Link Your WhatsApp Business

Where your African customers actually contact you

Difficulty: Advanced

WhatsApp Business API requires verification and has more requirements than other channels. For most small businesses, we recommend using WhatsApp for receiving leads (click-to-WhatsApp ads) rather than full API integration.

Two Ways to Use WhatsApp with Applisum

Option 1: Click-to-WhatsApp Ads (Recommended)

Run Facebook/Instagram ads with a "Message on WhatsApp" button. When someone clicks, it opens a WhatsApp chat with your business number.

Easy to set up
Works with regular WhatsApp Business app
No API integration needed
Perfect for small businesses

This is what most Applisum customers use.

Option 2: Full WhatsApp API Integration

Direct API connection that lets Applisum track messages, send automated replies, and count leads directly.

Requires business verification
More complex setup
Pay-per-conversation costs
Best for high-volume businesses

Only needed if you want automated messaging.

Setting Up Click-to-WhatsApp Ads (Option 1)

Step 1: Install WhatsApp Business App

If you're using regular WhatsApp, switch to the Business version:

Download "WhatsApp Business" from Play Store or App Store (it's free)
You can use the same phone number as your personal WhatsApp (it will migrate your chats)
OR use a separate business phone number
Set up your business profile: name, description, address, hours, website

Step 2: Connect WhatsApp to Your Facebook Page

Open your Facebook Page
Go to Settings → Linked Accounts
Click "WhatsApp"
Enter your WhatsApp Business phone number
Verify with the code sent to your phone

Step 3: Create Click-to-WhatsApp Ads in Applisum

In Applisum, go to Campaign Creation
Select "Lead Generation" as your goal
Choose "WhatsApp" as your lead destination
Create your ad content (image, text)
Set your budget and audience
Launch your campaign

When someone clicks your ad, WhatsApp opens with a pre-filled message. They send it, and you respond. That's a lead.

Full WhatsApp API Integration (Option 2)

If you want Applisum to directly track WhatsApp messages, you need the full API integration. This is more complex:

Requirements

A verified Facebook Business Manager account
A dedicated phone number (cannot use the same number as WhatsApp Business app)
Business verification documents (business registration, utility bill, etc.)
Acceptance of Meta's WhatsApp Business Terms

Step 1: Set Up Facebook Business Manager

Go to business.facebook.com
Create or log into your Business Manager
Go to Business Settings → Business Info
Complete business verification (may take 2-14 days)

Step 2: Add WhatsApp to Business Manager

In Business Manager, go to Business Settings → Accounts → WhatsApp Accounts
Click "Add"
Follow the prompts to add your WhatsApp Business Account
Register your phone number
Verify the number with a code

Step 3: Link to Applisum

In Applisum, go to Business → Channels
Click "Link Channel" → WhatsApp
Log in with your Facebook Business Manager account
Select your WhatsApp Business Account
Grant the required permissions

WhatsApp API Costs

The WhatsApp Cloud API charges per conversation (not per message):

First 1,000 conversations/month: Free
After that: ~$0.03-0.05 per conversation (varies by country)
A "conversation" is a 24-hour window of messages with one customer

For most small businesses, the free tier is more than enough.

Why WhatsApp Matters in Africa

WhatsApp is the #1 communication app in Africa. Your customers are already on it. When they see your ad, they're more likely to message you on WhatsApp than fill out a web form or call. Click-to-WhatsApp ads typically have higher conversion rates than other lead types in African markets.