How to Get a WhatsApp Business API Account for a Virtual Number?

People are looking for multiple ways to manage leads, customers, and follow-ups without worrying about shuffling between accounts. WhatsApp Business API for virtual numbers can support you with this and more.

Whatsapp business API for virtual numbers allows the teams to create the same account from multiple devices, target customers around borders, and manage the privacy of numbers. A Zendesk report says that 48% of the population of the world owns mobile phones, and with a user base of more than 2 billion people, WhatsApp is a marketing tool with a lot of potential.

In this post, we will discuss how to get WhatsApp Business API for virtual numbers and help with the best ways to use it for business.

What is a Virtual Number?

A virtual phone number is not connected to a physical phone line or SIM card. Apart from that, people can have an internet connection to route calls and incoming messages to any device you suggest, be it a smartphone, computer, or tablet.

Virtual phone lines are an excellent tool for sales and customer support teams since they offer flexibility by facilitating international, secure communications via the Internet. Depending on the operator and kind of number (local, mobile, or toll-free), virtual phone number fees can range from a few dollars to more than $20.

Understanding WhatsApp Business API

A small business owner looking for ways to promote their brand online and simplify customer conversation but wondering what exactly WhatsApp Business API is. Well, no more discussion about this. 

WhatsApp Business API is a game-changing tool used by medium- to large-sized businesses to connect with thousands of customers simultaneously. With numerous features offered by Whatsapp business API, like automated replies, Whatsapp chatbots, and creative messages, organizations can develop an interactive interaction flow that aligns with customers’ demands.

Set up, especially for medium to large businesses, this vital tool allows organizations to engage with several clients at a time. The messages could be promotional, transactional, and more. Now, say goodbye to boring, manual conversations and welcome automated replies, AI-driven chatbots, and creative messages. 

Additionally, you can customize your conversation flow to best fit your client’s watch for enhanced engagement and create lasting relationships. Now, get a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s dive into the exciting world of WhatsApp API.

Prerequisites of Getting WhatsApp Business API

Before going to unlock the full capabilities of customer conversation with Whatsapp Business API setup, an important step is to dot the i’s and cross t’s when this is about the prerequisites. Let’s check your business is ready for an innovative journey with the powerful platform WhatsApp Business API.

Business prerequisites for WhatsApp Business API

The very first thing is to make sure the company is ready for WhatsApp business API setup. This is what you need:

Valid Business Identity: WhatsApp can confirm that your company is legitimate if it is legally registered and has a distinct identity.

Adherence to WhatsApp Business Policy: Learn about WhatsApp’s Business Policy to make sure your company’s operations align with their guidelines.

Clientele: An existing or prospective clientele that frequently utilizes WhatsApp can significantly benefit from the API.

Customer Consent: This is a must; before contacting clients via WhatsApp, you must get their consent. 

Technical requirements

Talking about technical requirements, the Whatsapp business API setup is like managing high-tech conversations in a command center. See your checklist:

• Active Phone Number: A reliable phone number that will align with your business’s WhatsApp originality.
• Business Website: A validated business website acts as a digital footprint and lends credibility.
• Server Capability: To operate the WhatsApp API consistently, you’ll need a stable server configuration.
• Webhooks: Use webhooks to enable interactive communication flows and real-time updates.
• SSL Certificate: For WhatsApp and your server to communicate securely, an SSL certificate is required. Security is crucial.

WhatsApp Business API policies and guidelines

Let’s introduce the Whatsapp business API policies, which are quite popular in how companies communicate through API. You must have:

• Stay by the rules, relevant message formatting, and rate limits.
• Adhere to privacy and data security laws while managing customer details.
• Make sure conversations are solicited and offer value to clients.

Every information shared should be relatable and created with a purpose -which is the Getgabs way, and this is why our tools are revered as an effective way for WhatsApp business API setup.

Keep in mind that using the WhatsApp Business API has a number of obligations. Following these requirements guarantees that your business interactions are always in compliance with WhatsApp’s regulations and lays the groundwork for a smooth setup. Rest assured that your SEO rankings will appreciate it when we go into greater detail about creating your WhatsApp Business profile in the upcoming chapter.  

How to Get a Virtual Number for WhatsApp Business API?

In our last blog, we already discussed how to get a virtual number for WhatsApp Business API. You can go through the steps in detail there. To get a virtual number for WhatsApp Business API, consider the following steps:

1. Selecting a reputable organization with a positive reputation and solid services in the market is important. 
2. Follow the registration steps, inputting information such as name, email, and payment details. Select the number from the available list or opt for a personalized number if the service enables it.
3. Activate the virtual number and ensure functionality
4. Verify the virtual number for WhatsApp business to get a verification code via SMS or call. Finish the setup by giving company information and other related details.

Steps to Get WhatsApp Business API Account for Virtual Number

In getting WhatsApp business API for virtual numbers, two methods are offered by the API provider.

