Migrate your WhatsApp account to Business API

WhatsApp Business, despite being a very useful tool for managing a business, it falls short when it comes to a large or growing company. Hence, it is necessary to opt for WhatsApp Business API, managed by a service provider that provides the management of WhatsApp chats.

It should be noted that there is no way to access the WhatsApp API without a provider. You will need to select one that suits your business needs. It is important that you talk to an agent to clarify your requirements and clear up any doubts you may have. There are those that offer a more personalized service than others, but you won’t always need something too specific. The person you contact will guide you to let you know what they can offer you and if it fits what you are looking for.

Now, after you have weighed the need for the WhatsApp account type change and selected an API provider, what’s left is to do the following steps:

Verify your account with Facebook

WhatsApp API is valid only for registered businesses. Facebook will ask you to send the legal documents related to this. The review and verification process can take up to 15 days, so it is recommended that you do this in time.

Facebook Verification is generally approved for notable businesses and not for smaller ones. Make sure your business is, and that it complies with Facebook’s terms and conditions for merchants and businesses. After verifying your account with Facebook, we will proceed to perform some important steps in order to successfully migrate our account. These steps are:

1) Approval of your business name

The first step you should take is to make your business name visible in the profile name. This will give it credibility, so it’s imperative that it’s exactly the name of your business. To do this, you can contact the BSP (the API provider) you’ve selected or do it yourself in Facebook Business Manager.

In addition to the name, this step will give you a certificate that will allow you to operate. It is indispensable for the API to work.

2) Choose your phone number

You can use a new phone number, and you can also use the one you have been using before. The second option is the most recommended because it will give continuity in terms of image you have with your customers.

3) Delete your current WhatsApp account

The first thing you need to do is delete the WhatsApp account associated with that number. On the device where you have the account set up, go to the Account settings and click on the option to delete the account. It may take 3 hours for the change to take effect.

4) Add the number to your new WhatsApp account

Add the phone number to the WhatsApp account in the Facebook Business Manager and enter the pre-approved name. Once Facebook (the company that owns WhatsApp) has approved the account, you can start using it.

Make sure you have a valid phone number, and the one you used before works. If you don’t have one, your chosen API provider may be able to provide one.

If you have already registered a number with a Business Service Provider, you will not be able to use the same number with another provider. Such a migration is not possible at this time. If you want to apply with a new provider, you will need to use a new number.

5) Configure everything again

Please note that after you have taken the migration step, you will not be able to go back. Chats, backups and so on will not be able to be imported into the new account. Everything will have to be configured from scratch: profile, settings, etc. You will not be able to recover any of the above.

The messages you receive during the migration process will be saved in the cloud and you’ll receive them when it’s finished.

Note

Your account may still not be able to receive messages within a range of 2-48 hours. This is perfectly normal, you don’t need to worry.

Next steps

If you’ve done everything right, you’ll already have your WhatsApp API account enabled. It doesn’t have a specific app with an interface from which to access your messages. You will have to use the platform that your Business Service Provider tells you to use, or a CRM that you choose on your own. Sometimes, depending on the provider, you will need to integrate an external CRM.

All the integrations that you previously had with WhatsApp Business you will be able to manage in the platform that your provider gives you. This includes chatbots, multi-agent software, connection with the ERP you’re using, etc. All this you will have to connect again, but you will not need to configure it from scratch because the functions that you have previously programmed in these external platforms will be already integrated. You must make sure that your provider has availability of these services.

Tips to keep your WhatsApp API account active

It’s crucial that you always fully comply with Facebook’s terms and conditions. Failure to comply could result in the business account being closed and the name no longer being available for further use.

A piece of advice: before any update, read all the rules thoroughly, so you can check that everything is in order. If you update, but you haven’t read everything and you break a new rule, the account could still be sanctioned. Continuing with the use implies that you accept the terms, so you should always keep up to date.

Another aspect you should consider is that the image of the company matters more than ever. Ratings are more than relevant to keep the account active. If you receive too many negative ratings, Facebook might consider closing it.

WhatsApp API is aimed at further improving the customer experience, with features that WhatsApp Business does not allow. The company that uses it should take this into account and further improve both your image and your relationship with users. This care even goes as far as data protection and requesting only relevant data, not those that may be considered unnecessary or invasive.

The other factor to take into account is that, if the company sells something, it must comply with the Trade Policies. And if the business is a news company, it must register as a Facebook news page.

In short, for the company to keep the account active, it will have to fulfill what it promises as a company, take care of its image, offer quality services, protect the user and not commit discriminatory acts. Respecting the user will be your goal and the best way to take care of the account.

Conclusions

In conclusion, you will be able to create your WhatsApp Business API account easily by following the steps we have shared with you. Additionally, with the have the help of a BSP or an external tool like Callbell to facilitate this migration, everything will be much easier.

The idea today is that you can hire service providers like Callbell that ultimately facilitate all processes and give you specific features for sales teams or customer service. Additionally, they also allow you to connect other social networks like Facebook, Instagram or Telegram. If you want to know more about what this tool has to offer, click here.