¿La API de WhatsApp Business?

Looking to get started with the WhatsApp Business API? Our guide has everything you need to know, from setting up your account to sending messages.

The WhatsApp Business API is an invaluable tool for businesses to foster meaningful connections with their customers, resulting in a highly personalized experience. This remarkable technology enables companies to automate customer interactions, integrate with other systems and services, monitor consumer engagement levels, as well as provide exclusive discounts and promotions. Unlock the immense potential of this powerful platform today by leveraging its amazing features.

By leveraging the WhatsApp Business API, businesses can enjoy a multitude of advantages. Most notably, they can automate mundane customer interactions and responses like pre-defined templates and rules to streamline processes and reduce manual labor. Whatsapp business API allows companies to send tailored messages to customers in an instant such as confirmation notes, updates, or reminders that will improve their customer’s experience with business exponentially.

Bolster your business’s ability to build meaningful connections with customers all around the world by integrating WhatsApp Business API into your operations. This powerful tool links up CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, and more so that businesses can offer an unparalleled unified customer experience on the leading messaging app of choice.

The API grants two main integration selections: the REST API and the WhatsApp Business solution provider program. The former permits companies to directly link their systems with the WhatsApp Business API using customary web technologies, while the latter allows them access to pre-built integrations through certified solution providers for a hassle-free experience.

The WhatsApp Business API does not just automate interactions but also allows businesses to gain comprehensive insights into customer engagement. Companies are able to keep an eye on their message delivery, read, and response rates along with the utilization of individual message templates. Moreover, this powerful tool grants access to a wealth of historical data that lets companies monitor trends in customer interaction as well as recognize potential areas for enhancement.

We will discuss the following topics in detail now

Features and capabilities of the WhatsApp Business API

The WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool that allows businesses to connect their systems and processes with the incredible capabilities of WhatsApp. 

• The WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool that enables organizations to both send and receive messages, such as text, images, audio files, and videos. Moreover, the API empowers businesses with the capability of automating customer interactions by utilizing pre-defined templates and conditions.
• The WhatsApp Business API connects with other business applications and tools, like CRM systems and e-commerce platforms, to make sure your customers have the best possible interactions and streamline the customer experience.
• With this powerful tool, you can see an in-depth analysis of how people are engaging with your messages by tracking key metrics such as delivery rates, read receipts, and response times. End result is an effective measurement of customer engagement.
• Respond to customer queries and feedback like a pro with the WhatsApp Business API. It equips businesses with powerful tools that enable them to address customers’ concerns quickly and effectively.
• Businesses can entice customers with promotional messages and offers through the WhatsApp Business API. Provide discounts to your valued customers while expanding the reach of your services across various channels.
• Bridge the language barrier and make communication easier with customers through the WhatsApp Business API, which supports multiple languages. Now businesses have a simple way to build relationships that are tailored to every customer’s needs.

Business Solution Providers for WhatsApp Business API

Businesses that want to use WhatsApp Business API have to apply through a Business Solution Provider (BSP) first. Depending on the provider, your experience using WhatsApp API could vary significantly. To simplify things, there are two types of BSPs for WhatsApp

1st SMS providers and 2nd Remaining others.

Whatsapp BSP providers like Trengo, Twilio, and Vonage integrate WhatsApp API with their own proprietary API. Consequently, they work more effectively and regularly include or update any new features from WhatsApp as they arise.

Some providers use proxy APIs, which are similar to WhatsApp’s infrastructure. This makes it simple and easy for them to enable new WhatsApp Business API features.

Let’s now examine the different ways you can host a WhatsApp API account.

Hosting options for WhatsApp API

Previously, the only way to host WhatsApp API was on your own servers. From 2022, businesses will be able to get access to WhatsApp Cloud API and host their API directly from Meta 

If you use a Cloud API for your business, you’ll always have access to the newest WhatsApp features as soon as they’re released. On the other hand, those using an On-PremisesAPI won’t be able to utilize new WhatsApp features until their BSP manually updates their software. Though we recommend getting WhatsApp API from a BSP in order to receive support with the application and setup. 

WhatsApp API pricing and subscription plans

You need to register with a BSP in order to be granted a WhatsApp Business API account. Remember that these rates will reflect the charges passed on by businesses plus whatever markup the BSP maintains for profit. But the good thing is that you will have different options and plug-and-play solutions for your needs.

