How much does WhatsApp Business cost? WhatsApp Business is a free to download app, but sending messages via the WhatsApp Business API is subject to a pricing model. Read on in this post to find out the requirements for using the WhatsApp API and the key pricing details for WhatsApp Business.
Messaging has grown faster than any customer service channel. Users want to connect with businesses on a familiar platform that is fast and reliable. Messaging apps become the perfect channel, enabling fast dialogue and facilitating an omni-channel experience.
WhatsApp is the messaging application that has grown the most in recent years, both personally and professionally. The use of the WhatsApp Business API by businesses is an opportunity to improve communication, leading to higher quality customer interactions.
The reason for this is that WhatsApp Business allows businesses to adapt to changing user behaviour by being available on a channel that users already use regularly to communicate with family and friends.
The benefits of WhatsApp for businesses are obvious, but what is the price of WhatsApp Business as a support channel? In this article we have identified the keys to understanding the WhatsApp Business pricing model and the details behind the message exchange via the API.
WhatsApp Business Application
WhatsApp Business works in a similar way to the personal WhatsApp that we use to contact friends and family, but also offers additional and useful features for businesses, such as quick replies or catalogues.
For this reason, the WhatsApp Business app is ideal for small companies with up to five employees, where there is only one point of contact with customers and no large customer service department. This is because it can be incorporated into a single device, for use by a single user.
However, it is also a very valuable tool for large companies, as it provides an accessible and efficient platform for communicating directly with customers, allowing for streamlined handling of enquiries and requests. In addition, large companies can benefit from creating detailed and verified company profiles, optimising interaction and trust with their customers.
WhatsApp Business Pricing
WhatsApp Business app is free of charge and can be downloaded for free from the app shops (App Store and Google Play Store). You simply need to use a mobile number that can be converted into a business account, so it is recommended that you do not use a personal or private number.
Difference between WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business also offers its own API aimed at companies with multiple customer service agents. This is the ideal solution for medium and large companies due to its ability to adapt to group management.
Among its benefits, the most prominent is that it is a scalable tool, can be adjusted to different business models, corporate processes and offers automation possibilities, such as the integration of Chatbots with AI. In addition, it complies with security requirements thanks to message encryption and is RGPD-compliant.
WhatsApp Business API does not have its own environment, unlike the WhatsApp application which has its own interface. The WhatsApp API connects to software from an authorised solution provider.
Using the WhatsApp Business API for customer communication provides a secure and immediate platform to optimise any customer service strategy.
Customer Service agents can use the WhatsApp Business API as a tool to interact through a digital channel with customers who prefer to send a message rather than make a phone call.
In addition, automated and template-based messaging is just one of the outstanding features for Customer Care, which can be scaled with the integration of an AI-enabled Chatbot.
Setting up WhatsApp Business API Requirements
Not all companies can benefit from the use of the WhatsApp API. Facebook has decided to adopt various controls to ensure that the application is used within the established parameters and to avoid malpractice.
To use the WhatsApp Business API you must verify your account through Facebook and once this process is done, you will be able to activate a new support channel together with a service provider, who will guide you through the whole process.
WhatsApp Business API Pricing
As mentioned above, access to the WhatsApp Business API is dependent on an official solution provider. This company will determine the price and monthly costs for the use of the API.
There are different pricing models for the WhatsApp Business API, which vary according to the needs of each business and the volumes of messages or users. However, in general terms, WhatsApp charges the solution provider for each message sent under a fixed pricing structure.
Beyond understanding the fixed cost of each message and WhatsApp Business pricing, it is important to know that there are three types of messages in WhatsApp Business:
- Marketing conversations: these are the most flexible, as they do not relate to a specific, agreed transaction, but can be related to a company or its products and services. Templates that combine utility and marketing content will be classified as marketing templates.
- Utility conversations: these relate to a specific, agreed transaction.
- Authentication conversations: these allow companies to authenticate users with one-time access codes.
WhatsApp Business API Pricing Models
The needs of your business will determine how you use the API and this, in turn, will define the price you pay for making use of this platform. There are three main pricing models:
- Price per message: model determined by session messages and templates.
- Message packages: include a set number of free session messages. Once the company reaches the limit, it will have the option to send session messages at a pre-set rate. These message packages do not usually include templates.
- Price per monthly active user, better known as MAU: In this model the price of the WhatsApp Business API is determined by the number of WhatsApp users the business has conversations with in a given month.
In addition to the cost for message handling, it is also important to take into account the monthly costs for API usage, installation, configuration and message volume costs in some cases to determine the price of the WhatsApp Business API.
At Aunoa we can activate our Chatbots in WhatsApp quickly and efficiently. Our team is responsible for the configuration, installation and administration of this interface so that the AI solution works perfectly.
If you want to know the WhatsApp Business prices for your company, schedule a demo: we can choose the most appropriate WhatsApp pricing model for you and provide you with a customised quote.
