Getting Started with WhatsApp Business API: Best Practices

If you are a brand that’s just getting started with WhatsApp Business API, then this article is for you.

Let's take a look at the basics of getting started

Messaging Limits

Messaging limits determine the maximum number of business-initiated conversations each phone number can start in a 24-hour period. These limits, however, do not apply to user-initiated conversations.

What is a Business-Initiated Conversation?

A business-initiated conversation starts when the first message is delivered to a customer and ends 24 hours later.

What are the Four Messaging Limit Levels?

The messaging limits are categorized into four levels:

✅1K business-initiated conversations with unique customers in a 24-hour period.
✅10K business-initiated conversations with unique customers in a 24-hour period.
✅100K business-initiated conversations with unique customers in a 24-hour period.
✅An unlimited number of business-initiated conversations in a 24-hour period.

What Affects my Messaging Limits?

Messaging limits are increased or decreased automatically based on:

✅Phone number status
✅Phone number quality rating
✅Number of conversations initiated with unique customers

What Happens when I Reach my Messaging Limit?

In case you reach your messaging limit, you can begin more conversations as soon as one or more active sessions expire. For example,

How to Increase your Limit?

Every time a conversation is initiated, WhatsApp will determine whether the limit should be increased. The criteria for increasing messaging limit are:

✅Phone number status is Connected
✅Phone number quality raying is Medium or High
✅The current messaging limit has not changed for at least 48 hours
✅Initiated X or more conversations with unique customers in the past 7 days, wherein X is your current messaging limit multiplied by 2

If all conditions are met, your messaging limit will be increased by WhatsApp.

If the 500th conversation is initiated at 6 pm (for example), the messaging limit is increased at 6 pm the following day (i.e. 24 hours later).

If the 500th conversation is initiated at 6 pm (for example), the messaging limit is increased at 6 pm the following day (i.e. 24 hours later).

Changes to Increasing Messaging Limit

Starting September 2022, WhatsApp will be changing the way they automatically update the messaging limits. The changes are mentioned below and will first apply only to businesses in Brazil, Columbia, and Mexico but will eventually apply to all businesses.

Each time a new conversation is initiated with a unique customer WhatsApp will determine whether the limit should be increased. It will be determined based on the following criteria:

✅Phone number status is Connected
✅Phone number quality rating is Medium or High
✅Initiated X or more conversations with unique customers in the past 7 days, wherein X is your current messaging limit multiplied by 2

If the 500th conversation is initiated at 6 pm (for example), the messaging limit is increased at 6 pm the following day (i.e. 24 hours later).

If the 500th conversation is initiated at 6 pm (for example), the messaging limit is increased at 6 pm the following day (i.e. 24 hours later).

What is Quality Rating?

Your quality rating is based on the number of messages received by recipients over the past seven days and is weighted by recency. It is usually determined by a combination of quality signals such as blocks, and reports from conversations between brands and users.

5 Use Cases for WhatsApp Business Messaging

Here are five use cases for getting started with WhatsApp:

#1. Personalized Offers

78% of internet users reported that personally relevant content by brands increased their intent to make a purchase. Shoppers love personalized offers. Greet your customers with offers tailored to their individual tastes and preferences.

#2. FOMO Alerts

These retargeted messages are great for creating a sense of urgency among shoppers. Use FOMO to bring customers back to your store.

#3. Abandoned Cart Alerts

Abandoned carts alerts are a great way to remind customers what they are missing out. You can also offer discounts to incentivize the customer to complete the purchase.

#4. Appointment Reminders

Appointment reminders are a great way to keep customers informed about their upcoming appointments. Customers can also opt to reschedule or confirm bookings before their visit.

#5. Loyalty Membership Alerts

Kickstart your loyalty program on WhatsApp. You can send alerts to educate customers on how they can sign up and list all the benefits they would get upon being a member

WhatsApp: Your Brand’s Best Friend

WhatsApp is the perfect ally for re-engaging and building great relationships with customers. However, It is essential to keep in mind to never spam your customers with irrelevant messages. Drive more conversions the right way with personalization and smart targeting.

Your customers are already on WhatsApp. Are you?

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