The powerful WhatsApp API software for your business

In today's digital era, it is essential for companies to be present where their customers are. WhatsApp, with a user base of over 2 billion people worldwide and 60 million users in Germany alone, is no longer just a messenger for private communication. While WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business are not suitable for professional and privacy-compliant business communication, the WhatsApp API software opens up new horizons.

With an open rate of over 95% for messages, WhatsApp provides an unparalleled platform for marketing and customer communication. Furthermore, with the integration of WhatsApp with other software applications, messaging can be automated to achieve impressive customer service efficiency and first-class customer care. WhatsApp API software, such as that offered by Mateo, enables businesses to take full advantage of these opportunities. In this article, we look at how Mateo's advanced WhatsApp API software can revolutionize your business communications and put you ahead of the digital competition.

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What is the WhatsApp Business API?

To offer larger companies a secure, scalable and GDPR-compliant solution that is tailored to their needs, Facebook introduced the WhatsApp Business API in August 2018. This application programming interface (API) enables businesses to receive and respond to WhatsApp messages from their customers.

Unlike the WhatsApp Business app, the API itself does not contain a user interface. The API connects WhatsApp with a professional messaging tool, such as the one offered by Mateo. Companies integrate the WhatsApp API endpoint into the software of an official WhatsApp Business Solution provider. Mateo offers corporate customers the corresponding integration in a clear user interface with its in-house software.

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The most important features of the WhatsApp Business API

The WhatsApp Business API differs from WhatsApp Business in some important respects. There are also some restrictions that companies must observe when contacting users.

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Marketing Newsletter

Companies are only allowed to send advertising messages, spam and marketing messages as so-called "Promotional Messages". These are individually customizable message templates that must be approved in advance by WhatsApp. Customers can, for example, receive product suggestions based on their last order. Cold call messages and certain words or phrases that make the message sound too promotional are not allowed. Important customer information such as order confirmations can, of course, be sent at any time.

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With a little creativity, WhatsApp marketing softwares can effectively increase sales. Make sure to offer added value to your customers.

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Consent (Opt-in)

Messages can only be sent to users if it is a reply to a message from the user or if it is important customer information (e.g. an order confirmation) that is sent via a message template. In marketing, recipients must actively agree to receive WhatsApp newsletters by means of a so-called double opt-in (e.g. by entering a telephone number and activating a checkbox).

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Service window for answers

If a user sends a request to the company via WhatsApp, the response must be provided within 24 hours ("Customer Care Window"). The fact that customer inquiries are answered promptly increases the user experience of WhatsApp users and prevents the company from contacting them (without an opt-in). Within the service window, communication with WhatsApp Business works in the same way as with the application for private individuals. When the service window is closed, a special message template must be sent to ask the user to get in touch.

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Message templates

Message templates (called "template messages" by WhatsApp) can make customer communication very efficient for the company. Businesses can use pre-written messages to send order confirmations, payment requests and shipping information in a matter of seconds. Template messages must be pre-approved by Meta and are the only way to contact users outside of the service window.

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Why use the WhatsApp API and not WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business? What are the differences?

The WhatsApp API offers companies decisive advantages in professional customer communication. For most companies, the most important issues are data protection, marketing, integrations, flexibility and automation. In order to keep track of these three WhatsApp variants, all important information is summarized in the following table.

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Overview WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API — The differences between WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API at a glance

Reading tip: In our article "WhatsApp Business GDPR"we have summarized all background information and explain why WhatsApp Business is not compatible with the GDPR.

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What are the costs of using WhatsApp API software?

Understanding the cost structure is crucial when using the WhatsApp Business API. On the one hand, there are monthly costs from your WhatsApp API provider for using the software and, on the other hand, message-dependent costs from Meta, which your API provider usually passes on to you directly. Meta distinguishes between conversations initiated by the user and those initiated by the company.

Free conversations: The first 1000 conversations per month initiated by the user are free of charge. This also includes the sending of message templates during the service window.

Costs from the 1001st conversation: After the free quota has been used up, the following costs are incurred in Germany (source: Meta Platforms):

Service: 6.79 cents per conversation started by the customer.
Administration: 7.07 cents for conversations with important company information.
Authentication: 6.36 cents for conversations with verification codes.
Marketing: 11.31 cents for advertising messages.

Additional information: The exact prices and the number of messages included may vary depending on the WhatsApp API provider. It is therefore important to check the specific costs with the chosen provider. Since API providers offer additional services such as user interfaces and optimizations, their prices may be higher than the fees set by Meta.

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Reading tip: All information on the cost structure and fees of the WhatsApp Business API interface can be found in our article on"What will the WhatsApp Business API cost in 2023?"

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What you should consider when choosing your WhatsApp API provider

When selecting a provider for the WhatsApp Business API, you should consider a few important factors to ensure that the solution meets your requirements:
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Data protection and security: Check whether the provider complies with the data protection standards of the GDPR. This is particularly important to ensure the security and privacy of your customer information.
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Integration and compatibility: Ensure that the WhatsApp API can be easily integrated into your existing systems and business processes. Seamless integration is crucial for the efficiency of communication processes.
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Scalability: Make sure that the provider offers scalable solutions that can grow with your company. This is particularly important in order to be able to work smoothly even with increasing message volumes.
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User-friendliness: An intuitive and user-friendly interface makes your team's work easier and contributes to efficiency. Check whether the solution on offer is easy to use.
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Support and service: Reliable customer service and technical support are essential. Make sure that the provider offers fast and competent help to solve any problems promptly.
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Functionality and features: Check whether the provider offers all the necessary functions you need for your specific requirements, such as automated responses, message templates and comprehensive analysis tools.
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Costs incurred: As described in the last chapter, the costs of WhatsApp API software vary greatly depending on the provider. Compare the prices and functions to ensure that your budget is used wisely.
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Which companies can use the WhatsApp API software?

