Complete Guide to WhatsApp Business Accounts & Features

New to WhatsApp for business? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about WhatsApp Business products. We'll explain the different types of WhatsApp Business accounts, sign-up methods, pricing, and features, helping you determine the best option for your business.

What is WhatsApp Business?

WhatsApp Business provides a platform for businesses of all sizes to communicate with customers on WhatsApp. Launched in 2018, it was created to separate personal and business communication, helping businesses establish an official presence and utilize tools designed for customer interactions. Over 50 million businesses use WhatsApp Business globally.

Where is WhatsApp Popular?

WhatsApp is the world's most popular messaging app with approximately 2.78 billion monthly active users, dominating 188 out of 230 countries and territories.

India leads with the highest number of users, followed by Brazil, Indonesia, the US, Russia, and Mexico. Brazil boasts over 96% of its population as active users.

The widespread use has resulted in 292 million downloads of the WhatsApp Business App by June 2022. WhatsApp sees up to 100 billion messages exchanged daily, with a 98% message open rate, showcasing its high engagement compared to traditional methods like email.

WhatsApp Business Account Basics

This section explores WhatsApp Business policies, account types, and pricing.

WhatsApp Business Policies

WhatsApp enforces strict Business and Commerce Policies to maintain a high-quality, spam-free experience for users. Businesses must ensure accurate and updated profile information and avoid impersonation or misleading details. Policy violations can result in limited or removed access to WhatsApp
Business products.

Types of WhatsApp Business Accounts

WhatsApp Business App Account

Designed for small businesses, the WhatsApp Business App allows for communication with customers via Quick Replies and automated messages. It supports up to five devices, with an option for WhatsApp Business Premium in certain countries, extending usage to 10 devices. To set up an account, simply install the app and link it to a phone number not already associated with WhatsApp.

Remember, you can only install the WhatsApp Business App on a single phone and must use WhatsApp Business Web to connect additional devices.

WhatsApp Business API Account

Ideal for medium to large companies, the WhatsApp Business API supports marketing, sales, and support through multiple users.

It requires integration with customer conversation management software like Chat Breezes.
There are two API types: On-premises API (hosted on BSP or business servers) and Cloud API (hosted on Meta's cloud servers). Setting up Cloud API directly from Meta requires technical expertise, but BSPs like Chat Breezes offer simplified access.

WhatsApp Business Pricing -

WhatsApp Business App Pricing

Using the WhatsApp Business App is free, but businesses need a dedicated phone number. If a dual SIM or e-sim phone isn't available, a new phone might be necessary. The app can be installed on one phone, with additional devices connected via WhatsApp Business Web.

WhatsApp Business API Pricing

API pricing varies based on the application process and hosting method. On-premises API involves BSP-imposed fees alongside WhatsApp's per-conversation charges. Cloud API access through Meta or BSPs involves fewer additional costs. Pricing includes user-initiated and business-initiated conversation fees, with the latter requiring pre-approved Message Templates.

Messaging Customers on WhatsApp

The WhatsApp Business App and APIs were designed with specific business sizes in mind; hence, the messaging features and limitations associated with the accounts reflect that.

WhatsApp for Business: 1:1 Messaging

This section will explain everything about 1:1 messaging on the Business App and API accounts.

1:1 Messaging with the Business App Account

Small businesses can send unlimited free messages and initiate contact if they have customer numbers, but must adhere to WhatsApp's policies to avoid spam reports.

1:1 Messaging with a WhatsApp Business API Account

API accounts require customer consent before messaging and enforce a 24-hour response window. Two conversation types exist: user-initiated (within 24 hours) and business-initiated (using Message Templates).

Broadcast Messaging on WhatsApp

Business App Account

Businesses can broadcast to 256 contacts per list, organized with labels. However, only saved contacts receive broadcasts, and contacts must be added manually.

Business API Account

Broadcasts via API require pre-approved Message Templates.

The number of contacts reached depends on the messaging tier and the software used, like Chat Breezes, which offers advanced broadcast features and analytics.

Group Messaging on WhatsApp

Only the Business App supports group messaging, allowing up to 1,024 participants and multiple admins. API accounts do not support group messaging.

WhatsApp Business Special Features

Create a Business Profile

WhatsApp Business allows you to create your own professional business profile.

You can add various pieces of information about your business, such as contact information, the company’s website as well as location.

And that’s something that will help you build the credibility of your business.

Set Busienss Timings

Set your business hours in the WhatsApp Business App! This allows your customers to know when is the best time to reach you. At the same time, this also allows you to manage expectations when it comes to customer support.

Use Automated Responses

With WhatsApp Business, you can easily automate messages like greetings, quick replies, or away messages.

Through the use of Away Messages, you can let your customers know that you are busy. Simply, toggle “Send away message” and type in the message customers will receive based on the schedule determined by you.

With Greeting Messages, you can send a message immediately after a potential customer contacts you. You can use this opportunity to share information about your company with your consumers.

As for Quick Replies, you can create keyboard shortcuts for the messages you send most frequently. You can use quick replies for text or media messages, such as GIFs, images, and videos.

To send quick replies, simply search for the quick reply using the keyword or type “/” and select the shortcut directly.

WhatsApp Catalog and WhatsApp Cart

Small businesses can showcase products and services in a Catalog, with customers able to add items to their Cart and message businesses to confirm purchases. Payments are typically processed through third-party gateways, as WhatsApp Pay is limited to specific regions.

Add Labels to Group Chats

With WhatsApp Business, you can group your chats with labels. This allows for quick classification of customers and fast access to the labeled chats.

Here are some label suggestions that you can use:

• New Customer
• Returning Customer
• Customer Awaiting Orders

WhatsApp Pay

Currently available in Brazil, India, and selected US users, WhatsApp Pay enables in-app payments, subject to regional legislation.

WhatsApp Business App vs. WhatsApp Business API

The WhatsApp Business App suits small businesses with low message volumes and simple automation needs. The WhatsApp Business API, accessed via On-premises or Cloud API, is ideal for larger businesses needing advanced automation and integration. Chat Breezes offers free, instant Cloud API access with an omnichannel inbox, AI features, and full management capabilities.

Ready to harness the power of WhatsApp for your business? Try Chat Breezes and its WhatsApp Business API for free!