How to create a Whatsapp Business Account?
Instant messaging apps, and in particular, WhatsApp has become todayâs primary network for almost every internet user. According to Statista, WhatsApp is ranked top among the most used mobile messenger platforms, surpassing Facebook Messenger and WeChat.
Obviously, if your business aims to better connect with your customers, priority should be given to establishing an official presence on WhatsApp. Previously, we have introduced Whatsapp Business and Whatsapp Business API as well as shared some great features of WhatsApp Business API and hacks to unlock its multi-users function. This time, we will get back to basics, and provide you with a step-by-step guide to setting up your own WhatsApp Business API account.
Letâs get started!
How can I use the Whatsapp Business App?
To register a WhatsApp Business account for your own business, you will need to do the following:
1. Download the WhatsApp Business App on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Click the WhatsApp Business icon on your home screen to launch the app.
3. Confirm your understanding and acceptance of the WhatsApp Business Terms of Service, tap âAgreeâ.
4. Select your region and fill in your phone number in the international phone number format.
5. Choose to verify your number through SMS or phone call, then enter the 6-digit registration code.
6. Enable access to your contacts and photos. Contacts from your phoneâs address book will then be automatically synced.
7. Enter your business name, business category and profile picture to create an account.
8. Go to âExploreâ > âBusiness Profileâ. Fill in important business information such as your business address, website, description and opening hours.
9. Done! You can now start sending messages.
Types of Whatsapp Business API
If you are running a small to medium business, the Third-Party WhatsApp Business should be enough to satisfy your marketing and customer support needs.Â
However, for medium to large enterprises with a large customer base to engage with, having the Official WhatsApp Business API might be a better choice in terms of stability.
You probably donât know which type of API works best for you, here are some key differences between the Official and Third-Party APIïŒ
How to get started with the Official Whatsapp Business API?
1. Fill in the request form
Go to https://app.sleekflow.io/request-whatsapp and fill in the request form, you can refer to the table below on how to retrieve some essential information:
SleekFlow will start processing your application immediately and your application for approval. The entire process should take between 2 to 3 weeks.
2. Use SleekFlow with the WhatsApp Business API
Once approved, your team can start using the SleekFlow Web and Mobile app to run WhatsApp simultaneously.
How to get started with the Third-Party Whatsapp Business API
If time is of the essence to you, you can consider using the third-party solution. However, do note that the trade-off would be reduced stability in terms of customer engagement. That being said, the set-up is super simple!
Simply scan the QR code on SleekFlow, and you can quickly link your Business WhatsApp account to the platform and begin in no time.
1. Connect WhatsApp Account to SleekFlow
To get started, you will first need to install the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app, on your phone.
For the integration to function properly, please be reminded that:
The device should be connected to Wi-Fi and charged
Avoid using Desktop/ Web WhatsApp
Keep WhatsApp App running in the background to maintain stable connectivity
Launch WhatsApp and go to âSettingsâ > âWhatsApp Web/ Desktopâ. Click âLog out from all devicesâ.
Head over to  âSleekFlow Platform â Channelâ. Add WhatsApp to SleekFlow by pressing the WhatsApp icon under âAdd Channelsâ.
Scan the QR code with your WhatsApp app, then click âI have already scanned the QR codeâ to continue.
Type in Channel Name (e.g. Sales Team, Customer Service, Operations Team) for this specific WhatsApp Integration.
The channel will be shown as âConnectedâ in about 60 minutes, you can then start sending and receiving messages. Otherwise, please refer to the troubleshooting guide.
2. Synchronize Contacts and Conversation History
Go to the 3 dots of your âConnectedâ WhatsApp Channel and click âSync Historyâ. You are recommended to sync history at midnight so as to not interfere with sending and receiving of messages.
If the process goes smoothly, the status will be updated to a success banner.
Or else, the âSync Failedâ banner will pop up. Try âSync Historyâ again.
3. Add a Second WhatsApp Number
To integrate with more than one third-party WhatsApp Business API, you need to pay a subscription fee of $29 USD/ month for each additional number.
Your credit card will be immediately charged the full sum.
How to create a WhatsApp Business account
Summary:
WhatsApp is the leading messaging app being used today. It surpasses Facebook messenger and WeChat on the matter. Thus, it is no wonder that using WhatsApp for your business communication can contribute well to your progress, especially for small or startup businesses. Learning how to create a WhatsApp business account is the initial step every business owner must take to be able to utilise the endless possibilities the app has to offer.
Here at SleekFlow, we want to help every company in building their personalised messaging platform through WhatsApp for business. We offer guides on how to create a WhatsApp business account as well as the actual product and after-sales services.
Share Article