{"id":3195,"date":"2020-08-04T10:20:25","date_gmt":"2020-08-04T08:20:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/?p=3195"},"modified":"2026-05-14T11:48:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T09:48:19","slug":"whatsapp-business-api","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/whatsapp-business-api\/","title":{"rendered":"WhatsApp Business API \u2013 what it is, and how to use the new communication channel?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Discover WhatsApp Business API, a solution that will expand and upgrade your B2C communication. Read how to implement and use one of the most popular online communicators as a business solution.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"facts\">WhatsApp Business API \u2013 basic facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>WhatsApp is one of the most popular OTT channels available. And WhatsApp Business API allows you to reach your clients in a simple, secure, and reliable way. The application has <strong>more than two billion users in more than 180 countries<\/strong>. Compared to other channels, it has higher delivery, open, and conversion rates. Furthermore, <a href=\"#functions\">WhatsApp has a multitude of functions<\/a>\u00a0that will make your communication better and more consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"applications\">Two business applications of WhatsApp<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"infobox infobox--attention post-content--full-width\">\n  <div class=\"infobox__icon\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/smsapi-blog-2021\/assets\/icons\/exclamation.svg\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"infobox__title\">\n    <h4>WhatsApp notifications<\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"infobox__content\">\n    Engage your customers and potential leads with <strong>outbound messages based on templates<\/strong>. You just need their <a href=\"#optin\">opt-in<\/a> to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>send purchase notifications,<\/li>\n<li>continue conversations with clients that replied to your message,<\/li>\n<li>choose from 10 message templates available on the customer path.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies using WhatsApp Business API have observed an <strong>increase in delivery, read and conversion rates<\/strong>, and consequently higher client retention.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"infobox infobox--attention post-content--full-width\">\n  <div class=\"infobox__icon\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/smsapi-blog-2021\/assets\/icons\/exclamation.svg\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"infobox__title\">\n    <h4>Conversations with clients on WhatsApp<\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"infobox__content\">\n    Talk, interact, and support your customers. API allows you to answer their messages from your system, web-based service or a computer, and:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>help with installations, solve problems and inform about updates and changes,<\/li>\n<li>conduct NPS surveys that will check the satisfaction of your client base,<\/li>\n<li>provide a user-friendly communication channel,<\/li>\n<li>chose one of the most popular methods of interaction,<\/li>\n<li>ask for feedback after the conversation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"functions\">Functions of WhatsApp Business API<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, besides the advantages of WhatsApp such as ease of use, reliability and security, you can use numerous features that will improve your interaction with clients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Text and links with preview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Write <strong>without limits of length and type of characters<\/strong>. Send links with previews that will lead to agreements, terms of use, invoices, purchase confirmations, applications, or payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photos, illustrations, and other graphic files<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Include <strong>images in your B2C communication<\/strong>. Share boarding passes, tickets, or instructions in the same conversation. No need to send another e-mail \u2013 do everything in one app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Audio and sound files<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Send sounds via WhatsApp<\/strong> chat. Voice recordings will allow you to share information with visually impaired people. Use them to communicate more naturally using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>audio greetings and thanks,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>recordings of birthday wishes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>talks with your consultants recorded and shared with clients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Video, animations, and GIF<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Present video materials and instructional clips within a conversation. Use them to share:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>instruction how to install, apply and use your products or services,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>product animation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tutorials, educational videos that will help customers to solve problems themselves,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>birthday wishes, season greetings, and thank you videos.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documents and other file types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of sending a link to download, provide <strong>documents and other file types<\/strong> directly via WhatsApp. This way, you can securely and quickly share instructions, invoices, terms of use, agreements, and application forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The location-sharing feature allows you to direct your customers to the desired place. Navigate them to a spot on the map or provide them with the real-time location of a package, autobus, train, or taxi. It will allow them to reach your restaurant, hotel, shop or workshop quicker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Location sharing will be appreciated in delivery services. WhatsApp users can quickly get the <strong>exact location of a parcel or delivery during a conversation. You can also use it to send notifications with the progr<\/strong>ess of the delivery of meals or orders from online shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contacts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WhatsApp Business API provides you with <strong>easy contact sharing<\/strong>. Send contacts to, e.g., bank representative, insurance agent, travel guide, property manager, cleaning company, personal trainers, teacher, or coach. This feature will be handy during events, expos, and conferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reasons\">Why should your company use WhatsApp?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With the WhatsApp Business API, you will deliver your clients what they need, exactly how they like it. More than two billion users in over 180 countries prove the popularity of the app. This communicator gives you an <strong>excellent opportunity to reach your clients<\/strong> and to strengthen interaction with them. Use WhatsApp to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>reach clients who opted-in with the templated messages,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>increase engagement with multimedia content and files,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>solve problems in one on one sessions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, the official business profile builds trust to your brand, while WhatsApp guarantees the <strong>privacy and security<\/strong> of messaging. We also do our best to provide multilayered protection of users and their data.