How does WhatsApp work with Botmaker?

Botmaker is a Certified WhatsApp Solution Provider. As an official partner, we can open WhatsApp Business API for our clients and host the solution as a service. WhatsApp API doesn’t work on a phone like a regular WhatsApp app, but rather is installed in the cloud to be able to connect with relevant services like the Botmaker Platform with multiple agents, bots and other integrations. It is called WhatsApp API because it can talk to other software services to send and receive messages like Botmaker in this case. When you open an account with us, we manage the entire process with Facebook, owner of WhatsApp, to register the account under your name, get it verified and open a credit line to buy HSM Template notifications.

What are the differences between regular WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business, and WhatsApp Business API?

WhatsApp has three different products. The first one is the regular consumer WhatsApp app, which is the mobile app most people use on their phones to message friends, family and businesses. The second product is called WhatsApp Business, which is very similar to the regular WhatsApp app but it also includes profile information for a business. It runs as a stand alone app on smartphones. Finally, there is the WhatsApp Business API, which is an enterprise product you can sign up for through a certified Solution Provider like Botmaker. This product runs on Botmaker’s services, not on a smartphone, so that you can connect it to 3rd party platforms, bots, live chat, your website and more.

Is Botmaker and official Solution Provider?

Yes, we are an official WhatsApp Solution Provider. We are listed in the Partners Directory and have been certified as an official provider. We can create WhatsApp Business API accounts for clients, host the API, verify the accounts and manage credit lines for buying HSM Template notifications and other WhatsApp products.

How do I open a WhatsApp Business API account?

If you’d like to open a WhatsApp Business API account, contact us.

To open an account, you will need a verified Facebook Business Manager ID ready. If you don’t have this yet, getting this ID will be required to create your WhatsApp Account. A Facebook Business Manager ID is your business account with Facebook for all business transactions, from buying ads, to owning Facebook assets associated with your business and also to register a new WhatsApp Business API account.

The steps to open a WhatsApp Business API account are the following:

Approval of your request by Botmaker. We check to ensure your business meets with our standard business practices and your company is a real business.

Review of the WhatsApp Commerce Policies for your business. Some categories are not allowed like gambling, weapons, alcohol among others.

Name review for your WhatsApp account. WhatsApp has a real name policy for WhatsApp Business API accounts.

Finally, activating your account under a phone number you own (mobile or landline).

This process can take 1-2 days or a lot more, depending on how well you come prepared and have these 4 items ready. If you have a Facebook Business Manager ID ready and verified, the entire process is very fast.

What are the requirements to open a WhatsApp Business API account?

To open an account you must meet the following requirements:

Have a real business. We can’t open accounts for individuals

2. Have a verified Facebook Business Manager ID

3. Meet WhatsApp’s Commerce Policy; that is, your business needs to be in a valid industry

4. Meet WhatsApp’s real name policy for your business profile on WhatsApp

5. Finally, accept the requests sent to your Facebook Business Manager to work with Botmaker.

What is the phone number for the WhatsApp Business API?

Each WhatsApp Business API account needs to have a phone number associated with. However, since this is not a mobile app running on your phone, the phone number can be mobile or landline.

Before creating the account, we will let you know beforehand. Once you’re ready, WhatsApp will send you an activation code via SMS or phone call. Once you get this code, we can use it to activate your account.

If you choose a landline, WhatsApp will call you to send the activation code. In that case, make sure you can pick up the phone and write down the number. If the number is part of an IVR or call center, make sure you can pick up that call to get the activation code.