To use WhatsApp with Messente, you first need a WhatsApp business account created with Meta
1. Meta account
First you need a business Meta account. If you already use Facebook or Instagram you likely already have this.
If you are not already using paid services you will need to setup billing with Meta. Login to your Meta business account and then go to: https://business.facebook.com/billing_hub
2. Phone number
Each WhatsApp sender is associated with a phone number so you will need a number for every sender you register. There are a number of options to acquire numbers:
- As your existing business telecoms provider for a new number
- Buy a SIM card (NB you will need to ensure you can receive a call/SMS for registration and keep it 'alive' in case you need to reauthenticate in the future)
- In some markets Meta now offer free phone numbers for use with WhatsApp (NB these are currently always US format), this will show as an option during the embedded sign-up process if available
- Ask your Messente account manager, we can acquire numbers for you for some markets
ℹ️ Phone numbers can't already be associated with any other WhatsApp account
3. Setup your WhatsApp Business Platform account
⚠️ WhatsApp has two business products, they are not interchangeable and only the Business Platform product can be used with the API
Business App is intended for small businesses to communicate with customers via a business version of the WhatsApp mobile app. Business Platform is intended for larger customers using an integrated/API approach. Any number used for the Business App cannot be used for Business Platform without first disconnecting it.
From Meta business home navigate to Settings
and then WhatsApp accounts
and choose + Add
and complete the form.
4. Create a template
Once you have your WhatsApp account you can now create a template. Approved templates are required for all business initiated conversations. Access the Meta WhatsApp Manager, select Manage templates
and Create Template
.
5. Connect your Messente and WhatsApp accounts together
Navigate to the Senders page and click the 'Connect' button under WhatsApp. This will take you into Meta's embedded signup flow, see the video below for more information.
6. Send a test message!
🔗 Useful Meta support articles
How to connect your phone number to your WhatsApp Business account