Comparison - WhatsApp Business App Vs WhatsApp API
WhatsApp Business can be used based on your own required may it be for commercial or for marketing or even for support, but choosing the right one can play a major role!
The first and foremost difference is based on whether your business is either Small or Large. The features and capabilities for small and large will differ significantly. Other differences could be based on the number of customers, the number of employees, service type, and so on.
WhatsApp Business App:
WhatsApp Business APP is built for all small business owners. This is basically free to download and use. The app makes it easy to personally connect with your customers, highlight your products and services, and answer their questions throughout their shopping experience.
WhatsApp has various features that help it to sustain itself as a top messaging application. With a WhatsApp Business account created with WhatsApp Business App, you can:
Send a Broadcast to 256 people,
Set up auto-replies for welcome & away messages
Share documents, location, etc.,
Operate WhatsApp Business Account on 5 devices (1 Mobile + 4 PCs)
Example:
Let us take the example of a small-scale Bakery or a cake shop! They create a WhatsApp Business Account using the Business App to reach more customers. Here's how the Business app helps:
Enables creation of a business profile with key details like address, business description, email, and website.
Allows businesses to showcase a product or service catalogue within the app.
Offers Quick Replies to save and reuse frequently sent messages, making it easy to respond to common queries instantly.
Supports organizing chats and contacts using Labels, helping businesses manage conversations more efficiently.
Lets you set Away Messages or other automated responses when you're unavailable.
Provides the option to set a Greeting Message to welcome customers and introduce your business.
WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp Business API is designed for medium to large businesses, enabling them to communicate with customers across the globe in a simple, secure, and reliable manner.
Allows creation of a business profile with essential details such as address, business description, email, and website.
Enables sending Broadcast Messages to a wide audience without limitations, while also supporting customer queries and service.
Ideal for larger businesses that handle a high volume of messages—beyond the capacity of the WhatsApp Business App.
Supports integration with WhatsApp Business Solutions or CRMs for enhanced automation and workflow management.
In summary, the WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API serve distinct purposes. The key difference? The Business API requires WhatsApp's approval before it can be activated.
You need to apply for the WhatsApp Business API and get Meta's approval before using it.
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