WhatsApp Business API : Prerequisites
What is WhatsApp Business API?
WhatsApp Business API is a communication platform designed for businesses to connect with their customers on WhatsApp. It is a powerful tool allowing business to automate, customise and scale their customer communication by integrating WhatsApp’s messaging capabilities into their own customer support and marketing platforms. WhatsApp Business API is different from WhatsApp App and WhatsApp Business App. Refer to this blog to learn more.
Where can I use WhatsApp Business API?
Configuring WhatsApp Business API on i-genie with chatbot will allow you to handle scenarios like:
* Automating incoming message replies- * Sending Appointment Reminders
- * Sending Order Confirmation & Delivery Updates
- * Sending Payment Reminders
- * For Marketing & Promotions
Is WhatsApp Business API paid?
Yes, the WhatsApp Business API is a paid service. WhatsApp charges a per session fee to businesses for using its API. The fees may vary depending on the country and the type of message sent.
See WhatsApp pricing – https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/pricing/
Types of pricing models:
WhatsApp offers two types of pricing models to businesses:
1. Message template pricing:
The pricing model applies to businesses that send pre-approved message templates to customers, such as appointment reminders, shipping notifications, and customer support messages. The cost of sending a message template may vary depending on the country and type of message sent
2. Session based pricing:
The pricing Model applies to businesses that engage in conversation with customers on WhatsApp. The first 24 hours of communication between a business and a customer are free, after which the business is charged for each messages sent or received
It’s important to note that WhatsApp Business API is designed in such a way that it requires technical expertise to integrate with the chatbot. You can reach out to the i-genie support team at hello@i-genie.co.uk in case you already have a WhatsApp Business API & need assistance with integration.
Additionally, you will need to apply to use the API and WhatsApp may require you to meet certain requirements before you can start using it. You can read about steps to apply for WhatsApp Business API or you can reach out to i-genie support team at hello@i-genie.co.uk
What are prerequisites for having WhatsApp Business API?
To obtain the WhatsApp Business API from the supported providers or Meta, the prerequisites that you need to keep in mind are:
1. Having verified Facebook Business Manager- 2. Phone number not having an active WhatsApp account
How do I know if my Facebook Business Manager is verified or not?
Here are the steps to check if your Facebook Business Manager account is verified or not:
1 – log in to your Facebook Business Manager account: business.facebook.com
2 – Click on the gear icon in the top right corner and select “Business Settings” from the dropdown menu3
3 – On the left hand side, click on “Security Center”
4 – Under the “Business Verification” section, you will see the status of business verification
5 – If your account is verified, you will see a green checkmark and a message that says “Your business is verified”
6 – If your account is not verified, you will see a message that say, “Verify your business”. Follow the instructions provided to complete the verification process
How to verify my Facebook Business Manager?
Here are the steps to get your Facebook Business Manager account verified:
1 – Log in to your Facebook Business Manager account: business.facebook.com
2 – Click on the gear icon in the top left corner and select “Business Settings” from the drop down menu
3 – On the left-hand side, click on “Security Center”
4 – Under the “Business Verification” section, click on “Verify Now”
5 – Choose the country where your business is located and enter your business phone number
6 – Facebook will send you a verification code via SMS or Phone Call. Enter the code in the box provided and click “Continue”
7 – Enter your business details, including you business name, address, and tax ID number. Facebook may also ask you to upload additional documentation to verify your identity and business information, such as utility bill or business license
8 – Review your details and documentation to ensure they are accurate and up to date
9 – Click “Submit” to request verification
Once you have submitted your verification request, Facebook will review your information and documentation to confirm that your business is legitimate. The verification process can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of your business and the volume of request Facebook is processing. You will receive an email from Facebook when your verification is complete, and your Business Manager account will be updated to reflect your verified status
What should I do if already have an active WhatsApp account linked to my number?
In that case, you will need to delete the WhatsApp account linked with the number. You can follow the following steps to delete the account:
1 – Open WhatsApp on your device
2 – Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the right corner of the screen
3 – Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu
4 – Tap on “Account” from the list of options
5 – Tap on “Delete my account”
6 – Enter your phone number in the format required and tap on “Delete my account”
7 – Enter the reason for deleting your account, and then tap on “Delete my account”
Note that once you have deleted your account, all of your data will be deleted permanently. Additionally, if you decide to create a new WhatsApp account using the same number, you will not be able to recover your old data
Which providers does i-genie support for WhatsApp Business API?
i-genie support following providers for WhatsApp Business API
- 1. Meta
- 2. 360Dialog
- 3. Twilio
- 4. Unifonic
- 5. GupShup
To get WhatsApp Business API for your Business, you can either buy it directly from the above providers or send us an email at help@i-genie.co.uk and our team will source it out for you at the best prices.