WhatsApp Business API, explained for small businesses
What the official API can do, what it costs, and why unofficial "bulk WhatsApp" tools get numbers banned.
The WhatsApp Business app is fine for a shop owner replying by hand. Once you want automatic confirmations, notifications from your website or CRM, or several team members on one number, you need the official WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API).
What it can do
- Send order, booking and payment notifications automatically.
- Reply to enquiries with templates and hand over to a human.
- Run opted-in promotional broadcasts with approved templates.
What it costs
Meta charges per conversation, with different rates for marketing, utility and service messages. Service replies within 24 hours of a customer message are the cheapest. Setup is a one-time job.
Why not unofficial tools?
Bulk-sender tools that automate the normal app break WhatsApp's terms. Numbers get banned — often the number your customers already know. Use opted-in contacts and approved templates only.
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