How to Set Up a WhatsApp Business Account

Currently, WhatsApp boasts over 3 billion active users and an open rate of 98% and is considered the most effective channel of communication for conducting business.

This detailed guide discusses all necessary elements to set up and optimize a WhatsApp Business account.

Understanding WhatsApp Business: App vs. Platform

Prior to creating a WhatsApp Business account, there are two solutions that WhatsApp offers in this regard:

WhatsApp Business App

Ideal for: Small business with 1 to 5 employees, with low message traffic (less than 1,000 messages per month)

Key Features:

• Business profile including description, business hours, and location
• Automated greeting and away messages
• Quick replies for frequently asked questions
• Product catalog (up to 500 items)
• Broadcast Lists (upto 256 contacts)
• Message labels for organizational purposes
• Free to use

Limitations:

• Maximum of five devices
• No CRM integrations
• Limited Automation
• No analytics
• Users who have not saved your number are not able to receive messages

WhatsApp Business Platform (API)

Best For: Medium to large businesses, corporations, and e-commerce websites

Key Features:

• Unlimited Messages and Chats
• Multi-agent support featuring role-based permissions
• Highly advanced automation and chatbot functions
• Full API Access and Integration
• Detailed analytics and reporting
• Template Messaging System
• Eligibility for Green Tick Verification
• GDPR and HIPAA Compliance Options

Requirements:

• Meta Business Manager account
• Business verification
• Collaboration with a Business Solution Provider (BSP) such as Dexatel
• Monthly fees for using the platform, in addition to fees per message

What You Need Before Getting Started

For WhatsApp Business App

Phone Number:

• Verification needs either SMS or voice calls.
• The number must not be registered under another WhatsApp account.
• Mobile numbers are preferred, but fixed lines and VoIP are also accepted.
• Toll-free numbers will not be accepted.

Device:

• Compatible with: Android 4.1+ or iPhone iOS 10+.
• An active Internet connection is needed.
• Around 100 MB of storage space available.

Business Information:

• Registered business name
• Company logo (minimum size: 192x192 pixels, square image)
• Business category - Description (upto 256 characters)
• Optional information: address, web address, e-mail, and operating hours.

For WhatsApp Business Platform

Meta Business Account:

• Valid Meta Business Manager account
• Administrative access
• Completed Business Verification

Documentation:

• Business registration documents
• Tax Identification Number
• Proof of address
• Domain Verification
• Official Website

Facebook Business Page:

• Active, published page related to Your Business

BSP Partnership:

• Account with certified provider like Dexatel
• Payment method for fees

How to Create a WhatsApp Business Account (Mobile App)

Duration of set up: 10 to 15 minutes

Step 1: Download WhatsApp Business

Android:

1. Open Google Play Store.
2. Search for "WhatsApp Business"
3. Tap "Install

iOS:

1. Open the Apple App Store
2. Search for “WhatsApp Business”
3. Click "Get

Step 2: Accept Terms of Service

1. Open the application
2. Select language
3. Read the Terms of Service
4. Click "Agree and Continue"

Step 3: Register Your Phone Number

1. Choose your country from the dropdown
2. Type the business telephone number without the country code
3. Tap "Next
4. Select the method for verification: SMS/Phone Call

Important: If a WhatsApp number is already in use, the chat history will be transferred, but it is impossible to go back to the personal WhatsApp number later.

Step 4: Verify Your Number

1. Receive a six-digit code through SMS or call
2. Enter the code (it will auto-fill on devices that are compatible)
3. Tap on Next

Troubleshooting:

• If the code is not received: Wait two minutes and then click "Resend"
• If the number is incorrect: Press "Edit Number"
• If too many requests have been made: Wait 12-24 hours

Step 5: Set Up Business Profile

Business Name:

1. Enter the official and registered name
2. Maximum of 25 characters
3. Ensure recognizability

Profile Picture:

1. Tap the camera icon
2. "Take Photo" or "Choose from Gallery"
3. Crop to a Square
4. Tap "Done"

Best Practices:

• Use a Company Logo
• Minimum: 192 x 192 pixels (640 x 640 recommended)
• Contrasting colors
• For logo images, PNG files

Business Category:

• Tap "Category"
• Choose the primary business function
• Over 100 choices are available

How to Create a WhatsApp Business Account with Dexatel

It simplifies the set up of the WhatsApp Business Platform, providing enterprise functionality via an easy-to-use interface.

