WhatsApp for Business Guide — Benefits, Setup & Features
WhatsApp and WhatsApp for Business are developed using the Erlang programming language and FreeBSD operating system. Both apps share a common platform for conversational activities. On top of that, they share the same design guidelines as well. However, both apps have different logos.
App Charges
When the app was launched, after the first year there was an annual subscription fee of $0.99. However, after Facebook acquired the app, they decided to drop the annual subscription fee. Now, you can download both apps free of cost. They are available on Google play store and Apple store.
Security
There is no concern for security as both apps feature end-to-end encryption for messages. Each message is completely secured by a protocol of layers that is inaccessible to third-party users. This ensures every message shared on both platforms securely reaches the target destination.
Messaging Capabilities
As long as you abide by the App’s guidelines, companies and individuals are free to send unlimited messages of any format (audio, video, or file attachments). You can broadcast messages to up to 256 contacts in one go. The same limit is applicable in adding members to a group on both apps.
Multimedia Shareability
This is probably one of the most popular features as many users utilise it. The two apps support attaching audio-visual files, sharing documents, location, and contact details.
Message Automation
You can’t automate messages on personal WhatsApp Messenger. However, in the Business app, there are three kinds of message automation functions (triggers):
- Quick replies
- Away messages
- Greeting messages
This feature comes in handy for people who are busy or when you are away from the office. When someone interacts with your number during those pre-defined away hours, the user gets custom automated responses based on the trigger.
Message Statistics
Message statistics report gives out a detailed analysis of WhatsApp Business. You can analyse through the app’s pre-defined metrics, such as the number of messages sent, delivered, read, and received. This is a crucial element for business owners as they can analyse account performance from the dashboard. While in the personal messenger, the message statistics report is limited.
Profile Connectivity
Both apps support click-to-chat links, connecting using QR codes, or even interacting via phone number. The click-to-chat link function provides a link in which a user can initiate a chat with your account by clicking the given link. You can create your custom click-to-chat link easily.
For the QR code, the user has to scan the code and then initiate a chat. Every profile has a unique QR code, and you can find this in settings; after entering, you can notice a QR code icon beside your name.
On the other hand, only Business owners can generate a shortlink from their settings and share it with their customers that they can use to start conversations with your Business account. Unlike click-to-chat, the short link is automatically generated in the app.
Business API
For large-scale businesses, there’s a new platform: WhatsApp Business API. This platform focuses on mid-size to large-scale companies by providing tons of automation features and building bots. You can create a WA Business API account only through the API provided by WhatsApp Business Solution Providers (BSP). This is a paid platform where you get charged based on message sessions. Some of the salient features of this platform are:
- Broadcast messages to unlimited people
- Add multiple users to handle chats
- Connect with CRM to manage conversations
- Generate advanced analytical reports
- Integrate with third-party applications
- Receive a green-tick verified badge on your WA Business account profile
- Build a chatbot for WhatsApp to support customers, generate leads, collect feedback, and much more!
FAQ’s
What is the advantage of WhatsApp Business over WhatsApp?
With WA Business, brands can create a business profile and build trust. Businesses can share their contact information and working hours. Companies have the advantage to showcase their catalog and respond to customers with quick replies, away messages, and greetings for a better customer care experience.
Which is safer WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business?
Both apps are safe to use. The messages are free and end-to-end encrypted.
Is WhatsApp Business safe for personal use?
WABusiness serves a different purpose from the regular WA app. If you use the business account for personal use, your contacts will see a message notifying them about your account type.
Can we use WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business on the same phone?
Yes, you can use both Apps on the same phone as long as you use a different phone number for them.
Can I use the same number for personal and business WhatsApp?
No, you cannot use the same phone number for personal and business WA. If you register for a business account using the same phone number, your personal account will be converted into a WA Business account.
Is WhatsApp for Business free?
Yes, downloading the WA Business App is FREE on both Android and iPhone. Businesses are not charged for sending messages to customers.
Does it cost to message a WhatsApp Business account?
No, WhatsApp doesn’t levy any charges on users to send a message to a business account.
Can I convert my WhatsApp to a business account?
Yes, you can migrate your personal account to a Business account. The process is fast, simple, and reliable. What are the disadvantages of WA Business?
Some of the disadvantages include:
- It’s not GDPR compliant.
- Only one person can handle queries. Chats cannot be transferred to anyone else.
- Limited automation options.
- Cannot sync with your CRM or other tools to personalise conversations and provide a seamless customer experience.
To sum it up
After looking at the differences between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business, it is obvious that WhatsApp Business has added advantages for businesses compared to personal WhatsApp Messenger.
📞 07498 200 574
✉️ gingerwebsitedesign@gmail.com
🌐 southwestboating.uk/