The messenger WhatsApp is clearly one of the favorites in this country, but a private account is explicitly intended for private communications (according to the general terms of use). Without a special WhatsApp business account or ideally the WhatsApp business API from Meta (parent company), commercial use is prohibited
Difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business
This article explains exactly what the difference is between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business, or more specifically the WhatsApp Business API, with regard to all the advantages and disadvantages of this variant of communication between companies and their customers.
This is the WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps for all kinds of devices in Germany. According to current statistics and user experiences, more than 60 million people in Germany use WhatsApp, the ultimate messenger service, which corresponds to about three quarters of the total population. The simple operation, the possibility to send text messages in live chat, photos and videos, as well as the free use, contribute significantly to the popularity of WhatsApp. The app is particularly popular among younger users, as it is a way to stay connected with friends and family quickly and easily
The numerous functions of the current WhatsApp version make the app popular for conversations not only among younger users, but also among older generations. In addition to sending messages, photos and videos, WhatsApp also allows you to create group chats (live chat), send voice messages and even make video calls for all devices
This way, the app is a versatile communication tool – a clear alternative to SMS – that allows users to stay in touch and exchange information in a simple way. WhatsApp Business in detail
This is a premium version (standard app) of the popular messaging app WhatsApp, developed especially for companies. With WhatsApp Business, companies can establish a professional presence to get in touch with their customers. Reading time increases and messages can be automated.
WhatsApp Business in detail
In addition to the WhatsApp features, WhatsApp Business also allows you to set up automated greetings and out-of-office messages, view message performance statistics, and even launch an advertising campaign for customers.
Personal contact between the company and customers is maintained, which leads to better customer retention and ensures conversations at a high level. With WhatsApp Business, companies have a powerful tool to effectively interact with their customers, introduce products, answer questions and improve their service.
WhatsApp Business also allows you to create catalogs of products and services so that customers can purchase directly through the app. This not only makes the purchasing process easier for customers, but also allows you to showcase your products in a targeted way, thereby increasing sales. Meta and the WhatsApp Business API
Meta and the WhatsApp Business API
The API enables companies to send automated messages, order confirmations and customer support. This makes customer communication more efficient and customer-friendly. In addition, the WhatsApp Business API offers companies the opportunity to carry out personalized marketing campaigns and to provide customers with individual offers. This helps to increase customer satisfaction and improve brand image
The WhatsApp platform API is of fundamental importance, especially with regard to chatbots. However, you cannot apply for access directly (on Google). Instead, we at Chatarmin, as an authorized provider, take care of all the details such as application, processing and implementation with a software solution. We are happy to take over the installation for you and set up complete WhatsApp Business API access for your business This means that you will soon be able to send information to your customers in a fully automated way.
What are the differences between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business?
Basically, the difference between these applications is whether they are used privately or commercially. There are also significant differences in the scope of services. Private users can set up a WhatsApp account at any time, whereas you, as a business owner, need a special business account
Particularly with regard to the advantages of the WhatsApp Business API, a separate approval from the Google Group (WhatsApp app operator) is essential, which only certified third-party providers such as Chatarmin can obtain. The difference between the WhatsApp solutions is therefore defined by commercial/business or purely private use.
Using WhatsApp for business in compliance with the GDPR
Without active consent, the situation does not work. Data protection must be strictly adhered to. Even the WhatsApp Business app is not fully compliant with data protection. There is still a certain legal gray area here. As a business owner, you are not allowed to send any conversations (no matter how small) to your customers without consent – via an opt-in procedure
So make sure that customers actively consent in advance. The safest way to use this application is via WhatsApp Business API from Google, which is GDPR-compliant and adheres to strict data protection rules. Only if you use WhatsApp Business in a GDPR-compliant manner will you be on the safe side legally.
Advantages of WhatsApp Business
A key advantage of WhatsApp Business is the ability to offer a kind of personalized customer service. With the automated response feature, businesses can set up messages to answer frequently asked questions, making customer communication more efficient
This way, customers can get information quickly and easily and feel well looked after. If someone is interested in your company, they will certainly use the WhatsApp Business app. Use WhatsApp in compliance with the GDPR as a targeted marketing strategy.
Another advantage of WhatsApp Business is the ability to carry out targeted marketing campaigns. Companies can divide their contacts into different groups and thereby send targeted advertising messages to specific target groups
Disadvantages of the WhatsApp Business App
The disadvantages of WhatsApp Business lie in the limited functionality of the application compared to the API. While the WhatsApp Business app can be a good option for small businesses on a budget, it lacks advanced features such as automated chatbots, CRM integration, and detailed analytics tools
As a result, larger businesses with more complex needs may have trouble meeting all of their requirements. If you want to offer maximum service via WhatsApp chatbot, you should switch to the WhatsApp Business API with the help of Chatarmin.
Advantages of the WhatsApp Business API at a glance
The ability to use automated messages and chatbots in the Business App makes it easier for your company to communicate with customers more efficiently. By integrating CRM systems, personalized messages can also be sent to customers in response via WhatsApp, resulting in an improved customer experience.