The notification-based pricing model that many BSPs follow will be changing on February 1st, 2022. Instead of charging businesses per message, they will now be charged per conversation under the new conversation-based pricing model. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each element that makes up a WhatsApp API account.

The WhatsApp Business API has three main components: the Business Profile, phone number, and description.

The Business Profile is designed to give customers more information about your business. You can customize it by updating the cover photo, address, email, website, and other details.

The WhatsApp API Business profile is not searchable in the app, which makes it unique from other messaging apps. In the next section, we will discuss how a WhatsApp API phone number operates.

WhatsApp Business API: The Power of a Phone Number

You need to have a phone number connected to your WhatsApp API account. Depending on your BSP, you can buy a new phone number or port an existing one over. Remember, the phone number associated with the WhatsApp API needs to be able to receive calls and text messages.

We recommend using a phone numeral that isn’t being used for another App already. It’s possible to migrate Phone Numbers from Apps onto the API, but we don’t recommend going back from API to App because you will lose information associated with that initial phone number attached to your account

A phone number is found under a WABA, which is administered through Facebook Business Manager.

There are two ways to create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA): 
1. By yourself, or
2. With the help of WhatsApp Business Solution Providers (BSPs).

Once you have a WABA set up, we recommend that you: 
1. Connect your phone number, and
2. Set up a payment method

To get a snapshot of your WABA, go to Business Manager > Business Settings > Accounts > WhatsApp Accounts. A list of WABAs associated with your business will open up. Click on the WABA you want to review and select Settings to see information like Business Verification status, account status, and payment method.

Business Manager accounts come with a WABA phone number depending on the tier. Up to 20 numbers can be assigned per account.

Messaging Limits Based on Phone Number Tiers

The number of contacts an account can message is based on the phone number tier of your WhatsApp API account. There are five tiers a phone number inside a WABA can reach, which are as follows:

• With the Unverified Trial Tier, you can send messages to 50 different Contacts within a 24-hour period. You are also allowed to have up to 2 phone numbers.

With this plan, you can contact 1,000 people within a 24-hour period and have up to 20 phone numbers.

• You can send messages to up to 10,000 distinct contacts within a 24-hour period.
• Reach 100,000 distinct contacts within 24 hours.
• You can message an infinite number of people within 24 hours.

To upgrade from the Unverified Trial Tier to the next tier, you will need to verify your Facebook Business Account. As for businesses in Tiers 1, 2, and 3, they will be upgraded to the next tier when they reach the messaging limit of their current tier.

Starting September 2022, Meta will be changing the way messaging limits are automatically adjusted. The changes will initially affect businesses in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, but will eventually apply to all businesses.

Businesses in Tiers 1, 2, and 3 will be upgraded to the next tier when they reach the messaging limit of their current tier. However, starting September 2022, Meta will be changing how messaging limits are automatically adjusted which affects businesses in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico at first, but eventually, apply to all businesses.

1. To begin the verification process:
2. Go to Security Centre in Business Manager.
3. Click Start Verification. – Enter your business details and click Next. The business information you provide during the business verification process will become publicly visible if your Page has a large US audience or runs ads about social issues, elections, or politics in the United States.
4. Choose the right business from the list below, or select “None of these matches” if you can’t see your business.
5. Confirm your chosen business details.
6. Receive a verification code on your chosen method- either via text message or phone call to your business number or via email.

As of September, businesses will only need to send half the amount of their messaging tier in 7 days to upgrade to the next tier. Also, a business with a good quality rating and non-Flagged status will automatically upgrade to the next tier after 24 hours of reaching its messaging limit.

Phone Number Quality Rating and Status

The quality rating of your phone number indicates customer satisfaction with the conversation quality of your business. You can find these quality insights in Facebook Business Manager.

• The quality rating is determined by a combination of factors, including the number of blocks by customers, the frequency of outbound messages such as notifications or promotional messages, and the response time. There are three possible ratings: high (green), medium (yellow), or low (red).

By only sending high-quality messages that are relevant to your Contacts, you can avoid having your phone number blocked, which would result in a drop in quality rating. A change in quality rating may then affect your phone number status of which there are five possible options.

