That should tell you everything you need to know about the potential of the platform. If you’re planning to use it, here’s what you need to know about WhatsApp for business pricing.

Before we get to WhatsApp for business pricing, you should know that there are two versions of the app: WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business API. You should know the differences to select the one best suited to your business needs.

WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business was rolled out to help small businesses improve their customer interactions. It’s free to download and easy to use. You don’t need the help of any IT specialist or external agency to operate it.

With WhatsApp Business, you’ll be able to directly interact with your customers. You can share your catalogues, answer customer queries and notify them about new products or order deliveries. This is how you deliver enhanced customer engagements and thereby improve customer acquisition and retention through conversational marketing.

Since it’s a tool developed for small businesses, only one individual can access the app. While technically two people can use the app – one on mobile and the other on the desktop version – the product is designed for individual users.

WhatsApp for business pricing: Regular version

Aimed at small and independent businesses, the regular version of WhatsApp Business is free to use. You can also directly download it from the Play Store or App Store.

WhatsApp API

For medium and large enterprises, the platform has a specialised tool called WhatsApp API. This is for companies that interact with a large number of customers. You’ll have to pay to use the app since it comes with a set of advanced features.

You can run ads on Instagram or Facebook and enable customers to click those and engage with you on WhatsApp API. It also allows you to create customised offers for existing customers. This leads to personalised and simplified buying experiences.

Unlike the regular version of WhatsApp Business, which can only be used by one individual, WhatsApp API can be used by several individuals. You’ll be able to involve your team members to answer specific questions on marketing, customer support, new products etc.

WhatsApp API is suited to enterprises that have to send real-time notifications to a large number of customers through templated messages and a WhatsApp bot. In short, it simplifies e-commerce especially for customers buying online for the first time.

But, you can’t download it directly from the Play Store or App Store. You’ll have to go through any of the Business Solution Providers (BSPs) approved by WhatsApp.

WhatsApp for business pricing: API

The API version has a unique model of pricing. There will be a monthly cost that depends on the solution provider and the services needed. It can range from £65 to £365. Some providers would demand a setup or implementation fee while others don’t.

If a business responds to a customer’s message within 24 hours, there will be no cost. After that, if the enterprise wants to contact the customer, they will have to use a template. This will cost businesses around three cents per message in the UK.

Getting started with WhatsApp Business

If you want to use WhatsApp Business to give a boost to your customer engagement, the first thing you have to understand is that you would need a new number. You can’t use a number that you might have previously used on the platform. This is where you should consider getting a new number from a second-line app.

Among the many advantages of getting a virtual number is that you won’t have to buy a new device or SIM. You’ll be able to use your new number to make and receive calls and texts and use it as your WhatsApp Business number.

In short

If you’re a small or independent business owner, all you need to do is to get the regular WhatsApp Business and operate it through a second-line app number. If you require the API version specifically for larger businesses, the pricing above will be particularly relevant to you.