To get WhatsApp Business API (WABA): (1) Create a Meta Business Manager account, (2) pick a BSP (Business Solution Provider) like LeadsUp, (3) verify your phone number and business details, (4) submit your template messages for Meta approval. Total time: 1–7 days, most businesses complete in 24 hours.
The WhatsApp Business app is free for small businesses, single-device, limited automation. WhatsApp Business API (WABA) gives programmatic access — bot replies, multi-agent, broadcasts, template messages, webhook events — everything required for B2B operations. Above small-business scale, you need WABA.
Open a Meta Business Manager account at business.facebook.com. You need a Facebook page representing your business (create one if missing). Tax ID, business address and bank info may be requested (for billing).
No direct WhatsApp API access — you work through a Meta-approved BSP. Options: • Official BSPs (Twilio, 360dialog, Vonage, MessageBird) — international, $20-50/mo • Regional platforms (LeadsUp) — GDPR/KVKK, local payments, local-language support, $30+/mo LeadsUp ships as a WhatsApp BSP + AI bot engine + 6 channels together.
WABA requires a separate phone number — can't reuse a number from the consumer WhatsApp app (you'd need to delete it there first). Mobile or landline both work. SMS or voice call verification with a 6-digit code. After approval, you can apply separately for Meta's 'green tick' (optional — enterprise trust signal).
WhatsApp 24h window rule: after a customer messages you, you have 24h to send free-form replies. After 24h, only Meta-approved templates. Submit your first templates (order confirmation, appointment reminder, etc.) via BSP. Approval time: hours to 2 days.
Follow the WhatsApp Setup Wizard in LeadsUp portal — Facebook Login, approve permissions, connect WhatsApp Business Account and phone number through our Meta App in 3 clicks. No manual token-fetching or webhook-URL config. Test in sandbox before going live.
WABA setup completes in 15 minutes via LeadsUp's wizard. 14 days free.
