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The use of WhatsApp chatbot has become a crucial strategy for businesses aiming to convert customer inquiries into sales. With over 2.78 billion unique active users globally as of June 2023, WhatsApp stands as the leading mobile messaging app worldwide. this indicates that a lot of users are spending a significant amount of time on this social app, prompting me to ask:
Are you using this messaging app to connect with your customers?
Perhaps you would like to, or maybe someone you know is already doing it.
If you’re asking yourself, “Where do I start?”—you’re in the right place. This blog post is designed to provide answers to your questions and offer the guidance needed to get started with a WhatsApp chatbot.
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Brief Overview of WhatsApp Chatbot
A WhatsApp chatbot is a computer program that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate conversations with users on the popular messaging platform. The chatbot can comprehend natural language and respond in a conversational manner. It is an automated conversational tool integrated into WhatsApp using the WhatsApp Business API. Learn how Bank of America, Domino’s Pizza, and H&M are making use of Chatbot. Read…
The WhatsApp Business API was unveiled in August 2018 with the aim of enabling businesses to communicate with their customers over WhatsApp. The primary benefit of utilizing this API is achieving a greater level of engagement. Statistics reveal that 98% of phone conversations involve instant messaging.
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What does a WhatsApp chatbot do?
A WhatsApp chatbot can be used to provide customer service, answer questions, and even process orders. These programs are designed to automatically respond to customer queries about your products and services, share content, and notify users about shipments, payments, and orders. Additionally, it can be programmed to recognize certain keywords or phrases and respond accordingly.
When a customer requests product information from a company, it’s critical that the trained model understands their request and responds with the appropriate information in a timely manner. Chatbots make use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) models. These models are employed to assist people in finding answers or resolving issues related to their business. Through the use of natural language processing technology, computers can comprehend the intentions of humans through text.
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How can I use a chatbot on WhatsApp?
The most common method for businesses to connect chatbots with WhatsApp is through the WhatsApp Business API.
What is WhatsApp Business API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API is a collection of guidelines and procedures that permit communication between two software programs. It outlines the procedures and file types that applications may utilize to exchange and request data. In other words, an API facilitates communication between different software applications.
So, in answering the questions: Where do I start?

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How do I build a WhatsApp chatbot?
It is simple if you follow the following steps:
- First, you need to acquire a WhatsApp Business API.
- Create a WhatsApp chatbot with no code using your favorite WhatsApp Business API.
- Develop a conventional flow.
- Deploy and test the WhatsApp chatbot.
To acquire a WhatsApp chatbot, which is the first step, you need to become acquainted with the companies that offer this solution. Some of the leading businesses offering WhatsApp Business API are:
- Gupshup
- Karix
- Botpress
- Twilio
- Unifonic
- WABot
The initial step in developing a WhatsApp bot is to register for an account on any of these platforms. For example, you can choose to create an account with Gupshup. After registering, you will receive an account token and a special account ID.
Once you have created an account, the next step is to build a WhatsApp chatbot with a pre-determined conversational flow. However, this process is similar on any platform you choose. The best platform to select depends on your needs and preferences, which will be discussed later in this article.
To use a chatbot on WhatsApp without the API, you can follow the method below:
WhatsApp Business App:
- Download the WhatsApp Business App and create a business profile.
- Manually respond to customer messages and inquiries.
- Utilize features like quick replies to save and reuse frequently sent messages.
Third-Party Platforms: There are third-party platforms that offer chatbot development solutions without using the WhatsApp Business API. These platforms may be suitable for individuals or small businesses, but they often have limitations compared to API interfaces. These platforms typically offer pre-built templates, easy-to-use interfaces, and low- or no-code chatbot development options.
Examples of some of these platforms are:
- Chatbot.com
- MobileMonkey
- Landbot
- BotMyWork Chatbot Builder
Exploring the Functionalities of WhatsApp Chatbots
WhatsApp chatbots perform various functions, including the following:
Automated Responses: WhatsApp chatbots excel at responding to commonly asked queries quickly and automatically, streamlining customer interactions and saving time for both users and businesses.
Transaction Processing: Businesses can leverage WhatsApp chatbots for transactional purposes, allowing customers to make payments, schedule appointments, or request information about goods and services directly from the chat window.
Information Retrieval: Chatbots on WhatsApp have the ability to retrieve and send data, such as account balances, order status, and product details, providing users with immediate access to pertinent information.
Tips for maximizing the efficiency of a WhatsApp chatbot
To unleash the full potential of your WhatsApp chatbot, especially if you are just starting out, here are some helpful tips:
Regular Updates: Ensure that the chatbot’s content is regularly updated to reflect any changes to policies, services, or products. This guarantees that users receive up-to-date and accurate information.
Feedback Mechanism: Incorporate a feedback mechanism in the chatbot to gather user input. This will contribute to improving the chatbot’s performance and user satisfaction over time.
