How to apply for WhatsApp Business API? Step by step guide
The WhatsApp Business API offers businesses a powerful tool for connecting with customers on one of the most popular messaging platforms globally.
Whether you're looking to streamline customer support, enhance sales, or create automated marketing workflows, applying for the WhatsApp Business API is the first crucial step.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire application process and highlight key benefits that can drive business growth.
What is WhatsApp Business API?
WhatsApp API empowers medium and large companies connect with customers at a large scale with agents and bots. It provides advanced business features, including:
Send unlimited bulk messages on WhatsApp without being blocked.
Integration with CRM softwares and other tools ERP solutions.
Build an e-commerce store within the messaging app.
Automate conversations, customer service, marketing campaigns, sales and payment process.
And much more.
Want to outcompete your peers with SleekFlow's help?
Book your personalized demo with SleekFlow today and unlock the potential of seamless communication
Differences between WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp Cloud API
There are two types of WhatsApp API:
WhatsApp Business API (also known as On-Premise API)
Both APIs are designed for medium to large businesses and offer similar core functionalities. However, the key distinction lies in the hosting model:
WhatsApp Business API (On-Premise): Previously, businesses had to rely on a Business Solution Provider (BSP) to access the WhatsApp Business API, which required an on-premise solution.
WhatsApp Cloud API: In contrast, the Cloud API is hosted by Meta, offering a more flexible, cloud-based solution.
While both APIs serve the same purpose, the WhatsApp Cloud API offers additional advantages, such as:
Ease of Access: Businesses can obtain the WhatsApp Cloud API directly through a BSP like SleekFlow, simplifying the setup process without the need to build in-house messaging tools.
Template Management: With the WhatsApp Cloud API, businesses can manage WhatsApp templates directly through platforms like SleekFlow. For the WhatsApp Business API (On-Premise), managing templates often requires working with a BSP or third-party tools.
Support for On-Premise Numbers: The WhatsApp Cloud API also supports the integration of on-premise numbers, providing more flexibility for businesses that wish to retain existing numbers.
How to apply for WhatsApp Cloud API through SleekFlow
Step 1: Prepare your Facebook account to create a WhatsApp Business API account
Before you can use the WhatsApp Cloud API, make sure you meet the following prerequisites:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For security reasons, you must enable 2FA on your personal Facebook account. This step ensures the safety of your business data and is required by Meta.
Valid Phone Number: Ensure that you have a valid phone number ready for WhatsApp registration.
Admin Access to Facebook Business Manager: You will need admin access to your company’s Facebook Business Manager account to complete the setup and connect it to WhatsApp.
Step 2: Access SleekFlow’s platform
Once your Facebook account is ready, follow these steps in SleekFlow:
Go to Channels > WhatsApp Official API > Connect
You don't have a SleekFlow account yet - talk to our team to help you setting up one
Step 3: Sign up with a new phone number
Connect with a New Phone Number: Choose "Connect Cloud API using a new phone number". This allows you to register a new phone number for your WhatsApp Business account.
Payment for Connection Fee: Click "Pay USD 15 via Stripe". SleekFlow charges a USD 15 connection fee per month for each connected phone number.
Step 4: Create a Facebook and WhatsApp Business account
Login to Facebook: Log in to your Facebook account to begin the registration process.
Create or Choose a Facebook and WhatsApp Business Account: You must either create a new Facebook Business Account or select an existing one to associate with your WhatsApp Business profile.
Step 5: Create WhatsApp Profile
WhatsApp Business Account Name: Choose a name for your WhatsApp Business Account and WhatsApp display name that represents your business.
Timezone and Business Details: Select your business's timezone, specify your business category, and, if desired, add a business description (this is optional).
Step 6: Connect the phone numbers to SleekFlow
For a new phone number
We recommend using a new phone number that can receive SMS or voice call for registration.
For existing phone number (with WhatsApp app)
If you're using an existing WhatsApp/WhatsApp Business number, ensure you back up your chat history before proceeding.
Delete the WhatsApp account from the device.
Once deleted, proceed with entering the phone number during the next verification step.
