Pre-requisites

Pre-requisites

Integrate WhatsApp Business with WooChat! Discover how to authenticate and link your number for smooth communication.

The WhatsApp API enables businesses to use WhatsApp for customer support, messaging, and customer engagement. Before you start using the WhatsApp Business API, there are a few essentials you'll need to set up. Let's go over these prerequisites to help you get started!

Pre-requisites:

Facebook Business Manager Account

This free tool from Facebook allows you to manage your business presence across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. If you don't have one yet, you can create a Facebook Business Manager Account at https://business.facebook.com/.

To obtain a Business Manager account, you'll need to have either a Facebook page or an Instagram page for your business.

Business Website

Your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. When integrating the WhatsApp Business API, your website acts as a verification tool to confirm your business's legitimacy and offers customers a direct way to connect with you through WhatsApp.

Phone Number

The phone number you use for your WhatsApp Business Account must be a dedicated business line. You cannot use a personal phone number with the Business API, and this number cannot be connected to a regular WhatsApp account simultaneously.

Prep for WhatsApp API Connection

Authenticate Your Phone Number:

Before proceeding with integration, it's essential to authenticate your phone number. This process involves verifying the number via call or SMS. Keep in mind that your phone number must not be linked to any existing WhatsApp Business Mobile App or Account hosted by another service provider during the integration.

Learn more about the migration from another WhatsApp Business Service Provider.

If your business is currently using a WhatsApp account on a mobile device and plans to use the same number for WhatsApp API integration, you'll need to delete the existing WhatsApp account associated with that number.

Navigate to the WhatsApp app settings and select "Delete my account."

Alternatively, you can activate a new phone number for WhatsApp API if you want to keep your existing Business WhatsApp Number.

Authenticate with Your Facebook Business Account:

To make your business operations more efficient, it's advisable to authenticate with your existing Facebook Business Account. This will facilitate smooth integration and provide easy access across various platforms. If you don’t have a Facebook Business Account yet, you can create one as part of the integration process.

Please note that:

• After integration, WhatsApp will be disabled on your phone, and your previous conversation history and contacts will not be transferred to WooChat.

• If you decide to return to using WhatsApp Business or the individual WhatsApp Mobile App after integrating with WooChat, you can get in touch with WooChat support for help.

Detailed Business Website

To acquire a WhatsApp API from META, your business website should clearly present the following elements:

1. Business Identity: prominently feature your business name, logo, and contact details to build credibility.

2. About Us Page: Include a detailed section about your business activities, mission, and values to give META insight into your business model.

3. Privacy Policy: Provide a thorough privacy policy that explains how customer data is collected, used, and safeguarded.

4. Terms of Service: Ensure your terms of service are up-to-date, specifically addressing the integration of WhatsApp API for business communication.

5. Customer Support: Emphasize your dedication to customer support, showing how WhatsApp will be used to enhance your customer service.

To successfully secure a WhatsApp API, make sure your business website features key elements that highlight your brand and demonstrate your commitment to privacy and customer support. This will help establish a trustworthy foundation for using WhatsApp as a communication tool.