> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.referbro.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Prerequisites & Key Concepts > Everything you need to know before setting up Referbro Before configuring Referbro, it helps to understand a few foundational concepts about Shopify and WhatsApp. This page is for you if you're new to either platform. ## Shopify Basics ### What is a Shopify App? A Shopify App is a third-party tool that adds functionality to your Shopify store. Referbro is a Shopify App — once installed, it appears in your **Shopify Admin** sidebar under **Apps**. **New to Shopify?** Read the official [Shopify Admin overview](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/intro-to-shopify/initial-setup) to familiarize yourself with the admin panel. ### Key Shopify Locations You'll Need | Location | How to Find It | When You'll Need It | | :------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Apps** section | Shopify Admin → **Apps** (left sidebar) | To open Referbro after installing it | | **Theme Customizer** | Shopify Admin → **Online Store** → **Themes** → **Customize** | To enable Referbro widgets on your storefront | | **App Embeds** | Inside Theme Customizer → Click the **App embeds** icon (puzzle piece) on the left sidebar | To toggle on the Refer & Earn and Referral Received widgets | | **Checkout Editor** | Shopify Admin → **Settings** → **Checkout** → **Customize** (or via **Online Store → Themes → Customize** select Checkout) | To add the Referbro widget to Checkout and Order Status pages | ### What are App Embeds? App Embeds are toggleable widgets provided by Shopify Apps that overlay on your store's theme. They don't require editing theme code — just flip a switch in the Theme Customizer. Referbro uses App Embeds for: * **Refer & Earn Widget** — A floating button on your storefront that opens a referral sharing panel. * **Referral Received Popup** — A popup shown to visitors who arrive via a referral link, displaying their discount. *** ## WhatsApp Business API Basics ### Personal WhatsApp vs. Business API | | Personal WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business API | | :------------ | :------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------ | | **Purpose** | Messaging friends & family | Sending automated messages at scale | | **Templates** | Not required | Templates must be **pre-approved by Meta** | | **Access** | Download the app | Obtained through a **BSP (Business Solution Provider)** | | **Cost** | Free | Per-message pricing (varies by BSP) | Referbro uses the **WhatsApp Business API** (not personal WhatsApp) to send automated referral messages to your customers. ### What is a BSP (Business Solution Provider)? A BSP is a company authorized by Meta to offer WhatsApp Business API access. You sign up with a BSP, they provide you API credentials, and Referbro uses those credentials to send messages on your behalf. **Referbro supports these BSPs:** | Provider | Website | | :------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Pragma** | [pragma.ai](https://pragma.ai) / [logisy.tech](https://logisy.tech) | | **Meta (Cloud API)** | [developers.facebook.com](https://developers.facebook.com/) | | **Wabtune** | Contact your Wabtune representative | | **LimeChat** | [limechat.ai](https://www.limechat.ai/) | | **AiSensy** | [aisensy.com](https://aisensy.com/) | | **Interakt** | [interakt.shop](https://www.interakt.shop/) | | **KwikEngage** | Contact your KwikEngage representative | | **SagePilot** | Contact your SagePilot representative | | **Custom** | Any HTTP-based WhatsApp API provider | ### What is a WhatsApp Template? WhatsApp requires that **all business-initiated messages** use pre-approved **Message Templates**. You can't send arbitrary text — you must: 1. **Create a template** on your BSP's platform (e.g., Pragma dashboard). 2. **Submit it for approval** by Meta (usually takes minutes to hours). 3. **Map the approved template** in Referbro by entering the Template ID and parameters. A template defines the message structure with placeholders for dynamic content. For example: ``` Hey! Use my link to get ₹150 OFF on your first order 👇 {{1}} ``` Here, `{{1}}` is a placeholder that Referbro fills with the customer's unique referral link at send time. *** ## Glossary | Term | Meaning | | :-------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Referrer** | The existing customer who shares their referral link | | **Referee (Friend)** | The new customer who clicks the referral link and makes a purchase | | **Referral Code** | A unique alphanumeric code assigned to each referrer (e.g., `JOHN-AB12`) | | **BSP** | Business Solution Provider — a company that provides WhatsApp Business API access | | **Template** | A pre-approved message structure on WhatsApp, with placeholders for dynamic content | | **App Embed** | A toggleable widget provided by a Shopify App, enabled in the Theme Customizer | | **Checkout Extension** | A widget that appears on Checkout or Order Status pages (requires Checkout Extensibility) | | **Discount Strategy** | How the friend's discount is calculated — either a fixed amount (e.g., ₹150 off) or a percentage (e.g., 10% off) | | **Cashback / Store Credit** | The reward type given to the referrer after a successful referral |