The WhatsApp Business API is Meta’s official way for businesses to manage customer communication at scale. This guide explains how onboarding works with Mersal — what you need, what Meta approves, and how to get verified and sending.
WhatsApp Business API vs. the regular app
The WhatsApp Business API is built for businesses that need scale, automation, approved templates, team access, campaigns, reporting and integration with a platform like Mersal. The regular WhatsApp Business App is better for small, manual use from a single phone.
Bulk campaignsApproved templatesShared inboxTeam supportAutomationAnalyticsCustomer segmentationBusiness-scale communication
Before you start: what you’ll need
Have these ready before onboarding so nothing slows down the Meta review.
A registered businessA Meta Business PortfolioAdmin access to the Meta Business PortfolioA valid phone numberAccess to receive OTP by SMS or voice callA website or public business presenceA clear business nameA business address and phone number where applicableA privacy policy if requiredCustomer opt-in before sending campaigns
The Meta onboarding process, step by step
1
Connect your Meta Business accountLink (or create) your Meta Business Portfolio through Mersal.
2
Register your WhatsApp numberAdd a number that can receive an OTP and isn’t on the regular app.
3
Verify your business if Meta requests itProvide your legal details and documents when prompted.
4
Submit or set your display nameChoose a name that matches your business; Meta reviews it.
5
Return to MersalCome back to your workspace to finish setup.
6
Create approved templatesDraft and submit templates for the messages you’ll send.
7
Import or organize contactsBring in opted-in contacts and segment them.
8
Launch your first campaignSend to a targeted list using an approved template.
9
Monitor delivery, replies, quality and resultsTrack how it performs and iterate.
Getting the green tick
The green checkmark, or verified badge, is controlled by Meta. Mersal can guide your business through the required setup, but Mersal cannot guarantee approval. Give yourself the best chance with a clear brand presence, correct legal information, a proper website, and a display name that matches your business identity.
Mersal cannot guarantee the green tick. Meta grants it based on brand notability and policy compliance.
Creating your first message templates
Business-initiated messages usually require approved templates. Templates are reviewed by Meta, so they should be clear, specific, compliant and correctly categorized as Marketing, Utility or Authentication.
Meta controls messaging limits and your quality rating. New accounts may start with lower limits, which can increase as you send useful messages and avoid blocks and reports. Poor-quality messaging can reduce your reach or cause restrictions.