Messages sent during the application process will be queued by WhatsApp and delivered once the connection is complete.
Step 7: Verify phone number
Enter Phone Number: Fill in the phone number you wish to register for this WhatsApp Business account.
Receive Verification Code: You’ll have the option to receive a 6-digit verification code via SMS or voice call. Choose your preferred method.
Complete Verification: Enter the code and click the Next button to complete the phone number verification.
Step 8: Set a channel name for your WhatsApp Business Account
Internal Recognition: Enter a channel name that will help you internally recognize this WhatsApp Business Account. This is for your convenience in managing multiple channels.
Step 9: Select a monthly subscription plan that suits your needs
Choose a Subscription Plan: Select a monthly subscription plan based on your business's messaging volume. Options generally include:
USD 20
USD 50
USD 100
USD 500
You can toggle the auto top-up feature to automatically top up your WhatsApp balance when it falls below the selected amount. This ensures uninterrupted service.Manage Top-Up Preferences: You can modify the top-up settings and auto top-up value at any time in the SleekFlow platform.
Step 10: Finalize the Connection
Connect Your WhatsApp Channel: Once all the steps are completed, your official WhatsApp channel will be connected to SleekFlow’s platform.
Add Funds to Your WhatsApp Account: To begin sending messages, click Settings, and you will be redirected to the Billing section where you can add funds to your WhatsApp account.
How SleekFlow Can Revolutionize Your WhatsApp Business Strategy
SleekFlow is the ultimate platform designed to enhance your WhatsApp Business strategy by helping you sell, support, and convert more effectively on social. With SleekFlow, you can integrate not only your WhatsApp Business account but also other leading social messaging platforms like Messenger, Instagram, WeChat, LINE, and more, allowing you to manage all your conversations in one unified inbox.
1. Unified Inbox for Seamless Team Collaboration
With SleekFlow’s all-in-one inbox, collaborating with your team becomes effortless. You can easily assign conversations to colleagues manually or automatically, ensuring that no message goes unanswered. Additionally, you can add collaborators to conversations, and use internal notes to tag specific team members for smooth communication and collaboration.
2. Automate Campaigns for Targeted Communication
Take your chat strategy to the next level by leveraging campaigns and automation features within SleekFlow. You can segment your contacts into groups based on criteria such as demographics, behavior, or purchase history, and launch targeted, personalized campaigns that speak directly to each group. This boosts engagement and enhances the customer experience.
3. Build Smart Chatbots to Enhance Customer Interaction
SleekFlow also allows you to build intelligent chatbots to handle qualifying questions, respond to frequently asked questions, and automate initial customer interactions. These bots help reduce response times and ensure 24/7 support, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.
I think the best feature of SleekFlow is the automated assignment of conversation and automatic replies. We tried other platforms but there were too many restrictions. With SleekFlow, we can configure the settings on our own such as whom to assign the conversation and when to send out the out-of-office message.
Alvin Lee
General Manager
Want to transit from traditional email marketing to chat marketing? Read How alfred24, a green delivery solution provider, creates a stable and effective communication channel with SleekFlow.
4. Integrate with Shopify for Enhanced Sales and Support
For eCommerce businesses using Shopify, SleekFlow provides a seamless integration that displays purchase history and order status alongside customer conversations. This integration allows you to offer personalized support based on customer purchase behavior. You can also set up automated rules to send abandoned cart reminders, order updates, and more, ensuring no opportunity for customer engagement is missed.
5. Future-Proof Your Business with Social Commerce Features
SleekFlow is constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern businesses. As new features are continuously added, SleekFlow becomes the gateway to endless possibilities in social commerce. Whether you’re looking to integrate multiple platforms, automate customer support, or enhance your sales funnel, SleekFlow equips your business with the tools needed to thrive.
6. Ready to Upgrade Your WhatsApp Business Strategy?
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your communication strategy. Apply for the WhatsApp Business API today and start using SleekFlow to power your business’s customer engagement and sales.
Go beyond messaging— engage and convert with WhatsApp
Book your personalised demo with SleekFlow today and let us show you the full marketing potential of WhatsApp
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