Quick read: Official WhatsApp Business API and how it is different from WhatsApp Business App

Using the Official WhatsApp Business API means that multiple users can log in to WhatsApp with the same phone number.

As such, the WhatsApp app will no longer be used. Instead, various users and team members can log in to the SleekFlow web and mobile app to use WhatsApp at the same time.

Thus, to start using the Official WhatsApp Business API, businesses simply need to submit business registration details for verification and sign up with a new phone number that costs around USD 6.50 (HKD 50.40) purchased from Skype. Both of which can be done at the same time and the approval process usually takes 3 days to 2 weeks.

Businesses are strongly encouraged to sign up using a new phone number but if an existing number is used, previous conversation history can be retrieved from backups. Following that, businesses will then need to submit WhatsApp Template Messages for approval to start contacting customers.

Read more: A complete walkthrough for WhatsApp Broadcast

Introduction to the Official WhatsApp Business API

Stability & connectivity

Firstly, the key difference in using the Official WhatsApp Business API is that the phone number will not be blocked by the recipient. Countless WhatsApp Business account users have reported the issue of being blocked by the recipients.

However, this will not happen when using the Official WhatsApp Business API. This is because the template messages has already been approved by WhatsApp and thus, will not be marked as spam.

Another key difference is that businesses using the Official WhatsApp Business API will be recognized and verified. This means that the business name will be shown and there can be a green tick displayed next to the business name on WhatsApp to show that the phone number has been authorized. 

In contrast, when the WhatsApp Business App is used, only the phone number will be shown. As such, users can choose to block the number. Without the green tick to prove verification, the customers will very likely be suspicious of the messages and mark them as spam.

Learn how to unblock your WhatsApp Business account here.

Lastly, issues with connectivity and unsent messages will be eliminated.

Using the Official WhatsApp Business API removes the reliance on master phone connectivity and internet stability. This is because each user is treated as a standalone user and a master phone is not required.

Template & session messages

Template Messages are pre-approved message templates for outbound notifications like delivery alerts and appointment reminders.

For example, if you want your customer to receive this message:

You would need to submit the following template for approval:

Each Template Message will need to be approved before it can be sent out and the approval process usually takes around 1 to 2 days.

A messaging session, also known as a conversation, starts when a user sends you a message. A conversation can have many messages exchanged and ends 24 hours after the last message is received. From then on, businesses must start a new conversation using a WhatsApp Template Message. Any other types of messages sent outside the 24-hour window will fail to reach the user.

Pricing & charges

In February 2022, WhatsApp officially announced the new conversation-based pricing model where businesses are charged according to the number and type of conversations.

The good deal here is that the first 1,000 conversations are free!

Following that, the charges for the conversations depend on whether they are:

• Business-initiated conversations - applies when Template Messages are sent to the customers to start a new conversation (USD 0.0745 /conversation in Hong Kong)

• User-initiated conversations - Free form messages (do not need to be Template Messages) can be sent to customers (USD 0.0224 /conversation in Hong Kong)

The fees are also dependent on the country you're in.

Other than the conversation charges, it is compulsory for businesses to sign up for the WhatsApp Business API through an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) such as 360dialog. Through SleekFlow, the 360dialog plan will only cost USD 12.50 (HKD 95) per month as compared to the original price of USD 50 to 65.

*Some WhatsApp Business API providers mark up their prices with extra service fees. Choose wisely.

WhatsApp Business API cost = Conversation cost + Provider cost

Further reading: More about the pricing for Official WhatsApp Business API in 2022

A quick summary: 2 types of WhatsApp for business

Achieve more with WhatsApp Business API

Supercharge Official WhatsApp Business API’s capabilities through SleekFlow! Use WhatsApp as a team – together and at the same time – on both desktop and mobile. 

That’s not all, send out personalized broadcast campaigns to your customers and set automation rules to automatically route conversations and streamline your workflow.