Reach a large audience of over 2 billion users worldwide.
Enhance customer engagement with personalised and automated messaging.
Boost brand visibility through a verified WhatsApp Business Account.
Public preview
This feature is currently in public preview.
Before you start
Things you need to know:
This integration must be completed by the account admin or a managed user with the Can manage account permission.
If you want to use your own number, you must have a mobile number to receive Meta's One-Time Password (OTP) messages. This number is visible to contacts on messages.
If you don't want to use your own number, you can also use a number provided by Meta (+1 555).Your Dotdigital account must have SMS Pay as you go. Learn more.
You must have a Facebook profile.
Only automated replies to WhatsApp messages are currently supported.
Using our +44 numbers for OTP
Our UK inbound numbers can’t receive OTP messages. This means that if a customer rents a +44 inbound number from us and uses it during WhatsApp integration, they won’t see the code sent by Meta in the SMS inbound report.
To use an existing UK number with WhatsApp, contact our support. We can get this OTP message for you or provide you with a new number capable of receiving OTP messages.
Connect WhatsApp to Dotdigital
The steps you take here depend on whether you already have a WhatsApp Business Account or need to create a new WhatsApp Business Account.
Create a new WhatsApp Business Account
Existing WhatsApp Business Account
You cannot select an existing phone number or WhatsApp Business Profile.
Even with an existing WhatsApp Business Account, you must create a new profile or add a new number. To use a number assigned to a WhatsApp Business Account, delete it in WhatsApp Manager (Meta Platform), then add it again using the form during integration in the Dotdigital platform.
1. Fill in your business information
In Dotdigital, expand the User menu, then go to Settings > WhatsApp > Manage connection.
Select CONNECT WHATSAPP. You might need to log in to Facebook at this point.
In the Facebook popover, for Business portfolio, expand the Business portfolio drop-down menu, then select Create a business portfolio.
Enter the requested business details, then select Next.
2. Create a business WhatsApp profile
This is the information that shows to people on WhatsApp.
For WhatsApp Business Account Name, enter the name of your Business Account.
For WhatsApp Business display name, enter the the display name for your business.
This should match your business name and adhere to WhatsApp Business display name guidelines.Expand the Category drop-down menu, then choose the category that best describes your business.
Enter any other requested details, then select Next.
3. Add a phone number for WhatsApp
In this step, you verify a phone number for your WhatsApp Business Account. You can use your Facebook number, a new number, or migrate from WhatsApp Messenger or the Business App. Alternatively, you can use a (+1 555) number provided by Meta.
Using your own number:
For Add a phone number for WhatsApp, select Add a new or existing number.
For Phone number, expand the region drop-down menu, and choose the region of the phone number you want to use for WhatsApp.
Enter the rest of the phone number.
For Choose how you would like to verify your number, select the verification method you want to use to verify your phone number. Options: Text message or Phone call.
Select Next.
Once you receive the verification code, enter the six-digit verification code into the box.
Select Next.
Using a Meta (+1 555) number:
First, some things you need to know:
You must be verified by Meta to use a Meta-provided +1 555 number.
This number cannot be used to start or receive calls or texts.
This number does not require verification.
This number always has a US country code (+1) and a 555 area code.
To use a Meta number, under Add a phone number for WhatsApp, select Get a free WhatsApp number. Then select Next.
+1555 numbers
You cannot send messages immediately from the free +1555 number. It typically takes 1 to 2 business days to be approved and for the messaging limit to be increased.
4. Review permissions and complete connection
Read and review the permissions related to this connection.
If you want to proceed, select Save.
When the integration is successfully complete, you see your WhatsApp account details in Dotdigital.
This may take a few seconds to refresh with the connection details. If it does not happen automatically, please try refreshing the page.
Verify your WhatsApp Business Account
You must verify your WhatsApp Business Account within 30 days to avoid deactivation. Unverified accounts have limited messaging capabilities. Verification can take up to 30 days, and Dotdigital is not responsible for this process.
Learn how to verify your WhatsApp Business Account.
Check your WhatsApp connection status
If you're having connection problems and need to check the connection status of your WhatsApp to Dotdigital connection:
In Dotdigital, go to Settings > WhatsApp > Manage connection.
The connection status is displayed at the top of the page.