The WhatsApp Business API unlocks features that the regular WhatsApp Business app simply cannot provide — team inboxes, bulk campaigns, automation, and full API access. But getting started requires navigating Meta's verification process. This guide makes it simple.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start
- A Facebook Business Manager account (business.facebook.com)
- A phone number not already registered on WhatsApp (can be a landline or mobile)
- A business website (even a basic one is fine)
- Government-issued business registration (GST certificate or MSME Udyam) recommended for faster verification
- A WhatsApp CRM platform like BizSenti Woffice (handles the API connection for you)
Step 1: Create or Access Your Meta Business Account
Go to business.facebook.com and create a Business Manager account if you don't have one. Use your business email — not a personal Gmail account.
Complete the business verification: upload your GST certificate or MSME registration. Verification typically takes 2–7 business days. This step is crucial — without it, your account has messaging limits.
Step 2: Create a WhatsApp Business App in Meta
In Meta Business Manager:
- Go to Business Settings → Accounts → WhatsApp Accounts
- Click Add → Create a WhatsApp Business Account
- Follow the prompts to create your WABA (WhatsApp Business Account)
Step 3: Add and Verify Your Phone Number
In the WhatsApp Manager (business.facebook.com/wa/manage):
- Go to Phone Numbers → Add Phone Number
- Enter your business phone number
- Choose verification via SMS or voice call
- Enter the verification code
Important: The phone number will be disconnected from any existing WhatsApp account during this process. Backup any important chats first.
Step 4: Connect to BizSenti Woffice via Embedded Signup
BizSenti Woffice uses Meta's Embedded Signup, which simplifies the connection dramatically. After creating your account:
- Navigate to WhatsApp Numbers in your Woffice dashboard
- Click Connect via Facebook
- Follow the guided flow to authorize Woffice to use your WhatsApp number
- Within minutes, your number is live and ready to receive messages
Step 5: Configure Your Business Profile
Before you start messaging customers, set up your business profile properly:
- Upload your logo as the profile photo
- Add business description, website URL, and address
- Set business hours (auto-reply outside hours)
- Create a greeting message for new contacts
Step 6: Create Message Templates
Outbound messages to customers who haven't messaged you in 24 hours require pre-approved templates. In Woffice, go to Messages → Create Template and submit for Meta approval. Templates are typically approved within 24–48 hours.
Step 7: Import Your Contacts and Launch Your First Campaign
Upload your customer list via CSV. Woffice auto-deduplicates and formats phone numbers. Create your first campaign, select a segment, choose your template, and schedule or send immediately.
Understanding Messaging Limits
WhatsApp API accounts start with a limit of 1,000 business-initiated conversations per day. As you maintain a high quality rating, limits automatically increase:
- Tier 1: 1,000 conversations/day
- Tier 2: 10,000 conversations/day
- Tier 3: 100,000 conversations/day
- Tier 4: Unlimited
Ready to get started? BizSenti Woffice includes guided WhatsApp setup with support to help you through every step. Start your 7-day free trial →