Implementing the WhatsApp Business API for businesses requires some groundwork. In this article, we will prepare you in advance.
Timeline
We can activate and deliver your WhatsApp Business account in 8-11 business days.
But only if all information has been provided correctly before we start onboarding. This will prevent Facebook from making any objections during the process.
| Process | Who? | Time needed | What has to happen? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now | You | 5 minutes | – Facebook Business Account – Display name – Telephone provider |
| Step 1 | You | 15 minutes | Fill in the form with all the necessary information for your onboarding |
| Step 2 | You | 30 minutes | Go through verification of your Facebook Business Account |
| Step 3 | You | 2 minutes | Please accept our invitation for WhatsApp in your Facebook Business Manager Account |
| Step 4 | 1-4 days | Facebook reviews and accepts your display name and Business Account |
|
| Step 5 | You & us from Saysimple | 15 minutes | Registration |
| Step 6 | Saysimple | 1-3 days | Live with WhatsApp Business |
If you have indicated in the onboarding form that you are already using WhatsApp and it cannot be interrupted, we will schedule the go-live immediately after registration.
The above timeline outlines the lead time if all information is provided timely and correctly, and the actions are carried out swiftly. Additionally, there is always a possibility that Facebook / Meta may require additional information from your company to process the application request. An average onboarding procedure may take 2-3 weeks to complete.
Do you have a Facebook Business Manager account?
If your company has an official Instagram or Facebook page or if you publish Facebook ads or events, you probably have a Facebook Business Manager account.
Tip: Check with other departments within your company whether they already have a Facebook Business account for your company.
Yes? Awesome
You will be asked to share your Facebook Business Manager ID with us.
- Log in to your Facebook Business account https://business.facebook.com/ (You must log in with both your personal facebook to get to your Business Facebook)
- Go to Company Settings
- Click on Company Details
- Under Information about Business Manager you will see your ID number
Not familiar with Facebook Business Manager?
No problem, go to https://business.facebook.com/ and click on create account at the top right. This only takes about 5 minutes.
Display name
Make sure you enter the correct company details when creating your Facebook Business Manager Account. A display name should have a clear relationship to your business and should be referenced on the company’s website.
Caution! If the display name represents a company that your company works with (ie if the company is an agency, distributor, partner or parent company), the relationship between the two companies must be clearly explained on both parties’ business websites.
See all display name terms here: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/guides/display-name/
Phone provider
Before onboarding, look up who your phone provider is. During the Registration step, the IVR must be removed. Your phone provider has to remove this temporarily. It might be necessary to set-up a forward and that will also have to be arranged, check Registration for all details.