WhatsApp Business API vs. WhatsApp Business App: What's the difference and which should you use for your business?

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that is widely used worldwide. It has around 2 billion active users in over 180 countries, making it one of the most effective communication mediums. WhatsApp chatbots have made it feasible to brand your company and attract new customers. WhatsApp Business is an OTT (over-the-top) chat service that connects humans through chat and adds new functions and the comfort of personal messaging to client interactions.

Customer involvement is critical for any organization, large or small. Business brands may use WhatsApp to engage with their clients instantaneously and without restrictions, ensuring high deliverability and read rate. When compared to other communication channels, WhatsApp has a higher reach and is an excellent tool for retargeting your clients. Facebook began with WhatsApp Business and later offered the WhatsApp Business API to engage with customers easily and stay connected with brands 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are some key distinctions between the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API. So here we go:

What exactly is WhatsApp Business?

The WhatsApp Business App is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises to use WhatsApp to communicate with their clients. It’s a free app that’s available for both Android and iPhone. To get started with the WhatsApp Business app, simply download the app, enter the verified business number, and then fill out all the essential information. Then, in just a few clicks and minutes, your business account is ready. WhatsApp Business enables marketers to display product catalogs and conduct basic automation tasks such as rapid replies, greetings, and away messages. When all of this is combined, it finally assists the brand in showcasing its internet presence and increasing sales.

WhatsApp Business App capabilities include text message sharing, voice and video calls, audio clips, documents up to 100MB in size, broadcasting messages to a maximum of 256 recipients, and many more.

What exactly is an API?

API stands for “Application Programming Interface,” and it allows software programs, systems, and platforms to communicate with one another. Assume that when you go to a restaurant and place an order, the waiter relays the message to the restaurant kitchen, and the dish is made by the chef. However, you are merely the finished product, not the backend preparation. Similarly, APIs provide a variety of operators that developers can utilize to make their jobs easier.

API development in recent years has aided firms in enabling business innovation as well as workflow. APIs enable innovation, reduce human labor, and make it simple to interface with the apps of other developers. It is critical to select the correct API for your organization to provide a better user experience, expand your consumer base, and boost customer loyalty.

What exactly is WhatsApp Business API?

WhatsApp Business API differs from other APIs in that it is used by medium- to large-sized and expanding businesses. It is useful for organizations with a high communication volume because it allows them to automate their communication. High customization is possible depending on the needs of the brand. The account is easily accessible from numerous devices and allows for easy tracking of team performance. WhatsApp Business API has various advantages, including the fact that it is designed for digital consumer communication and allows you to engage with customers using the most popular chat app.

WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API Features

The following are the characteristics of the WhatsApp Business App:

Profile of the Company:

When you enter the business settings, you will be prompted to provide your company name, address, business description, email address, and business website link. Adding this information increases the visibility of your brand, and you can even include your business’s working hours to let your users know when you are available.

Messages from Away:

If you have established your operation hours if someone sends you a message outside of certain hours, an automated, prepared message will be sent to them. This assures your clients that the brand will respond promptly.

Catalogs:

Catalogs in the WhatsApp Business App are an excellent way for brands to exhibit their products and services to clients. For example, if your brand sells all supermarket products, you can list them all, allowing your users to browse swiftly and make rapid judgments.

The following are the WhatsApp Business API features:

Communication via Rich Media:

Instead of simply providing a conversational message, your company may incorporate rich media such as photographs, documents, audio, and video, as well as give contact and location information, which is useful for delivery updates. This all-new rich media enhances your communication and contributes to a better overall consumer experience on WhatsApp.

Messages on a List:

Another new feature of the WhatsApp Business API is the ability for your brand to generate up to ten alternatives that allow your users to reply to your messages and act accordingly. For example, a restaurant with so many restrictions during the COVID period to avoid in-person contact can communicate the take-out menu with their customers via WhatsApp.

Quick response:

You can create up to three session buttons in the WhatsApp Business API to allow users to respond to your message or take any necessary action. These buttons can be customized in over 70 languages. For example, if someone wishes to provide feedback, they can use the rapid Reply function to provide a rapid response.

Whatsapp Enterprise App vs. Whatsapp Enterprise API

Use of the WhatsApp Business App

Because one can simply start a discussion with a consumer on WhatsApp, the WhatsApp Business API is ideal for lead generation. It is one of the most popular consumer platforms. Customers can be simply driven to WhatsApp, where the conversation begins, whether your brand ads are published on social media channels, a mobile app, or on the website, using the click-to-chat button. When the consumer initiates the interaction, the company may ask for their name and interests, allowing them to start a personalized conversation and even share bespoke advertisements. With all these features, your brand has the opportunity to reach new potential customers, and the improved customer experience will allow them to become repeat customers.

Whatsapp Business App vs. Whatsapp Business API: Which is better for your business?

The third question is whether the brand understands what is best for them.

If your company is small or local, and you’re just getting started with consumers, and you require basic WhatsApp Business features like label chats and quick replies, the WhatsApp Business App is the way to go.

On the other hand, if your company is medium to large and you receive a significant number of requests daily and you are unable to answer them all, the WhatsApp Business API is perfect for you. It includes numerous features, such as real-time statistics and analytics, proper CRM integration, and many others. If your company wants to increase its customer service by keeping real employees on hand to answer their questions promptly, the WhatsApp Business API is the way to go.

How to Begin Using WhatsApp Business Today

You may have discovered the distinction between WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business API and determined which is better for your company. And if you want to get started with the WhatsApp Business API, we are pleased to share our knowledge and help you take your business to the next level. Connect with our specialists, and they will guide and advise you on what is ideal for your company.

Are you ready to provide your customers with an immersive conversational experience on the WhatsApp Business Platform? Contact: [email protected]

For More Info:

https://www.karix.com/products/whatsapp-business-api/ https://www.karix.com/products/chatbot-solutions/