Q. Can I use my existing WhatsApp number for the WhatsApp Business Platform?
A: Yes, you can use a phone number that is already linked to a WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp Business account.
Q. Failed to send a message because this user's phone number is part of an experiment
A: As of June 14, 2023, businesses will not have the option to send marketing template messages to about 1% of WhatsApp users unless one of the following conditions is met:
A customer service window exists between the business and the customer
There is an open marketing conversation between the business and the customer
A free-entry point exists between the business and the customer
If you send a marketing template message to a customer in the experiment group, your message will not be sent and you will not be billed for it since no conversation was initiated.
Q. What steps do I need to take to use my existing WhatsApp number?
A: In order to use your existing number, you need to delete the WhatsApp account associated with it. Follow these steps:
Go to "WhatsApp".
Click "Settings" > "Account" > "Delete my account".
Q. Can I use my number on both the WhatsApp Business Platform and WhatsApp Business App simultaneously?
A: No, You cannot use the WhatsApp Business App concurrently with a phone number that has been migrated to the WhatsApp Business Platform. In order to use your number on the WhatsApp Business Platform or the WhatsApp Business App, you must select one or the other.
Q: Will I lose my data after migrating my WhatsApp number to the WhatsApp Business Platform?
A: Yes, After migration, you will lose all WhatsApp data. Meta does not allow data transfers between platforms. It is highly recommended to backup your data before migration.
Q: How do I backup my data before migrating my WhatsApp number?
A: To backup your data:
Go to "WhatsApp".
Click "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat backup".
Follow the prompts to back up your data to your preferred location (e.g., Google Drive or iCloud).
Q: What is Meta’s new update for the WhatsApp Business Platform (API)?
A: Meta has introduced Frequency Capping to limit marketing messages sent to WhatsApp users with Indian phone numbers. This restricts the number of marketing messages a person can receive from any business in a given period. Meta introduced frequency capping to reduce spamming and over-sending messages to WhatsApp users, improving the overall user experience and providing businesses with a better opportunity to engage with customers effectively.
Q: How does this impact your deliverability?
A: Frequency capping works on a first-come, first-served basis. Marketing messages will be delivered until the limit is reached. Any messages beyond this limit will not be delivered.
Q: What kind of messages are exempt from Frequency Capping?
A: Frequency capping only applies to promotional and marketing template messages that require opening another conversation. It does not apply to:
• Session Messages: Support messages within existing customer service interactions.
• Click on WhatsApp Ads: Conversations initiated by WhatsApp users.
Q: Does Frequency Capping affect all users?
A: No, Frequency Capping only applies to marketing messages sent to users in India (+91 country code).
Q: What determines the capping for a WhatsApp Business Account with multiple phone numbers?
A: The restriction is based on the total number of messages received by individual users from any business. It is not determined by the number of messages received from one business.
Q: What are the benefits of verifying my Facebook Business Manager account?
A: Once Meta verifies your Facebook Business Manager account, you can initiate unlimited business conversations on WhatsApp.
Q: What can I do if my Facebook Business Manager account is not yet verified?
A: While your verification is pending, you can:
Initiate up to 250 business conversations in a 24-hour rolling window.
Respond to customer-initiated conversations without restrictions.
Have two WhatsApp business numbers in an unverified Facebook Business Manager account.
Q: What happens if my business verification is unsuccessful?
A: You can continue to use your WhatsApp business number with the restrictions mentioned (250 business conversations in a 24-hour period and responding to customer-initiated conversations).
Q: How do I request verification for my Facebook Business Manager account?
A: To request verification, you must provide proof that you own and operate the business.
Q: What are the recommended best practices to improve deliverability?
A: Opt-In Engagement: Send messages only to customers who have explicitly opted-in.
Segment Your Contact List: Group your audience based on common characteristics to send targeted messages.
Personalize Recommendations: Use customer behavior and purchase patterns to send personalized product recommendations.
Emphasize Quality Over Quantity: Ensure your messages add value and resonate with your customers’ needs.
Engage via Two-Way Conversations: Create meaningful interactions to keep customers engaged and interested in your brand.
Q: WhatsApp is free to use for personal messaging. So, what do "WhatsApp conversation charges" refer to?
A: Businesses using the WhatsApp Business API to communicate with customers at scale are charged for using the WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business app.
In addition, these charges apply when businesses send notifications to customers via WhatsApp Business, especially if they have not responded within 24 hours. Customer's country code determines the cost.