What is WhatsApp, and what is an API?

WhatsApp is a popular free messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption to secure your text, voice, and video messages. It was built for businesses to communicate more easily with their followers.

An API bridges communications between WhatsApp and no-code platforms like BotHelp so they can talk to each other and share data.

For example, let’s say your business uses WhatsApp for marketing. Normally, you’d have to login to WhatsApp, create content manually, and post it. You can write posts ahead of time and schedule them to be published at certain times.

But if you don’t know when your customers are consuming your content or how they’re responding to it, you’re marketing with one eye shut. This is where a WhatsApp chatbot comes in.

How BotHelp can save you time and money

All chatbots are not the same. The best WhatsApp chatbot:

• Puts you in direct, real-time contact with your customers
• Integrates all your chats, bots, and broadcasting all in one place
• Let you segment your audience
• Gives you powerful analytics to see audience behavior and what’s working (or not) in your ad campaign.

BotHelp goes one step farther by giving you a visual bot builder. Just drag and drop. No coding required.

What kinds of businesses need WhatsApp Business API (WABA)?

Any business that has customers. Any business wants to save a ton of time and effort by automating communications with leads and converting them into customers. Any business that needs analytics to optimize their ad campaigns.

You need a WhatsApp Business API. Here’s how to get one.

How to get a WhatsApp Business API number and connect it with your BotHelp platform.

Before you set up a WhatsApp Business API account, you’ll need to make sure your company complies with WhatsApp’s strict commerce policy. They have a lot of rules, so read their policy to avoid wasting your time.

If your business meets these requirements, this guide will walk you through completing your registration so you can start connecting with your customers in a more meaningful way.

1. Verify your company on Facebook Business Manager

Your company must be fully verified through Facebook Business Manager to register with WhatsApp Business API.
If you haven’t done that yet and would like a quick guide, check out our post about how to verify your company on Facebook Business Manager.

2. Create an account on 360 dialog (WhatsApp BSP)

Once your company page is approved by Facebook Business Manager, create an account on 360dialog. Then complete the registration form.

3. Check your Facebook Business Manager account and accept the request from 360dialog

360 dialog will send a request to your Facebook Business Manager account.

4. Complete your registration on 360 dialog‍

360dialog will send an email to the email address you registered with. The subject line will read, “Your WhatsApp Number is ready for Registration!“ Just follow the link, login to 360dialog, and register your WhatsApp number.

5. Wait for your WhatsApp number to be confirmed‍

It may take a few days for WhatsApp to confirm your number. You may experience a delay due to the impact of COVID-19. But if it seems like it’s taking longer than it should, contact the WhatsApp support team.

6. Create an API key‍

After your WhatsApp number is confirmed, login to 360dialog to create your API key.
Make sure to write this down and never share it with anyone. You will need this key to link your WhatsApp Business account with the BotHelp platform.

7. Add your API key to ‘Channels’ in your BotHelp account

Login to your BotHelp account. Go to Settings > Channels > WhatsApp and enter your API key and the registered WhatsApp number.

8. Start communication with your users on WhatsApp

Now you’re ready to create a flow, broadcast videos, and engage with your customers.