• Before the Commerce Policy check is completed, the status is Pending.
• When businesses do not pass the Commerce policy check or cancel their WhatsApp API account, they are considered ‘offline.’
• The default status is “connected.”
• If your quality rating reaches ‘Low,’ your status will be flagged. If it improves to either ‘Medium’ or ‘High’ within 7 days, then the status will return to being connected. Otherwise, WhatsApp will allow you to remain a connected user with limited messaging abilities.
• To be restricted means that businesses have reached their messaging limit and have a poor quality rating.

You can subscribe to receive notifications whenever there is a change in your Phone Number Status, whether it’s from Connected to Flagged or vice versa, or when there is an upgrade or downgrade to your number’s messaging tier. Now that you understand the different WhatsApp API components, let’s find out how you get a WhatsApp API account.

How to set up a WhatsApp Business API account and obtain credentials?

To set up a WhatsApp Business API account and obtain credentials:

1. Make sure to explore the WhatsApp Business API website and tap on the “Get started for free” button.
2. To get started, simply provide us with your business name, email address, and phone number to register for an account.
3. Secure your email address and phone number by simply following the instructions sent to you through both email and SMS. Make sure that your data is safe today
4. After verifying your account, log in to the WhatsApp Business API dashboard and select the “Settings” tab for further configuration.
5. To create a new API key, navigate to the settings page and select the “API” tab. Then click on the “Generate” button for your newly generated code
6. Securely store the API key: you will need to use it for authentication when making your API requests.
7. Head to the “Business Information” tab in your settings and provide all necessary details, including a business name, website URL, and email address.
8. To make sure your business information is up-to-date, simply fill out the required sections and click on “Save” to save changes.

By following these steps, you will be able to unlock the power of WhatsApp Business API with an account and use your unique key for authentication. This unlocks access to all features available within this powerful platform, allowing you to maximize your business potential

How to use the WhatsApp Business API to send and receive messages?

Ensure that you have an up-to-date WhatsApp Business API account and the credentials it requires; including your unique API key. Now integrate this Business API with all of your business systems and procedures to start leveraging its many advantages.

To send and receive messages via the WhatsApp Business API, you must set up one of the integration options available – either REST API or the WhatsApp Business Solution Provider program. Once that’s completed, all that remains is to make an appropriate API call using specialized methods and parameters. For instance, if you need to send a text message to a customer, employ the “send_message” method by providing the recipient’s phone number as well as additional details such as a template for your message or its respective ID.

You can also leverage the power of WhatsApp Business API to receive customer messages. To do so, you must set up a webhook that monitors incoming messages and processes them suitably. When customers send a message to your business, the webhook will be instantly notified and thus enable you to promptly retrieve the message and answer it. It’s best that you reach out to an experienced developer or suitable WhatsApp Business solution provider if you feel inexperienced with API integration.

How to use the WhatsApp Business API to automate customer interactions and responses?

The API provides businesses with templates and rules for efficient automation. Before you can begin enjoying the automated capabilities of WhatsApp Business API, make sure that your account is correctly set up with all the required credentials and keys. Additionally, take time to create and configure the templates as well as rules for automation. Utilize the WhatsApp Business API dashboard or create API calls with the corresponding methods and parameters to achieve this goal. For instance, you can use the “create_template” method to establish a new template, in addition, utilize the “create_rule” method for establishing a rule that indicates when and how your template should be used. After you have established and personalized your templates and conditions, the WhatsApp Business API allows you to automatically forward messages to customers depending on their involvement with your business. 

For example, if a customer makes an online purchase from your website; using the WhatsApp Business API will enable you to quickly deliver them a confirmation message that has been predefined in one of the template designs. This same service can be used for replying back swiftly based on pre-defined rules when consumers reach out via direct messaging platforms. For instance, when a customer inquires regarding a commonly asked query, the WhatsApp Business API can be used to quickly and effortlessly provide them with an automated response without any manual input. 

WhatsApp Business API can be used to automate customer communication and responses. Businesses can not only become more effective but also improve their customers’ overall experience. It’s wise to plan out your automation goals carefully and test them accordingly in order to ensure they are adequately aligned with your desired outcomes. Now let’s talk about the integration of Whatsapp Business API with your business’s entire ecosystem.

How to integrate the WhatsApp Business API with other business systems and tools?

