Creating a WhatsApp chatbot requires understanding a critical technical constraint: automation is strictly not possible through standard WhatsApp application, or WhatsApp web. Developers and businesses must use something called WhatsApp's official Application Programming Interface (API) as the sole method for programmatic messaging. This requirement fundamentally shapes the two primary approaches to chatbot development.
The first method involves custom code development, typically using programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java. This approach demands significant technical expertise, offering maximum customization and control but requiring dedicated infrastructure and a skilled technical team.
Alternatively, no-code platforms like Heltar (Meta Approved Business Partner) provide drag-and-drop interfaces that make chatbot creation super easy, enabling non-technical users to quickly deploy messaging solutions with reduced complexity.
WhatsApp's API is the only sanctioned channel for automated messaging, mandating strict compliance with their communication guidelines. This means businesses cannot rely on manual app-based messaging techniques and must fully integrate with the official API infrastructure.
The choice between custom coding and no-code solutions ultimately depends on an organization's technical capabilities, specific requirements, and the desired level of system complexity. By understanding these fundamental constraints, developers and businesses can make an informed decision between custom code development and no code business service providers.
Way 1 - Custom Coding Without a Business Solution Provider
To begin your WhatsApp chatbot development, you'll need:
A Facebook Developer Account (create one at https://developers.facebook.com/)
Basic proficiency in NodeJS and JavaScript
Cloud hosting infrastructure (recommended: AWS Lambda)
Once you login to your Facebook developer account, navigate to "My Apps" in the top right corner. Click on create app and select Other as your app type. Proceed by selecting business as the type, then add an App name & App email.
After adding your app details, you'll see a screen to add products. Scroll down and locate WhatsApp, then click on setup. Once completed, you'll be presented with a configuration screen where you can start using the API. This will provide you with a free test number and sample Curl request to test sending a hello message.
Using this API, you can send various text messages to customers.
Note: the phone number you're sending WhatsApp messages to must be verified with an OTP.
You can add a destination phone number and test sending a sample message by clicking the send message button. While this endpoint allows you to initiate conversations with customers, listening to incoming messages requires subscribing to Webhooks. When you click on configure Webhooks, you'll be prompted to add a callback URL and verify the token. You can deploy this in two primary ways:
Deploy a NodeJS server
Use AWS/Azure/Google Cloud - Lambda function
Using AWS Lambda is recommended, where you'll get a function URL. Copy this URL and use it as your callback endpoint. For the verify token, you'll need to specify a custom token in your code.
After clicking verify and save, the system will send a sample request to validate your response.
Note: If deploying on your own server, you must provide an HTTPS URL, as HTTP is not accepted as a callback URL.
Once the callback URL and verify token are successfully added, click on "Manage" near Webhook fields. A popup will appear where you need to select "messages" and save the configuration.
The final result is an interactive chatbot that can:
Respond to user messages
Select categories
Acknowledge user selections
Integrate with backend APIs for additional functionality like analytics
There you go, you've created a custom WhatsApp chatbot with programmatic messaging capabilities.
Way 2 - Heltar: A No Code Solution
If you’ve reached this far and felt that creating a whatsapp bot for your business by coding it yourself is a hassle, you’re absolutely right, it is! Why put in so much effort when you could essentially outsource the coding and backend to a WhatsApp API Business Service Provider, and work with an interactive UI to create a chatbot in minutes, which allows you to focus on the key aspects of your business operations.
Creating your own WhatsApp bot is a straightforward process if done using a BSP (Business Service Provider). It can be broken down into 4 basic steps:
Step 1: Sign up for a chatbot builder
There are many chatbot builders out there, but it’s essential to choose a no-code chatbot builder, which makes it easy for a non-technical person to build a chatbot for your business.
For now, let’s choose HeltarBot as the chatbot builder to create chatbots and sign up.
Step 2: Design the flow for your WhatsApp bot
In this step, you’ll start designing the chatbot flow based on the specific business use-case you’re building your WhatsApp Business Bot for. Whether it’s answering customer inquiries, booking appointments, or generating leads, the chatbot flow outlines how conversations will unfold, ensuring smooth interactions between the bot and your users.
Incorporate a main menu within the WhatsApp chatbot to help users easily navigate the services offered. Utilize reply buttons and a buttons list to enhance user interactions by offering selectable options.
With HeltarBot’s no-code chatbot builder, you can create these flows in just a few minutes. There’s no need for coding knowledge—simply drag and drop elements to design a personalized flow that suits your business needs.
Step 3: Connect your WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API is a product of WhatsApp that allows businesses to automate communication with their customers using chatbot platforms.
Unlike the regular WhatsApp business app, the Business API is designed specifically for medium to large businesses to send and receive messages at scale.
Getting a WhatsApp API is now easier than ever, just use HeltarBot’s in-built signup process for your WhatsApp integration.
Step 4: Go live with your WhatsApp bot
Now that you’ve secured access to the WhatsApp Business API and designed your chatbot flow, it’s time to make your WhatsApp bot go live.
In this step, you’ll connect the API to the chatbot you built in Step 2.
Hit 'Deploy' and your WhatsApp bot is . Once everything is linked, simply hit ‘Deploy’ to launch your bot.
Conclusion
As WhatsApp bots continue to evolve, the possibilities for businesses to deliver seamless, connected experiences are endless. Today, WhatsApp chatbots are handling complex tasks like product purchases, user onboarding, ticket bookings, and other personalized services—all without users ever having to leave the app.
With Heltar, businesses are being enabled to create richer, more interactive experiences that cater to customer needs in real-time, making WhatsApp an essential platform for driving engagement and building lasting relationships with customers. The future of customer interaction is truly just a message away.
So, why wait? Start building your WhatsApp chatbot today with Heltar and witness the transformation in customer interactions and business growth.
