WhatsApp Business API has been a game-changer for businesses worldwide, providing a platform for direct and efficient customer communication. With the announcement of a new pricing model in February 2022 and further updates set to commence on June 1, 2023, businesses must understand these changes and how they impact their operations. This article will delve into the details of the new pricing model, the integration of WhatsApp Business API with platforms like SanoFlow, and the benefits of such integrations.
The Evolution of WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp Business API has transformed the way businesses communicate with their customers. The shift from a notification-based to a conversation-based pricing model in 2022 marked a significant change in the platform’s approach, emphasizing the importance of meaningful and ongoing customer interactions.
The upcoming pricing updates in June 2023 further underscore this focus. Businesses are now encouraged to engage in more dynamic and interactive conversations with their customers, fostering stronger relationships and improving customer satisfaction.
WhatsApp Business API Pricing: A Detailed Look
It’s essential to understand the pricing structure of the WhatsApp Business API. While there’s no charge to access it, each Business Solution Provider (BSP) implements a unique payment model for WhatsApp conversations. Bear this key detail in mind when evaluating costs among various providers.
The pricing for WhatsApp Business API is set to change in June 2023. The new pricing model differentiates between different types of conversations and markets. Here’s a detailed look at the new pricing:
| Market | Business-initiated rate for utility conversations (USD) | Business-initiated rate for authentication conversations (USD) | Business-initiated rate for marketing conversations (USD) | User-initiated rate for service conversations (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | $ 0.0472 | $0.0425 | $ 0.0732 | $ 0.0224 |
| Singapore | $ 0.0472 | $0.0425 | $ 0.0732 | $ 0.0224 |
| Malaysia | $ 0.0200 | $0.0180 | $ 0.0860 | $ 0.0220 |
| United States | $ 0.0150 | $0.0135 | $ 0.0250 | $ 0.0088 |
| United Kingdom | $ 0.0398 | $0.0358 | $ 0.0705 | $ 0.0388 |
For comparison, here’s a look at the existing pricing:
| Market | Business-initiated rate (USD) | User-initiated rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | $ 0.0745 | $ 0.0224 |
| Singapore | $ 0.0745 | $ 0.0224 |
| Malaysia | $ 0.0732 | $ 0.0220 |
| United States | $ 0.0088 | $ 0.0147 |
| United Kingdom | $ 0.0647 | $ 0.0388 |
Factors Affecting WhatsApp Business API Pricing
Several factors influence the pricing of WhatsApp Business API. Here are some of the key factors:
- Type of Conversation: The pricing varies based on the type of conversation, such as utility, authentication, marketing, and service conversations.
- Market: The pricing also varies based on the market or country where the messages are sent.
- Message Volume: The volume of messages sent can also influence the pricing.
According to Facebook, businesses need to follow specific formats when drafting a notification send-out. More importantly, the content has to be consistent with its terms and policies. To understand that, we must first know the two basic types of messages, Template Messages and Session Messages.
Session Messages for Service Conversations
Session Messages are any messages sent within a 24-hour window after a customer initiates a conversation. These are usually free and are used for service conversations. For more information on this, you can visit the Facebook Developers page.
Integrating WhatsApp Business API with SanoFlow
SanoFlow is a platform that allows businesses to integrate the WhatsApp Business API and access a range of additional functions to increase workflow efficiency. By integrating with SanoFlow, businesses can manage all their customer interactions in one place, whether they’re coming from WhatsApp, email, or other communication channels.
SanoFlow offers a range of features that complement the WhatsApp Business API. For example, the omnichannel inbox allows businesses to manage all their customer interactions in one place, while the broadcasts and promotional messaging feature allows businesses to send targeted messages to their customers.
Furthermore, SanoFlow’s conversational workflow automation feature can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for businesses to focus on more important tasks. And with the social CRM feature, businesses can manage their customer relationships more effectively.
The Benefits of SanoFlow for Businesses
SanoFlow offers a range of benefits for businesses. It can help businesses manage their customer interactions more effectively, automate routine tasks, and improve their customer relationships. By integrating the WhatsApp Business API with SanoFlow, businesses can take their customer interactions to the next level.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes to the WhatsApp Business API pricing model represent a significant shift in the way businesses communicate with their customers. By integrating with platforms like SanoFlow, businesses can navigate these changes more effectively and take full advantage of the opportunities they present.