The WhatsApp API software is the perfect solution for companies that see WhatsApp as an important communication channel, want to comply with the applicable GDPR and use the messenger with multiple employees.

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However, all businesses using WhatsApp Business must comply with the WhatsApp Commerce Policy. According to the Commerce Policy, the following industries and services are excluded from using all WhatsApp Business products:

Alcohol, tobacco products and accessories
Drugs and medication
Illegal products and services
Unsafe dietary supplements
Weapons, ammunition or explosives
uvm.

Accordingly, companies must check in advance whether they are authorized to use WhatsApp Business or WhatsApp Business API according to the commercial policy and whether they can comply with the terms of use when using the messenger.

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Why is Mateo a strong WhatsApp API software?

At Mateo, we are your messaging experts when it comes to efficient and highly professional customer communication and the right marketing. Hundreds of companies are already using Mateo's WhatsApp API software and are delighted with it. Our customers particularly appreciate the following advantages of Mateo:

10 reasons for WhatsApp API software — From automatically sent customer information to WhatsApp marketing and a central user interface - Mateo's WhatsApp API software has a lot to offer.

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Central user interface

In addition to the WhatsApp Business API, Mateo bundles many other communication channels such as email, Instagram, SMS and Facebook Messenger in a central inbox. On the intuitive and clear user interface, you will find various helpful tools for particularly efficient customer communication. A web widget with the messaging channels you support is available for your customers for particularly easy contact.
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WhatsApp Newsletter Marketing

With the WhatsApp API software from Mateo, newsletters can be sent in compliance with the GDPR. Thanks to the first-class open rate of 98% for WhatsApp messages, marketing can be carried out much more effectively than via email or other channels. The functions of our software are particularly in-depth in the area of marketing: newsletters can be sent both automatically and to specific target groups. Comprehensive statistics for evaluation are also included. If required, our customer service will provide you with comprehensive support for WhatsApp marketing.

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Integration with other software applications

With the WhatsApp API, it is technically possible to integrate WhatsApp into other software applications. Whether you can actually use this function depends on your respective WhatsApp API provider. With Mateo, you can connect to more than 6,000 applications via Zapier without any programming knowledge. For example, you can automatically send order confirmations when a customer has ordered something in your online store or send pre-formulated messages when a customer has filled out a form on your website.
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Diagram of the integration of Mateo, Zapier and Bitrix24 — Thanks to Mateo and Zapier , you can integrate WhatsApp into over 6,000 apps. A link is not possible without the WhatsApp Business API interface.

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Rating management of Google reviews

With Mateo you create an outstanding customer experience. Mateo can automatically request online reviews from your customers via WhatsApp or another of the included messaging channels. The more reviews you have, the better you will be found on Google, for example. Reviews also create trust in your company.
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100% GDPR-compliant

Data protection is our top priority. All our servers are based in Germany and we continuously ensure that our WhatsApp API software complies with all German and European legally binding data protection requirements. If the law is amended, the software is revised accordingly. All messages are end-to-end encrypted to ensure absolutely secure customer communication. You can read all about the GDPR when using WhatsApp in our article"WhatsApp Business and GDPR". This will help you avoid the warnings, severe penalties and expensive legal costs that often occur in the event of non-compliance with the GDPR (= use of the standard WhatsApp Business app).
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Custom Message Templates

Thanks to various message templates that can be created individually, the amount of paperwork is minimized and the efficiency of customer communication is increased. This means that personnel resources in the service area can be used elsewhere.
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Scalability for all company sizes

The scalability of the messaging tool has been confirmed by the large number of companies already using Mateo with high satisfaction. Whether customers have just a few employees or many hundreds, the software works smoothly and, depending on the package, with an unlimited number of end devices, users and phone numbers. The fact that Mateo significantly reduces the workload in the customer service area opens up new growth opportunities for many companies.
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Affordable provider for WhatsApp API software

With an entry-level price of just 79 euros per month, Mateo is a cost-effective provider of WhatsApp Business API solutions on the German market. Combined with the integration of other communication channels and various helpful tools, Mateo offers excellent value for money. Mateo's personal customer service supports companies at every step of the integration process, ensuring very low barriers to entry.
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First-class customer service

‍Ourcompetent customer advisors are there to help you with all your concerns! No matter what the issue - you can contact your personal customer advisor with any questions you may have. Our customer service is not only available in writing, but also by telephone. And without long waiting times!
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Cross-industry experience

‍Tensof thousands of marketing messages from companies in various industries have already been sent via Mateo's WhatsApp marketing software. We use this expertise to offer you professional advice on creating, sending and analyzing your WhatsApp marketing campaign.

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You are welcome to arrange a free consultation appointment where you will receive a demo of Mateo's WhatsApp API software and all your questions will be answered.

The powerful WhatsApp API software for your business - Mateo