The WhatsApp Business API is different from the WhatsApp Business app — and the setup trips up a lot of owners. Here’s the short version.
What you need before you start
A dedicated phone number that is not currently on any WhatsApp account, a Meta Business Manager account, and your business details for verification. The number you use here should not be your personal WhatsApp.
The steps, in order
Create a Meta Business Manager → add a WhatsApp Business Account → register your dedicated number → complete business verification → grab your WhatsApp Business Account ID. Nudge walks you through each of these inside onboarding.
About message templates
For business-initiated messages (like follow-ups), Meta requires pre-approved templates. Plan a day or two for approval. Replies within a 24-hour customer window don’t need templates.
The shortcut
If approvals haven’t landed yet, you can still run the full loop on a shared number with a UPI link fallback — so you’re not blocked while Meta reviews your account.
Put your WhatsApp on autopilot.
Nudge is opening to a small group of founding businesses. Request priority access.
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