Business can get their customer service to the next level with the integration of WhatsApp Business API. Once the integration is configured, you should test it to confirm that it works properly and offers all of the functionality necessary. It’s also important to monitor your integration often in order to ensure its uninterrupted operation as well as diagnose any potential issues that may appear. To make sure you get it done right, simply follow these easy steps:

1. Before you start, ensure that you have a WhatsApp Business API account with the necessary credentials such as the API key.
2. In order to begin your journey with the WhatsApp Business API, you’ll need to recognize which systems and tools are best suited for integration. This could include customer relations management (CRM) software, e-commerce platforms, or other instruments commonly used in business today.
3. Once you’ve identified the systems and tools that need integration, it’s time to decide on the best method. WhatsApp Business API provides two methods for seamless integrations: a REST API or their exclusive solution provider program. Using web technology as its foundation, the REST API allows direct connection between your existing systems with WhatsApp’s Business API. On the other hand, their solution provider program offers an already-constructed integration by certified providers. Suitable if coding isn’t your thing.
4. After you have decided on the integration technique, it’s then time to begin integrating the WhatsApp Business API into your tools and resources. This usually involves writing code that connects with the API, as well as using various methods and parameters while performing this task. For instance, if you want to send a message from your business to a customer simply call upon the “send_message” method. Conversely, should you want an incoming message sent by them make use of “get_message”.

Leverage the WhatsApp Business API to improve your customer experience, analyze and report data accurately, respond quickly to feedback and complaints, as well as offer promotions and discounts that will help drive engagement.

The WhatsApp Business API offers an array of benefits that can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. 

1. Streamline your customer interactions and responses with pre-determined templates and rules via the WhatsApp Business API. This helps businesses deliver timely, pertinent replies to customers’ inquiries, enhancing their overall experience by reducing response times significantly.
2. The WhatsApp Business API can be effectively combined with a variety of business systems and tools, such as CRM software or e-commerce platforms. This integration allows companies to provide an unparalleled customer experience from start to finish – ensuring customers receive a consistent, customized journey regardless of the channel they use.
3. Analytics and reporting to track customer engagement using WhatsApp Business API. Here are a few things to consider

• Unlock your customer engagement insights with the WhatsApp Business API and access detailed analytics and reportage. With these metrics, you can assess how customers interact with your business on WhatsApp to discover where growth is needed. Increase conversions by pinpointing what works best for clients.

• Activate analytics and reporting to maximize your customer engagement. Utilize API calls, such as the get_message_delivery_statistics method or the get_message_template statistics method, with appropriate methods and parameters for real-time tracking of data. See how customers are engaging in a timely manner in order to fine-tune your strategic approach.

• The WhatsApp Business API can also be used to access historical data and analytics reports. You need only submit the correct method and parameters – like get_message_delivery_statistics_by_date for delivery stats in a specific time frame or get_message_template _statistics by date for template usage statistics over a certain period of time. With these powerful insights, you’ll gain an advantage unlike any other.

• After collecting the analytics and reporting data, you can harness it to gain an understanding of how customers interact with your business on WhatsApp.This insight will help you pinpoint areas for growth so that you can better tailor your customer engagement strategies. With such valuable information at hand, track its efficiency and tweak them accordingly.

4. Handle customer complaints and feedback promptly using WhatsApp Business API. Here are a few things to consider

• The WhatsApp Business API equips businesses with the capability to efficiently and promptly respond to customer feedback and complaints, leading to client satisfaction as well as fulfilling commitments. With this tool, companies can swiftly address consumer grievances while fortifying relationships.

• To effectively manage customer complaints and feedback on WhatsApp, you have to create a system or process. Assigning specific personnel for responding to customers’ inquiries, creating an exclusive customer support inbox through WhatsApp, or utilizing automation software to answer general questions are all viable options. With these in place, you can ensure that your customers get the attentive response they need quickly. Popular Whatsapp BSP already has these solutions built for you.

• Harness the power of WhatsApp Business API to ensure your customer service remains consistently responsive and effective. Utilizing specific methods and parameters such as get_message for retrieved incoming messages or sending responses with send_message, you can build a system that offers real-time customer satisfaction. No longer do customers have to worry about waiting days for answers

• Leveraging the WhatsApp Business API, you can use methods such as get_message_delivery_statistics and get_message_template_statistics to track customer complaints and feedback, identify trends and patterns, measure delivery rates for messages sent out or even monitor the usage of specific message templates. These features will allow you to optimize your messaging strategy with greater precision.

