WhatsApp, one of the most widely used brands in Switzerland, is emerging as a key customer communication channel. But for businesses, two very distinct solutions exist: WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API (also known as WhatsApp Platform).
Each solution has its purpose: the former is built for small businesses managing communication manually; the latter enables large-scale integration into complex digital ecosystems.
WhatsApp Business App: simplicity and autonomy for small businesses
Designed for small businesses, independent professionals, and shop owners, the WhatsApp Business App is free and available on Android/iOS. It allows manual customer messaging directly from a smartphone.
Key features:
- Business profile (address, description, hours)
- Simple auto-replies (away, greeting, FAQ)
- Broadcasts to up to 256 contacts
- Manual product catalog, up to 500 items
- No CRM or API integration
- Compatible with 1 mobile phone + 4 desktop devices
- No message templates or proactive marketing campaigns
- No official verification (no green badge)
- No advanced GDPR compliance management
🎯 Ideal for: local merchants, artisans, and small shops sending a few dozen messages per day to customers.
WhatsApp Business API (Platform): power, scalability, and automation
The WhatsApp Business API is built for growing businesses, support teams, or e-commerce players looking to automate messaging, connect WhatsApp to their CRM, or run large-scale campaigns.
Advanced features:
- Unlimited users, API access
- Full integration with CRM, ERP, and e-commerce tools
- Chatbots, conversational flows, customized AI
- Dynamic and interactive product catalog
- Template messages for proactive campaigns (follow-ups, notifications)
- Unlimited marketing campaigns (with consent)
- Verification with official green badge
- Multiple entry points: QR code, Click-to-Chat, Meta ads
- Built-in GDPR/nFADP compliance tools
- Conversation-based pricing, with 1,000 free service messages/month
💡 To activate this solution, you need an official partner like Sandra, who handles setup, secure hosting (🇨🇭), compliance, and integrations.
Sandra supports you in activating, configuring, and strategically operating WhatsApp API: AI, catalog, payments, acquisition, GDPR compliance — all managed from Switzerland, with security and trust.
Need an audit or a demo? Book a meeting
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Feature
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WhatsApp Business App
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WhatsApp Business API
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Main use case
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Manual customer communication for small businesses
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Automated, large-scale messaging for enterprises
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User capacity
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Up to 4 users
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Unlimited users
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Product catalog
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Manual catalog, up to 500 items
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Dynamic, interactive catalog
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Message types
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Session messages only
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Session messages + template messages
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Automation
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Basic auto-replies and quick responses
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Chatbots & automated messaging flows
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Entry points
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Direct conversation start
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Web buttons, QR codes, Click-to-Chat ads
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Account verification
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Standard business profile
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Eligible for green badge (official verification)
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Conversation pricing
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Free
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1,000 free service conversations/month
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CRM / ERP integration
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Not supported
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Full integration (CRM, ERP, e-commerce)
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Compatible devices
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1 mobile + 4 desktops
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Unlimited access via API
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Marketing tools
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Basic broadcast to 256 contacts
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Unlimited promotional broadcasts*
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Regulatory compliance
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Basic business rules
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GDPR tools, conversation classification
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Developer access
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App download only
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API access via official partner required
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Template messages
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Not available
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Required for outbound/proactive campaigns
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