing in the top right corner

• • Type the channel name and your contact number, and select from the created bots
  • Click on “Create Channel.”

Step 5: Getting Started with Your Newly Created Chatbot

You will receive a message on your assigned number after completing your channel. Reply “Hi” to get started.

Let’s now look at the right ways of getting started with your newly created chatbot.

1. Defining Your Chatbot Goals

What’s the purpose of creating a Whatsapp chatbot?

Some main uses of a Whatsapp bot include conversational marketing, promotions, instant customer support, handling client requests without human involvement, etc.

Set up your chatbot goal/goals from the beginning and measure the progress along the way.

Next, decide the areas the chatbots can take over quickly. For instance, people in the awareness stage often have similar questions, and Bots can quickly answer FAQs and connect with agents when required.

2. Selecting Preferred Languages

Using the correct language becomes essential when establishing a personal touch. Make sure you feed your chatbot with appropriate languages that spark the conversation.

3. Creating A Roadmap

List down various project requirements to create a detailed roadmap. Cover every possible area where a Whatsapp chatbot can make your task easier.

4. Designing A Chatbot Persona

Chatbots require a personality to ensure better interaction with people. Here are some tips for developing a catchy bot personality:

• • • Understand your target audience and their preferences during communication. Give particular emphasis to their behaviour, interests, language choices, etc.
    • Have a perfect balance of humour and informational aspect for successful interactions.
    • The chatbot’s personality should depend on the person it’s interacting with. Like humans, the bot should modify its responses based on different individuals.
    • Have a diverse language and tone suitable to your target audience
    • Conduct tests using real-time conversations to have a deeper understanding.

Top 5 Use Cases Of Whatsapp Bots

Here are the use cases of Whatsapp bots that explain why they are crucial for businesses:

1. Helpful For Lead Generation And Conversion

Lead generation becomes easier with Whatsapp chatbots. A click-to-chat feature will appear via online adverts.

Businesses get access to the prospect’s phone number and name. After acquiring the basic information, they can initiate personalized communication.

2. 24/7 Customer Support

Customers expect an instant response to their queries at all times.

It’s impossible to tackle every question manually, and businesses often end up frustrated customers who switch to their next best alternative.

Whatsapp chatbots are designed to handle every customer query or complaint in the best possible manner.

Lastly, bots are available 24/7, ensuring customers don’t have to wait for business hours to receive answers.

3. Quick Response To Payment-Related Queries

What’s worse than a prospect ditching you due to payment issues?

Failure with payments often frustrates customers. Whatsapp chatbots link accounts for quicker processing.

Chatbots also provide discounts to people with abandoned cart items, provoking sales.

4. Assists In Running Loyalty Programmes

Loyalty programs are the key to initiating purchases. Providing constant updates becomes crucial to success.

Whatsapp chatbots automate the process by handling point balances, reward reminders, etc.

Ensure you provide information to customers regarding the information you will convey.

5. Immediate Notifications To Customers

Businesses often convey important alerts and notifications through emails.

But people receive many emails throughout the day, and they often overlook emails containing information they are genuinely interested in.

A Whatsapp chatbot assists in sending instant alerts to customers, such as appointment reminders, discounted offerings, etc.

Related: WhatsApp Bot Features Guide

WA Bot FAQs

Q1. What can a Whatsapp Chatbot Do?

A1. Whatsapp chatbots can assist users with their queries and complaints and send relevant timely alerts. It’s a great way to keep your audience updated and effectively handle their questions.

Q2. How to Build a Whatsapp Chatbot?

• • • Request the Whatsapp Business API
    • Use the Chat360 platform to create your chatbot
    • Set a Whatsapp testing channel
    • Get started with a clear purpose and roadmap covering your project requirements.

Q3. Why should businesses use a chatbot?

A3. Businesses must use a chatbot to offer a richer customer experience and improve customer retention and engagement.

Q4. Are Whatsapp Chatbots Free?

A4. Whatsapp chatbots are free, but you need to purchase Whatsapp API. Chatbots cannot be built without an API.

Q5. How Do Whatsapp Chatbots Work?

A5. Whatsapp chatbots work like any other bot appearing on varied channels. Users can directly send messages via the inserted number.

Key Takeaways

• • Whatsapp chatbot helps businesses by improving customer engagement and retention.
  • Whatsapp chatbots are free to create, but you must invest in Whatsapp Business API.
  • The access to API remains limited for medium and large businesses
  • It’s crucial to choose a reliable platform for creating chatbots
  • A Whatsapp chatbot drastically reduces the cart abandonment rate and increases overall sales
  • Creating a catchy chatbot persona is essential to obtaining the desired response
  • Whatsapp bots benefit lead generation, customer support, payment-related queries, loyalty programs, etc.

Further, read: How to add bot in WhatsApp group?

If you are exhausted from missing out on valuable leads for your business, the solution could be simple. It can be through integrating a chatbot into your customer communication strategy. In this blog, we showcase the success of OKAYA Battery, who saw a 19% increase in leads through the use of WhatsApp chatbots. From improving customer experience to 24/7 online availability, learn how OKAYA Battery leveraged the power of WhatsApp bots to drive their lead generation to new heights.

About Okaya

Delhi-based Okaya Power is a leading battery manufacturer in India. They have been supplying various batteries for customers from different segments for the last 4 decades. Having established a strong network of dealers and distributors, the company has also entered the two-wheeler market with an electric scooter.

Problems faced by Okaya – Leads Through WhatsApp Chatbots

In spite of having a digital presence, Okaya was facing challenges in maximizing :

• Customer Engagement
• Enquiry Handling
• Lead Generation

WhatsApp chatbot strategy for OKAYA

To strengthen its digital marketing strategy, Okaya chose a Chat360 WhatsApp bot to integrate with its CRM.

