How to make a simple Whatsapp bot?
Since the BETA releases of WhatsApp Business app in January 2018 and WhatsApp Business API in August of the same year, more and more companies are interested in joining the trend.
It’s hardly surprising as of all messaging apps, WhatsApp has the largest number of active user accounts in the world beating magnats like Facebook Messenger and WeChat.
The great news is that, today, WhatsApp Business is available for both Android and iOS and WhatsApp API is open for application to all medium and large businesses giving rise to a whole new exciting domain of WhatsApp marketing.
But let’s get back to chatbots….
While WhatsApp Business app allows you to create an official brand account on the messenger platform, the API is the reason building WhatsApp bots became at all possible.
Hence, before you get to the bot building stage, you need to apply and be verified to receive the API privileges.
The process is lengthy and can take up to four weeks.
You can do it alone but many chatbot platforms manage the process for you from application, through verification to integration which makes it much easier.
I might be slightly biased but I do believe Landbot offers one of the most simple and comfortable solutions on the market.
How to create a simple WhatsApp Bot with Landbot
Landbot functions as bot chatbot builder and conversational manager allowing you to keep track of all your bot activities under one roof.
Most importantly, Landbot platform uses the official WhatsApp API.
Why that matters?
Well, bot builders/platforms that create WhatsApp bots without official “permission” struggle with unexpected service interruption of or even bans. So, even if you decide for a different WhatsApp bot manager, make sure they are approved by WhatsApp.
In other words, WhatsApp supports Landbot’s chatbot integrations so there will be no unpleasant surprises. So, what does it take to create a bot for WhatsApp?
Personal account manager helps you with WhatsApp verification process from start to finish.
They will let WhatsApp know who you are (company name, URL) and what do you plan to do with the official API integration (Customer service, purchase/shipping notifications, lead generation, feedback collection, etc.);
Once approved, your representative will requests activation of your WhatsApp number(s) which requires a PIN code exchange and integration of your number(s) into your personal Landbot account.
If you intend to send messages or reply to leads/customers after 24 hours, you will be asked to create and submit WhatsApp message templates;
Next, you can create your bot using a simple drag-and-drop interface (no coding!) that lets you build and test your dialogue flow as well as integrate it with any 3rd-party management/analytics apps you are already using (Zapier, Slack, Google Sheets, MailChimp)
WhatsApp API Rules for Businesses
Whether you plan to use your WhatsApp bot for lead generation or customer support, there are strict rules you will need to follow.
You can only be able to contact people who already have your brand number saved on their contact list or did opt-in to be contacted on the web or via email.
Users stay in control and can block you by simply deleting your number from Contacts.
Messages (chatbot or live chat) sent in response to customer/lead query within 24 hours are free.
Push notifications (booking confirmations, promotional deals, etc.) sent without a prompt from the lead/client are subject to a fee and must have an WhatsApp approved format. However, if a user replies to your notification any subsequent message you sent to the user within 24 hours of the user’s last message is free.
How to Build a Chatbot with Landbot
As I mentioned above, building a WhatsApp bot with Landbot doesn’t require any programming knowledge. The drag and drop interface makes it easier to visualize and execute simple as well as more complex dialogue flows.
All the collected data can be swiftly transferred to databases and management tools you already use such as Google Sheets, Zapier, Slack and others. You can even set up your WhatsApp bot to enable human agent takeover when you identify an important lead or classify a complex customer query.
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