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WhatsApp Business API + Facebook Business Manager Checklist

🏢 1. Prepare Your Business

Before starting, your company must be officially registered and properly documented.

Example certificate of incorporation for a UK private limited company


Make sure you have:

Consistency is critical — even small mismatches can lead to verification failure.


🌐 2. Create a Website

A website is a key trust signal for Meta and is strongly recommended (often required in practice).

Example business website showing services and a contact form

Example website footer with contact, privacy policy and terms links

At minimum, your website should include:

  • A clear description of your business
  • Contact details (email, phone number)
  • A footer with:
    • Legal company name
    • Registration number
    • Business address

Even a simple one-page landing page is sufficient if it looks professional and complete.


⚙️ 3. Set Up Facebook Business Manager

Next, create and configure your Business Manager account under Meta.

Facebook Business settings with People selected and the All tools menu open
Meta Business Suite form for creating a business account
Invite People screen highlighting full control and the Next button

You must fully complete:

Incomplete or inaccurate information is one of the most common reasons for rejection.


📄 4. Verify Your Business

Business verification is a required step to access WhatsApp Business API.

Meta Business information showing business details and verification status
Business verification form for uploading proof of legal name, address or phone number
Spanish table of examples of accepted and not accepted business verification documents

Prepare the following documents:

  • Business registration certificate
  • Tax ID (if applicable)
  • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement)

Requirements:

  • Documents must be clear and readable
  • Information must match your Business Manager exactly
  • Some documents must be issued within the last 3–6 months

🔐 5. Verify Your Domain (Recommended)

While not always mandatory, domain verification significantly improves your chances of approval.

Business settings showing Brand Safety, Domains and the Add button
Domain verification screen with a DNS TXT record and the Verify button
DNS record editor with TXT selected and fields for host, value and TTL

Steps:

  • Add your domain in Business Manager
  • Verify it via DNS, HTML file upload, or meta tag

This step increases trust and strengthens your business profile.


📱 6. Prepare a Phone Number

You’ll need a dedicated phone number to connect to WhatsApp Business API.

Requirements:

  • Not actively used in a regular WhatsApp account (or ready for migration)
  • Able to receive SMS or voice calls
  • Dedicated for business communication

🔌 7. Connect WhatsApp Business API





You will:

  • Connect your phone number
  • Complete SMS or voice verification
  • Link your number to your Business Manager account

💬 8. Set Up Messaging and Automation

After connection, you can configure how you communicate with customers.



HubSpot inbox showing a ChatArchitect conversation and email reply



Set up:

  • Message templates (required for outbound messages)
  • CRM or messaging inbox
  • Auto-replies or chatbots (optional)

This is where you unlock the full power of WhatsApp automation.


⚠️ Final Checklist Before Submission

Before starting verification, double-check everything:

  • All company data matches across documents and Business Manager
  • Website is live and complete
  • Documents are high quality and up to date
  • Business Manager profile is fully 
  • Phone number is ready for connection

🚀 Final Result

Once everything is properly set up, you’ll be able to:

  • Send and receive messages via WhatsApp API
  • Automate customer communication
  • Integrate WhatsApp with your CRM (Kommo, HubSpot, etc.)

💡 Conclusion

Connecting WhatsApp Business API is not complicated — but it requires attention to detail. Most issues arise from inconsistencies, missing information, or weak business presence.

By following this checklist step by step, you can complete the setup quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.