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.
How to apply for WhatsApp Business API with SleekFlow
To apply for the WhatsApp Business API (WABA), you'll first and foremost require an active Facebook Business Manager account to get started. In this section, we gonna guide you step by step to apply for WABA. In case you are wondering what the difference is between the normal WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business API. Here are the tables:
How to set up a Facebook Business Manager account
As a prerequisite for the WhatsApp Business API (WABA), you must have a Facebook Business Manager account. This is the central hub where you'll manage your business's Meta assets, including your Facebook Page, ad accounts, and, crucially, your WhatsApp Business Account.
Follow these steps to get your account set up:
Create the Account: Navigate to Facebook Business Manager and follow the on-screen prompts to create a new account.
Input Business Details: Accurately provide all of your business information. Ensure transparency and accuracy, as these details are vital for verification.
Add Your Assets: Link your existing Facebook business page and any relevant ad accounts to centralise control and management within the Business Manager.
Verify Your Business (Crucial Step): You must verify your business to add legitimacy and gain full access to the WABA features.
Gather Documents: Prepare official documents that display your business's legal name and address (e.g., a utility bill, bank statement, or business license).
Start Verification: In your Business Manager, go to the 'Security Center' and click on 'Start Verification'.
Submit: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your official documents, upload the necessary documentation, and submit for review.
Once verified, you'll have the necessary foundation to proceed with your WhatsApp Business API application via a Business Solution Provider (like SleekFlow).
Setup your WhatsApp Business Profile
Once your Facebook Business Manager is set up and you've applied for the WhatsApp Business API (WABA) through a solution provider like SleekFlow, the next essential step is to create a compelling and professional WhatsApp Business Profile. This profile is your digital storefront, so ensuring it is accurate and engaging is paramount.
1. Creating Your WhatsApp Business Profile
Profile Picture: Choose an image that clearly represents your brand, such as your company logo. It should be high-resolution and instantly recognisable to build trust.
Business Name: Your business name on WhatsApp should be consistent with the legal name registered in your Facebook Business Manager to maintain brand recognition and consistency.
About Section/Description: Use this space for a concise summary of what your business does or its mission. This is your 'elevator pitch'—make every word count!
2. Adding Business Information
Accuracy is critical here, as this information guides customers and builds credibility.
Address: If you have a physical location or office, include a precise address.
Business Description: Use this section to highlight your unique selling points, services, or the value you provide.
Hours: Clearly state your operating hours so customers know when they can expect a response from your team.
Tips for creating an engaging business profile
Just creating a profile is not enough, you need to create an engaging business profile to make your profile look professional. Here are some tips from us:
- Consistency: Ensure your branding (logo, tone, and information) is consistent across all your online platforms (website, Facebook, WhatsApp). This strengthens brand recall.
- Clarity: Use clear, straightforward language that reflects your brand's voice and is easy for customers to understand. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
- Contact Details: Include other contact information, like your website URL or a primary email address, to give customers alternative ways to reach you.
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 a team of AI Agent to Enhance Customer Interaction
SleekFlow also allows you to build a team of intelligent AI Agent 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
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.
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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