What is and how do I use the WhatsApp Business API [November 2024]

An overview of the most important things:

With the WhatsApp API interface Can companies access WhatsApp directly without the WhatsApp business app to use. The one you need software interface Can either be from a third party can be used or (in rare cases) programmed by yourself. The API offers a number of benefits for companies and enables extensive, flexible functions such as integrations, automations and marketing. Messages via the WhatsApp API are chargeable

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What is the WhatsApp API?

The WhatsApp API is a application programming interface, the companies have direct access to WhatsApp allowed without the one provided by Meta software interface (the WhatsApp business app) to have to use. This is useful for many companies as WhatsApp Business only includes very limited features. Especially in the areas Automation and marketing There is no way for companies to WhatsApp API past. The software interface needed to send and receive messages is purchased by most companies from external software providers (such as Hellomateo). These software programs are designed to get the most out of the WhatsApp API and offer your business the greatest possible value. For a long time, direct access to the API was denied to very few large companies, but recently SMEs can also use the WhatsApp Cloud API Set up the interface yourself. But be careful: The independent facility The API interface is highly complex and requires enormous effort from the company's own IT department.
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What are the benefits of the WhatsApp API interface?

Especially when compared to WhatsApp Business, it becomes clear how valuable the WhatsApp API interface is for companies. Die benefits depends, of course, on how sophisticated the one you have selected or programmed independently software interface is. The following benefits therefore relate to the functions, the one with the API are theoretically feasible. By the way, we at hellomateo have integrated all of these functions into our software. Let's take a look at the benefits for companies:

• Integrations: Connect WhatsApp to via 6,000 software applications, such as your CRM system
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• Automated messages: Order confirmations, shipping information, evaluation requests, reminders, etc. fully automated via WhatsApp to your customers
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• WhatsApp newsletter: Highly effective marketing via WhatsApp, that is only possible with the API interface
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• GDPR-compliant: In contrast to the traditional WhatsApp business app, the use of the WhatsApp API for companies is GDPR-compliant
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• scalability: Unlimited number of users and devices with the WhatsApp API

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With so many advantages, the question is, of course, whether there are also disadvantages. In principle, the WhatsApp API interface only has two drawbacks: First of all, she is chargeable And secondly, is the A bit more complex to set up as a simple download of the WhatsApp Business app. Further detailed information about the differences between WhatsApp Business, WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp API can be found in this Comparative table.

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How can companies set up and use the WhatsApp API?

Setting up the WhatsApp Business API is a multi-step process, which can differ in details depending on the respective WhatsApp API provider. The higher-level steps are always the same regardless of your chosen WhatsApp API provider:
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1.: Set up a Facebook Business account

‍Since WhatsApp is part of Meta, a Facebook Business account is required to Application process toward commencing. Make sure that your company profile is complete and up to date. If you want to use all the features of the WhatsApp Business API, you should use your Facebook Business account verifying leave. We strongly recommend verification for all our customers.

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2.: Choosing a WhatsApp API provider

WhatsApp works with a range of Business solution providers together, which integrate the API and provide a software interface. dialling You a vendors, which meets your requirements, offers a good price/quality ratio, covers the required range of functions and supports the process. If you are interested in WhatsApp business API solution from hellomateo Do you have, are you welcome to have one free consultation agree.

Alternatively: Die independent facility Without a WhatsApp API provider is also possible, but requires a powerful IT department and A great deal of time, since the entire Self-programmed user interface must be. In this case, it would be WhatsApp Cloud API recommended, as this at least makes the server infrastructure less complex.

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3.: Set up an API interface with the selected provider

‍If you are a professional WhatsApp API provider with a comprehensive customer service have selected, you will be supported in this sometimes demanding step by your API provider and by Set-up process guided. Otherwise, it may take some time and effort. At hellomateo, the setup is carried out by one of our messaging experts, who personally takes time for you. Die complex technical connection to the API, such as the server configuration and the establishment of webhooks, is done for you by our team.

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4.: Use WhatsApp API via the provider's software interface

‍If the previous steps have been completed successfully, everything should be done for the utilization Be ready for the WhatsApp Business API interface. that Sending and receiving messages Is carried out via software interface your WhatsApp API provider. Meta itself does not have a software interface for the WhatsApp API.

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Reading tip: How much does messaging via the WhatsApp Business API actually cost? In this article, you can find out the current prices of the WhatsApp API!

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How much does the WhatsApp API cost?

With the WhatsApp API costs A distinction must be made between the Charges that your WhatsApp API provider has requires, and between the Costs directly from Meta Platforms be calculated. The fees for WhatsApp API software vary significantly between providers. Meta's costs are calculated in addition.

Meta in Germany charges up to 11.3 cents per conversation to use the WhatsApp Business Platform. The prices for messages in the “Management” and “Authentication” categories have been reduced several times in the past. And since November 2024 Are service conversations even completely free. Chats are divided into four categories:

• Service: Conversation started by a customer Complete since 01.11.2024 free of charge (previously 6.79 cents).

• Administration: Entertainment that was initiated by the company and contains important information for the customer. For example, information about orders, transactions and customer accounts. Costs in Germany: 4.56 cents

• Authentication: A conversation initiated by the company that includes verification codes to access the customer account. Costs in Germany: 4.56 cents

• marketing: Entertainment that was initiated by the company and includes promotional messages such as product announcements or discount campaigns. Costs in Germany: 11.31 cents

Since all conversations initiated by the company can only be started with a message template, the division into categories is based on this message template. Here you can find the latest prices directly from Meta.

Reading tip: In this article, we have explained for you why the free variants to do WhatsApp marketing are not recommended for companies.

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Using WhatsApp API with hellomateo — highly effective and cost-effective software for customer communication and marketing

Hellomateo's messaging software offers much more than a simple WhatsApp API user interface. Various features and tools mean that hellomateo's central messaging software makes customer communication significantly more efficient. Just arrange a free consultationto find out all the details Our customers know the following benefits particularly appreciated:

• ‍Central user interface: hellomateo combines WhatsApp Business Platform, email, Instagram, SMS and Facebook Messenger in one central inbox. The intuitive user interface includes various tools for efficient customer communication and saves you valuable working time.
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• integrations: With hellomateo, you can use WhatsApp in integrate over 6,000 software programs and fully automated Customer trips create with invitations, order confirmations, shipping information, invoices, and reminders.
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• Newsletter marketing: Send GDPR-compliant Newsletter via WhatsApp or SMS and benefit from opening rates of over 95%.‍
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• Assessment management: hellomateo can Automatically request online reviews from your customers, which boosts your Google ranking and trust in your company.
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• ‍Data protection: hellomateo meets all German and European Data protection requirements and offers end-to-end encryption for secure customer communication.
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• scalability: Our software is suitable for Businesses of all sizes and can be extended indefinitely depending on the package.‍
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• ‍Diverse AI features: Our AI agent can automatically answer customer inquiries in chat, answer calls, help with the formulation of messages and much more.
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Arrange a non-binding and free consultation and we'll show you how hellomateo covers your communication needs! Simply book an appointment here or write to us via our web widget.

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