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

Step 3: Send Template Messages

Once approved, send template messages to customers:

typescript
const message = 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
await zavu.whatsapp.sendInteractive({
  to: '+1234567890',
  type: 'list',
  header: { 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.Ready to integrate WhatsApp? Get started free or contact us to learn more. Join our Discord community for support and updates.