WhatsApp Business API — Everything You Need To Know

WhatsApp Business API | WhatsApp Business API vs WhatsApp App | Session & Template Messages | Green Tick

WhatsApp Business API

1.What is Whatsapp Business API?

Facebook launched WhatsApp Business API in August 2018 with a vision for the organizations to scale their business and reach out to users in a much better manner on WhatsApp itself.

The API (Application Programming Interface) allows businesses to send and receive ’n’ number of messages from their customers and interact with them in an automated manner using WhatsApp Chatbots.

2.How much time does it take to get Whatsapp Business API approved?

The whole procedure can take between 2–7 days. Click here to apply for the WhatsApp Business API.

3.Can I use my Whatsapp Business API account on the Phone?

Yes, the AiSensy platform app is created on the top of WhatsApp Business API. It is compatible with both desktop and mobile.

4.Can a business have access to multiple WhatsApp Business APIs?

Yes, a business can procure multiple WhatsApp Business APIs for different departments such as Finance, Sales, Customer Support, Procurement, etc. There is one thing to note here, all these APIs will be procured on different mobile numbers.

WhatsApp Business API vs WhatsApp App

1.Difference between WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp Apps?

WhatsApp Apps (WhatsApp Business App & WhatsApp App) are for really small businesses. WhatsApp Business API is for medium and large businesses that need automated processes and customer support. Like one can install chatbots, send automated payment reminders, delivery updates, notifications etc. to users directly on WhatsApp using WhatsApp Business API.

2.How to procure WhatsApp Business API?

Procurement of WhatsApp Business API is really easy with AiSensy. You need to have a Facebook Business Manager ID verified and then can apply for the WhatsApp Business API. Click here and submit the form, team AiSensy will further assist you.

3.Can WhatsApp Business API and App be on the same phone number?

No. Just like a phone number can not be registered on WhatsApp App and WhatsApp Business App simultaneously, similarly, a number can be either on WhatsApp Apps or the WhatsApp Business API.

4.How to make the transition from WhatsApp App to WhatsApp Business API and vice versa?

Any phone number can be upgraded to WhatsApp Business API provided the number isn’t active on any of the WhatsApp Apps. So, if a number is registered on WhatsApp App and one need to get the API on the same number, the WhatsApp Account must be deleted. There is one thing to note here: Once a number is upgraded to a WhatsApp Business API number, it can not be downgraded.

Session and Template Messages

1.What are Session Messages?

All the incoming messaging and outgoing replies within the 24-hour window are considered as session messages. The 24 hours window starts from the latest message of the user. These messages can include text, image, video, pdf etc. All the media type can be shared that WhatsApp allows.

2.What are Template Messages?

All the outbound messages that are sent using any of the pre-approved message templates are known as template messages. These messages are sent once the 24-hour window is closed and you want to initiate a conversation again or send unsolicited transactional messages (delivery alerts, appointment reminders, etc.) to users who have opted in to receive messages from you.

3.Are these messages chargeable?

Yes, both the session messages and template messages are chargeable.

4.Can we send promotional messages?

No, WhatsApp doesn’t approve the templates of promotional messages/cold outreach. Warm outreach is still acceptable.

5.How can I interact with the user on WhatsApp once the 24-hour window is over?

You can start initiating the chat with the inactive users via template messages. For example, you send 100 template messages and 25 users responded to that message, then these 25 users are now Active.

6.How many messages template one business can get approved?

There are up to 250 message templates one can get approved.

7.Does every template need to be approved by WhatsApp?

Yes, every message template will be reviewed by Whatsapp to ensure they do not violate WhatsApp policies. Once approved, it can be sent to any number of users. Moreover, these template messages can be dynamic in nature up to multiple levels.

8.What are the guidelines of WhatsApp Template Messages?

Whatsapp has issued some guidelines of things you shouldn’t include in your template messages to get them approved. Template messages can’t be promotional in nature. For example, they shouldn’t include:

1.New product promotional messages
2. Discount codes / vouchers / free gifts
3. Messages leading to a survey to collect data from users (surveys after service to assess the experience are fine)
4. Games, contests, tests, or quizzes. Anything that constitutes a “game of skill or chance”.
5. Non-transactional messages
6. Up-sell / cross-sell messages
7. Cold outreach messages that aim to get the user to respond e.g. “Is now a good time to talk?”
8. Template Messages shouldn’t include threatening content.
9. Templates with incorrect formatting like spelling errors, URL shortens, etc. are also not allowed.

Green Tick

1.What is the eligibility criteria for Green Tick?

1. You must be using WhatsApp API Approved Business Account.
2. You must enable 2 Step Authentication.
3. Facebook Business Manager should be verified by Facebook.
4. Must be a business (Individuals are not allowed as of now).
5. Recommended you are in Tier 2 or above messaging level.
6. Must be a notable and reputed brand.

2.Will I get that Green tick if I apply for Whatsapp Business API?

There is a separate application for the green tick. Once you get the WhatsApp Business API, there is a separate application to get officially verified which gives a green tick as well.

3.Can I use my Whatsapp Business API account without a Green tick?

Yes, you can use your Whatsapp Business API without the Green tick. Green tick is not essential to get all the benefits of the API. It just shows that your business profile is verified by Whatsapp. You can still use all the API features with no Green tick.

Kindly visit AiSensy and schedule a demo for more details.