Instant messaging apps, and in particular, WhatsApp has become today’s 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.
Let’s 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 “Agree”.
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 phone’s address book will then be automatically synced.
7. Enter your business name, business category and profile picture to create an account.
8. Go to “Explore” > “Business Profile”. 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.
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 don’t know which type of API works best for you, here are some key differences between the Official and Third-Party API：
| Official | Third-party |
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
|
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:
Field | Note |
Facebook Business Manager ID |
|
Facebook Business Verification | By choosing “yes”, you confirm that Facebook has verified your business account |
Business Registration Supporting Document | Required for all Hong Kong companies |
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.
Sell better as one team on all messaging channels.
Talk to our product specialists to set up your Social CRM and deliver great customer experiences from your sales, support and marketing teams.
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 “Settings” > “WhatsApp Web/ Desktop”. Click “Log out from all devices”.
Head over to “SleekFlow Platform – Channel”. Add WhatsApp to SleekFlow by pressing the WhatsApp icon under “Add Channels”.
Scan the QR code with your WhatsApp app, then click “I have already scanned the QR code” 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 “Connected” 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 “Connected” WhatsApp Channel and click “Sync History”. 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 “Sync Failed” banner will pop up. Try “Sync History” 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.
About Us
SleekFlow is an Omni-Channel Social Commerce Platform that helps companies manage communication channels such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Line, Live Chat, SMS and Email all in one place. Use smart routing rules and targeted campaign messages to streamline sales, customer support and marketing workflows while integrating with 2500+ tools including eCommerce platforms and payment gateways to automate the whole customer journey with ease.
Read More:
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