1. Auto onboarding via embedded sign-up
2. Manual onboarding via creating a Facebook app

Check how these methods help to get WhatsApp Business API for virtual numbers.

1. Auto onboarding through embedded sign-up

1. Step: Log in or sign up at the Getgabs portal.

2. Step: Navigate dashboard > click eye icon under ration, or go to automatic onboarding.

3. Step: Click ‘login with Facebook.’ 

4. Step: Sign in Facebook account.

5. Step: Tap ‘continue’ to verify your account at getgabs.

6. Step: Review permissions, and click ‘Get started.’

7. Step: Add business details; if already registered, select business portfolio from the dropdown menu.

8. Step: Create a WhatsApp portfolio, and add details like GST and incorporation certificate.

9. Step: Business verification will be sent for approval. Get an email from Meta to approve the account.

10. Step: The virtual number will be approved for WhatsApp Business API.

• All done! Broadcast messages, support chat and automate with WhatsApp Business API.

2. Manual Onboarding via Creating a Facebook App

1. Step: Log in or sign up at Getgabs.

2. Step: Go to manual onboarding left side panel.

3. Step: Use a Facebook developer account to create an app.

4. Step: Link new or non-whatsapp numbers to the API under WhatsApp.

5. Step: Verify company details by adding documents like GST, MSME, etc. Confirm the virtual number used for WhatsApp Business API.

6. Step: Go to the Getgabs app, copy and paste details like app ID, phone number ID, etc. Account status will be displayed in green after adding to the Getgabs.

• You’re done!

Benefits of Using Virtual Numbers with WhatsApp Business API

A list of reasons is available to know why to use Virtual numbers with WhatsApp Business API:

1. Better security

Your team will be interacting with consumers all day long if you work in sales, which may endanger their privacy and result in unsolicited direct contact with their phone numbers. Since WhatsApp hides real phone numbers, using a virtual number for WhatsApp Business API might shield your company from this.

2. Accessibility across several devices

Because a virtual phone number isn’t device-specific, you can use it simultaneously on a variety of devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more. This enables members of sales teams to reach clients from the same number on many devices.

Since new clients won’t have to wait for a single agent or device to become available, this option can speed up response times.

3. Saving money

Virtual phone numbers lower the cost of communications because they do not require physical phone lines, their connected maintenance costs, or international calling fees, they even do not need cellular provider plans as they work on the internet.

4. Scalability

Organizations can align more easily with virtual numbers for WhatsApp Business API, like not needing much logistical and financial planning. For example, they are not required to buy physical SIM cards or set up new phone lines to interact with more clients.

5. Call routing

Virtual number for WhatsApp Business API enables call routing, which is beneficial for sales executives. Utilize it to route incoming calls depending on specific rules, like the time of the day of called ID. Additionally, you can route calls to original phone numbers or multiple team executives without making customers wait.

6. Programmable IVR

You can automate menu flows for your incoming calls by using the IVR interfaces offered by certain virtual phone number providers. They make it simpler for management to pair a customer with the most qualified sales representative, depending on their inquiry.

Increase your First Call Resolution (FCR) rate and boost customer satisfaction by integrating IVR into your systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can we use WhatsApp without a phone number?

A. No, it is not possible to use WhatsApp without a phone number. WhatsApp needs a phone number for verification to ensure the user’s authenticity. A virtual phone number can serve as an option to personal phone numbers for this goal. 

Q2. Does WhatsApp approve virtual numbers?

A. Yes, WhatsApp allows virtual numbers. Multiple users successfully registered and operated WhatsApp business accounts through virtual phone numbers. However, select a reliable virtual phone number provider that presents numbers compatible with WhatsApp.

Q3. Is the virtual number for WhatsApp Business API legal?

A. Yes, virtual numbers for WhatsApp Business API are legal to use. This is used mostly for customer support and remote work conversations. That said, you must make sure the use of virtual numbers follows local regulations and the terms of service of the tool being used.

Q4. Can we receive messages through a virtual number?

A. Virtual numbers can receive messages. Various virtual phone numbers for WhatsApp business API provide SMS abilities, enabling one to send and receive messages like done with traditional phone numbers.

Q5. Why to use WhatsApp Business API?

A. WhatsApp Business API is a game-changing tool used by medium- to large-sized businesses to connect with thousands of customers simultaneously.

Conclusion

Remember, a successful setup of a virtual number for WhatsApp Business API with Getgabs is not only about making efforts. This is about creating a customer engagement landscape that is rich, interactive, and appreciative.

Setting up virtual numbers can especially improve a company’s conversation capabilities. It delivers a professional image, flexibility, and a host of functionalities to simplify customer engagement.

By carefully picking a provider, following the setup steps, and adopting best practices, you can utilize the powerful collection of tools to enhance business communications.