WhatsApp is where South African business happens. Run it properly.
The official WhatsApp Business API (Meta Cloud API): one verified business number, a shared inbox for the whole team, automated replies and follow-ups, an AI assistant when you want one, and every conversation logged against the lead in your CRM.
The free app stops working the day two people need the phone
WhatsApp Business (the app) lives on one handset. The API lives in the cloud: any number of staff, on any device, with automation, reporting and integrations, and nothing lost when someone leaves.
- Verified business name and green tick eligibility
- Shared team inbox, assignments and notes
- Instant auto-replies, after-hours and holiday messages
- Approved message templates for reminders and follow-ups
- Click-to-WhatsApp ads from Meta, with lead capture
- Every chat logged to your CRM or sheet
- AI assistant that qualifies and hands over
- Reporting: response times, conversations, leads by source
From a bare number to a working channel
Meta Business setup
Business verification, phone number registration, display name, profile. Or migration of your existing number without losing chats.
Inbox and routing
A team inbox (or your CRM's built-in one, e.g. Bitrix24), routing rules so the right person gets the right chat.
Automation
Welcome flow, qualifying questions, templates for reminders and quotes, escalation to a human on keywords or silence.
Integration and reporting
Webhooks into your CRM, sheet or booking system, and a dashboard showing volume, response time and leads by campaign.
Setup is quoted. Running costs are Meta's, at cost.
Scope depends on whether you need a fresh number or a migration, which inbox you use, and how much automation. A Discovery Session pins it down.
Automate lead handling, enquiries and everyday admin.
- Automation plan and priorities
- Website chat or WhatsApp assistant flow
- CRM or spreadsheet connection
- AI response structure and guardrails
- Testing and handover
A retainer across website, campaigns, design and reporting.
- Agreed monthly hours
- Website updates and campaign management
- SEO improvements
- Reporting and dashboard upkeep
- Design and automation improvements
Meta bills per message, to your own Meta business account: replies to a customer inside the 24-hour service window are free; marketing, utility and authentication template messages sent outside that window are charged per message at Meta's South Africa rate. We estimate your monthly Meta cost in the plan and set alerts.
WhatsApp API FAQs
Can I keep my current WhatsApp number?
Usually, yes. A number on the WhatsApp Business app can be migrated to the API. Chat history on the handset does not carry over to the cloud inbox, so we plan the switch and keep the old handset for reference.
Do I have to use a third-party inbox subscription?
No. If your CRM has a WhatsApp connector (Bitrix24 does) we use that. Otherwise we set up a lightweight inbox or, for pure automation, connect the API directly to your systems with no monthly inbox fee.
Can customers still just message me from an ad?
Yes. Click-to-WhatsApp ads open a chat with your API number, the assistant captures the lead details, and the conversation and its ad source land in your CRM.
What about POPIA?
Messages are between you and your customer on Meta's infrastructure; we set up opt-in wording, template approvals and data handling so you stay on the right side of consent rules. We're not lawyers; for regulated industries we'll point you to one.
Send us your number and how many people answer it
You'll get a plan: verification, inbox, automation, integration, and a price.