How to integrate WhatsApp on Bookem

Bookem allows you to connect a WhatsApp Business number to message clients from the same place you manage bookings.

Here's how

Follow these steps:

• In the main menu, go to Settings > Sharing & Integrations
• Under ‘Connections’ click ‘Continue with Meta’
  
• Sign into your Meta account
• Next, choose how to set up WhatsApp on Bookem
  There are three ways:
  1. Use your existing WhatsApp Business number. 
  2. Use a new number - this can be a mobile or landline number
  3. ⁠Use a display name only - Bookem will supply the number. This means you can continue using your WhatsApp and Bookem can use it too

One important thing to keep in mind: any number connected to Bookem can only be used through Bookem and can’t also be used in the WhatsApp Business app.  So if you want to keep using your existing WhatsApp Business number normally, options 2 or 3 are likely the better fit.

• Once it is connected, you will have to set up WhatsApp message templates and Automations, similar to the SMS and Email templates and automations.

Business account verification for display name

Meta may limit messaging on your virtual number if you selected use display name. To resolve this, you will be prompted to go to WhatsApp Manager

Do not remove users with passkeys. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Open the Facebook app and go to Menu > Settings > Accounts Center.
2. Tap Password and security, then Passkey.
3. Tap Create passkey and confirm with your Facebook password.
4. Approve it with Face ID, fingerprint or your phone's PIN.

The warning should disappear once Meta refreshes the Security Centre, which can take a little while.

FAQ

How much does WhatsApp messaging cost?

WhatsApp messages cost about the same as SMS, but you have much more room for text in each message. Meta sets WhatsApp pricing, not Bookem, and the price depends on how Meta categorises each message template:

• Utility templates cover messages linked to a booking, such as confirmations, reminders, reschedules and cancellations. These are the cheaper option.
• Marketing templates cover promotions, offers, newsletters and anything inviting clients to book or engage. These cost more.

Why is Meta asking me to sign in with my personal Facebook account?

Meta requires it. Businesses on Meta are always managed through a personal Facebook login, so you can’t sign in with a business page or business profile to set up WhatsApp. Your personal account is only used to confirm who you are and that you have admin access to your business portfolio.

Will my display name be linked to my personal Facebook profile?

No. The WhatsApp account is created inside your business portfolio, and your display name belongs to that account, not to your personal profile. Clients see your practice’s display name, and nothing from your personal profile is shown to them.

My marketing or website agency set up my Meta business account. Can I use it?

Only if the business portfolio belongs to you. Whoever owns the portfolio owns the WhatsApp account inside it, so if it belongs to your agency, they will control your WhatsApp setup. Meta may also reject your display name if it’s linked to an agency’s portfolio rather than your own.

To check who owns it, open Meta Business Suite and go to Settings > Business info. Under Settings > People you can see whether you’re an admin.

• If the portfolio is in your practice’s name and you’re an admin, select it, then create a new WhatsApp Business account. Don’t select an existing account or your agency’s number.
• If it belongs to your agency, or you’re not sure, create a new business portfolio in your practice’s name during setup.

How do I know my WhatsApp is connected properly?

Check in two places:

1. In Bookem: go to Settings > Sharing & Integrations and check that WhatsApp shows as connected under Connections.
2. In Meta: open WhatsApp Manager and go to Phone numbers. You should see your display name with a number next to it. This is the virtual number Meta created for you.

How do I add my logo to WhatsApp?

Your WhatsApp profile, including your picture, is managed by Meta, not Bookem. If you choose "Use a display name only," clients will receive messages from an unrecognized number, so adding your logo and practice details helps them instantly identify you.

To update your profile:

1. Open WhatsApp Manager and sign in with the Facebook account you used during setup.
2. Go to Account tools > Phone numbers and select your number.
3. On the Profile tab, upload your practice logo as the profile picture. A square image works best.
4. Add a short description, your address, email and website so clients can recognise your practice.

You can change your display name in the same place, but Meta reviews the new name before it goes live.

To help clients recognise your messages:

• Complete Meta’s business verification. It builds trust and lifts the messaging limits on your virtual number.
• Let clients know that reminders will now come through WhatsApp from your practice, for example in your booking confirmation email.

Learn more

• How to use Bookem automations
• All about message templates for Bookem automations