Why Choose Dexatel?

• Streamlined onboarding process with a support team
• Transparent and usage-based pricing, with no hidden charges
• Omnichannel functionality (business management of SMS, Viber, RCS, and also WhatsApp)
• GDPR and HIPAA compliance built-in
• Trial offer with free credits, no credit card needed
• International presence in 190+ countries

Step-by-Step Setup with Dexatel

Phase 1: Create Your Dexatel Account

1. Open dexatel.com and choose “Start for Free.”
2. Enter your business email and a secure password.
3. Look through your emails and approve the verification link.
4. Fill in your profile with company data (name, sector, size, country).

Note that no credit card is required to gain trial access.

Phase 2: Set Up Meta Business Manager

Create Business Manager Account:

1. Go to business.facebook.com.
2. Click on “Create Account.”
3. Enter business name, your name, and business email address.
4. Finish the registration process.

Verify Your Business:

1. Go to Security Center in the business settings.
2. Click “Start Verification.”
3. Select the verification option: document, phone, or email domain.
4. Submit the required documentation.
5. Wait for approval for 1-3 business days.

Phase 3: Create Facebook Business Page

1. For Facebook, click the + sign, and choose the Page icon.
2. Select “Business or Brand.”
3. Enter the page name (your business name).
4. Choose the category and enter the description.
5. Add a profile picture and a cover photo.
6. Publish the page (it should not be a draft).
7. Connect the page to the Business Manager.

Phase 4: Connect WhatsApp in Dexatel Dashboard

1. Log into Your Dexatel Account:
2. Go to “Channels” and choose “WhatsApp.”
3. “Click Get Access.”
4. Click on “Connect WhatsApp Business Account.”
5. Log in using your Facebook account that has the Business Manager admin role.
6. Grant the required permissions to Dexatel.
7. Choose and/or set up a WhatsApp Business Account.
8. Include contact information such as a phone number with country codes (e.g., +1-555-123-4567)
9. Confirm through text message or call and enter the six-digit code.
10. Select your display name in WhatsApp Business.
11. Set up the business profile with the logo and description.

Dexatel Advantage: All technical configurations, webhook setups, and API credentials are handled automatically.

Phase 5: Create Message Templates

WhatsApp requires pre-approved templates for all outbound messages (except responses within 24 hours of customer initiation).

Template Categories:

• Marketing - Promotions, offers, announcements
• Utility - Updates, reminders, notifications
• Authentication - OTPs, verification codes

Creating Templates in Dexatel:

1. Navigate to 'Templates' in dashboard
2. Click 'Create New Template'
3. Select category and language
4. Enter template name (lowercase, underscores only)
5. Compose message with variables {{1}}, {{2}}, etc.
6. Add optional header, footer, and buttons
7. Submit for Meta approval (typically 24-48 hours)

Phase 6: Configure Advanced Features

Omnichannel Inbox:

• Unified inbox for SMS, WhatsApp, and Viber
• Team routing and role-based permissions
• Canned responses and internal notes

Automation & Chatbots:

• Conversational flows and FAQ handlers
• Lead qualification and appointment booking
• AI-powered natural language understanding

Analytics & Reporting:

• Message delivery rates and response times
• Agent performance metrics
• Customer satisfaction tracking

Phase 7: Testing & Launch

1. Send test messages to verify template rendering
2. Test media attachments and button functionality
3. Start with small customer segment (soft launch)
4. Monitor delivery rates and response quality
5. Scale gradually while maintaining high engagement