Unlike the free WhatsApp App and WhatsApp Business App, WhatsApp Business API is designed for brands to commit to a customer-centric service model at a 24-hour service level agreement. The design of the API shares the essence of serve-to-sell culture, to build an effective value-based relationship with consumers.
From an Enterprise Perspective: WhatsApp App vs. WhatsApp Business App vs. WhatsApp Business API
Data Storage
WhatsApp Business API
Designated environment by enterprise
WhatsApp Business App
Staff’s work phone
WhatsApp App
Staff’s personal phone
Automation
WhatsApp Business API
Yes, by chatbot dialogue
WhatsApp Business App
Everything manual
WhatsApp App
Everything manual
Push notification
WhatsApp Business API
Both automatic and manual operation
WhatsApp Business App
Manual operation only
WhatsApp App
Manual operation only
Multi-agents
WhatsApp Business API
Yes
WhatsApp Business App
Single admin only
WhatsApp App
Single admin only
CRM Integration
WhatsApp Business API
Yes
WhatsApp Business App
No
WhatsApp App
No
Green Tick (Verification)
WhatsApp Business API
Pilot program available for a small number of brands
WhatsApp Business App
No
WhatsApp App
No
WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp Business App
WhatsApp App
Data Storage
Designated environment by enterprise
Staff’s work phone
Staff’s personal phone
Automation
Yes, by chatbot dialogue
Everything manual
Everything manual
Push notification
Both automatic and manual operation
Manual operation only
Manual operation only
Multi-agents
Yes
Single admin only
Single admin only
CRM Integration
Yes
No
No
Green Tick (Verification)
Pilot program available for a small number of brands
No
No
Why does Enterprise adopt WhatsApp Business API?
Consumers are now getting smarter than ever:
Search engines and marketplaces help them find their products
Social media and KOLs give them daily inspiration
Messaging apps allows them to keep each other updated about the markets
And they are always in love with the speed to service:
Where is my package now?
Why is there no response from the email?
Why am I waiting indefinitely in this call?
WhatsApp Landing is the Solution
By building a chatbot on WhatsApp for your business with the API, you will be able to keep your customers entertained, and your team of live agents can step in to provide assistance to resolve customer enquiry. We have prepared a 3-minute summary of highlights about WhatsApp Business API, you may read all the dos and don'ts here.
You may enjoy our webinar - WhatsApp Landing - Chatbot Strategy #201 below.
Much of our brand story celebrates the spirit of pioneering and innovation. We’d like to think our storytelling in the digital world is nothing short of these. With the help of Sanuker, we are able to leverage on cutting-edge AI technology to introduce our brand and timepieces through the chatbot, bringing a completely new yet wholesome customer experience to our watch lovers.
Could I possibly adopt WhatsApp Business API for marketing?
Yes! You can bring your marketing campaign to this 2-billion+ favourite chat app. However, you will need to respect the intimacy shared among WhatsApp users. Therefore, the old-school direct push marketing is undesirable on API services. Otherwise, your WhatsApp number may risk becoming spam. You are strongly encouraged to build a chatbot to have automated and personalized dialogue for engaging high-quality pre-sales or marketing conversations with customers.
Could I have many live-chat agents to support one WhatsApp number?
Yes, and it is only possible via WhatsApp Business API. We support a range of team inbox and ticketing features for the multiple-agent customer service team. We are confident you will find one that suits you.
How do I get a green tick for my WhatsApp Business API account?
We will apply to WhatsApp on your behalf. Please note that this is only a pilot program for a limited number of brands. Green tick is not guaranteed.
WhatsApp is free, why do we need to pay for the API?
WhatsApp Business API is free, but we need to invest in necessary infrastructure and compliance checks to set it up for your use. That’s why you are paying for our value-added services and solutions (chatbot, live chat and CRM integrations) at a very reasonable price. Note that you will need to pay WhatsApp the template message cost for push notifications.
I have other Apps that help me automate my WhatsApp messages, how different is your WhatsApp solution from it?
Our solution is powered by the official WhatsApp Business API. You will be guaranteed the stability and quality of your automated WhatsApp communication, given you are in full compliance with WhatsApp Business Policy. In short, if you are serious about your business, you should consider only the official source. If you have a budget concern, you may try the free WhatsApp Business App.
How should I get started?
When you have no ideas, it is always best to start from learning the best minds in the market. You may take reference to some success stories here. More importantly, you may wish to revisit your brand commitment, and how you wish to design the WhatsApp experience to reinforce the commitment to your customers.