Recently, many friends who are engaged in foreign trade are discussing the version status of this social tool. If you choose the wrong one, not only will your money be wasted, but your customer resources may also be completely reduced to zero overnight. Just today, we will thoroughly explain the differences between the personal version, commercial version and API, so as to help you make the most appropriate choice.
The personal version is a starter but not a business tool
Many people are initially exposed to the personal version. After downloading and registering, they can use it. Its interface is simple and it is quick to get started. Next to me is Xiao Zhang, who is engaged in the export of handicrafts. At the beginning, he used the personal version to join several group chats with overseas customers.
However, this version actually has strict restrictions and cannot be used to send marketing information according to official regulations. Once the system detects that you are sending advertisements in bulk, your account will be banned without any room for appeal.
Business version opens a window for small businesses
Later, the official launched the commercial version. Its purpose is mainly to solve the pain point of being blocked when small businesses serve customers in their personal capacity. It provides the conditions for enterprise certification to be carried out. However, each enterprise only has one account that can be used for operations, and its functions are relatively basic.
A boss who is engaged in the foreign trade business of clothing accessories told me that he has been using the business version for half a year. Although he can send marketing messages, the number of customers has just exceeded 200 and has been restricted. What is even more troublesome is that once the account is banned, all the hundreds of customer contact information and chat records accumulated previously will disappear.
The limitations of the commercial version put medium-sized enterprises in a dilemma
Those small workshops with a small number of employees and a small number of customers can barely make sense using the commercial version. However, once the number of customers exceeds 256, you will notice that you are limited in every aspect.
I know a company that is engaged in the machinery export business. The salespersons in the company have to conduct 16personalities tests on dozens of potential customers every day, and there is only one account in the commercial application version, so there is no way to turn around. Once you want to open more accounts, you are afraid that they will be associated and your account will be banned. In the end, you can only watch helplessly as no one can reply to customer inquiries.
API interface is the real trump card of large and medium-sized enterprises
The official API version has been launched for enterprise-level needs. This version is a truly meaningful marketing tool. It has been strictly certified by the official, has a high authorization level, and has almost no restrictions on functions.
Last year, a trading company in Shenzhen engaged in electronic product-related business connected to the API. Nowadays, they can send thousands of marketing messages every day, using exquisite templates provided by the official website. The open rate is three times higher than that of ordinary text. There are three salesmen who can log in and operate at the same time without interfering with each other. Even old machines with relatively poor computer configurations can run smoothly.
The threshold for using API lies in the access method
The most prominent feature of the API version is that it is not an APP that can be downloaded, but a data interface provided by the official. If an enterprise wants to use a third-party technology platform for docking and use, this requires professional technical support and early investment.
There is a business in Guangzhou that is engaged in the export of household products. At first, it felt like a lot of trouble. However, after connecting, I found that the stability has reached an extremely high level. It has been in operation for more than half a year, and the main account has never been banned. The customer database is completely intact, and it can also use interface data to analyze customers' reading habits and points of interest.
Choosing the right version equals choosing the right customer acquisition efficiency
For SOHO 16personalities testers who are just starting out, or for micro teams, the personal version can be used to make initial contacts and get to know the platform. Once you determine that you want to develop customers in depth, you should directly consider the commercial version or API.
Many companies that are still in a wait-and-see mode do not know that the current profit-making stage of this social platform in the field of foreign trade has not yet passed. Companies that use API interfaces to implement access activities can often take priority in reaching overseas buyers who have not suffered from over-exploitation. Only by finding the right third-party service provider can this system work effectively for itself.
After taking a look at the differences between these three versions, which one are you currently using? Have you ever encountered a situation where your account was blocked, resulting in the loss of customers? Please share your experience in the comment area. If you find this article useful, don’t forget to like it and forward it so that more friends who are engaged in foreign trade can take a less tortuous road.
