Complete Guide to WhatsApp Business API Integration

WhatsApp Business API enables enterprises to communicate with customers at scale. With Zavu, you can integrate WhatsApp alongside other channels through a single unified API.

Why WhatsApp Business API?

WhatsApp has over 2 billion active users worldwide, making it one of the most effective channels for customer communication:

• 98% open rate compared to 20% for email
• Rich media support including images, documents, and interactive buttons
• End-to-end encryption for secure communications
• Global reach with presence in 180+ countries

Setting Up WhatsApp with Zavu

Step 1: Business Verification

First, verify your business with Meta:

typescript
// Check verification status"token keyword">const status = "token keyword">await zavu.whatsapp.getVerificationStatus()console.log('Business Name:', status.businessName)console.log('Verification Status:', status.verified)console.log('Quality Rating:', status.qualityRating)

Step 2: Configure Message Templates

WhatsApp requires pre-approved templates for outbound messages:

typescript
// Create a "token keyword">new template"token keyword">const template = "token keyword">await zavu.whatsapp.templates.create({  name: 'order_confirmation',  language: 'en',  category: 'TRANSACTIONAL',  components: [    {      "token keyword">type: 'HEADER',      format: 'TEXT',      text: 'Order Confirmed! 🎉'    },    {      "token keyword">type: 'BODY',      text: 'Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has been confirmed. Expected delivery: {{3}}.'    },    {      "token keyword">type: 'FOOTER',      text: 'Reply HELP for assistance'    },    {      "token keyword">type: 'BUTTONS',      buttons: [        { "token keyword">type: 'URL', text: 'Track Order', url: 'https://track.example.com/{{1}}' },        { "token keyword">type: 'QUICK_REPLY', text: 'Contact Support' }      ]    }  ]})

Step 3: Send Template Messages

Once approved, send template messages to customers:

typescript
"token keyword">const message = "token keyword">await zavu.whatsapp.sendTemplate({  to: '+1234567890',  template: 'order_confirmation',  parameters: {    body: ['John', 'ORD-12345', 'January 20, 2025']  }})

Interactive Messages

WhatsApp supports rich interactive messages:

typescript
// Send a list message"token keyword">await zavu.whatsapp.sendInteractive({  to: '+1234567890',  "token keyword">type: 'list',  header: { "token keyword">type: 'text', text: 'Choose an option' },  body: { text: 'How can we help you today?' },  action: {    button: 'View Options',    sections: [      {        title: 'Support',        rows: [          { id: 'track_order', title: 'Track my order' },          { id: 'return_item', title: 'Return an item' },          { id: 'speak_agent', title: 'Speak to an agent' }        ]      }    ]  }})

Best Practices

Respect opt-in requirements - Only message users who have explicitly opted in

Use templates wisely - Keep templates concise and valuable

Monitor quality rating - Maintain high quality to avoid restrictions

Handle responses promptly - Users expect quick replies on WhatsApp

Rate Limits and Pricing

Tier	Messages/Day	Price/Message

Standard	1,000	$0.005
Business	10,000	$0.004
Enterprise	Unlimited	Custom

Contact our sales team for enterprise pricing.