WhatsApp is a Meta company and requires a Facebook account and Meta Business Manager to set up.
Please make sure you first review the following:
1. An active Twilio account.
2. A Facebook account and Meta Business Manager to set up.
3. Setting up the WhatsApp Business account. Using WhatsApp Business Accounts with Twilio
4. A phone number which can either receive a text message or voice call without an IVR. Twilio phone numbers
5. Creating WhatsApp Senders: For a number to be used with WhatsApp, it must be registered as a WhatsApp sender. Create a WhatsApp Sender
6. Creating a Messaging Service in your Twilio Console: You will need to create a ‘Messaging Service’ by navigating to Messaging > Services section in your Twilio Account. Then select the Messaging Service and select the Service’s Sender Pool, you can Add Senders and specify the WhatsApp-enabled Twilio number that you wish to include. Messaging Services
7. Submit Message Templates: In order to deliver the WhatsApp notifications generated by the Virtual Practice, the message templates must be verified by WhatsApp.For more information, go to Submit Message Templates For WhatsApp Verification
Please feel free to contact us at support@continuouscare.io for any assistance you may require.
Next Step: Integrating WhatsApp Business Account with your Virtual Practice
Here are some common FAQs for configuring Twilio to your Virtual Practice:
What is Twilio?
Twilio is a cloud communication platform that provides APIs for sending and receiving an SMS, MMS, and WhatsApp messages. For more information and to create a Twilio account, go to Twilio
Why do I need to integrate Twilio with my Virtual Practice?
You will need to have an account with a WhatsApp-compliant messaging service, which will be integrated with your Virtual Practice and your Meta account. For more information, go to Getting Started with Twilio for WhatsApp
Do I need to have a WhatsApp Business account to use Twilio?
Yes, you need to have a WhatsApp Business account to send automated notifications via WhatsApp using Twilio.
What is a WhatsApp Sender?
WhatsApp Sender in Twilio refers to the unique phone number or WhatsApp Business account that is used to send messages to users via the WhatsApp channel. When you configure Twilio to send automated notifications via WhatsApp, you will need to specify a WhatsApp Sender that will be used to send these messages.
In order to use WhatsApp Sender in Twilio, you need to have a WhatsApp Business account and verify your phone number with Meta. Once you have done this, you can create a WhatsApp Business Profile and request access to the WhatsApp Business API. For more details on creating a WhatsApp sender, go to Create a WhatsApp Sender
How do I submit message templates for WhatsApp verification?
WhatsApp requires all message templates be approved before they can be used to send business-initiated messages to users. Message templates that don’t meet the criteria or usage guidelines will be rejected, and can’t be used. The following guide explains the recommendations and best practices for submitting message templates. WhatsApp message templates overview
Is it possible to use an existing Twilio number already configured for SMS messaging service?
Yes, you can use a Twilio phone number that you already use for Programmable SMS. However, make sure you confirm with Twilio support before configuring.
Is it advisable to use the number linked to an existing WhatsApp Business Account with the WhatsApp API?
Our understanding is that API linked numbers cannot be used to do WhatsApp groups or make outbound calls. Also, the current version of the API integration we provide will be used to send outbound notifications only and will not allow you to engage with customers in an interactive fashion. Hence, it might not be advisable to use the number linked to an existing WhatsApp Business Account with the WhatsApp API.
How do I obtain an API key for Twilio?
Once you have created a Twilio account, you can obtain an API key from the Twilio console. For more information, go to Twilio Third Party Application and Product Support
What is a webhook URL?
A webhook URL is a URL that allows Twilio to send incoming messages from users to your Virtual Practice.
Pricing
There is no additional cost for usage of this feature within the Virtual Practice, given the plan that you are currently on. For information on the messaging costs, it is advised to check the pricing pages for WhatsApp messaging on Meta and Twilio, as you will be paying them directly for your messaging costs.