To start setiing up your Whatsapp Cloud API, you need to first navigate to Swiftchats Settings section and get the Webhook URL and Verify Token values which we'll use in the subsequent steps.

Step 1: Create a Facebook Developer Account

To start using Swiftchats for sending whatsapp messages, you must first connect the Whatsapp Cloud API. If you don't have a Facebook developer account, you will need to create one as outlined below.

• Click on this link for instructions on how to create a Developer account and a new Facebook app.
• Once your Facebook app is created, navigate to the app dashboard and locate the WhatsApp product. Proceed to the Setup section and take note of the APP ID.
• Access WhatsApp > Configuration and input the callback URL and token values.
  • Click on Webhook fields -> Manage and select Messages.

Step 2: Obtain Your Permanent Access Token

• Refer to the detailed process outlined in the Facebook Docs to create a permanent access token.
• Once you have the permanent access token, save it for use in your app.

Step 3: Obtain Your Account ID and Phone Number ID

• In the Facebook app, navigate to WhatsApp -> API setup to locate your Phone Number ID and WhatsApp Business Account ID.

Step 4: Add Whatsapp Details To Your Dashboard

• Go to your Swiftchats user dashboard, navigate to Settings or click on Setup Whatsapp.
• Click Edit and add the following information as obtained above:
  • App ID
  • App Secret
  • Access Token
  • Phone Number ID
  • Whatsapp Business Account ID
• Click Save

Swiftchats facilitates the creation of WhatsApp templates categorized into utility and marketing types. Here's an overview of each, along with associated restrictions:

• Utility Templates: These templates are essential for delivering practical information, such as transactional notifications, account updates, appointment reminders, and delivery confirmations. However, utility templates are subject to stricter guidelines and limitations, including:
  • They must adhere to WhatsApp's policies regarding transactional messages.
  • Utility templates should not contain promotional content or marketing language.
  • Use of utility templates is typically restricted to specific types of messages, such as account-related notifications or service updates.
• Marketing Templates: These templates are designed for promotional purposes, aiming to engage users and drive sales. While marketing templates offer more flexibility in terms of content and messaging, they are subject to certain restrictions, such as:
  • Compliance with WhatsApp's policies regarding promotional messages and marketing content.
  • Marketing templates must undergo a review process by WhatsApp to ensure compliance with guidelines.

Guidelines for Interaction through WhatsApp Cloud API

Swiftchats facilitates seamless communication with contacts through various message types, but adheres to guidelines established by the WhatsApp Cloud API. Here's what you need to know:

• Direct messaging initiation isn't supported; you must send a template message first.
• After the user responds to the template message, you can proceed with chatting.
• If there's no reply within 24 hours, the option to chat is disabled.
• To re-enable the chat option after it's disabled, you need to send another campaign message.

Managing Contact Groups

Swiftchats enables you to organize your contacts into groups, simplifying management and filtering for campaign distribution.

1. Navigate to the contacts section within the application.
2. Select "Groups".
3. Click on the "+" icon to add a new group
4. Provide the necessary details for your group and click "Save".

Importing Contacts

To manage your contacts effectively, you can create, import, edit, and export them within the application.

1. Navigate to the contacts section within the application.
2. Click on the import icon.
3. Download the provided sample import template.
4. Customize the template by adding your contact information into the appropriate columns.
5. Once your modifications are complete, upload the CSV file.
6. Allow some time for the import process to finish.
7. Verify that all contacts have been successfully imported.

With Swiftchats, you can send predefined responses to users triggered by specific keywords. The bot will automatically reply with the text, image, or audio content you've configured.