The professional WhatsApp business API software for your company [November 2024]

What is WhatsApp Business API interface?

For larger companies a secure, scalable and GDPR-compliant solution In August 2018, Facebook launched the WhatsApp Business API introduced. This application programming interface (API) allows companies to receive and respond to WhatsApp messages from their customers without being satisfied with the limited features of the WhatsApp Business app.
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In contrast to the WhatsApp business app, the API itself comes without a user interface off. The API connects WhatsApp to a professional messaging tool, as offered by Hellomateo, for example. undertakings integrating the WhatsApp API endpoint in the softwares An official WhatsApp business solution provider. With its in-house software, Hellomateo offers corporate customers the appropriate integration into a clear user interface and also provides a variety of useful and value-adding functions:

• Integrations: Connect WhatsApp to via 6,000 software applications, such as your CRM system
• Automated messages: Order confirmations, shipping information, evaluation requests, reminders, etc. fully automated via WhatsApp to your customers
• WhatsApp newsletter: Highly effective marketing via WhatsApp, that is only possible with the API interface
• GDPR-compliant: In contrast to the traditional WhatsApp business app, the use of the WhatsApp API for companies is GDPR-compliant
• scalability: Unlimited number of users and devices with the WhatsApp API

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What are the key features and functions of the WhatsApp Business API?

To keep WhatsApp free from excessive advertising and spam, there are some restrictions that companies must consider when contacting users. Otherwise, messages via the API interface would be due to WhatsApp separate user interface completely unregulated. Since users should not be bombarded with promotional spam messages in the same way as with emails, Meta set some important rules.

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Marketing with WhatsApp newsletters

Companies may promotional messages and marketing messages only as so-called”Promotional Messages“send. These are individually customizable Message templates, which must be approved in advance by WhatsApp. For example, customers can receive product suggestions based on their last order. Cold call messages and certain words or phrases that make the message sound too promotional are officially prohibited. In practice, companies have a relatively large amount of leeway when it comes to formulating their newsletter. Important customer information For example, order confirmations can of course anytime be shipped.
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Consent (opt-in)

Messages can only be sent to users if they are a reply to a message from users acts or the person through a so-called Opt-In Actively agreed has received WhatsApp messages (for example, by entering a phone number and checking a box).

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Service window for answers

When a user sends a request to the company via WhatsApp, the Response within 24 hours take place (“Customer Care Window”). As a result of customer inquiries therefore being answered quickly Become, does the increase user experience by WhatsApp users and contact (without opt-in) by the company is prevented.

Within the service windows does it work communications with WhatsApp Business The same How with the WhatsApp Messenger for private individuals. Messages with text, web links and emojis can be sent and, of course, images, videos and attachments such as PDF files can be shared in the chat.

Die automation In the form of chatbots, is within the service window permitted. However, the option of referring the user to a customer service representative must be available.

When that Service window closed is, users can only use a message template be contacted, not with an individual free text.

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Message templates

Message templates (from WhatsApp”Template Messages“called) can customer communication for the company very efficient design. WhatsApp enterprise customers can use ready-made messages to Order confirmations, payment requests, and shipping information to ship. If your WhatsApp API provider diverse integrations provided for other software programs, this can even be done fully automatically.
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Technically speaking, a message template is a string of text that wildcard (e.g. for order numbers, dates and prices) used to personalized information to provide. In addition to the standard selection of frequently used templates provided by WhatsApp Business, you can also create your own message templates to cover all service situations for the individual use case. These must be used before use approved by WhatsApp become. The approval process takes up to 24 hours. WhatsApp checks message templates to prevent companies from sending unwanted content to consumers. For message templates, there are different categories (authentication, marketing and administration) which must be strictly adhered to. More information about the categories and the respective costs can be found a little further down in the section”How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost?“.
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In conjunction with a clear user interface, such as those offered by hellomateo, these tools develop their full potential and make customer communication from WhatsApp Business API customers highly efficient.

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Why use WhatsApp API software and not WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp Business?

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

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Reading tip: In our article”WhatsApp Business GDPR“We have summarized all the 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?

WhatsApp Business API software offers significantly more features compared to WhatsApp Business and is therefore only available for a fee. A distinction must be made between the costs estimated by Meta and the fees charged by your WhatsApp API provider.

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Costs estimated directly by Meta

When it comes to the costs of the WhatsApp API, it is particularly important to distinguish Metas between entertainments, the initiated by user were, and conversations that initiated by the company were to understand. Meta defines these categories as follows (Source: Meta Platforms):

‍User-initiated conversations: “A conversation that is started in response to a user message. As soon as a company responds to a user's message within the 24-hour customer service window, the conversation from that message is considered a conversation initiated by the user. Within this 24-hour customer service window, companies can send informal messages. ”

‍Enterprise-initiated conversations: “A conversation that a company initiates by sending a message to a user outside of the 24-hour customer service window. Messages that trigger a company-initiated conversation require a message template. ”

Meta charges up to 11.3 cents per conversation in Germany. Chats are divided into four categories:

• Service: Conversation started by a customer Complete since 01.11.2024 free of charge (previously 6.79 cents).

• Administration: Entertainment that was initiated by the company and contains important information for the customer. For example, information about orders, transactions and customer accounts. Costs in Germany: 4.56 cents

• Authentication: A conversation initiated by the company that includes verification codes to access the customer account. Costs in Germany: 4.56 cents

• marketing: Entertainment that was initiated by the company and includes promotional messages such as product announcements or discount campaigns. Costs in Germany: 11.31 cents

Since all conversations initiated by the company can only be started with a message template, the division into categories is based on this message template. Here you can find the latest prices directly from Meta.

