This recipe outlines the requirements and considerations for businesses looking to register a WhatsApp sender.

You'll need to gather specific information, confirm internal access, and make decisions around message volumes and number ownership before starting the implementation.

By preparing this in advance, you'll help ensure:

  • A faster activation process

  • Compliance with Meta/WhatsApp policies

  • No delays during onboarding

  • A successful campaign rollout

Directions

  1. Strategic Intent & Market Fit

    ✔️ Make sure to clearly share with your SAM and Account Services Manager the objective of this initiative.

     

    Key Business Questions:

    • What is the specific goal of using WhatsApp?

    • Have you observed success in communicating with your account base via WhatsApp?

    • Is there proven market acceptance for WhatsApp in your industry and country?

    • Do your customers typically engage with businesses via WhatsApp?

     

    Why this matters: In some regions or sectors, WhatsApp may be perceived as intrusive or spam in a business context. Meta enforces strict policies against spam reporting and can permanently restrict accounts that are reported. Therefore, it's vital to:

    • Verify that your legal team approves of the usage and implementation of WhatsApp as a delivery vector 

    • Ensure your recipient list has consented and is well-informed about your WhatsApp initiative

    • Employ a clear and respectful communication strategy to raise awareness about your WhatsApp surveys.

    • Set the right expectations of why you are conducting the survey and when customers will receive it.

  2. Facebook/Meta Business Account

    ✔️ Ensure your company already has a Meta Business Account.

    CustomerGauge does not create Meta/Facebook Business accounts on behalf of customers.

    You must come prepared with:

    • A fully set up Facebook Business Manager account

    • The login credentials to access it during setup

    • Is your account verified (verified badge)?

      If no, you must complete this step before sender registration can proceed.

     

    Note: Meta requires this account to authenticate your business and link it with the WhatsApp sender. Setup cannot proceed without it.

  3. Responsible Admin Contact

    ✔️ Assign a company contact who is an admin in both Meta Business Manager and CustomerGauge

     

    This person must:

    • Have admin access in both systems

    • Be available to coordinate the setup and registration

    • Be authorized to receive verification calls and complete integration tasks

     

    Why this matters: The registration process is hands-on and may involve real-time actions (e.g., answering a call to verify your number).

     

    Without the correct admin in place, your setup will be blocked.

  4. WhatsApp Phone Number Setup

    Please check with your legal team before selecting either:

     

    A. Using Your Own Business Number

    • Must be unregistered (not tied to any other WhatsApp account)

    • Must be able to receive a voice call from a U.S. number for verification

     

    B. Request a New Number from CustomerGauge

    • CustomerGauge can assist in purchasing a number

      (Please note for certain countries this may not be possible due to local regulations)

    • Requires at least 10 business days 

    • Additional provisioning and cost may apply

  5. Volume Planning & Target Market

    ✔️ Provide to your SAM an estimated message volume per year
    ✔️ Indicate whether you plan to send reminders

    Rule of thumb:

    • 1 reminder = volume × 2

    • 2 reminders = volume × 3

     

    ✔️ Ensure your recipient list is:

    • Targeted

    • Informed

    • Expecting messages from you via WhatsApp

  6. Compliance & Industry Restrictions

    ✔️ Confirm that your business is not in a restricted industry, such as:

    • Alcohol manufacturing or distribution in certain Countries

    • Other industries banned by Meta for WhatsApp usage

     

    ✔️ Ensure your operating country is approved for WhatsApp Business messaging

  7. Final Thoughts

    Having these items ready for your kickoff call will ensure a smooth and efficient registration process.

    Meta places strong emphasis on account quality, so it is critical to begin with a clear plan, a well-defined business case, and an informed audience.

    We look forward to partnering with you to unlock the full potential of WhatsApp for your business.