Using Spoki and the WhatsApp Cloud API allows you to be able to request what is called an OBA (Official Business Account) or green tick, where somehow WhatsApp itself acts as a guarantor and even to those customers who do not have the number saved in their address book it shows your business name with a green tick next to it.
In order to apply for OBA you must somehow demonstrate that your business/brand is recognized and recognizable.
Certainly the number of “likes” on Facebook and “followers” on Instagram help. As well as any online, non-paying articles about you and your business.
The decision whether to award OBA or not is WhatsApp’s alone.
How to apply for OBA #
WARNING! You can only apply for OBA if the WhatsApp number is already active and the Facebook Business Manager associated with the number has been verified by Meta. Any other requests will be ignored.
To make the request, log in to WhatsApp Manager from the Business Manager. Click on the phone number for which you wish to request OBA within the Overview section.
Enable 2-step verification for this phone number to request OBA. Completion of company and display name verification approval is required before requesting OBA.
- If you have not set up two-factor verification for the phone number you want verified, follow the instructions in Two-Step Verification to enable it.
- If you have not completed company verification, see Company Verification for more information.
- Click on the Submit request button and fill in the required information.
After reviewing your request, you will receive a notification informing you whether your account has been granted OBA status. If your request was denied, you can submit a new one after 30 days.