Today, automating conversations through WhatsApp is key for many companies looking to improve customer service and streamline their sales processes. However, to implement a chatbot On WhatsApp, it's not enough to use the regular app (WhatsApp Business App). You need official, authorized access, known as the WhatsApp Business API. In this article, you'll learn what exactly the WhatsApp Business API is, why you need it, and how to use it. API for your chatbot and how to obtain it easily with the help of official suppliers (including Aurora Inbox).
What is the WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Business API It is the official interface that allows businesses and developers to integrate WhatsApp with external systems—for example, a CRM, a ticketing system, or a chatbot—in a secure, scalable, and WhatsApp-approved manner.
- Scalable: supports large volumes of messages simultaneously.
- Official and safe: Comply with WhatsApp policies and requirements, avoiding blocks or restrictions.
- Integrable: Connects to other platforms (chatbots, automations, databases, etc.) using standard protocols.
If you want to go deeper into technical details, you can consult the Official documentation of the WhatsApp Business API.
What is the difference between the WhatsApp Business App and the API?
The WhatsApp Business App (the free version available on the Google Play Store and App Store) is designed for small businesses that handle a smaller volume of chats and don't require complex automations. While it offers features like tagging conversations or setting up welcome messages, does not allow:
- Connect advanced chatbots.
- Integrate multiple agents on the same line.
- Automate conversations robustly.
In contrast, the WhatsApp Business API:
- Allows chatbots and automations based on artificial intelligence or other conversational flows.
- Supports multi-agent: Multiple users can manage the same account simultaneously.
- It is acquired through official WhatsApp providers (also called Business Solution Providers or BSPs).
- Offers business functions such as message templates, notifications, and account verification.
Therefore, If your intention is to implement a chatbot on WhatsApp, you will necessarily need the WhatsApp Business API.
Why do you need the API for a chatbot?
A very common question is: “Can I use a chatbot with the regular WhatsApp app?” The short answer is NoWhatsApp does not allow a personal account or a free app account to be operated by a bot, as this violates the terms of use and poses a high risk of being blocked. The API, on the other hand, is the official and legitimate way to integrate bots and automations. Because?
- Validation and complianceWhatsApp reviews and approves accounts using the API, ensuring that communication is trustworthy and complies with its policies.
- Total automation: The API enables the creation of chatbot flows that handle common queries, generate automated responses, and escalate conversations to human agents when needed.
- Handling large volumes: A chatbot with an API can process hundreds or thousands of simultaneous messages without becoming overloaded or blocked.
In other words, The chatbot becomes the “visible face” to the customer, and the API acts as the official “bridge” between the bot and the WhatsApp infrastructure..
How to get the WhatsApp Business API? (Basic steps)
To start using the WhatsApp Business API and connect your chatbot, the most common way to do so is through an Official WhatsApp Provider or BSP (Business Solution Provider). Here are some general steps:
1..Register your WhatsApp Business account
- Create or associate a business phone number with WhatsApp Business.
- Make sure it's not already linked to the regular WhatsApp Business app.
2. Verify your business in Facebook Business Manager
- Meta (Facebook) requires verifying the legitimacy of your company to grant access to the API.
- This involves submitting legal documentation and completing the verification process.
3. Select an official supplier (BSP)
- There are numerous BSPs on the market that facilitate API integration (e.g., 360dialog, Twilio, among others).
- Aurora Inbox It also acts as an intermediary and simplifies the entire technical process.
4. Configure your project or platform
- Using the BSP, you obtain API credentials and define message templates approved by WhatsApp.
- This is where you connect your chatbot (or whatever platform you've chosen) to the API.
5. Test and launch
- Before going into production, tests are run to confirm that sending and receiving messages work correctly.
- Once everything is validated, your chatbot will be up and running and available to your customers.
NoteIf this process seems complex, don't worry. Platforms like Aurora Inbox handle this implementation transparently, so you can focus solely on your business strategy.
Aurora Inbox and the API: Simplified Integration
Aurora Inbox (example link) is a provider and platform that automates the configuration of the WhatsApp Business API chatbot From start to finish. With Aurora Inbox, you don't need to process everything manually or worry about complicated integrations:
- Account Management: We help with registration and verification on Meta.
- Built-in chatbot: Create conversation flows and auto-responders without any programming.
- Multi-agent and CRM: Multiple users can reply from the same line, record notes, tag leads, and more.
- Specialized supportIf you have any questions, the Aurora Inbox team can provide advice in your language so you don't get stuck on the technical side.
This way, you have the power of the WhatsApp Business API, along with a user-friendly interface and artificial intelligence tools that make interacting with your customers easier.
How much does it cost to use the WhatsApp Business API?
One of the aspects that most concerns companies is cost. Generally speaking, the WhatsApp Business API It works under a billing scheme based on conversations or messages sent, depending on WhatsApp's current policy and the BSP you choose. For example, Meta charges a fee per "24-hour session" based on the origin of the message (user or business) and the category of the conversation.
Providers often have their own additional fees, which may include:
- Incoming and outgoing messages (outside the 24-hour free window).
- Message templates (message templates) that require prior approval from WhatsApp.
- Premium features (advanced reports, support, etc.).
It is important confirm with your BSP the final costs. However, when you compare this to the benefits (automation, time savings, improved customer service), the investment is often highly profitable. Plus, with solutions like Aurora Inbox, you get all the features in one place, making it easier to control expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about the WhatsApp Business API
Can I use a chatbot with the regular WhatsApp app?
No. To have a bot that automatically interacts with your customers on WhatsApp, you need the WhatsApp Business APIThe standard app does not allow for advanced automation.
Does the WhatsApp API have a cost?
Yes. Meta charges for the conversations you manage through the API, and each BSP adds its own fee. However, it's a manageable cost based on message volume, allowing you to scale according to your needs.
Are message templates needed?
Yes, to send proactive notifications or messages outside the 24-hour window. These templates must be approved by WhatsApp. For example, appointment reminders, shipping updates, or promotions.
Is the API only useful for chatbots?
Not just for chatbots. The API also allows you to connect your support system, CRM, or other tools to manage conversations centrally and efficiently.
To finish
Have a WhatsApp Business API chatbot It has become a standard for businesses looking to provide agile and automated service to their customers. The WhatsApp Business API is the key element that allows you to scale your communication, incorporate artificial intelligence into conversations, and comply with WhatsApp policies officially and securely.
While obtaining and configuring the API requires certain technical steps and the intervention of a official WhatsApp provider, there are solutions such as Aurora Inbox that streamline and simplify the entire process, also providing you with multi-agent, CRM, and advanced analytics features.
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