WhatsApp, with its impressive open rate of 98%, has become a go-to platform for businesses to engage with customers. In fact, 68% of users consider WhatsApp the easiest way to contact a business. By leveraging WhatsApp as a communication channel, businesses can tap into a wide user base and reach customers directly on their mobile devices.
WhatsApp Business API is an interface provided by WhatsApp that enables businesses to interact with their customers. It requires a formal application and approval process from WhatsApp, and businesses are charged based on the number of messages sent and received.
In this blog, we will study the features of this API and how businesses can use it to offer a positive customer experience.
WhatsApp Business API provides a set of features specifically developed for businesses to engage with their customers, automate messaging workflows, and provide customer support.
Organizations can avail the following benefits with the use of WhatsApp API:
Utilize the opportunity for real-time interactive conversations with WhatsApp. WhatsApp API enables two-way messaging, allowing customers to initiate as well as respond to messages and queries. Businesses can thus strengthen relationships and improve customer satisfaction.
Take advantage of pre-approved message templates to ensure consistent messaging, enhance efficiency, and elevate your customer communication experience. Businesses can send structured messages for specific use cases like order confirmations, shipping updates, appointment reminders, etc.
Leverage the potential of automation and seamless integration with existing systems to minimize manual workload, optimize processes, and allocate more time to strategic decision-making. Moreover, the API can be integrated with existing CRM systems, chatbots, or other tools to automate workflows and respond to common customer queries.
Use multimedia support to deliver visually engaging content, providing customers with a more immersive communication experience. Businesses can send images, videos, audio files, and documents to their customers.
Harness advanced analytics to gain valuable insights on performance indicators, allowing for more informed business decisions and optimized campaign effectiveness.
The WhatsApp Business API offers a wide range of use cases for businesses to enhance their customer communication and engagement. Here are some top use cases:
The API enables businesses to offer real-time customer support. Customers can reach out with queries, complaints, or requests, and businesses can respond promptly, providing personalized assistance and resolving issues efficiently. The two-way messaging feature allows businesses to interact with customers, improving customer relations and satisfaction.
With the API, businesses can send customers automated order updates and notifications. This includes order confirmations, shipping details, delivery notifications, and other relevant updates. Customers receive timely and informative messages, keeping them informed throughout the order fulfillment process, leading to a smoother customer experience.
Businesses can use the API to send transactional alerts to customers. These alerts include payment confirmations, account balance notifications, and transaction receipts. By delivering important financial information directly to customers’ WhatsApp, businesses ensure timely communication and enhanced security.
Organizations like healthcare providers, salons, or service-based businesses can leverage the API to send appointment reminders to their customers. By automating these reminders, businesses reduce no-shows and improve appointment scheduling efficiency, leading to better customer satisfaction and optimized resource management.
The API serves as an effective marketing platform. Businesses can send new product announcements, special offers, discounts, or exclusive deals directly to customers’ WhatsApp. Thus, they can drive sales, engage customers, and build brand loyalty through targeted messaging and personalization.
Businesses can conduct surveys and gather customer feedback using the API. They can send survey questions and receive responses within the chat, providing valuable insights into customer preferences, opinions, and overall satisfaction. This data-driven approach helps businesses make informed decisions and improve their products or services.
For events such as conferences, concerts, or exhibitions, businesses can use the API to send event updates, schedules, and important announcements to attendees. This ensures attendees are well-informed and engaged, leading to a successful and well-managed event.
The API can be used to send verification codes or OTPs (One-Time Passwords) to users during the account registration or login process. This enhances security and ensures that only authorized users access their accounts.
Travel and hospitality businesses can leverage the API to provide travel updates to their customers. This includes flight status, hotel reservations, itinerary changes, and travel-related notifications. By keeping customers informed about their travel plans, businesses enhance the overall travel experience.
Media organizations, news agencies, or content providers can use the API to distribute news updates, articles, or multimedia content to their subscribers. Businesses can share relevant and engaging content directly with their audience, fostering brand loyalty and customer engagement.
Exotel provides a one-stop WhatsApp solution for all business needs, including marketing, sales, and customer care. It allows businesses to automate marketing campaigns, provide instant support, reduce the contact center’s workload, create an ecommerce store, and much more. Trusted by over 7,000 clients worldwide, Exotel’s WhatsApp Business Platform helps improve lead generation. It allows businesses to assist and engage customers at every step of their journey #LikeAFriend.
Maximize the effectiveness of your customer support operations with Exotel’s 360° WhatsApp Product Suite now!