In addition, the WhatsApp Business API enables the use of analysis tools to measure the success of marketing campaigns and continuously improve customer contact.
These advantages will help companies to increase their efficiency and further optimize their service. Additionally, the integration of payment systems into the WhatsApp Business API enables a seamless and convenient payment process for customers, which results in a potential increase in your sales
A disadvantage of the WhatsApp Business API is the limit on the number of messages that can be sent at the same time. For companies with a high volume of messages, this can lead to restrictions and affect the smooth flow of communication.
In addition, technical problems or interruptions in service could lead to outages, further reducing the efficiency of communication. Of course, the cost factor should not be forgotten either. However, you should calculate a certain marketing budget
Overview of the WhatsApp Business app's range of functions
The business version of the app is available for both Android and iOS. In contrast to WhatsApp (private account), the business app offers you significantly more functions. These include automated messages, chat labels, broadcast lists, and more.
Within the WhatsApp Business app for Android and iOS, you can send a maximum of 256 messages at a time. This version, in contrast to the WhatsApp Business API, is intended more for smaller companies to enable better communication with their buyers.
WhatsApp Business functions in detail
As mentioned, the Business app is not 100% compliant with data protection. However, it does have some nice functions for your company
For example, you can send automatic messages (example: greetings and absence in case of questions). Special broadcast lists allow you to send messages to your customers. And you can send messages to a maximum of 256 of your customer contacts at the same time.
Of course, you can also set up a complete company profile in the business app. This should include information about your business, opening hours, email address and website.
Product catalogs are also of interest to you as a business owner. Here you can define special products and present a maximum of 500 of them in a kind of “digital catalog”.
A kind of small WhatsApp online shop with all the information on prices and descriptions. In addition, payment functions are implemented, whereby customers can shop directly on your WhatsApp business account, so to speak.
Significantly more functions with the WhatsApp Business API
With this method, you are 100 percent GDPR compliant and don't have to worry about data protection (after active customer consent). To do this, you need a so-called “WhatsApp Business API Solutions Provider” like Chatarmin
A service provider that has been certified by the parent company Google. Only with the WhatsApp Business API solution do you even get access to the infamous chatbots, which operate fully automatically (depending on the programming).
With our support, you too will soon have a completely innovative marketing campaign via WhatsApp in your portfolio. Present your products, hold high-level WhatsApp conversations and take your business to a new level.
Combination of all WhatsApp meta functions
By the way, WhatsApp is not the only member of the meta group. The messenger's API (another alternative for business owners when it comes to WhatsApp) also connects messenger apps (messaging channels) such as Facebook Messenger, Google Business, Webchat and Telegram (limited). With the help of Chatarmin, you can bundle the aforementioned messengers and control them via company accounts on one platform.
Customer inquiries from any location arrive directly in the backend and you (or your employees) get a complete overview. Furthermore, only the WhatsApp Business API offers an unlimited number of chat requests that your employees can answer.
When does WhatsApp Business make sense?
The WhatsApp Business app makes sense if you run a small to medium-sized business and want to maintain direct relationships with your customers.
With features like automated responses, company profiles and statistics, you can communicate more effectively with your customers and better meet their needs.
In addition, WhatsApp Business allows you to target advertising campaigns to your audience, increasing your reach. This way, you can strengthen customer loyalty and ultimately increase your sales. In any case, a useful strategy for your next marketing campaign
WhatsApp vs. WhatsApp Business? We recommend using the WhatsApp API to maximize your WhatsApp Business.
What are the benefits of a business account on WhatsApp?
A business account on WhatsApp offers numerous advantages. In addition to the ability to communicate professionally with customers, you can also send automated messages to process requests faster
When is WhatsApp Business worthwhile?
The option to use automated messages, instant replies and various customer management tools allows you to communicate professionally and respond individually to your customers' needs.
In addition, the WhatsApp Business app provides statistics and analytics on communication activities to better measure and optimize the success of marketing or sales campaigns. This enables companies to provide better customer care via the app and build successful long-term relationships.
The question is: WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business? We are happy to explain the difference between WhatsApp Business and the API.
What do you need WhatsApp Business for?
WhatsApp Business is mainly used by a company account to effectively communicate with your customers. With features such as automated responses, labels for organizing chats, and statistics on chat histories, you as a company can improve your customer service and make it more efficient.
This means that requests can be processed faster and customer loyalty strengthened. Thus, WhatsApp Business is an important tool for companies to maintain a direct line to their customers and optimize their range of services.
E-mails are yesterday's news, WhatsApp is the trend
By using automated messages, you will be able to respond quickly to customer requests and thus improve your customer service. Furthermore, the WhatsApp Business app allows you to send personalized offers and thus strengthen customer loyalty
The option to use group chats also facilitates internal communication within the company, thus helping to increase efficiency.
With these features, WhatsApp Business is an indispensable tool for any company that wants to offer its customers something special and outstanding service.
