This guide walks you through everything you need to set up WhatsApp for your business and start messaging your customers.
Before You Start
Things you need to know:
You must have a Facebook profile and admin access to your Facebook Business Portfolio.
You need a phone number to create a WhatsApp account.
You must be an account admin in Dotdigital or a managed user with the Can manage account permission.
You must read and understand these WhatsApp policies:
Setting up WhatsApp for the first time? Our WhatsApp course in Dotdigital Academy walks you through the basics.
Set up your WhatsApp account
The process:
Create account → Verify business → Edit profile → Get verification badge → Understand limits
Complete these steps to create and verify your WhatsApp Business account:
Create a new WhatsApp account
You can do this directly in Dotdigital. Already have a WhatsApp account? Learn to migrate in Migrate your WhatsApp account to Dotdigital.
Verify your Business Portfolio
Submit your business details for review by Meta.
Edit your WhatsApp profile
Add key information about your company, including business name, address, category, description, email, and website.
Understand WhatsApp messaging limits
WhatsApp imposes messaging limits to maintain quality interactions and prevent spam. You should be familiar with these limits to manage your business communications effectively.
Start sending WhatsApp campaigns
Once your WhatsApp account is set up and connected with Dotdigital, you can start messaging your customers.
The process:
Collect WhatsApp subscribers → Create message template → Send WhatsApp campaign
Here's how to complete each step:
Collect WhatsApp subscribers
Manage consent for WhatsApp subscribers by gathering opt-ins and ensuring contacts can opt-out when needed.
Create message templates
Use templates to start conversations with customers who haven't messaged you in the last 24 hours. Templates must be approved before use.
Create and send a WhatsApp campaign
Campaigns on WhatsApp let you send a single message to multiple recipients simultaneously, ideal for marketing and updates.
Next steps
Your WhatsApp Business account is now ready to use.
You can start creating campaigns and engaging with your customers through WhatsApp messaging.
Learn how to create engaging campaigns and maximize your WhatsApp channel. Explore our WhatsApp marketing 101 course in Dotdigital Academy.