What’s New on WhatsApp Business API- The Complete Guide 2023

In the bustling heart of modern commerce, where digital landscapes evolve at the speed of a double tap, there emerges a powerful ally for businesses worldwide—WhatsApp Business Solution.

Picture this: You’re in the midst of a busy workday at the office, and during your lunch break, you casually browse your favorite e-commerce brand. A stunning black dress catches your eye, but alas, the price tag gives you pause. Undeterred, you decide to add it to your wishlist for future consideration. Fast forward two days, and you’re pleasantly surprised to receive a WhatsApp message from the very brand, presenting not just the coveted black dress but your entire wish list.

The icing on the cake?

Unbelievable offers that expire in the next three hours are conveniently displayed right there in the message. Without the need for third-party apps or additional hassle, you swiftly place your order, leveraging all the new features that WhatsApp has to offer.

This isn’t merely a narrative of messages and chats; it’s a narrative of seamless connectivity, personal growth, and the transformative influence wielded by a simple green icon.

Also read: All you need to know about WhatsApp Business API Price Change 2023

Let’s discover all the new features of the WhatsApp Business Solution:

1. Catalog Template:
These templates empower you to seamlessly exhibit your entire product catalog directly within WhatsApp messages. Featuring a product thumbnail header image, customizable body text, a fixed text header, and a fixed text sub-header, Catalog Templates offer a visually appealing and informative display.

Every catalog message on WhatsApp becomes a gateway for users to delve into product details, view actual images, and discover pricing information. Imagine the convenience of sharing a single WhatsApp message containing all the necessary links for products left in the cart, significantly boosting the likelihood of successful purchases.

Technology supported- Cloud API

2. Authentication:
WhatsApp Business API introduced a robust Authentication feature, providing enhanced security measures for user verification. Within a 24-hour window, businesses can authenticate users by seamlessly sending multiple OTPs, ensuring a reliable and efficient verification process.

This feature finds its application in various sectors, including financial repositories where stringent security is paramount. Businesses with multiple verification touchpoints benefit from the flexibility and reliability of the Authentication feature. Additionally, organizations implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) can leverage this functionality to bolster their security protocols, ensuring a seamless and trustworthy user verification experience on the WhatsApp Business API.

Disclaimer: Businesses situated internationally, excluding those in India, are eligible to integrate this feature.
Technology Supported: Cloud API, On-Premise

3.Button Improvements:
Meta has rolled out significant improvements to buttons on WhatsApp Business API, enhancing user interaction. The Quick Reply feature now supports up to 10 responses, a substantial increase from the previous limit of 3. This update also introduces a powerful combination of Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons with Quick Replies for a more dynamic and engaging user experience.

Additionally, businesses can elevate user engagement through quizzes, gamification, and deal discovery bots with a comprehensive menu.

Technology Supported: Cloud API, On-Prem

4. Copy Code:
Coupon code templates, featuring a single “Copy Code” button, streamline the user experience by copying the code directly to the customer’s clipboard upon tapping. Simplify and amplify your marketing strategy with these efficient coupon templates.

Technology Supported:  Cloud API, On-Prem

5. Carousel:
With carousel templates, a single text message (1) can be paired with up to 10 carousel cards (2) arranged in a horizontally scrollable view, providing a visually engaging and efficient means of communication. This will eventually optimize your messaging strategy with the versatility and cost-effective benefits of carousel templates.

Technology Supported: Cloud API

6. Limited-Time Offer Templates:
Now, effortlessly communicate time-sensitive promotions with expiration dates and countdown timers in your template messages. This straightforward feature adds a touch of urgency, driving customer engagement effectively. Enhance your promotional strategy with the simplicity and effectiveness of Limited-Time Offer Templates, ensuring your customers don’t miss out on exclusive deals.

Technology Supported: Cloud API

7. Location Template:
The Location Template on WhatsApp Business API empowers businesses to proactively share their location with end-users. This feature allows seamless integration of location-sharing through business-initiated messages, facilitating enhanced engagement and ease of interaction. It helps you strengthen your connection with customers by leveraging the convenience of the Location Template on WhatsApp.

Technology Supported: On-premise, Cloud API

8. WhatsApp Flows:
WhatsApp Flows revolutionize business messaging by enabling structured interactions. Businesses can now define, configure, and customize messages with rich interactions, delivering a more organized and engaging communication experience for customers. Elevate your messaging strategy with the flexibility and customization offered by WhatsApp Flows, ensuring a seamless and dynamic interaction with your audience.

Read more about WhatsApp Flows here

9. Native Payments:
The Native Payments feature allows businesses to seamlessly receive payments from customers through all UPI apps installed on their devices directly via WhatsApp. This functionality extends to popular payment gateways like Razorpay and PayU, offering businesses a versatile and convenient way to facilitate transactions.

Technology Supported: On-prem, Cloud API
Location Limitation: India & Singapore(Stripe)

10. Send location CTA:
The “Send Location” Call-to-Action (CTA) simplifies the process for users to share their location with businesses through a dedicated button. This user-friendly feature enhances the ease of communication, allowing for seamless location sharing between customers and businesses on WhatsApp.

Technology Supported: On-prem, Cloud API

11. Address CTA:
With the “Address CTA” feature, users can easily share their shipping address with businesses on WhatsApp.  This feature streamlines the communication process, offering a convenient way for users to convey their address information, enhancing the overall user experience.

Technology Supported: On-prem, Cloud API
Location Limitation: India & Singapore

In conclusion, the latest updates on WhatsApp Business API in 2023 and beyond bring a wave of enhanced features and functionalities, revolutionizing the way businesses interact with their customers. Upgrade your messaging strategy and enhance customer engagement. Get started today with Gupshup!