WhatsApp Business Vs WhatsApp Business API

WhatsApp is the world’s biggest chat platform with a user base of more than a billion people. With the recent growth in e-commerce, there’s a growing demand for communication between brands and customers. WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business API both are services offered to cater to the needs of businesses. These both might offer the same services but have differences to keep in mind. 

What is WhatsApp Business?

WhatsApp Business is the first party solution offered by WhatsApp for businesses to connect with their customers. It is a live chat tool that has specific functionality that a business requires to make their business interactions more seamless. The app is easy to use and is catered towards small and medium businesses.

How to Setup WhatsApp Business?

• Download the WhatsApp Business application
• Login with your Business number (the one that’s given to your customers)
• Set up your company’s profile and provide necessary contact details

Your business account is now set up and is ready to use.

What is API?

API stands for  Application Programming Interface, it connects two or more software and makes communication between the two possible. For instance, if you ordered clothes from Myntra then the connection established between the supplier and the company is made through an API.

What is WhatsApp API? 

WhatsApp Business API is targeted towards larger businesses that have more than a few connections established at a given time. It is a service specifically made for larger businesses with a huge and diverse customer base. At this stage, it allows businesses to send bulk notifications and also automate conversations with the help of a chatbot. Whatsapp API for businesses has proven to be a step in the right direction as it helps all parties involved. It allows businesses to use WhatsApp’s pre-existing userbase and it also helps in increasing their userbase.

Difference between WhatsApp Business Vs WhatsApp Business API:

WhatsApp Business: Ideal for small user base/customer baseWhatsApp Business API: Ideal for medium and large user base/customer base 3. Affordability:WhatsApp Business: Free to useWhatsApp Business API: Prices vary from company to company 4. FunctionalityWhatsApp Business: Limited functionalityWhatsApp Business API: Unlimited functionality 5. Setup Process:WhatsApp Business: Simple verification process WhatsApp Business API: There’s a long verification process

Now that we know what both the services are and the differences between the two, let’s see some Pros and Cons of using them respectively:

WhatsApp Business

Allows small and medium businesses to connect with customers

End to End Encryption 

User-friendly interface

Free to use

Limited interactions/connection

Limited scope and use

WhatsApp Business API

No restrictions on number of Connections/ Interactions

Customizable 

Third-party integrations

Strict Verification Process

No First Party services

What to choose?

We know the difference between both the available services and thus what’s best for you can be decided by your needs. To make your work easy:

You operate a small business

You don’t require more than 2 connections at a time

You cant hire staff

You operate a medium or large business

Your day to day queries are repetitive

You are planning to expand or are already a thriving business

In the end, what’s right for your business depends on your preference and your willingness to share/invest resources in customer support. WhatsApp made a brilliant decision by making Whatsapp API for business available. One of the best Whatsapp API is mTalkz, their services are offered at attractive prices. Their package includes services like Template Message ₹ 0.50/- (Min. Buy 50k Msgs), Free Incoming Messages, Session Message ₹ 0.10/-, Unlimited Templates approval, Real Time Reports, APIs, HTTPS, encryption and Webhooks, and Optional – Live Agent App @1000/- per user per month.