WhatsApp Business API Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of key terms used in WhatsApp Business API, automation, chatbots, and conversational commerce. Perfect for businesses getting started with WhatsApp marketing.

WhatsApp Business API

An enterprise-grade API by Meta that allows businesses to send and receive WhatsApp messages programmatically at scale. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business app, the API supports automation, multi-agent access, CRM integrations, and bulk messaging through authorized providers like Nosnia.ai.

WhatsApp Chatbot

An automated conversational program that runs on WhatsApp Business API. It can handle customer queries, qualify leads, process orders, send notifications, and provide 24/7 support without human intervention. WhatsApp chatbot examples include order tracking bots, FAQ bots, and lead qualification bots.

WhatsApp Chat Widget

A floating button or chat icon embedded on a website that allows visitors to start a WhatsApp conversation with a business directly from the website. Nosnia.ai offers a free WhatsApp widget generator at nosnia.ai/freetool/widget.

WhatsApp Campaign

A bulk messaging feature that sends promotional or informational WhatsApp messages to multiple recipients using pre-approved message templates. Campaigns can include text, images, videos, buttons, carousels, and interactive elements.

WhatsApp Template Message

Pre-approved message formats submitted to Meta for review before use. Template messages are required for initiating conversations with customers on WhatsApp Business API and typically include transactional notifications, appointment reminders, and marketing promotions.

Conversational Commerce

Using messaging platforms like WhatsApp to drive sales through personalized conversations, product recommendations, in-chat purchasing, and real-time customer support. It combines the convenience of messaging with the engagement of personal shopping.

Meta Business Partner

A company officially verified and approved by Meta (Facebook) to provide WhatsApp Business API services. Meta Business Partners like Nosnia.ai must meet stringent technical and compliance standards, ensuring reliable and policy-compliant WhatsApp integration.

Green Tick Verification

An official verification badge (✅) on WhatsApp that confirms a business account is authenticated and legitimate. The green tick increases customer trust and is available through Meta's official verification process via authorized providers.

WhatsApp Automation

The use of technology to automatically handle WhatsApp messages without manual intervention. Includes keyword-triggered auto-replies, scheduled campaigns, workflow sequences, welcome messages, out-of-office replies, and chatbot interactions.

Multi-Agent Team Inbox

A shared WhatsApp inbox that allows multiple customer support agents to manage conversations simultaneously. Features include smart chat routing, role-based access, agent performance tracking, and real-time collaboration.

WhatsApp Business App vs WhatsApp Business API

The WhatsApp Business App is a free mobile app for small businesses with basic features like business profiles and quick replies. The WhatsApp Business API is an enterprise solution accessed through providers like Nosnia.ai that supports automation, multi-agent access, CRM integrations, and high-volume messaging.

Interactive Message

WhatsApp messages with interactive elements like buttons, list menus, and quick reply options. These messages improve engagement rates by making it easy for customers to respond with a single tap instead of typing.

Webhook

An HTTP callback that sends real-time data to your server when events occur on WhatsApp, such as message received, message delivered, or message read. Webhooks enable integrations between WhatsApp Business API and CRM, helpdesk, or custom applications.

Session Message vs Template Message

Session messages are free-form replies sent within a 24-hour customer service window after a customer initiates contact. Template messages are pre-approved formats required to initiate conversations outside the 24-hour window and carry per-message charges.

WhatsApp QR Code

A scannable QR code that, when scanned by a customer, opens a WhatsApp chat with your business automatically. Useful for print materials, storefronts, and websites. Nosnia.ai offers a free QR code generator at nosnia.ai/freetool/qr_code.