What are the different types of messages businesses can send via WhatsApp using phone numbers?

[muskanhossain]

Businesses using WhatsApp numbers, primarily through the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API (Platform), can send various types of messages to interact with their customers in Sirajganj, Bangladesh, and globally. These message types cater to different communication needs and are subject to WhatsApp's policies, especially regarding business-initiated conversations.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of messages:

1. Free-Form Messages (Session Messages):

These are standard, conversational messages that singapore whatsapp number data businesses can exchange with customers within a 24-hour customer service window. This window opens when a customer initiates a conversation with the business.
During this session, businesses can send text, images, videos, audio files, documents, and interactive messages without strict formatting limitations or pre-approval.
This type of messaging is ideal for responding to customer inquiries, providing support, and continuing ongoing conversations.
2. Template Messages (Highly Structured Messages - HSMs):

These are pre-approved message formats that businesses must use to initiate conversations with customers or to send messages outside the 24-hour customer service window.
Templates undergo a review process by WhatsApp to ensure they comply with their policies and prevent spam.
They consist of a predefined structure with placeholders (variables) that businesses can customize with specific information (e.g., customer name, order number, appointment time).
Template messages are categorized based on their purpose:
Utility: Transactional updates, account notifications, order confirmations, shipping updates, appointment reminders.
Authentication: One-time passwords (OTPs), account verification, account recovery.
Marketing: Promotions, offers, product announcements, invitations, and other marketing-related content (requires explicit user opt-in).
3. Interactive Messages:

These messages enhance customer engagement by providing structured ways for users to respond and interact directly within the chat.
List Messages: Present customers with a menu of up to 10 options to choose from. Useful for providing service options, product categories, or FAQs.
Reply Buttons: Offer up to three predefined quick reply options for users to select, making it easy for them to respond to questions or take specific actions.
Flow Messages: Enable structured, multi-step interactions for tasks like booking appointments, browsing products, or gathering feedback directly within the chat.
4. Media Messages:

Businesses can send various types of media to enrich their communication:
Image Messages: Sharing product photos, promotional graphics, or informative visuals.
Video Messages: Sending product demos, tutorials, or engaging video content.
Audio Messages: Providing personalized voice notes or explanations.
Document Messages: Sharing PDFs, invoices, brochures, or other relevant documents.
Sticker Messages: Using branded or relevant stickers to add personality to conversations.
5. Location Messages:

Businesses can share their current location or specific points of interest with customers, useful for providing directions to a store or meeting points. Customers can also share their live or current location with businesses for delivery or service purposes.
6. Contact Messages:

Businesses can send contact information, making it easy for customers to save important details like phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses directly to their phone's contacts.
7. Product Messages (Commerce Messages):

If a business has set up a product catalog on WhatsApp, they can send messages showcasing individual products or multi-product messages (up to 30 products) directly within the chat. These messages often include product images, names, prices, and call-to-action buttons.
The availability and specific use cases for these message types often depend on whether a business is using the WhatsApp Business App (which has some limitations on automated and proactive messaging) or the more feature-rich WhatsApp Business API. Businesses in Sirajganj should familiarize themselves with these different message types to optimize their customer communication strategies on WhatsApp.