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WhatsApp API software fees

Monthly fee: Die monthly fee varies between the different WhatsApp API providers. additional options: Software providers usually charge additional fees for options such as multiple phone numbers, additional users, analyses and other functions. Be sure to pay attentionthat the WhatsApp API provider of your choice no additional charges per message requires. You should only pay the official meta fees per message!

Reading tip: In our article “How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost in 2026?” We have described all costs in detail.

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What must be considered when choosing WhatsApp API software?

When choosing a WhatsApp Business API provider, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that the solution meets your needs:
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1. Privacy and security: Check whether the provider complies with the GDPR data protection standards. This is particularly important to ensure the security and privacy of your customer information.
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2. Integration and compatibility: Make sure the WhatsApp API is easy to integrate with your existing systems and business processes. Seamless integration is crucial for the efficiency of communication processes.
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3. scalability: Make sure the vendor offers scalable solutions that can grow with your business. This is particularly important in order to be able to work smoothly even when the volume of messages increases.
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4. usability: An intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easier for your team to work and contributes to efficiency. Verify that the solution offered is easy to use.
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5. Support and service: Reliable customer service and technical support are essential. Make sure that the provider provides quick and expert help to resolve any issues in a timely manner.
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6. Functionality and features: Check that the provider offers all the necessary features that you need for your specific needs, such as automated responses, message templates, and comprehensive analysis tools.
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7. Expenses incurred: As described in the last chapter, the costs of WhatsApp API software vary greatly depending on the provider. Compare pricing and features to make sure your budget is being spent wisely.
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Which companies can use WhatsApp API software?

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

However, all companies that use WhatsApp Business must WhatsApp Commerce Policy comply. According to the trade policy, the following are industries and services from the use of all WhatsApp business products precluded:

• Alcohol, tobacco products and accessories
• Drugs and medicines
• Illegal products and services
• Unsafe dietary supplements
• Weapons, ammunition, or explosives
• and much more

Accordingly, companies must check in advanceWhether it's according to the Trading Policy are entitled to use WhatsApp Business or WhatsApp Business API and whether they use the messenger Terms of use be able to comply. Otherwise, there is a risk of blocking the WhatsApp profile.

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What makes hellomateo a powerful WhatsApp API software?

We at hellomateo are your messaging experts when it comes to efficient and highly professional customer communication and appropriate marketing. Just arrange a free consultationto find out all the details Hundreds of companies are already using hellomateo's WhatsApp API software and are impressed. Our customers know the following benefits particularly appreciated:

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Enabling a digital customer journey

Generate interest, win customers, inspire customers — these three elementary steps of a digital customer journey are mapped with hellomateo and ensure long-term sales growth through higher customer satisfaction and better customer loyalty.
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Central user interface

In addition to WhatsApp Business API, hellomateo bundles many other communication channels such as email, Instagram, SMS or Facebook Messenger in one central inbox. On the intuitive and clear user interface, you will find various helpful tools for particularly efficient customer communication. For your customers, there is a web widget ready for particularly easy contact with the news channels you support.
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WhatsApp newsletter marketing

With the WhatsApp API software from hellomateo, you can Send newsletters in compliance with GDPR. Thanks to the first-class opening rate of 98% for WhatsApp messages, marketing can therefore Operate significantly better than via e-mail or other channels. The functions of our software are particularly profound in the marketing sector: The sending of newsletters is both automated and possible for specific target groups. Comprehensive statistics are also included for evaluation. If required, our customer service will provide you with comprehensive assistance with WhatsApp marketing.

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Integration with other software applications

With the WhatsApp API, it is technically possible to Integrate WhatsApp with other software applications. Whether you can actually use this feature depends on your WhatsApp API provider. With hellomateo, Zapier allows you to connect with more than 6,000 applications to connect without any programming knowledge. For example, you can automatically send order confirmations when a customer has ordered something from your online shop or send pre-formulated messages when a customer has completed a form on your website.
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Rating management of Google reviews

With hellomateo, you create an outstanding customer experience. Hellomateo can from your customers automated via WhatsApp or another of the included message channels Request online reviews. The more reviews you have, the better you'll be found on Google, for example. Reviews also build 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 is compatible with all German and European legally binding data protection requirements. If legislative amendments are made, the software may be revised accordingly. For absolutely secure customer communication, all messages are end-to-end encrypted. All information about the GDPR when using WhatsApp can be found in our article”WhatsApp Business and GDPR“read up. In this way, you avoid the frequent warnings, severe penalties and expensive legal costs when you fail to comply with the GDPR (= use of the standard WhatsApp Business App).

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Custom message templates

Thanks to various message templates, which can be created individually, the writing effort is minimized and the efficiency of customer communication is increased. In this way, personnel resources in the service sector can be used elsewhere.

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Scalability for businesses of all sizes

The scalability of the messaging tool has been confirmed by the large number of companies that are already using hellomateo with high satisfaction. Regardless of whether customers have just a few employees or many hundreds — the software works smoothly and, depending on the package, with an unlimited number of devices, users and phone numbers. As a result of the fact that the workload in customer service area By significantly reducing hellomateo, there are new growth opportunities for many companies.
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World-class customer service

‍Our competent customer service representatives are here to help you with any concerns you may have! No matter what it is about, you can contact your personal account manager if you have any questions. Our customer service can be reached not only in writing, but also by telephone. And that without long waiting times!

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Cross-sector experience

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

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Arrange a non-binding and free consultation and we'll show you how hellomateo covers your communication needs! To do this, simply book here Make an appointment or write to us via our web widget.