• Utilizing the insights from customer complaints and feedback, you can refine your strategies for customer support. This could be through expanding training for your staff, introducing automated solutions, or refining message templates to tackle frequent inquiries more quickly. With this knowledge in hand, you’re able to build an even better service experience.

5. Promotions and discounts to engage customers using WhatsApp Business API

• With the WhatsApp Business API, companies can easily reach their customers with attractive promotions and offer on WhatsApp. This gives businesses a great opportunity to engage their customers, drive sales, add value and build customer loyalty 

• To attract customers, you must create exceptional promotions and discounts. This could mean generating special discount codes, introducing limited-time offers, or offering free shipping or other perks to your customers. All of this is sure to make a difference when it comes to convincing potential shoppers that they should purchase from your business.

• For your promotions and discounts to take effect, set up message templates that will be used to communicate with customers. You can do this either by utilizing the WhatsApp Business API dashboard or by sending requests through specific methods and parameters with an API call.

• Craft your message templates and use the WhatsApp Business API to broadcast special deals and discounts with ease. All it takes is an API call, such as leveraging the send_message method for sending a personalized promotion or creating a broadcast list via create_broadcast_list for multiple customers. Reach out with exactly what each customer needs quickly and conveniently.

• Track and analyze the performance of your promotions using the WhatsApp Business API. You can make calls to gain insights, such as utilizing the get_message_delivery_statistics method to observe delivery and response rates for promotional messages or take advantage of the get_broadcast_statistics method to measure how effective broadcasts are. Empower yourself with this data so you can create powerful campaigns that will result in increased success.

Tap into the power of WhatsApp Business API to build meaningful connections with customers around the globe in their native language.

To effectively communicate with customers in their native language through the WhatsApp Business API, follow these easy steps and you’ll be connected to them in no time. The remarkable thing about the WhatsApp Business API is that it supports multiple languages: which grants businesses a multitude of opportunities for global engagement.

1. Before you get started, make sure you have a WhatsApp Business API account and that all your credentials are in place – including the vital API key.
2. To maximize the effectiveness of WhatsApp, you must take the time to identify which languages are most relevant for your customers and align with your business goals. This way, you can make sure that you’re providing support in all necessary languages while also achieving your objectives.
3. To reach your customers in the languages of your choice, you must design and configure message templates for each language via either the WhatsApp Business API dashboard or by making API calls with fitting methods and parameters. Doing so will ensure that all relevant messages can be sent to customers successfully.
4. Utilizing the WhatsApp Business API, you can create and configure tailored message templates to communicate with customers in multiple languages. To do so, simply make an API call using methods such as send_message for a specific recipient or create_broadcast_list to form a list of recipients who will all receive your message.

Unlock the full potential of your WhatsApp Business API with analytics. Track and analyze your messages’ effectiveness in different languages using API calls. For instance, use get_message_delivery_statistics to observe delivery and response rates for each language or utilize get_broadcast_statistics to measure success from broadcasts sent in varying languages. With this data, you can make informed decisions on how best to reach customers across countries.

Example of a Python program that uses the WhatsApp Business API to broadcast messages to customers

Here is an example of a Python program that uses the WhatsApp Business API to broadcast messages to customers:

import requests

# Set the API key and base URL for the WhatsApp Business API
api_key = "<API_KEY>"
base_url = "https://api.whatsapp.com/v1/messages"

# Set the message template that will be used for the broadcast
template = {
  "type": "text",
  "text": {
    "body": "Hello! This is a broadcast message to all of our customers."
  }
}

# Set the parameters for the broadcast
params = {
  "authorization": "Bearer " + api_key,
  "type": "broadcast",
  "template": template
}

# Send the broadcast using the WhatsApp Business API
response = requests.post(base_url, json=params)

# Print the response from the API
print(response.text)

In this example, we set the API key and base URL for the WhatsApp Business API, create a message template for the broadcast and set the parameters for the broadcast. We then use the requests library to send the broadcast to the WhatsApp Business API and print the response from the API.
This is a basic example of how to use the WhatsApp Business API to broadcast messages to customers using Python. You can modify the code to customize the message template, add additional parameters, or handle errors and exceptions as needed.