WhatsApp has become an integral part of our daily lives. With over 2 billion active users, it is one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world. For businesses, WhatsApp presents an excellent opportunity to connect with customers and drive growth. The WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to build customized WhatsApp experiences and manage conversations at scale. However, the official WhatsApp Business API is not free and requires considerable investment. In this article, we will explore ways in which you can integrate WhatsApp business features into your business applications for free.
An overview of WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API is a paid service that enables businesses to connect their software systems with WhatsApp. It provides tools to automate, sort and respond to messages promptly at scale. With the WhatsApp Business API, businesses can:
- Set up automatic greeting messages and away messages.
- Develop chatbots for frequently asked questions.
- Create smart replies for quick responses.
- Segment clients for targeted messaging.
- Manage multi-user accounts efficiently.
However, to access the official WhatsApp Business API, businesses have to apply for access and pay applicable fees. The approval process also takes time. So how can you integrate WhatsApp for business use cases without having to go through these steps?
Tools to integrate WhatsApp messaging without official API
Here are some clever tools that allow you to build WhatsApp bots and automate messages at no cost:
Chatlayer
Chatlayer provides a graphical interface to create WhatsApp bots easily with zero coding skills required. Some key features include:
- User-friendly drag and drop bot builder.
- Broadcast messages to customers.
- Automate replies with keywords and rules.
- Collects customer information via forms.
- Free plan allows 100 monthly messages.
AppyPie
AppyPie is a no-code platform to build chatbots and automate conversations across various channels including WhatsApp. Key features:
- Visual bot builder with drag and drop interface.
- Chatbot templates for common use cases.
- Send bulk and scheduled messages.
- Seamless user management.
- Free plan allows 100 monthly messages.
Chatfuel
Chatfuel provides a chatbot builder tailored for WhatsApp. Some notable features include:
- Easy graphical interface to map conversations.
- Built-in small talk management.
- Welcome messages and quick replies.
- Broadcast and autoresponder messages.
- Free plan allows 100 monthly messages.
FlaskFul
Flaskful is an API platform that allows you to integrate WhatsApp programmatically. Key highlights:
- Send and receive messages with REST APIs.
- Add smart replies and build conversational flows.
- Available SDKs for Python, NodeJS, PHP etc.
- Schedule messages and chats.
- 100 free monthly messages.
Comparison between tools
Here is a comparison table highlighting the key capabilities of tools mentioned:
| Tool | Platform | Coding required? | Chatbot interface | Message scheduling | API access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatlayer | Web app | No coding | Visual builder | Yes | No |
| AppyPie | Web app | No coding | Visual builder | Yes | No |
| Chatfuel | Web app | No coding | Conversational Map | Yes | No |
| Flaskful | APIs | Python, NodeJS, PHP | Code-based | Yes | Yes |
Setting up WhatsApp bots for free
While all tools mentioned above provide free plans, we will use Chatlayer as an example to demonstrate setting up a WhatsApp bot at no cost.
Step 1: Create an account on Chatlayer
Go to the Chatlayer website and sign up for a free account. You just need an email ID to get started.
Step 2: Get a WhatsApp number
Since Chatlayer needs a WhatsApp number to assign your bot, you will have to purchase a dedicated virtual WhatsApp number. These are available on platforms like SimbaHost, NumberBazaar etc. for around Rs. 500 per year. Make sure to get a full KYC number for uninterrupted service.
Step 3: Connect WhatsApp number
In your Chatlayer account, go to Settings > Connect WhatsApp and link the WhatsApp number you purchased.
Step 4: Create your first bot
Chatlayer provides an easy drag-and-drop interface to map out conversations for your bot. You can design greetings, questions, menus and responses on the visual editor without any coding.
Step 5: Try out your bot
Once set up, you can message your WhatsApp number from your personal device to test out your bot. Chatlayer provides analytics on messages exchanged, helping you refine the experience.
Use cases and possibilities
While the free tools have limits on number of messages, they enable a wide variety of applications at zero cost. Some potential WhatsApp business use cases include:
Customer support
Build a FAQ chatbot to address common customer queries 24/7. Drastically cut costs compared to call centers.
Lead generation
Engage visitors and collect contact details seamlessly by messaging your WhatsApp number displayed on the website.
Event updates
Keep customers posted about upcoming sales, offers, launches etc. via timely notification broadcasts.
Order notifications
Send order receipts, delivery updates and payment confirmations over WhatsApp messages.
Appointment reminders
Automatically ping customers to remind about upcoming appointments, interviews etc.
Emergency alerts
Inform users about service outages, downtimes or critical events through instant WhatsApp alerts.
Limitations of free tools
While free WhatsApp business tools allow basic functionality, they do come with certain limitations:
- Capped number of outgoing messages (100/month typically).
- Lack of advanced features like labels, message templates, user analytics etc.
- No dedicated customer support.
- Constrained capabilities for building complex conversational flows.
- No integration with backend databases, ERPs etc.
For scaled requirements with large user bases, it is recommended to invest in the official WhatsApp Business API.
Conclusion
In summary, while the official WhatsApp Business API requires a paid license, various third-party tools allow integrating WhatsApp messaging to basic automation and chatbot capabilities for free. Services like Chatlayer, AppyPie, Chatfuel and Flaskful provideeasy graphical interfaces and lightweight APIs to get started at zero cost. By choosing the right tool aligning with your use case and scale, you can easily unlock the power of WhatsApp Business for your needs.