WhatsApp Business API is an upgraded version of the existing WhatsApp Business App. Other than the security and reliability for businesses and customers that WhatsApp marketing brings, it also offers a spectrum of extra features, such as multiple logins, quick replies, chatbots, mass broadcasting, custom messages, and much more to support business sales in gaining more profit.
However, there are some requirements your business must meet in order to get authorisation by WhatsApp API, and this blog aims to discuss those prerequisites in detail.
Requirements for WhatsApp Business API
There are several prerequisites you must meet to smoothly operate your business account on WhatsApp API. These are as follows:
Meta Business Account
A WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) allows your company to use the WhatsApp Business Portal to engage directly with its clients. WhatsApp uses a Business Account to verify the legitimacy of a brand for each account on the platform. If the account's administrator has completed Business Verification, the domain name of the business is displayed even if the user has not saved it to their address book. A Legitimate Business Account, on the contrary, displays a green check mark in its profile and conversation thread headings.
Business Website or App
You must create an app or website associated with your Meta Business Account, to provide all the necessary details about your business’ proceedings and related documentation.
User Access Token
API tokens are short snippets of code assembled to secure API access. API servers receive these diminutive strings, where the token acts as identification, verifying whether the user or the application has the credentials of the API.
Permissions
You will also need permissions that act as a form of granular, user-granted API authorization. Before the app can use endpoints to access any user's data, the user must give your app all permissions mandated by the said endpoint.
Business Management
The WhatsApp business management license allows your app to read and manage WhatsApp business assets you own or have access to, by other companies. These assets include WhatsApp business account information, phone numbers, statement templates, QR codes, and webhook subscriptions.
Business Messaging
The WhatsApp business messaging permission permits an app to transmit WhatsApp messages to a specified phone number, upload and recover media from messages, operate the WhatsApp business profile data, and register the phone numbers with WhatsApp Meta.
Phone Number
A new phone number on which WhatsApp Business API will function is necessary. A new number implies that you have not registered it on any WhatsApp App at the given moment.
Conclusion
While the WhatsApp Business App supports small scale businesses with fundamental functions such as company profile integration, auto-replies, tags, and so on, the options are limited, particularly for those dealing with more clients and everyday inquiries. You need to fill out the application form on behalf of the company to get started with the registration process for WhatsApp Business API. The form includes basic details of the business and some specific entries related to the WhatsApp Business API. Once you’re verified by WhatsApp Marketing API, you’re all set!