Whether it’s a fashion brand, a B2B manufacturing company, or an automobile brand, today, every business has included WhatsApp in its marketing channels mix.
No matter the size of the business, a mom and pop store or a multinational company, every business across industries is using WhatsApp to engage customers.
However, it is important to understand the costing related to WhatsApp to make the most and drive ROI. This blog will help you understand that.
Understanding WhatsApp API pricing
WhatsApp Business API has become the go-to tool for every business. While WhatsApp does not charge for its API, there are other costs involved. For instance, there could be costs related to conversation-based pricing by WhatsApp business platform or service fee by WhatsApp Business Solution Providers, among other costs.
Understanding traditional business messaging costs
The WhatsApp Business App can be downloaded free of cost. However, you must note that you can either use the number as a private number or a WhatsApp Business number. If you use your private number, it will get converted into a business account.
The costs related to WhatsApp Business include costs towards set up, monthly fee, cost per conversation, and cost per monthly contacts. The cost you have to pay for WhatsApp Business will also depend on the WhatsApp Business solution provider you choose. Hence, it is advisable to factor in the cost when partnering with a WhatsApp Business provider.
Factors to consider when choosing a messaging platform
WhatsApp API is an efficient platform and a must-have for businesses, but before you sign up and choose a messaging platform, you must consider some factors. Here’s a list of some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a messaging platform.
1. Pricing and cost transparency
Pricing can be based on the number of conversations, for example, in the case of WhatsApp Business API. It is important to understand the pricing structure before zeroing in on a messaging platform.
For instance, there could be hidden costs, such as onboarding fees from solution providers, or there could be subscription fees. Another factor that could impact costing is the number of messages you send, and as the volume increases, the cost may increase. Last but not the least, negotiating with the business solution provider is also important to bring costs down.
2. Scalability for growing businesses
When choosing a messaging platform, you must consider your future usage. For example, maybe your current usage is less or limited, but in future, as your business scales, your usage will increase. Hence, choose a plan that suits your future needs, not just current requirements.
Besides, there may be advanced plans that offer unlimited integrations and access to developer API; you must consider these scalability features.
When choosing a messaging platform, you must consider your future usage. For example, maybe your current usage is less or limited, but in future, as your business scales, your usage will increase. Hence, choose a plan that suits your future needs, not just current requirements.
Besides, there may be advanced plans that offer unlimited integrations and access to developer API; you must consider these scalability features.
Also consider the tool’s customization and integration capabilities. You may need to integrate your system with other tools that are already a part of your CRM and system. Since WhatsApp Business API does not have a front-end interface, you may need to use a business solutions provider.
4. Reliability and uptime guarantees
WhatsApp keeps updating its pricing policies from time to time, and this may impact pricing. Hence, it is important to consider the latest pricing updates, the dates from which the prices are applicable, and other related factors.
5. Automation and AI features
Automation helps businesses make processes smooth. WhatsApp chat automations can help businesses with catalogs, sales, support, and other such processes. However, only some plans offer automation features. Hence, it is important to understand the automation and AI features as well as the costs associated with them before choosing your messaging platform.
6. Security and compliance standards
One of the biggest concerns of consumers these days is data privacy and security. Any breach could instantly derail your business. Hence, it is critical to learn about the security and compliance standards that your messaging platform follows. Without advanced security measures, you may be risking your entire business.
7. Customer support and service availability
Another factor that may affect pricing is the level of customer support and maintenance assistance provided by your business solutions provider. Some may also offer a specific Service Level Agreement (SLA), such as 24/7 support. However, it may come at a cost, and so, it is essential to understand the customer support availability and associated charges.
8. Global reach and multi-language support
Depending on your location and region, your WhatsApp Business API pricing may vary. For example, different regions may have different rates. Besides, currency exchange rates and other local market parameters may also affect pricing.
9. Ease of setup and user interface
Depending on the business solutions provider you choose, the onboarding fees could end up being a significant expense for your business. Hence, it is advisable to consider this cost when setting up.
Set up an efficient WhatsApp marketing system with Interakt
If you’re looking for a business solution provider for WhatsApp API, Interakt provides a wide range of services. Interakt will help you acquire customers, engage them, communicate with them, help you with sales, and customer support, among other tasks.
The best part, Interakt offers four pricing plans for WhatsApp Business API that you could choose from, based on the nature and requirements of your business. Here are the four plans:
1. Starter Plan: Begins at INR 2,757 per quarter, provides access to shared team inbox, Instagram inbox, chat automation for welcome and OOO messages, allows catalogs for Native Builder and Campaigns, and bulk messages, among other features.
2. Growth Plan: Starting at INR 2,499, this plan offers all the features of the Starter Plan, plus access to Click to WhatsApp ads Analytics Dashboard, automated workflows, advanced campaign filters, and more.
3. Advanced Plan: This plan starts at INR 3,499 per month and offers unlimited external app integrations, developer API access for Session messages and Incoming messages, among other features.
4. Enterprise Plan: With two plans — Pro and Enterprise — the plans differentiate with the volume of conversations. Marketing conversations cost INR 0.7265, utility conversations cost INR 0.3082, and service conversations cost INR 0.2906 per conversation.
Conclusion
The WhatsApp API has several features to offer that can help you drive a positive ROI from the messaging platform.
If you’ve been looking for the right solution to make use of it, get started with Interakt today.
