Getting started
Three things have to be in place before a message can go out: a Tobachat account, a WhatsApp Business account connected to us, and 1 approved template. Here's exactly who does what.
What to have ready
Connecting runs through Embedded Signup, which is Meta's own sign-up screen. We can open that screen for you, but we can't fill it in: it's your business and your assets. Have this at hand.
- A Facebook Business portfolio, previously called Business Manager. You can create one during sign-up if you don't have it yet.
- Your company name, address, and website URL. Meta asks for these and won't let you past without them.
- A phone number that isn't tied to a WhatsApp account yet. If your number is currently in the WhatsApp Business app, disconnect it there first.
- Access to that number by SMS or voice call, for the verification code.
- A display name for your business. That's what customers see instead of your number.
This part we can't take off your hands: you attach a payment method to your own WhatsApp Business account at Meta. We're a Meta Tech Provider, not a Solution Partner, so we have no credit line to share with you. Without a payment method Meta will still approve your templates, but it won't deliver your messages.
From nothing to your first message
- 1
Your account
You create your own account with the free trial, no credit card required. The first time you log in you accept our anti-spam policy. Without that, you can't connect a WhatsApp account. Rather leave the setup to us? Then we create your organization for you.
- 2
Connect WhatsApp
In Settings you open Meta's sign-up screen. You pick or create a business portfolio, pick or create a WhatsApp Business account, and verify your phone number. The number then shows up on our side.
- 3
Register the number
A connected number isn't a sending number yet. Settings shows per number whether it's registered. If it isn't, one click does it.
- 4
Payment method at Meta
You arrange this in your own Meta Business account, not with us. See the note above for why.
- 5
Your first template
Go to Templates, pick a category, and write the text. Meta usually reviews it within a few minutes, though it can take longer.
- 6
Add contacts
By hand, or from a CSV file. During import you say which column holds the phone number and whether the contact gave consent.
- 7
Send
A campaign sends 1 approved template to the contacts you select. Send a test to your own number first, so you see exactly what the customer gets.
What you do yourself, and what we can take over
You connect your WhatsApp Business account yourself through Meta's own sign-up screen. The assets stay yours: the business portfolio, the WhatsApp Business account, and the phone number are registered to your own company, and you can always reach them yourself through Meta's WhatsApp Manager.
Don't have the time or patience for that? Then we take over the connection, including your first templates. Even then you're not locked in: if you ever move to another provider, you keep your number and your approved templates.
When connecting goes wrong
Two things trip people up most. Your number is still attached to the WhatsApp Business app: disconnect it there and try again. Or you get a permissions error right after signing up. Meta needs a few seconds to propagate the new permissions, and a second attempt usually works.
Still stuck? Send us a message through Help in the dashboard.