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Prerequisites

Before you can start using Simplifybot, you need to set up a few essential accounts and obtain the necessary credentials. This guide will walk you through everything you need to get started.

Table of Contents​

  1. Facebook Business Account
  2. OpenAI API Key
  3. Account Requirements Summary

1. Facebook Business Account​

Simplifybot integrates with WhatsApp through Facebook's Business platform. To use WhatsApp messaging features, you'll need a verified Facebook Business account with WhatsApp Business API access.

Step 1: Create a Facebook Business Account​

  1. Go to Facebook Business
  2. Click "Create Account" or sign in with your existing Facebook account
  3. Follow the prompts to create your business account
  4. Complete your business profile with accurate information

Step 2: Verify Your Business Account​

Facebook requires business verification for WhatsApp Business API access:

  1. Navigate to Business Settings in your Facebook Business account
  2. Go to Security Center
  3. Click "Start Verification"
  4. Provide the required business information:
    • Business name (must match official documents)
    • Business address
    • Business phone number
    • Business website (if applicable)
    • Official business documents (tax ID, business license, etc.)

Step 3: Set Up WhatsApp Business Account​

  1. In your Facebook Business account, navigate to WhatsApp in the left sidebar
  2. Click "Get Started" or "Add Phone Number"
  3. Follow the setup wizard to:
    • Create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)
    • Add a phone number (you can use a new number or migrate an existing one)
    • Complete phone number verification

Step 4: Enable Billing for WhatsApp Number​

To use WhatsApp Business API, you need to enable billing for your WhatsApp phone number:

  1. In your Facebook Business account, navigate to WhatsApp → Phone Numbers
  2. Select the phone number you want to use
  3. Go to Billing or Payment Settings
  4. Click "Enable Billing" or "Add Payment Method"
  5. Add your payment information (credit card or other accepted payment methods)
  6. Review and accept the billing terms

Important:

  • You won't be charged until you reach your billing threshold or usage limit
  • Facebook provides a free tier with a certain number of free conversations per month
  • Charges only apply when you exceed the free tier limits
  • You can set spending limits in your billing settings to control costs

Important Notes:​

  • Verification Process: Business verification can take 24-48 hours or longer. Be patient and ensure all information is accurate.
  • Phone Number: You'll need a dedicated phone number for WhatsApp Business. This cannot be the same number used for personal WhatsApp.
  • Compliance: Make sure your business complies with WhatsApp's Business Policy and Facebook's Commerce Policy.
  • Permissions: When you connect your Facebook Business account through Simplifybot's embedded sign-up flow, all required permissions (WhatsApp Business management, messaging, and business management) will be automatically requested and granted during the connection process. You don't need to manually configure these permissions.

Troubleshooting Facebook Business Setup​

Issue: Business verification is taking too long

  • Solution: Check your Business Settings for any pending requests or additional documentation needed

Issue: Cannot find WhatsApp option

  • Solution: Ensure you're using a Business account (not a personal account) and that you're in a region where WhatsApp Business API is available

Issue: Phone number verification fails

  • Solution: Use a valid phone number that can receive SMS or voice calls. The number must not be associated with another WhatsApp account.

2. OpenAI API Key​

Simplifybot uses OpenAI's API to power its AI agent capabilities. You'll need an OpenAI API key to enable intelligent conversations.

Step 1: Create an OpenAI Account​

  1. Go to OpenAI Platform
  2. Click "Sign Up" or "Log In" if you already have an account
  3. Complete the registration process

Step 2: Add Payment Method​

OpenAI requires a valid payment method to use their API:

  1. Navigate to Settings → Billing
  2. Click "Add Payment Method"
  3. Enter your payment information
  4. Verify your payment method

Step 3: Generate an API Key​

  1. Go to API Keys in your OpenAI dashboard
  2. Click "Create new secret key"
  3. Give your key a name (e.g., "Simplifybot Production")
  4. Important: Copy the API key immediately - you won't be able to see it again!
  5. Store it securely - you'll need to enter it in Simplifybot's organization settings

To prevent unexpected charges:

  1. Go to Settings → Limits in your OpenAI dashboard
  2. Set a Hard Limit for monthly spending
  3. Set up Usage Alerts to be notified when you approach your limit

Important Notes:​

  • API Costs: OpenAI charges based on usage. Monitor your usage regularly to avoid unexpected charges.
  • Key Security: Never share your API key publicly or commit it to version control. Always use it securely in Simplifybot's settings.
  • Rate Limits: OpenAI has rate limits based on your account tier. Free tier has lower limits than paid tiers.

Troubleshooting OpenAI Setup​

Issue: API key is invalid

  • Solution: Ensure you copied the entire key without any extra spaces. Generate a new key if needed.

Issue: Rate limit errors

  • Solution: Upgrade your OpenAI plan or reduce the frequency of API calls

Issue: Payment method declined

  • Solution: Verify your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds/credit limit

Account Requirements Summary​

Before proceeding to set up Simplifybot, ensure you have:

✅ Facebook Business Account

  • Account created and verified
  • Business verification completed
  • WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) set up
  • Phone number added and verified
  • Billing enabled for WhatsApp number

✅ OpenAI Account

  • Account created
  • Payment method added
  • API key generated and copied
  • Usage limits configured (recommended)

✅ Additional Requirements

  • Valid email address for your Simplifybot account
  • Access to the phone number you'll use for WhatsApp Business
  • Business documentation for Facebook verification

Next Steps​

Once you have completed all prerequisites:

  1. ✅ Create and Update Your Organization - Configure your business information
  2. ✅ Create Your AI Agent - Define your chatbot's personality
  3. ✅ Connect Integrations - Connect your social network accounts

Continue to the Getting Started Guide to begin setting up Simplifybot.

Need Help?​

If you encounter any issues during the setup process: