Setup Guide

This guide provides a complete step-by-step process for setting up your WhatsMarkSaaS platform from installation to launch. Follow these steps in order to ensure a smooth setup experience.

✅ Setup Process Overview

Setting up WhatsMarkSaaS involves several key steps:

1. Server preparation and installation
2. Initial configuration and admin account setup
3. WhatsApp Cloud API connection
4. Subscription plan creation
5. Payment gateway configuration
6. Website customization
7. System settings configuration
8. Testing and launch

✅ Step 1: Server Preparation & Installation

Time Required: 30-45 minutes

Before installing WhatsMarkSaaS, ensure your server meets all system requirements.

Key Installation Steps

1. Set up a web server with PHP 8.2.18+
2. Configure a domain with wildcard SSL certificate
3. Create a database for WhatsMarkSaaS
4. Upload application files to server
5. Run installation commands
6. Complete the installation wizard

Detailed instructions are available in the Installation Guide.

Important Tips:

• Use a dedicated server/VPS rather than shared hosting
• Ensure proper file permissions are set
• Configure cron jobs as specified in the installation guide
• Set up queue workers for background processing

✅ Step 2: Initial Configuration

Time Required: 15-20 minutes

After installation, you'll need to set up your admin account and basic system settings.

First Login

1. Access your admin panel at https://yourdomain.com/admin
2. Log in with the credentials created during installation
3. Complete the initial setup wizard if prompted

Admin Account Setup

1. Navigate to your profile settings
2. Update your admin account details
3. Set a strong password
4. Configure two-factor authentication (recommended)
5. Upload your profile picture

✅ Step 3: WhatsApp Cloud API Connection

Time Required: 30-60 minutes

Connect your WhatsMarkSaaS platform to the WhatsApp Cloud API.

Meta Business Setup Prerequisites

1. Create a Meta Business Account at business.facebook.com
2. Set up a WhatsApp Business API account
3. Verify your business with Meta
4. Add and verify a phone number for WhatsApp
5. Generate a permanent access token

Platform Configuration

1. Navigate to WhatsApp Configuration in admin panel
2. Enter your Business Account ID, Phone Number ID, and Access Token
3. Configure webhook settings
4. Test the connection
5. Set up message templates (optional at this stage)

Detailed instructions are available in the WhatsApp Configuration Guide.

Important Warning: Ensure your webhook URL is properly configured with SSL and is publicly accessible.

✅ Step 4: Subscription Plan Creation

Time Required: 20-30 minutes

Set up the subscription plans you'll offer to your customers.

Basic Plan Setup

1. Navigate to Plan Management in admin panel
2. Click "Create New Plan"
3. Configure at least 3 different plans (Free, Standard, Premium)
4. Set appropriate feature limits for each plan
5. Configure pricing for monthly and yearly billing
6. Set free trial periods (if offered)
7. Activate your plans

See detailed instructions in the Plan Management Guide.

Best Practice: Start with competitive pricing and reasonable feature limits. You can adjust these as you learn more about customer usage patterns.

✅ Step 5: Payment Gateway Configuration

Time Required: 20-30 minutes

Set up payment processing to collect subscription fees.

Stripe Integration

1. Create a Stripe account if you don't have one
2. Navigate to Payment Settings in admin panel
3. Enter your Stripe API keys
4. Configure webhook endpoints in Stripe dashboard
5. Test payment processing with a test card
6. Set up additional payment methods (optional)

Detailed instructions are available in the Payment Settings Guide.

Important Tip: Always test the complete payment flow, including subscription creation, renewal, and cancellation before going live.

✅ Step 6: Website Customization

Time Required: 30-60 minutes

Customize your customer-facing website to attract new tenants.

Basic Website Setup

1. Navigate to Website Settings in admin panel
2. Configure your hero section with compelling headline and CTA
3. Customize the features section to highlight key capabilities
4. Set up pricing page to display your subscription plans
5. Add testimonials (you can add placeholders initially)
6. Customize colors and branding elements
7. Configure contact information and forms

See detailed instructions in the Website Settings Guide.

Best Practice: Focus on clearly communicating your value proposition and how your service solves customer problems.

✅ Step 7: System Settings Configuration

Time Required: 20-30 minutes

Configure core system settings for optimal operation.

Essential Settings

1. Navigate to System Settings in admin panel
2. Configure email settings for system notifications
3. Set up company information for invoices and legal documents
4. Configure default language and timezone
5. Set up email templates for system communications
6. Configure security settings and login requirements

Detailed instructions are available in the System Settings Guide.

Critical Step: Proper email configuration is essential for account verification, password resets, and notifications.

✅ Step 8: Testing and Launch

Time Required: 1-2 hours

Thoroughly test your platform before launching to customers.

Testing Checklist

1. Create a test tenant account
2. Test WhatsApp messaging functionality
3. Verify subscription signup and payment processing
4. Test webhook functionality
5. Verify email notifications are being sent
6. Test tenant features and limitations
7. Verify backup systems are working
8. Check mobile responsiveness of all pages

Launch Preparation

1. Set up monitoring tools for system health
2. Prepare support documentation and resources
3. Configure analytics to track visitor behavior
4. Set up a support ticketing system
5. Prepare marketing materials for launch

✅ Post-Launch Steps

After launching your WhatsMarkSaaS platform:

1. Monitor system performance closely for the first few weeks
2. Gather feedback from early customers
3. Make necessary adjustments to plans and pricing
4. Build out additional documentation and help resources
5. Develop a marketing strategy to attract more tenants
6. Create a roadmap for feature development

Troubleshooting Setup Issues

If you encounter problems during setup:

1. Check the error logs at storage/logs/laravel.log
2. Verify your server meets all requirements
3. Ensure proper permissions on files and directories
4. Test WhatsApp API connection independently
5. Verify webhook URL is accessible from the internet
6. Test payment gateway in sandbox/test mode
7. Consult the Troubleshooting Guide for common issues

Next Steps

Once your platform is set up and running, learn how to:

1. Manage tenants effectively
2. Monitor subscriptions and revenue
3. Handle WhatsApp template approvals
4. Optimize your marketing website
5. Scale your platform as your customer base grows