How to get started with WhatsApp API?

Setting up the WhatsApp Business API is the first step to unlocking powerful tools for messaging, automation, and marketing. Whether you want to automate support, run personalized campaigns, or connect WhatsApp with your CRM, this guide explains how to get started, what you need, and how to do it right.

What Is WhatsApp Business API and Who Is It For?

The WhatsApp Business API is designed for medium to large businesses that want to scale communication and integrate WhatsApp into their customer engagement systems. Unlike the WhatsApp Business App, which suits small teams, the API supports automation, integrations, and multi-agent workflows.

This API is best suited for:

• Customer support teams with many agents
• Marketing teams running campaigns
• Sectors like healthcare, e-commerce, finance, and logistics
• Platforms that need WhatsApp connected to CRMs, ERPs, or automation tools

Read more about what the WhatsApp Business API is

WhatsApp API Setup Checklist

Before onboarding, ensure your business has the following:

• Meta Business Manager account
• Legal verification documents (e.g., certificate of incorporation or utility bill)
• Live business website with a privacy policy
• Unique phone number not registered on WhatsApp
• Payment method (credit/debit card)

Follow the complete setup checklist here

Choose How to Access the WhatsApp API

Option 1: Meta Cloud API

• Hosted by Meta
• Free API access
• Basic toolset with limited support

Option 2: Use a Tech Provider like Sanoflow

• Full onboarding and verification support
• Built-in tools: campaigns, analytics, flows, templates
• Fast template approvals and quality tracking

Get started with WhatsApp API with Sanoflow

Steps to Activate WhatsApp Business API

Step 1: Create a Meta Business Manager account

Sign up at business.facebook.com and log in.

Step 2: Submit verification documents

Submit company documents in the Security Center and wait for Meta to review.

Step 3: Add and verify a phone number

Use a phone number not linked to WhatsApp. Verify via call or SMS.

Step 4: Create your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)

Connect the number, set your display name, and pick a messaging category.

Step 5: Submit templates and start messaging

All proactive messages need pre-approved templates before use.

Follow our WhatsApp API verification guide

Understand WhatsApp API Message Types

There are two types of messages:

• Template messages: For outbound marketing, alerts, and authentication
• Session messages: Sent within 24 hours of a user-initiated message

Read more about message types

Plan WhatsApp Marketing and Automation

Once you’re set up, use the API to:

• Run WhatsApp broadcasts to opted-in users
• Create Click-to-WhatsApp ads for Meta campaigns
• Build custom WhatsApp Flows to collect data and automate actions
• Share updates, promotions, or account alerts with segmentation
• Track customer activity, purchases, or support status

How to use WhatsApp API for marketing

WhatsApp Business API Pricing (2025)

Meta now uses per-message pricing:

• Service messages: Free within the 24-hour window
• Marketing, utility, and authentication messages: Charged per message
• No minimum spend; cost depends on message category and region

Read full WhatsApp API pricing details

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a phone number already registered with the WhatsApp App
• Not getting user opt-in before sending marketing messages
• Delaying template submissions and waiting for approvals
• Ignoring your message quality rating or feedback metrics
• Not monitoring analytics to optimize message performance

Why Start with Sanoflow

Sanoflow is a Meta Tech Provider that helps businesses launch faster and grow smarter on WhatsApp. It offers:

• Guided setup and business verification
• Phone number activation and template management
• Built-in tools for flows, campaigns, and automation
• Custom dashboards for analytics and conversion tracking

Start your WhatsApp API setup with Sanoflow

FAQs: Getting Started with WhatsApp API

Do I need to be verified to use WhatsApp Business API?

Yes. Without Meta business verification, you can’t go live or send real customer messages.

What phone number can I use?

Any number not active on the WhatsApp App. It must support call or SMS for verification.

How long does onboarding take?

If you have documents ready, expect the full process to take 3–7 business days.

Is the WhatsApp Business API free?

Access is free via the Meta Cloud API, but messages are billed based on category and volume. Platforms like Sanoflow may charge for support and added tools.

Can I automate workflows with WhatsApp API?

Yes. With Flows or third-party tools like Sanoflow, you can automate marketing, support, and transactional messages.

With this guide, your business can confidently begin its WhatsApp API journey, from setup to automation and beyond. If you want to skip the manual steps and get up and running fast, Sanoflow is the best place to start.

Start with Sanoflow today