❇️ How To Set Up Whatsapp In Bookboost
How To Set Up Whatsapp In Bookboost
What Do You Need Before Connecting WhatsApp?
Before activating WhatsApp for your Bookboost account, there are a few key requirements to ensure a smooth setup process. This article will walk you through everything you need to get started. No stress—we’ll support you every step of the way!
1. Choose the Phone Number You’ll Use
You have two options:
- Bookboost can provide you with a new number, or
- You can use one of your own phone numbers.
- The number must be able to receive international phone calls or SMS.
- During setup, it will receive a verification call with a code.
- If your number has voicemail or an automatic menu (IVR), you’ll need to turn it off temporarily to receive the call.
- Once the number is connected to WhatsApp Business, you can’t use it in the regular WhatsApp app anymore (Meta’s rule).
If you use your own number, keep in mind:
2. Ensure the Number Is Not Being Used in the WhatsApp App
If your number is currently connected to the WhatsApp Business mobile app, you will need to delete that account before we can connect it to Bookboost.
Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) doesn’t allow the same number to be used in both the app and the business API at the same time.
3. Set Up a Meta Business Manager
To connect WhatsApp, you’ll need a Meta Business Manager. This is a free tool from Meta (Facebook) that helps manage your business information.
Here’s what’s required:
- The Business Manager must be verified by Meta.
- Someone from your team must have Admin access to it.
- The display name you choose (how your guests will see your business on WhatsApp) must match your branding. If it doesn’t, Meta might reject it.
If you don’t already have a Meta Business Manager, we can help you set it up.
⏱ Timeline for Creating and Verifying Your Meta Business Manager
Step 1: Create Your Meta Business Manager (⏳ ~15 minutes)
Creating the account itself is very quick. You can start here:
You’ll just need to enter basic information such as:
- Your business name (must match your official documents)
- Your business email address (ideally linked to your company domain, e.g. info@yourhotel.com)
- Your business address and phone number
💡 Tip: Make sure the information you enter here matches your legal business documents. Any mismatch may delay the verification later.
Step 2: Submit Your Business for Verification (⏳ 1–5 business days on average, sometimes up to 2 weeks)
After creating the account, Meta requires you to verify your business. This is the part that takes longer. You’ll need to upload documents that prove your company is legitimate, such as:
- Business license or registration certificate
- Tax/VAT certificate
- Utility bill or bank statement that shows your business name and address
- Your official website (the domain should match your business name)
Meta reviews these documents to confirm your business identity. Typically:
- ✅ Most businesses are verified in 2–5 days.
- ⏳ If Meta asks for additional documents, the process can take up to 2 weeks.
⚠️ What if your page is not eligible for verification?
If you see a message that your business page isn’t eligible, Meta requires you to create an app in the Meta for Developers platform to continue with the verification process. You can start here:
Once the app is created, you can return to the verification page, and your business should now appear as eligible. This change may show up immediately or take a few hours to reflect.
🔍 Final Checks Before Going Live
Before we can activate your WhatsApp number, please double-check the following:
- ✅ Has your Meta Business Manager been verified? (⏳ 1–5 business days on average, sometimes up to 2 weeks)
- ✅ Has your WhatsApp Business Account been approved?
(Meta takes around 1–2 weeks to approve this)
- ✅ Does your display name follow WhatsApp's rules?
If the name doesn’t meet the guidelines, your launch will be delayed.
- ❌ Is your business in a restricted industry according to WhatsApp’s Commerce Policy?
Some types of businesses are not allowed to use WhatsApp.
💬 WhatsApp Messaging Rules: How and When You Can Talk to Guests
Once your WhatsApp number is active, it’s important to understand how communication works on this platform.
- ✅ If a guest messages you first, you have a 24-hour window to reply freely with any content.
- ❌ If more than 24 hours pass since the last guest message, you can no longer reply unless you use a pre-approved WhatsApp Message Template.
- ✅ You can start a conversation, but only with a Message Template that’s been approved by Meta.
These rules are enforced by Meta to prevent spam. All templates must follow WhatsApp’s guidelines and be approved before use.
💡 Good to Know
- You can connect one WhatsApp number per property.
- You don’t need a Facebook page, but having one is recommended by Meta.
- By default, Meta allows up to 20 WhatsApp numbers per business. Need more? Just contact us!