WhatsApp Business API: a practical guide for sales teams
What is the WhatsApp Business Platform, how does it differ from the WhatsApp Business app and how can your sales team use it to close more deals?
WhatsApp has become one of the most important sales channels for small and mid-sized businesses. But as soon as more than one person needs to answer, the free WhatsApp Business app reaches its limits. This guide explains the WhatsApp Business API and how sales teams use it.
WhatsApp Business app vs. WhatsApp Business API
- App: free, runs on one phone (plus a few linked devices), ideal for a single person
- API (Business Platform): used through software such as OnlyContact, supports whole teams, integrations and automation
The 24-hour customer service window
When a customer writes to you, you can reply freely for 24 hours. After that, you can only start a conversation with an approved message template. A good team inbox shows you when the window is about to close.
How sales teams use it
- Every new chat becomes a lead in the CRM automatically
- The lead is assigned to a salesperson who replies from the shared inbox
- The deal moves through the pipeline until it is won or lost
Getting started
To use the WhatsApp Business Platform you need a Meta business account and a phone number that is not used in the regular WhatsApp app. OnlyContact guides you through the connection step by step.