Prerequisites to Create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)

Introduction

Welcome! Before you can start using WhatsApp Business to connect with your customers, you need to complete some important steps. This guide will take you through the prerequisites needed to set up your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) without any hassle. Let's get started!

Checklist:

Create a Meta Business Suite Account

Fill out business information correctly

Verify Meta Business Account

Have a Number ready for WhatsApp that meets the requirements

 

1. Create a Meta Business Suite Account

Why you need it

A Meta Business Suite account is essential as it serves as the basis for your WhatsApp Business Account. It allows you to manage your business' presence on Facebook and Instagram from one place.

How to Create a Meta Business Suite Account

If you already have a Meta Business Suite account, you can skip to the next section.

Steps to Create an Account:

1. Visit the Meta Business Suite Website:
   • And a Meta Business Suite and click "Create account".
2. Login or Register:
   • If you have a personal Facebook account, sign in with your credentials.
   • If not, click "Register" to create a new Facebook account.
3. Create Your Business Account:
   • Once you're logged in, click "Create account" in the upper right corner.
   • Enter the Name of your business, that's it Name, and you Business email address.
   • Click "Following".
4. Enter your Business Details:
   • Provides the Address of your business, Phone number, and Website (and apply).
   • Select the option of Commercial use that best describes your business.
   • Click "To send".
5. Confirm Your Email:
   • Check your email for a confirmation message from Meta Business Suite.
   • Click the link provided to confirm your email address.

Video Reference:

 

2. Complete Your Business Information in Meta Business Suite

Why it is important

Providing complete and accurate information about your business builds trust with your customers and is necessary for account verification.

Information to Complete

• Company name: The official name of your business.
• Website: The URL of your business website.
• Address: Physical address of your business.
• Contact information: Email address and phone number for customer inquiries.

How to Update Your Commercial Information

1. Access Commercial Configuration:
   • In Meta Business Suite, click the icon "Configuration" in the lower left corner.
   • Select "Business setup" on the menu.
2. Navigate to Business Information:
   • In the left sidebar, click "Business information".
3. Edit Your Information:
   • Click the button "Edit" next to each section to add or update your information.
   • Make sure all fields are filled out and accurate.
4. Save Changes:
   • After updating each section, click "Keep".

Advice: Double-check your information to make sure there are no typos that could delay the verification process.

 

3. Verify Your Meta Business Suite Account

Why Verification is Important

Verifying your business adds credibility and unlocks all features of the WhatsApp Business Platform, including higher messaging limits.

How to Verify Your Business

1. Go to the Security Center:
   • In Meta Business Suite, navigate to "Security Center" in the left sidebar.
2. Start Verification:
   • Click "Start verification" in the section "Business verification status".
3. Provides Business Details:
   • You will be asked to enter information such as:
     • Legal name of the business
     • Address
     • Phone number
     • Business registration details
4. Upload Documentation:
   • Provide official documents that verify your business information, such as:
     • Commercial license
     • Certificate of incorporation
     • Tax registration documents
5. Submit for Review:
   • After filling all the details and uploading the necessary documents, click on "To send".
6. Wait for Approval:
   • The verification process may take a few days.
   • You can check the status of your verification in the "Security Center".

Use: Make sure all information matches your official documents exactly to avoid delays.

 

Video References: 

4. Prepare Your Phone Number

Telephone Number Requirements

To use WhatsApp Business, you will need a phone number that meets specific criteria.

Your Phone Number Must Be:

• Your property: You must have the legal rights to use the number.
• Able to Receive Calls or SMS: The number must be able to receive voice calls or text messages for verification purposes.
• Not be a Short Code: Shortcodes are not supported.
• Not Previously Used with WhatsApp: If the number is already registered with WhatsApp Messenger or the WhatsApp Business App, you will need to delete that account first.

How to Check If Your Number is Eligible

• Test Receiving Calls/SMS: Make sure the number can receive calls or messages.
• Verify the Registration in WhatsApp: Try registering the number on WhatsApp to see if it is already in use.

If Your Number is Already Registered with WhatsApp

You Need to Delete the Existing WhatsApp Account Associated with the Number:

1. Open WhatsApp on Your Phone:
   • Use the app where the number is currently registered.
2. Navigate to Settings:
   • Tap the icon "Configuration".
3. Go to Account Settings:
   • Tap on "Account".
4. Delete Your Account:
   • Tap on "Delete my account".
   • Enter your phone number in the full international format.
   • Touch "Delete my account".
5. Confirm the Deletion:
   • Follow the prompts to confirm.

Important: Deleting your account is irreversible and will delete your message history and remove you from all WhatsApp groups.

Reference: How to Delete Your WhatsApp Account

If Your Number Is Blocked

• Contact Support:
  • If your number has been blocked from WhatsApp, you need to appeal the block.
  • Email: support@whatsapp.com
  • Includes: Your telephone number in international format and explain the situation.

Conclusion

By completing these prerequisites, you are now ready to set up your WhatsApp Business Account and start connecting with your customers!

Checklist Before Proceeding:

• Have a Meta Business Suite account.
• Completely filled out business information (company name, website, address, contact information).
• Verified Meta Business Suite account.
• Prepared eligible phone numbers.

 

Additional Resources

• Create a Meta Business Suite Account: Get started with Meta Business Suite
• Verify Your Business: How to Verify Your Business in Meta
• Delete Your WhatsApp Account: How to Delete Your WhatsApp Account