If you have been thinking about bringing WhatsApp into your communication strategy, you’re probably exploring the API and its solution providers. But the added features of the WhatsApp Business API come at an added cost.
In this post, we’re going to share all the cost details of WhatsApp API in India.
WhatsApp Business API In India [EXPLAINED]
The WhatsApp API is not a standalone solution. It is an extension of the platform’s capabilities offered to businesses by Meta but enabled via authorized Business Solution Providers (BSPs). These solutions manage the API setup, integration, and ongoing support companies require to run marketing, sales, and support functions.
The WhatsApp Business API pricing in India depends on several factors:
1. Setup fees – Some BSPs charge a one-time setup fee to get the API up and running. The costs can range between INR 2500 to INR 50,000 depending on the provider and the complexity of integrations required. Some providers also offer free or low setup charges to make using the WhatsApp API more affordable.
2. Message charges – WhatsApp charges businesses on a per-conversation basis, categorizing them into user-initiated and business-initiated. BSPs like Interakt charge INR 0.882/ marketing conversation*, INR 0.129/ authentication conversation*, and INR 0.160/ utility/ conversation*.
3. Add-on features – Whether it’s the chat widget, chatbot, multi-user access, automation workflows, templates, or analytics, the BSP may charge additionally.
Best Practices for Optimizing WhatsApp Business API Costs
Since the WhatsApp API pricing varies based on several dynamic factors like the volume and type of messages, here are some tips we recommend following:
1. Choose the right BSP – Compare pricing models and features offered by different solution providers. They should be able to meet the current and future needs of marketing, sales, and customer support.
2. Leverage message templates – BSPs offer pre-approved WhatsApp templates. You can reduce costs for running business-initiated messages by using them in the automated workflows.
3. Monitor message volumes – Analyze your messaging patterns across functions. Segment your WhatsApp list to identify customers who are more likely to engage with you on the platform. This helps remove unnecessary or low-value campaigns to manage costs effectively.
4. Use automation – Set up custom WhatsApp Flows and chatbots to handle routine queries. This reduces the need for human intervention and brings efficiency into the process, saving time and money.
Maximizing ROI with WhatsApp Business API
To maximize the ROI from WhatsApp API, we recommend:
1. Omnichannel strategies – Include WhatsApp in your overall omnichannel strategy to run comprehensive campaigns across touchpoints. For example, if you’re handling support queries on WhatsApp, you can follow up by email to send a transcript of the conversation.
2. Integrate with CRM – Integrate the BSP with your CRM. This helps streamline workflows, get a complete picture of your customers and previous interactions, and run contextual campaigns at scale, improving customer satisfaction.
3. Shared inbox – Look for a BSP that offers a shared inbox feature that lets you collaborate on ongoing conversations. This helps tackle queries more efficiently and helps teams identify opportunities to engage customers.
4. Personalization – Use customer data to send targeted and relevant messages. This helps increase engagement and conversions across campaigns, helping you drive positive business outcomes.
5. Multi-purpose campaigns – Take note of opportunities where you can club campaign goals. For example, when sending order status notifications, use the opportunity to send personalized recommendations to upsell and cross-sell products.
Conclusion
WhatsApp API providers in India look into the legal compliances set by both Meta and the government. They also offer pricing plans that are more suited to the scale and use cases of companies in India, giving you the ability to make the most of the platform in your own ways.
Want to know what it costs to use WhatsApp API?
