To connect WhatsApp as a communication channel, you need to have a WhatsApp Business account.
This means that if you want to use WhatsApp for business purposes, you need to create a dedicated business account on WhatsApp. A regular WhatsApp account, created for personal use, will not be suitable for communicating with customers or promoting your business through this platform.
With a WhatsApp Business account, you can access additional features and tools that are not available in a regular account, such as automated messages, quick replies, and the ability to create a business profile. These features are designed to make it easier to communicate effectively with your customers and improve the efficiency of your business.
Therefore, if you want to use WhatsApp as a communication channel for your business, you need to create a WhatsApp Business account.
Understanding the Differences Between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business Accounts
When using WhatsApp for business purposes, it's essential to understand the distinctions between a regular WhatsApp account and a WhatsApp Business account. Failing to do so can result in restrictions and limitations that could hinder your communication with customers.
A WhatsApp Business account is specifically designed for businesses and provides additional features such as automated messages, quick replies, and the ability to create a business profile. These features are designed to facilitate more efficient communication with customers.
However, it's important to note that there are some restrictions when using a WhatsApp Business account, such as not being allowed to send promotional messages to customers who have not opted in to receive them. Also, businesses are not permitted to send mass or automated messages that do not contain relevant information or support requests from customers.
Using the same phone number for both WhatsApp Business API and the WhatsApp mobile/desktop app is not possible. This is because WhatsApp requires each phone number to be associated with only one account at a time to ensure the privacy and security of user information.
Therefore, to use WhatsApp Business, a separate phone number that can receive SMS or voice calls for verification purposes is necessary. It can be a landline or mobile number, but it must not be associated with any other WhatsApp account.
Using a separate phone number for your WhatsApp Business account ensures that your business communications remain distinct from your personal conversations and that your account complies with WhatsApp's guidelines.
Using WhatsApp HSM: A Guide to Registration and Implementation
WhatsApp is an essential communication tool for businesses worldwide. WhatsApp Business allows businesses to communicate with their customers more efficiently and effectively. One feature that has become increasingly popular is the use of WhatsApp HSM (Highly Structured Messages).
WhatsApp HSM is a paid messaging solution that enables businesses to send highly structured and personalized messages to their customers. These messages can include important transactional notifications, such as booking confirmations, order updates, and account alerts.
To use WhatsApp HSM, businesses must first register with a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) to access the WhatsApp Business API. Once registered, the business can apply for HSM templates, which must comply with WhatsApp's guidelines and approval process. These templates define the message format and structure that businesses can use to send transactional messages to their customers.
WhatsApp HSM templates can be used in a variety of scenarios, such as customer onboarding, appointment reminders, and account updates. They allow businesses to create a more personalized and engaging customer experience while also streamlining communication and improving customer satisfaction.
It's important to note that businesses can only use HSM to send transactional messages and not for promotional purposes. HSM messages must also be sent within 24 hours of the customer's last interaction with the business on WhatsApp. After this window, businesses can only send messages that the customer has explicitly opted in to receive.
To register for WhatsApp HSM, businesses need to follow a few simple steps:
Choose a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP): Businesses must first choose a BSP from WhatsApp's approved list of providers. These providers help businesses connect to the WhatsApp Business API and access HSM templates.
Apply for access to the WhatsApp Business API: Once the BSP has been selected, businesses can apply for access to the WhatsApp Business API by providing their business information and details about how they intend to use WhatsApp for business purposes.
Create HSM templates: Businesses can create HSM templates that comply with WhatsApp's guidelines and approval process. These templates define the message format and structure that businesses can use to send transactional messages to their customers.
Submit templates for approval: After creating templates, businesses can submit them to WhatsApp for approval. WhatsApp's review team checks the templates to ensure compliance with guidelines and approves them if they meet the requirements.
Once HSM templates are approved, businesses can use them to send transactional messages to their customers. Using HSM can help businesses provide a more personalized and efficient customer experience while also complying with WhatsApp's guidelines and regulations.
In conclusion, WhatsApp HSM is a powerful tool that businesses can use to provide a more personalized and efficient customer experience. However, to use HSM, businesses must first register with a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) and comply with WhatsApp's guidelines and approval process. With the right approach, businesses can leverage HSM to improve customer satisfaction and streamline communication with their customers.
WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP)
After selecting your provider, it's time to add WhatsApp as a communication channel to your Creatio system. Follow the instructions below to seamlessly integrate this powerful platform into your business.