WhatsApp Business API Integration for Professional Communication

WhatsApp Business API is the enterprise version of WhatsApp, specially for businesses that want to integrate WhatsApp with their CRM and systems.

Differences with Regular WhatsApp

Why Use WhatsApp Business API?

• Popular channel: 2+ billion users worldwide
• High engagement: 98% open rate, 45% response rate
• Rich media: Send photos, videos, documents, locations
• Verified business: Green checkmark badge = trust
• CRM integration: All chats in your Tesoro inbox
• Team samenwerking: Multiple agents can help

Requirements for WhatsApp Business API

• Facebook Business Manager account
• Verified business: Business registration, official website
• Dedicated phone number: niet in use on other WhatsApp
• Business Solution Provider (BSP): Via Twilio, MessageBird, or direct Meta

Step 1: Facebook Business Manager Setup

1. Go to business.facebook.com
2. Create Business Manager (or use existing)
3. Add your business details:
   • Business name
   • Address
   • Website URL
   • Business registration number
4. Business is verified (1-3 business days)

Step 2: Create WhatsApp Business Account

1. In Facebook Business Manager, go to Business Settings
2. Click Accounts > WhatsApp Accounts
3. Click Add > Create a WhatsApp Business Account
4. Fill in business information
5. Accept WhatsApp Business Terms

Step 3: Register Phone Number

1. Click Add Phone Number
2. Enter dedicated phone number (must niet already have WhatsApp)
3. Choose verification method:
   • SMS: Receive code via SMS
   • Voice call: Automated call with code
4. Enter verification code
5. Number is now registered for WhatsApp Business

Step 4: Connect Tesoro via BSP

Option A: Via Twilio (Recommended)

1. Log in to Twilio Console
2. Go to Messaging > Try WhatsApp
3. Click Connect to Facebook Business
4. Authorize Twilio access to your WhatsApp Business Account
5. Copy Twilio WhatsApp credentials
6. In Tesoro: Settings > Integrations > WhatsApp
7. Paste credentials and click Connect

Option B: Direct Meta Cloud API

1. In Facebook Business Manager, go to WhatsApp account
2. Click API Setup
3. Copy:
   • WhatsApp Business Account ID
   • Phone Number ID
   • Access Token
4. In Tesoro: paste these in WhatsApp settings

24-Hour Messaging Window

WhatsApp Business API has an important rule:

• Within 24 hours after last customer message: You can freely send messages
• After 24 hours: You must use pre-approved message template

Sending Messages from Tesoro

1. Open a contact
2. Click Send WhatsApp Message
3. Tesoro shows if you're within 24h window:
   • Green: Free message possible
   • Red: Only templates allowed
4. Write message or choose template
5. Add rich media (optional):
   • Image (property photos)
   • Video (property tour)
   • Document (PDF brochure)
   • Location (viewing address)
6. Click Send

Sending Rich Media

Share Property Photo:

1. In WhatsApp compose, click Attach Image
2. Select property photo from media library
3. Add caption: "Beautiful loft in center, €350k, 3 bedrooms"
4. Send

Share Location:

1. Click Share Location
2. Select property address
3. Tesoro creates WhatsApp location link
4. Customer can navigate directly in Google Maps

WhatsApp Quick Replies

For fast responses:

• In chat window, see Quick Replies sidebar
• Pre-made answers like:
  • "Schedule viewing"
  • "Request more information"
  • "Thanks for interest"
• Click to send directly

WhatsApp Business API Costs

Pricing model is per conversation, niet per message:

• Business-initiated conversation: €0.03-0.05 per 24h window
• User-initiated conversation: First message free
• Free tier: First 1,000 conversations/month free

Conversation = 24h window:

• Multiple messages in 24h = 1 conversation = 1x cost
• After 24h = new conversation = cost again

Optimize Costs

• Respond within 24h: Customer-initiated conversation is cheaper
• Bundle messages: Send everything at once instead of split
• Use templates smartly: For important updates

WhatsApp Privacy & GDPR

WhatsApp Business API is GDPR-compliant provided:

• Opt-in: Customer must give permission for WhatsApp communication
• Clear purpose: Explain what you use WhatsApp for
• Opt-out possible: Customer can say stop
• Data retention: Chats are retained according to GDPR guidelines

Green Checkmark Verification

For official "Verified Business" green badge:

1. Business must go through Meta Business Verification
2. Requirements:
   • Official business registration
   • Working website with privacy policy
   • Physical business address
   • Phone number
3. Verification takes 1-2 weeks
4. After approval: green checkmark appears