Getting Started with WhatsApp Business API
Complete beginner guide to setting up your WhatsApp Business API account and sending your first message. Learn everything you need to know to get started with CMzon's WhatsApp Business API platform.
What You'll Learn
- • How to create your CMzon account
- • Setting up WhatsApp Business API
- • Sending your first message
- • Understanding basic concepts
- • Next steps for advanced features
Create Your CMzon Account
The first step to getting started with WhatsApp Business API is creating your CMzon account. This will give you access to our powerful platform and all its features.
Prerequisites
- • A valid business email address
- • Business registration documents (for verification)
- • A phone number for WhatsApp Business
- • Basic understanding of APIs (helpful but not required)
Visit CMzon Registration
Go to our registration page and click "Get Started" or "Sign Up".
Fill in Your Business Information
Provide accurate business details including company name, industry, and contact information.
Verify Your Email
Check your email and click the verification link to activate your account.
Set Up WhatsApp Business API
Once your account is verified, you'll need to configure your WhatsApp Business API settings. This involves connecting your WhatsApp Business number and setting up your messaging capabilities.
Important Note
Your WhatsApp Business number must be verified and not already connected to another WhatsApp Business API provider.
Connect Your WhatsApp Business Number
Access Your Dashboard
Log into your CMzon dashboard and navigate to the "WhatsApp Business API" section.
Add Your Phone Number
Enter your WhatsApp Business phone number in international format (e.g., +1234567890).
Verify Your Number
You'll receive a verification code via SMS. Enter this code to complete the setup.
Configure Your Business Profile
Set up your business profile information that will be visible to your customers.
- • Business Name: Your official business name
- • Business Description: Brief description of your services
- • Business Category: Select the most appropriate category
- • Business Address: Your business location (optional)
- • Business Website: Your company website URL
- • Business Email: Customer support email
Send Your First Message
Now that your WhatsApp Business API is set up, let's send your first message. We'll show you how to send both text and media messages.
Sending a Text Message
curl -X POST "https://api.cmzon.com/v1/messages" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"to": "+1234567890",
"type": "text",
"text": {
"body": "Hello! This is your first WhatsApp Business API message."
}
}'Get Your API Token
In your dashboard, go to "API Settings" and generate your API token. Keep this secure!
Make Your First API Call
Use the example above to send your first message. Replace YOUR_API_TOKEN with your actual token.
Check the Response
A successful response will include a message ID. Check your WhatsApp to see the message!
Understanding Message Types
Text Messages
Simple text messages up to 4096 characters. Perfect for notifications and basic communication.
Media Messages
Send images, videos, documents, and audio files. Great for rich content and marketing.
Interactive Messages
Buttons, lists, and quick replies for engaging user experiences.
Template Messages
Pre-approved message templates for marketing and notifications.
Understanding Basic Concepts
Before diving deeper, it's important to understand some key concepts that will help you make the most of WhatsApp Business API.
Message Windows
24-Hour Window Rule
You can only send free-form messages within 24 hours of the customer's last message. After this window, you must use approved message templates.
- • Free-form messages: Any message within 24 hours
- • Template messages: Pre-approved messages anytime
- • Session messages: Customer-initiated conversations
Webhooks
Webhooks allow you to receive real-time updates about message status and incoming messages.
Common Webhook Events:
- • messages: Incoming messages from customers
- • message_status: Delivery and read receipts
- • message_errors: Failed message notifications
- • account_updates: Account status changes
Rate Limits
WhatsApp has rate limits to prevent spam and ensure quality. Understanding these limits is crucial for successful messaging.
Message Limits
- • 1,000 messages per day (new numbers)
- • 10,000 messages per day (verified)
- • 80 messages per second
Best Practices
- • Start with small volumes
- • Monitor delivery rates
- • Respect opt-out requests
Next Steps
Congratulations! You've successfully set up your WhatsApp Business API. Here are some recommended next steps to enhance your messaging capabilities.
Advanced Messaging
Learn about media messages, interactive buttons, and rich messaging features.
Learn MoreWebhook Setup
Configure webhooks to receive real-time updates and handle incoming messages.
Learn MoreCommon Issues & Solutions
Message Not Delivered
If your message isn't being delivered, check:
- • Phone number format (must include country code)
- • Message content (no spam keywords)
- • Rate limits (not exceeding daily limits)
- • Customer has opted in to receive messages
API Authentication Errors
If you're getting authentication errors:
- • Verify your API token is correct
- • Check token expiration date
- • Ensure proper authorization header format
- • Contact support if token is invalid
Webhook Not Receiving Updates
If webhooks aren't working:
- • Verify webhook URL is accessible
- • Check SSL certificate validity
- • Ensure proper response format (200 OK)
- • Test webhook endpoint manually
Need More Help?
Our support team is here to help you succeed with WhatsApp Business API.