Multilingual Support: If necessary, provide multilingual support to accommodate a diverse user base. This not only enhances accessibility but also ensures that language barriers do not hinder effective communication.
Clear Call-to-Action: Assist users in understanding how to communicate with the chatbot. Provide clear instructions on the types of questions the chatbot can answer through prompts or menus that clearly state its capabilities and limitations.
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Which WhatsApp chatbot is best?
Reviewing Popular WhatsApp Chatbot Options
To choose the ideal WhatsApp chatbot for your business or personal use, carefully review popular options and align them with your specific needs. Here’s an overview of some prominent options:
Gupshup: Gupshup is a flexible platform that facilitates the construction of WhatsApp chatbots. With capabilities like multimedia messaging, interactive answers, and messaging app connections, Gupshup provides an adaptable platform for building chatbots.
Twilio: Leveraging the Twilio API for WhatsApp, companies can create unique chatbots that offer a scalable way to send notifications, automate conversations, share media, and engage in two-way communication with users on the WhatsApp platform.
Karix: By supporting various messaging channels, including WhatsApp, Karix’s messaging APIs can be used to develop chatbots and incorporate messaging features into applications.
Botpress: Botpress is an open-source conversational AI platform that enables users to create, implement, and oversee chatbots. Offering a visual interface for building chatbots without complex coding, Botpress facilitates messaging platform integration, allowing chatbots to be deployed on channels such as WhatsApp.
Unifonic: Unifonic, a cloud communications platform, provides various communication APIs, including SMS, telephony, and message services. While Unifonic is a voice and SMS solution provider, it also offers messaging features suitable for interacting with chatbots on platforms like WhatsApp.
WABot: WABot is a WhatsApp chatbot solution designed to enable companies to communicate with users on the messaging app. Featuring transactional capability, automatic answers, and integration possibilities, WABot solutions are likely crafted to improve user engagement on WhatsApp and expedite communication procedures.
Selecting the best WhatsApp chatbot based on specific needs
Define Your Objectives: Whether you want the WhatsApp chatbot to improve client engagement, automate processes, or provide information, be sure to clearly state your expectations and goals.
Consider Budget and Scalability: Examine the various chatbots’ pricing structures to ensure they fit within your means. Take scalability into account to handle future increases in usage and interactions.
Integration Capabilities: Ensure that the chatbot you select works well with the other tools you use and the infrastructure you currently have in place.
Support and Maintenance: Consider the chatbot provider’s level of maintenance and support, including the availability of customer service channels, documentation, and frequent upgrades.
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Can I make a WhatsApp chatbot for free?
There are WhatsApp chatbots available for free. For example, platforms such as Botpress and Chatbot.com provide free plans with restricted features. In some circumstances, opting for a free WhatsApp chatbot may be the best course of action, especially for individuals, small organizations, or those on a limited budget.
Here are situations where choosing a free WhatsApp chatbot makes sense:
Exploration and Learning: A free option allows you to study and experiment if you’re new to chatbot development or want to explore the capabilities of WhatsApp chatbots without incurring costs.
Personal Projects: A free WhatsApp chatbot can be an excellent way to add interactive features without spending money on personal projects, hobbies, or non-commercial activities.
Low-Volume Usage: You might be able to manage with a free plan instead of a premium membership if you don’t need advanced capabilities and anticipate a low volume of chatbot interactions.
Small Businesses or Startups: Initially, startups and small enterprises with tight resources could opt for free plans to evaluate the viability and efficiency of deploying a WhatsApp chatbot for their specific needs.
Temporary Use or Testing: A free subscription might be adequate for the short term if you require a WhatsApp chatbot for a campaign, event, or particular project.
Educational Purposes: Free educational plans are available for researchers, teachers, and students interested in learning more about chatbot technology.
Simple Use Cases: A free WhatsApp chatbot could be sufficient for simple and basic use cases where you don’t require sophisticated features or a great deal of customization.
It’s important to remember that while free plans provide a starting point, they often have restrictions on features, customization options, and scalability. Before selecting a free WhatsApp chatbot, consider the specific needs of your project or use case. If your requirements grow and you need more sophisticated capabilities, you may eventually need to switch to a premium plan or a more comprehensive solution. Additionally, ensure that the terms and conditions of the free plan, including any restrictions on the quantity of interactions, users, or features, align with your goals and expectations by carefully reviewing them.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, delving into the realm of WhatsApp chatbots can undoubtedly elevate your customer engagement and streamline various business processes. With the global dominance of WhatsApp and its vast user base exceeding 2.78 billion, integrating a chatbot into your communication strategy is not just a trend but a strategic move towards efficient customer service.
WhatsApp chatbots are powerful allies, capable of providing quick responses, facilitating transactions, and enhancing user experiences. As you embark on this journey armed with the knowledge shared in this article, remember that effective communication is not just about what you say but how seamlessly you engage with your audience.