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Introduction
In May 2022, Meta announced their new WhatsApp Business Cloud API to worldwide enterprises, the new API would allow business owners to directly customize and develop various business functions on WhatsApp according to their own business needs. There are two ways for e-commerce sellers to use the WhatsApp API function; the first is to seek API services from WhatsApp Business Solution Providers, and the second is to directly connect the API to a self-developed user interface on the Meta website.
As we’re nearing the new year of 2023, users must be able to diligently deploy their WhatsApp Cloud API system to connect to thousands of their customers and their service personnel or "robot programs" (BOT) for program assistance.
What is a WhatsApp Business Cloud API?
The WhatsApp Business Cloud API can be confused for its well-known and loved counterpart, the WhatsApp Business API (also known as on-premise API/on-premise API), as they both have instant messaging and other functions specially designed for medium and large enterprises such as:
- Green Tick for Verified Business Accounts
- Accommodates a large number of Customer Service, Customers and Chatbots
- Connects to third-party platforms such as e-commerce and CRM systems
- Marketing Broadcasts for products or promotions
- Showcase products, services and forms of payment on WhatsApp
What is the difference between WhatsApp Business Cloud API and the original WhatsApp Business account?
The biggest difference between the two accounts is where the servers are located.
Before Meta provided the WhatsApp Business Cloud API, users could only purchase the Business Cloud Account from WhatsApp Business Solution Providers that provided the API, and the servers of this solution were all stored in the provider's data center. With the launch of the novel WhatsApp Business Cloud API, its servers will not be located in Meta's American and European data centers.
How to Apply for a WhatsApp Business Cloud API?
Currently, there are two main ways to apply for a WhatsApp Business Cloud API. Users can register an account and develop software on the Meta for Developers platform, or register as a user on a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider’s website.
Comparing the Application Method for WhatsApp Cloud API between the Meta for Developers Platform and a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider:
Applications of the WhatsApp Business Cloud API?
Since WhatsApp API does not have a user interface, users need to obtain individual instant messaging related services through WhatsApp Business Solution Providers. Users can purchase services with tools or functions such as the One Team Inbox, Marketing Campaigns, Productivity Analytics, or by connecting to applications and third-party API platforms on imBee's website.
Why apply for the WhatsApp Business Cloud API through a WhatsApp Business Solutions Provider?
1. They possess professional WhatsApp Business application knowledge and provide solutions suitable for various industries
imBee has an extensive background in providing professional customer service, solving industry specific pain points and delivering WhatsApp Business solutions to over 150 companies from a plethora of industries, including financial services, real estate, healthcare and logistics industries.
2. Immediate and Superb Customer Service
imBee is equipped with the professional knowledge of using WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business Cloud API to its full advantage to help answer intricate customers' concerns. imBee also helps manage the WhatsApp accounts for users who have purchased the Enterprise Solution Plan by providing enterprise customer service technical support (Monday to Sunday from 9 am to evening).
On the other hand, the customer service support on the Meta for Developers Platform is very limited as it only provides resources such as manuals, guidelines and forums, and does not provide inquiry support for individual customer problems.
WhatsApp Business Cloud API Pricing
If users directly connect their WhatsApp Business Cloud API to the Meta for Developers Platform, the process comes at no cost. However if the user wants to send a message, there are fees for certain conversations that they should be aware of. Keep in mind that there are no discounted prices based on the country code or the party that initiated the conversation.
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