All you need to know about WhatsApp Business

The free WhatsApp Business app runs on one phone, for one person, with no automation and no team access. The WhatsApp Business API is the version Meta provides to businesses through approved partners like ChatWorks. It supports multiple agents on one number, automated workflows, broadcasts to opted-in contacts, and integrations with your payment, store and back-office systems.

No — in most cases we migrate your existing business number onto the API. It keeps your brand recognition and the customers who already have you saved. We handle the migration as part of onboarding so there's no gap in service.

To message a customer outside a 24-hour conversation window, Meta requires a pre-approved message template. ChatWorks writes, submits and manages those templates for you, so your campaigns go out without being blocked.

Only contacts who have opted in. That's both a Meta rule and a POPIA requirement in South Africa. We set up compliant opt-in capture as part of your workflows, and keep the consent record attached to each contact.

Meta charges per conversation, and the rate depends on the category — marketing, utility, authentication or service. Your ChatWorks subscription includes 1 000 outbound messages; beyond that we bill campaign costs at cost plus a small handling fee, and we'll model your expected spend before you sign.