Most users are confused about the differences between WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business, and WhatsApp Business API.
Initially, WhatsApp was used only for personal communication. After the release of WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business API, professional communication and company operations became more convenient. If you are confused regarding these terms, let’s look at how these are different from one another.
Introduction
WhatsApp is the most widely used and well-known app for personal and business use. As of 2023, it has over 2 billion users globally. Moreover, the app’s great accessibility, functionality, and various features allow it to perform functions beyond simple text messages.
People use different versions of WhatsApp depending on their needs. Also, WhatsApp has customized its platform to many users, including individuals, small businesses, and even big businesses. The different versions of WhatsApp include:
- WhatsApp Messenger
- The WhatsApp Business App
- WhatsApp Business API
Now, Let’s explore the features and differences of each of them.
WhatsApp Business App
The WhatsApp Business, released in 2018, is a version of WhatsApp itself primarily targeted at small and medium-sized businesses. Also, It can be installed and used with the standard WhatsApp with a different number. Thus, people can use two accounts on the same phone.
Also, Whatsapp Business allows users to send professional messages directly to customers’ devices free of charge.
Moreover, it enables you to customize special offers and immediately respond to customer inquiries. Also, you can manage customer complaints, offer limited-time deals, and showcase your products through Whatsapp Business.
Features
- Simple Two-Way Communication
- Automated greeting messages,
- Better Customer Support
- Conversations with the brand.
- Convenient Desktop and Web Access
Difference between WhatsApp Message and Messenger
Both WhatsApp and WhatsApp businesses are highly similar. Since Whatsapp Business has a different logo, users can quickly identify which to use for personal and company purposes.
Whatsapp Business vs. Whatsapp Messenger
The free WhatsApp Business app improves the platform’s main features by introducing templates, contact labelling, and simple automation, including quick replies, greetings, and messages. Additionally, along with supporting customer service, payment alerts, marketing, and sales workflows, WhatsApp Business also helps with business-related tasks. In fact, Businesses can verify their Whatsapp accounts with a green tick. To verify your account, read How To Get WhatsApp Green Tick Verification for Your Business.
Furthermore, you can use it to make a catalogue to advertise your goods and services. Obviously, customers and businesses connect through the WhatsApp Business model, which helps companies build trust by offering real-time support.
It is easy to make phone and video calls and lets users send and receive text messages, multimedia, audio clips, and other things up to 100MB in size. Additionally, they make it possible to broadcast messages to 256 people. Both are available for free download and use without cost.
WhatsApp Business API
The Whatsapp Business API is mainly for larger businesses that receive many messages. Basically, it offers customers outstanding features not present in WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business. Also, Whatsapp Business API allows companies to broadcast and receive unlimited notifications.
Moreover, high levels of customization are possible in Whatsapp Business API, depending on the brand’s requirements. Also, the account can conveniently track team performance and is accessible from various devices.
Features of Whatsapp Business API
- Quick Replies
- Unique business profile and hours
- Labels for conversations
- Automate Notifications
- Sending Messages with clickable buttons
Difference Between WhatsApp Business App and API
Now, it’s explicit about Whatsapp Business and Whatsapp Business API. Let’s explore some differences.
Whatsapp Business
- The Whatsapp Business can be downloaded from the Play Store or app store by anyone.
- Sharing your WhatsApp Business phone number and app with other team members is challenging.
- Also, Whatsapp Business is completely free to use
- However, you can only send standard text or media messages using the Business App.
API
- Only some have access to WhatsApp’s business API. Moreover, It requires approval from WhatsApp, which is another significant difference.
- A shared team inbox can be used with WhatsApp API. Moreover, with a straightforward inbox, your entire team can easily manage a WhatsApp number and any customer inquiries.
- Pricing for the WhatsApp API depends on the conversation.
- The message templates feature of the WhatsApp API supports button-style messages.
In short, the WhatsApp Business APP and API each have unique features and are utilized in various use cases.
Conclusion
The last and most important question is which option is better for you. Indeed, the following points will help you to make the right choice.
Choose Whatsapp Business if you are just a starter in business and acquiring customers. Moreover, it is enough when you only have 20 daily messages. Also, you don’t have any immediate plans to hire a dedicated customer service employee.
You should choose API if your business is growing and acquiring customers frequently. Furthermore, API will be the best choice when you receive more than 50 daily messages.
However, your company’s development will determine whether you choose the WhatsApp Business App or the WhatsApp Business API.
Ready To Explore?
Frequently Asked Questions?
Are WhatsApp bots secure for handling customer data?
WhatsApp takes data security seriously and provides end-to-end encryption for messages. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your bot’s handling of customer data complies with data protection regulations and follows best security practices.
Can I use WhatsApp bots for customer feedback and surveys?
Yes, WhatsApp bots are suitable for conducting customer feedback surveys and collecting valuable insights to improve your products or services.