We know how important it is to choose the right communication tools to reach your audience effectively. WhatsApp business has become a top choice for businesses looking to connect with customers, but understanding the costs can be confusing. In this guide, we’ll break down the pricing of WhatsApp Business and explain how it can benefit your marketing strategy.
WhatsApp Business: Free vs. paid options
There are two versions of WhatsApp for businesses:
WhatsApp Business App (free)
The WhatsApp business app is free to use and works well for small businesses. It offers basic features like automated replies, labels for organizing chats, and a business profile. However, it’s limited to one phone number and doesn’t support large-scale marketing efforts or integration with other software.
WhatsApp business API (paid)
The WhatsApp Business API is designed for medium to large businesses and offers advanced features. It allows you to send bulk messages, integrate with CRM and marketing automation tools, and message customer service with multiple users.
WhatsApp Business API pricing
The WhatsApp business API pricing follows a pay-per-message model. Here’s how it works:
Session messages (free within 24 hours)
You can reply to customers for free within 24 hours of their message. This is ideal for ongoing customer service and conversations.
Template messages (paid after 24 hours)
If you need to send messages outside the 24-hour window or start a conversation, WhatsApp charges for template messages.
Additional provider fees
Since WhatsApp API access is provided through third-party companies (such as Twilio or MessageBird), you may also incur extra fees.
WhatsApp Business API vs. SMS Marketing
While SMS marketing typically costs between €0.02 to €0.05 per message, Whatsapp can be more cost-effective, especially for international messaging. WhatsApp offers better engagement with an open rate of around 98%, far higher than SMS or email. Plus, you can send rich media like images, videos and PDFs, which isn’t possible with traditional SMS.
Why use WhatsApp Business API for marketing?
Higher engagement: WhatsApp has much higher open rates than email or SMS.
Global reach: With over 2 billion users worldwide, it’s a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach a broad audience.
Interactive messaging: WhatsApp allows for two-way conversations, creating better customer engagement.
Rich media: Share images, videos and PDFs to make your marketing campaigns more dynamic.
Is WhatsApp Business worth the cost?
For businesses looking to scale their customer communication, the Whatsapp Business API is a smart investment. Although there are costs involved, the benefits of higher engagement and richer messaging options make it worthwhile. We can help you integrate WhatsApp into your marketing strategy, manage costs, and maximize your campaign results.
Ready to explore WhatsApp for your business? Contact SMStools today and learn more!
How much does WhatsApp business cost? A simple guide for marketers
