BONUS: Integrate an SMS / WhatsApp number

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Integrating WhatsApp

1. Access Integration Steps
   • Follow the series of integration steps provided by STS-Chat for WhatsApp.
   • These steps will guide you through the process of integrating WhatsApp with STS-Chat.
2. Divert SMS to WhatsApp
   • Once integrated, all SMS messages sent from the platform will be delivered through your WhatsApp account.
   • These messages will appear as normal WhatsApp conversations.
3. Choose WhatsApp or Phone Number
   • If you choose not to use WhatsApp, you can opt to add a phone number to your account on the platform.

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Adding a Phone Number

4. Navigate to Settings
   • Go to Settings in your STS-Chat account.
   • Scroll down to Phone Numbers.
5. Add a Phone Number
   • Click on Add Phone Number.
   • Choose a phone number relevant to your country code.
6. Understand Charges
   • Note that there is a small charge for adding a phone number. This charge is a pass-through cost from the phone provider, with no profit added by STS-Chat.
7. Comply with Marketing Rules and Regulations
   • SMS providers and phone providers have constantly changing marketing rules and regulations.
   • You need to add a regulatory bundle to comply with these regulations.
8. Create Regulatory Bundle and Address
   • Go to Regulatory Bundle Address and click Create.
   • Add the required address and regulatory bundle details.
9. Government Registration
   • The system will walk you through the steps and information needed.
   • This information is sent to the relevant government authority (e.g., UK, Australia).
   • This process registers your business with a regulatory bundle and an A2P (Application-to-Person) registration process in your country.
10. Approval Process
    • Once submitted, the registration process takes some time to be approved by the government.
    • STS-Chat does not control the approval timeline.
11. Manage Numbers
    • After approval, go to Manage Numbers.
    • Click Add Phone Number, select your number, and click Approve.
    • Proceed to purchase the number, which will sync with the address you provided.

Bolting On WhatsApp

12. Go to Docs and Bolt-Ons
    • Navigate to the Docs and Bolt-Ons section of your STS-Chat account.
    • Select Supercharged CRM and WhatsApp Business.
13. Bolt On WhatsApp
    • Follow the instructions to bolt on WhatsApp to your account.
    • This will divert all SMS messages to WhatsApp once activated.

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Optional: Adding Additional Numbers

14. Additional Number Costs
    • Remember that adding an additional phone number incurs a pass-through cost from the hosting provider, rebilled at the same rate.

Using Other Chatbots

15. Facebook and Instagram Chatbots
    • Note that there are no additional charges for automating messages on Facebook and Instagram chatbots.

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By following these steps, you can successfully integrate and set up STS-Chat with either WhatsApp or phone numbers according to your preference.