WhatsApp Business API: Integration, Notifications, Chatbots

$response = Http::withToken(env('WHATSAPP_ACCESS_TOKEN')) ->post("https://graph.facebook.com/v19.0/{$phoneNumberId}/messages", [ 'messaging_product' => 'whatsapp', 'to' => $phone, 'type' => 'template', 'template' => [ 'name' => 'order_confirmation', 'language' => ['code' => 'en'], 'components' => [ [ 'type' => 'body', 'parameters' => [ ['type' => 'text', 'text' => $orderId], ['type' => 'text', 'text' => '$' . number_format($orderTotal, 2)] ] ] ] ] ]); 

Message templates. For outbound notifications, you must use pre-approved templates. The template is created in Meta Business Manager and undergoes review (typically 24–48 hours). Custom text in outbound messages is not allowed—only within the 24-hour session window.

24-hour window and session messages. If a user writes to the bot first or replies to a template message, a 24-hour window opens during which you can send free-form messages. This is used for support and dialogues:

Http::withToken($token)->post($url, [ 'messaging_product' => 'whatsapp', 'to' => $phone, 'type' => 'text', 'text' => ['body' => "Your order has been shipped, tracking number: {$trackNumber}"] ]); 

Webhook for incoming messages. Verification and processing:

if ($request->has('hub_challenge')) { if ($request->hub_verify_token === env('WHATSAPP_VERIFY_TOKEN')) { return response($request->hub_challenge); } } $body = $request->json()->all(); foreach ($body['entry'] as $entry) { foreach ($entry['changes'] as $change) { $messages = $change['value']['messages'] ?? []; foreach ($messages as $message) { dispatch(new ProcessWhatsAppMessageJob($message)); } } } 

Interactive buttons. Allow getting confirmations from the client without text input:

[ 'type' => 'interactive', 'interactive' => [ 'type' => 'button', 'body' => ['text' => 'Your order is ready for pickup. Confirm receipt:'], 'action' => [ 'buttons' => [ ['type' => 'reply', 'reply' => ['id' => "confirm_{$orderId}", 'title' => 'Received ✓']], ['type' => 'reply', 'reply' => ['id' => "problem_{$orderId}", 'title' => 'Problem']] ] ] ] ] 

How does the integration process work?

1. Analysis—we study your current business processes and identify notification scenarios.
2. Design—we develop the architecture: webhooks, queues, templates.
3. Implementation—we configure Cloud API or BSP and write integration code.
4. Testing—we verify sending, receiving, and error handling.
5. Deployment—we launch into production and monitor the first days.

What's included in the work

• Setting up the WhatsApp Business API (direct or via BSP).
• Creating message templates for orders, payments, statuses.
• Implementing webhook for incoming message processing.
• Integration with your CRM or website.
• API documentation and admin instructions.
• Training employees on the system.
• 30-day post-launch support.
• Guaranteed 99.9% uptime for the integration.
• Certified WhatsApp API developers on staff.

Timeframes

Basic integration (notifications + incoming) takes 3 to 5 days. A full project with a chatbot and custom scenarios takes 7 to 14 days. The cost is calculated individually—contact us for an assessment.

Typical mistakes when integrating the WhatsApp Business API

• Using a number already linked to a personal WhatsApp account. A new number is required.
• Incorrect webhook configuration—verify token not set.
• Sending unapproved templates in outbound messages.
• Ignoring API rate limits (e.g., 10k messages per day).
• Lack of error handling (e.g., when Meta API is unavailable).

Comparison of message types

Get a free consultation for your project—we'll assess the task and offer an optimal solution. Order the integration and we'll contact you within an hour.

Learn more in the official API documentation.