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"infobox infobox--attention post-content--full-width\">\n  <div class=\"infobox__icon\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/smsapi-blog-2021\/assets\/icons\/exclamation.svg\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"infobox__title\">\n    <h4>Privacy protection and security of WhatsApp<\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"infobox__content\">\n    <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>we are collecting the minimal required amount of information \u2013 <strong>a phone number is all that is necessary to start a conversation<\/strong>;<\/li>\n<li>all functionalities of WhatsApp have been designed with the care of users\u2019 security;<\/li>\n<li>all messages are <strong>encrypted end-to-end<\/strong>, Facebook and WhatsApp cannot access the content of the conversations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The user experience of the WhatsApp application has been designed to provide straightforward communication. The interface has no redundant elements that could impede usability. <strong>Ease to use is paired with high functionality<\/strong> \u2013 WhatsApp is available in every location, regardless of connection quality and user\u2019s technical knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The app uses <strong>small amounts of energy and mobile data. Even the oldest devices can run it with very poor connection <\/strong>quality. WhatsApp works where other means of communication fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"optin\">Opt-in \u2013 an agreement to communicate via WhatsApp<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Outbound messaging is based on the templates. Similarly to SMS notifications, you can use WhatsApp to send urgent messages, order statuses, or as an authenticator (2FA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that according to GDPR, a company has to <strong>acquire consent from a client<\/strong> before starting the chat. If the client writes you first, you can answer and continue the conversation freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure that your clients know that they can contact you on WhatsApp. There are many ways to do it. Firstly, you have to know where they are so you can target your messages accurately. Secondly, you have to choose the best possible method of acquiring an <strong>opt-in for WhatsApp communication<\/strong>. Below you will find some of the possible ways to do it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">QR code<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Create a QR code that you will use in your online ads, website, and printed materials. Potential leads don\u2019t need to install any app \u2013 a <strong>mobile device with a camera is enough<\/strong> to access your chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wa.me link<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Encourage your employees and coworkers to promote and use Wa.me links. Those <strong>short URL addresses<\/strong> are an easy way to direct customers directly to the WhatsApp conversation. Add them to e-mail footings, text messages, applications, <a href=\"https:\/\/hubstaff.com\/features\/employee_timesheets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employee timesheet software<\/a>, company websites, and other places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wa.me links are created by adding your full company number registered in WhatsApp, e.g., <em>Wa.me\/48123456789<\/em>. You don\u2019t have to include and symbols and characters like plus or double zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Add your WhatsApp number to the contact section of your website. You can also place a QR code or Wa.me link there. To boost visibility, consider creating a landing page encouraging customers to contact you via WhatsApp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">E-mail footer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Include WhatsApp number, URL or QR code in the company e-mail footings, so your customers will be able to start a conversation easier and faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paid ads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Advertise WhatsApp channel on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google Ads. Clicking the ad can bring the customers to your chat. This is a quick and convenient way to initiate interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Offline methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Place QR code, phone number, Wa.me link, and all other relevant information on your products\u2019 packagings, flyers, posters to inform potential leads about the new method of reaching you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"examples\">Examples of business applications of WhatsApp Business API<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Logistics and transportation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Increase the satisfaction of clients with reliable communication. Talk with clients, inform them about progress, and even share the current location of the parcel. Send shipping notifications and payment info in one WhatsApp conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Banking, finance, and insurances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are operating in the financial sector, you will find the WhatsApp Business API useful as a tool of customer service and medium of urgent notifications. Bank, financial institutions and insurance agencies use WhatsApp to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>send bank account balance and credit limits,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>share bank statements,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>instruct how to proceed in case of the card loss,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>notify about suspicious activities,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>remind about payments,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>authorize transactions (2FA),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>inform about meetings and other important dates,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>confirm applications,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>deliver documents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Telecomms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Telecomm companies answer a lot of customer questions. WhatsApp Business API allows you to share information and solve problems in real-time. No matter if it\u2019s a payment status, offer expansion or information about a delay, this channel will be ideal to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shops, retail networks, and e-commerce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WhatsApp is a well-tested method of communication with clients of online and offline shops. Multimedia allows presenting products aesthetically and effectively, which increases the chances of purchase. The solution helps to inform about shipments, payments, send invoices, and:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>confirmation of returns and complaints,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>information of product availability,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>payment reminders,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>address details.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hotels and travel agencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WhatsApp makes communication consistent. The singular channel to provide visitors with travel information, reservation confirmations, and vital information and security requirements. What\u2019s more, it can also showcase additional attractions, optional services, and even a loyalty program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-smsapi-blog-2021-infobox infobox infobox--attention post-content--full-width\"><div class=\"infobox__icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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\"\/><\/div><div class=\"infobox__title\"><h4>Test SMSAPI<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"infobox__content\">\n<p>Create a free account at SMSAPI and test the professional SMS gateway for companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/en\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover WhatsApp Business API, a solution that will expand and upgrade your B2C communication. Read how to implement and use one of the most popular online communicators as a business solution.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":3197,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[20,39,38],"class_list":["post-3195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knowledge","tag-english","tag-api","tag-whatsapp"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3195"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6268,"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3195\/revisions\/6268"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3197"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smsapi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}