WhatsApp is one of the most populated social media platforms with more than 2 billion users worldwide. For this reason, Mark Zuckerberg (owner) saw the need to introduce the WhatsApp Business API. It's a business solution that offers sellers and buyers seamless integrations of this messaging app.
So, if you want to know more about the popular WhatsApp Business App and how to integrate it into your CRM system, keep reading to the end. I'll also show you how to transfer messages from WhatsApp Business App to PC or another phone.
Part 5: Applying for a WhatsApp Business API Account
Part 6. Best way to backup WhatsApp Business messages
Part 1: What is WhatsApp Business API
In 2018, WhatsApp released the revenue-generating API. It's nothing complicated. A WhatsApp Business API account allows large and medium-sized businesses to contact their clients worldwide quickly. In other words, the app allows business owners to receive and reply to messages from clients in bulk. Users connect their information systems to the API system and enjoy fast, secure, and automated communications.
But don't confuse it with the WhatsApp Business App, which lists your profile as a business account. This is in contrast to the regular or private accounts which use personal profile pictures. So, customers chatting with you on WhatsApp Business can see your brand logo and company name even if they haven't saved your contacts yet.
Part 2: Differences between WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API
Starting with WhatsApp Business App, this service is tailor-made for small and medium businesses. That's because it only handles individual chats on the iPhone or Android app. In addition, it doesn't integrate with third-party systems like CRM. But on the brighter side, you'll enjoy a hands-on business experience on the intuitive WhatsApp UI. Just complete the verification process and get the badge (green tick) to prove that your services are legit.
On the flip side, WhatsApp Business API provides communication solutions to established businesses with large volumes of messages. It connects to multiple platforms and systems using an API (Application Programming Interface). For this reason, this service can handle two or more communication sessions concurrently. Also, it uses end-to-end encryption to protect conversations and allows users to automate replies using a chatbot. But it's not free. Conversations are charged depending on the number of templates or messages sent.
Part 3: Why use WhatsApp Business API
Now that you know what WhatsApp API is, let's learn why you need this service integrated into your business. Here are the advantages:
1. It's the trend
When did you last check your email or SMS app? Probably not every other day. But the same can't be said about WhatsApp. Research shows that potential clients favor communications via omnichannel solutions, specifically social apps. This is especially true among young persons who would rather answer WhatsApp messages instead of picking up phone calls or reply to emails. So, embrace WhatsApp to cast your net even wider.
2. Verified brands
As said before, all WhatsApp Business accounts have a business profile. And as you may know, using a unique business identity gives your branding the much-needed transparency boost. Customers trust brands with branded logos and other details like email, phone number, and address. In addition, users must verify their WhatsApp Business accounts to send messages. Now, this is more like a verified Twitter or Facebook account, which is more reliable than unverified accounts.
3. Privacy and security
One of the most prominent setting points of the WhatsApp Business API account is end-to-end encryption. This means the account places strict measures to ensure user privacy and security. Think of it like this; clients want to connect and engage with businesses via safe and secure channels. And this is what end-to-end encryption offers. Add in the app's two-factor authentication (2FA), and you can rest assured of your communication privacy.
4. Bulk and professional conversations
The chance to send bulk messages to clients is a holy grail for most brands. With WhatsApp API, businesses can send multiple messages to several clients all at once. It's simple, once clients have accepted messages from your brand, you can send templates showing them the next step to start a conversation. But you can't just send messages anyhow. WhatsApp sets out rules regarding the type of messages you can send and the amount of time to respond to customer messages (usually 24 hours). This means users can't receive spammy or irrelevant messages.
5. System integration
Even the most high-end communication solutions risk becoming irrelevant if they don't integrate with company systems. With WhatsApp API, you can integrate business systems and deliver a seamless and personalized service. For example, you can link your CRM system and export customer data to be viewed by a live agent. Most importantly, you can automatically sync all WhatsApp business data to the CRM.
Part 4: All the Jargon you may want to know about WhatsApp Business
Now let's discuss everything you need to know about WhatsApp Business terminologies:
WhatsApp Business App account
A WhatsApp account meant explicitly for small and medium-sized businesses. It can only handle one account at a time.
WhatsApp Business API account
A WhatsApp account for medium to large businesses. It can handle multiple accounts and charge users depending on the number of messages sent.
WhatsApp API provider
These are systems that provide services like reading, saving, and responding to WhatsApp Business messages at a fee. They can also sync messages between WhatsApp and CRMs. In short, they are third-party services that offer connections to WhatsApp API.
WhatsApp Business API key
This is an essential piece of data to help set up your WhatsApp Business account. It helps establish the presence of your business on WhatsApp without spending a fortune on third-party solutions. In return, you'll get unlimited access to WhatsApp messaging services and customer care.
WhatsApp Business API profile
A WhatsApp Business API profile must be verified to protect clients from malicious businesses and false information. Just go to "Security Center," taps "Start Verification," and enter the business details.
Contact opt-in and verification
WhatsApp Business terms stipulate that businesses must get consent from clients before sending messages. So, a WhatsApp opt-in is when user action is taken, and a client accepts to receive messages from your business. In addition, companies must inform customers what they are opting in for or the type of messages they'll receive.
Template messaging
WhatsApp Business templates are message formats that a business sends to clients once they agree to get notifications. This can be shipping information, payment updates, appointment reminders, issue resolutions, and so much more.
Part 5: Applying for a WhatsApp Business API Account
To enjoy the full benefits of WhatsApp Business API, you need to set up a profile and verify it. First, go to Facebook Business Manager and fill the form with information like the business name, your name, and email address. Then, go to Business Settings, tap Security Center, and then verify your business. Now, wait for the confirmation message from Facebook. Remember that you can fulfill all the requirements but still fail to get confirmed.
Fortunately, you can do a few things if your WhatsApp Business API account doesn't get verified. First, make sure that your Instagram and Facebook likes or following is at least 10k to indicate brand awareness. Also, a detailed Wikipedia to back up your brand awareness will come in handy. Another thing, spend some ad on your Facebook Business Ad account.
Alternatively, connect to WhatsApp API using third-party services like WhatsApp Partners and Business Solution Providers (BSP). This is the easiest way to get verified on WhatsApp API. There are tens of WhatsApp API Solution Providers to choose from, including Vonage and Twilio. These companies even sell ready-made WhatsApp API accounts.
Part 6. Best way to backup WhatsApp Business messages
Because the WhatsApp Business app houses essential business information, you may want to back it up on your PC. In that case, use Wondershare MobileTrans to backup WhatsApp Business data from iPhone and Android to Mac or Windows computers.
You can back up individual chats, group chats, media files, documents, and so much more. After that, you can choose to restore the data on your iPhone or Android or save it in your local folders. And don't forget, this software supports other social apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, Viber, and Kik.
Here's how to do it:
Step 1. Install Wondershare MobileTrans on PC and fire it up. Then, grab and USB cable and connect your PC to your smartphone.
Step 2. Then, click Backup & Restore and then tap Backup app data.
Step 3. Now choose WhatsApp Business from the pop-up window and follow the instructions to enable USB debugging on phone.
Step 4. Finally, select the type of WhatsApp Business data you want to export and press Start to begin backing up WhatsApp Business data on PC. It's that simple!
That's the difference between WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp Business App. While the former is meant for big businesses looking for a smooth flow of bulk messages, the latter is for small startups like online shops. Also, WhatsApp Business API charges users per message or template sent depending on the local billing. And remember to back up your WhatsApp Business messages on PC with Wondershare MobileTrans.
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Axel Nash
staff Editor