Stayntouch PMS [IN PILOT] Stayntouch Guest Messaging Onboarding Via WhatsApp – WhatsApp Business Account Integration
Your WhatsApp Business account is linked directly to your Facebook/Meta Business Account. Unlike a standalone SMS service, Meta manages WhatsApp messaging as a central part of its business ecosystem, using your Meta Business Account as the primary identity and authorization layer.
To integrate Stayntouch with your WhatsApp Business account, we must grant access to WhatsApp’s APIs through your Meta Business Account. This secure authorization allows us to deliver messages to your guests on your behalf.
During our onboarding call, we will guide you through the process of granting Guest Messaging API access so your international guests can begin receiving seamless communication from your property. To ensure a successful setup, please review the preparation steps and best practices below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Connecting WhatsApp Business Via Meta
Pre-Call Checklist
- Admin Rights: Confirm you are an admin of your property’s Facebook Business Portfolio at business.facebook.com.
- Phone Number: Identify the number you wish to use (Landlines are highly recommended).
- Availability: Ensure you can receive a 6-digit code on that number during the call. Disable any IVR or answering machines temporarily.
- Manual Use Notice: Once connected to the API, this number can no longer be used for manual chat via the WhatsApp app. All communication will be handled by the AI.
Prerequisites For WhatsApp Onboarding Call
Account Access & Profile
- To begin, log in at business.facebook.com.
- Use an Established Profile: Use a long-standing Facebook account. Meta’s security filters often flag "empty" or brand-new profiles, which can stall your setup.
- Business Email: Use a professional company email rather than a personal one.
Selecting Your Business Portfolio
- Navigate to Settings and select the portfolio representing your company.
- Consolidation: One Business Portfolio is usually enough for a single company, even if you plan to host multiple phone numbers.
- Data Accuracy: Ensure all information is precise, as Meta uses this for identity verification.
Verifying Business Information
- Meta cross-references this data with official government records.
- Legal Details: Under Business Info, ensure the "Title" and "Business Details" match your official tax filings or Chamber of Commerce documents exactly.
- Parent Companies: If your property is owned by a holding company, use the holding company’s legal details for a smoother verification process.
- Scroll down to the bottom and locate My Info. Click Edit to add your name and email address if they have not already been entered.
Team Access/People
To prevent being locked out of your account, we recommend:
- Redundancy: Assign "Full Control" to at least two trusted administrators.
- Onboarding Representative: The person leading the Stayntouch setup must be listed here with their Facebook-linked login to authorize the API.
Managing Partners & Pages
- Partners: Review the Partners tab and remove inactive agencies or outdated services.
- Note: If you have an existing WhatsApp provider, do not remove them yet. We will handle the migration together.
- Pages: Ensure all relevant Facebook Pages are added to your portfolio. If a page is managed by another entity, they must grant you "Full Control" to move it into your main portfolio.
WhatsApp Number Preparation
- App Users: If you currently use the WhatsApp Business App, add it to your portfolio settings now.
- New Users: If you don't have an account yet, don't create one manually. The API setup will automatically generate your profile during our call.
- Landlines: You do not need a mobile device; a standard landline works perfectly for the API.
Billing & Finalization
- Meta charges per-conversation fees. Once the technical API connection is established during our call, the option to add a Payment Method will appear in your Meta Business Suite. You must complete this step for messages to flow to your guests.
- Pro Tip: Have your official business registration documents handy during the call just in case Meta requests a quick verification upload!
Additional detailed information about WhatsApp API can be found here: https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/get-started