Get a custom WhatsApp chatbot to grow your business.

• Track customer information
• Generate leads
• Provide live chat assistance to users
• Complaint tracking and registration on WhatsApp
• Purchase of AMC and warranty registration on WhatsApp

What was the result after implementing the Chat360 WhatsApp chatbot?

• Tracking of leads improved by 15%
• Leads increased at an average rate of 19% over 4 months
• ~38% of the complaint tracking was done on the chatbot
• ~26% of the total complaints registered were done via the chatbot in the first three months of the adoption of the chatbot
• Enquiries to lead ratio improved by 14% in March compared to the ratio in previous months
• The analytics helped Okaya with benchmarking the enquiry handling and taking corrective measures in the time in case of any deviation in the ratios
• The solution gave Okaya leverage in terms of being constantly connected with the customers

We can set up a customized chatbot for your business. Book a demo with us.

You might have seen companies manually managing car service campaigns only to see uninspiring results. But we get you an innovative way that is described in this blog, where we explore the journey of an award-winning automotive dealer who took their lead generation to the next level through the automation of their car service campaigns. With the right strategy and technology in place, they were able to see a staggering 50% increase in leads. Read on to find out how they did it and how you can do the same for your dealership.

About AutoVista

Winner of An ET Auto Digital Dealer of the Year 2019 award, Autovista is one of the largest and premium Maruti Suzuki dealerships which has multiple locations across Mumbai and Pune. A 100 Million Dollar group company is renowned for being a one-stop shop for sales, servicing, spares, insurance, finance, exchange, and used cars.

In this blog, you will learn about how to use WhatsApp for marketing effectively.

Why do you need to use WhatsApp for marketing?

Be it the millennials or Gen Z, if there is one thing common about the age groups, then it is Whatsapp. Ranked as one of the most used mobile messenger apps, the platform hosts about 2 billion active users across the globe. In the past decade, WhatsApp has become everyone’s go-to messaging app because of its ease of usage and convenience.

Thanks to the emergence of Whatsapp marketing, Whatsapp has become the most preferred platform for individuals and businesses worldwide. Whatsapp marketing has become a must-have marketing strategy for companies worldwide. But what exactly is WhatsApp marketing?

What is WhatsApp marketing?

As the name indicates, Whatsapp marketing is a type of messenger-based marketing strategy that uses the platform to promote a brand. Due to its billions of users, Whatsapp helps businesses reach out to a vast audience, leading to a more significant customer base and, ultimately, an increase in sales. Whatsapp marketing enables brands to create Broadcast lists, facilitate help desk operations, collect customer feedback, add a hint of personalization to customer interactions, promote a new product or service launch, and much more.

Benefits of having WhatsApp for marketing –

Helps businesses build better customer relationships

Creating or establishing a connection is the first thing businesses do while trying to build a customer base. One of the best things about conversing through Whatsapp is that the medium makes customers feel more connected to the brand. The ease of use also makes the entire brand interaction experience or customer service interaction experience more accessible and quick, making customers feel like they can reach out whenever they want.

They increase conversion rates

Reaching out to potential customers or leads is a sensitive and crucial process. Doing so through their preferred medium is an excellent move for businesses due to its convenience to the potential customer or leads. This helps brands significantly increase customer conversion rates and, simultaneously, allows them to demonstrate how much they as a business care by being available round-the-clock for their customer.

They help increase profitability

The widespread usage of the platform that exposes marketing teams to a large audience helps businesses build a better and much more significant customer base. In addition to this and the increased conversion rates, they provide better access to customer support assistance and speed up ticket remediation. This helps businesses improve customer retention rates which leads to an increase in profitability.

It helps cut down on marketing costs

Traditional marketing operations can be expensive enough to burn a hole in the pocket. From manually promoting new products to making door-to-door pamphlet runs, conventional marketing strategies can not only result in a huge expense but will also be time-consuming. But making use of a WhatsApp marketing strategy instead will not only make the process quick and pocket-friendly but will also increase conversion rates.

Tips for building a Whatsapp marketing strategy

• Determine a way to measure your key performance indicators or KPIs. While creating a strategy, it is essential to ask yourself questions like – What is the ultimate aim? What is the marketing objective? How can we measure the performance or effectiveness of the strategy?
• Determine who you want to target. Knowing who exactly you want to sell to is the key to building a successful strategy. It helps you understand your target demographic’s expectations, behaviors, and preferences.
• Make use of an intelligent WhatsApp chatbot. Having a chatbot handle your help desk operations is a cost-effective and smart move. AI WhatsApp chatbots increase customer retention rates, speed up ticket remediation processes, improve customer satisfaction rates, etc. You can build one for yourself on our coding-free chatbot-building platform. Dabble around with chatbots for a free trial of seven days here.
• Build a brand persona. Though chatbots are very effective, some customers still prefer chatting with a human to solve tickets. It helps businesses if there is a brand persona that is based on a famous name from the target demographic.
• Work on response message templates. Customers are always in search of quick answers. Keeping a response template ready to answer questions about new product launches can be extremely helpful.

Suggested read:

How to add WhatsApp bot for groups?

Explore WhatsApp Chatbot Features

Conclusion

The best thing about having a Whatsapp for marketing is that it serves as a much more efficient option that ensures a broader audience outreach and provides a cost-effective yet efficient marketing solution for businesses. To find out how your business can leverage the advantage of Whatsapp for marketing through intelligent chatbots, book a chatbot demo with us today!