Create a Meta App
This is where we create the "bridge" between Facebook/Instagram and your Perfex CRM. Don't worry - it's free, and you don't need to be a developer!
What Is a "Meta App"?โ
Think of it like this:
Facebook/Instagram โโ Your Meta App โโ Your Perfex CRM
The Meta App is just a bridge that allows Facebook to send lead data to your CRM. It's not a mobile app or a website - it's just a configuration on Meta's developer platform.
Key point: Each person using this module creates their own Meta App. It takes 3 minutes and it's completely free.
Let's Create the App!โ
1. Go to Meta for Developersโ
Open this link in a new tab:
๐ https://developers.facebook.com/apps/create/
You'll need to log in with your Facebook account. If you haven't used Meta for Developers before, you might be asked to register - just follow the prompts, it's instant.
2. Select App Typeโ
You'll see a page asking you to choose what kind of app to create.
Here's what to do:
- On the left sidebar, you'll see filter options
- Click "Other" to filter by "Other" category
- Scroll down to the bottom of the list
- Select "Create an app without a use case" (it's the last option)
Don't select "Business" or any other option! You specifically want "Create an app without a use case" - this gives you the most flexibility.
3. Business Portfolioโ
On the next screen, you'll be asked about connecting a business portfolio:
- Select "I don't want to connect a business portfolio yet."
- Click Next
Why? You can always connect a business portfolio later if needed. For now, keeping it simple is best.
4. Enter App Detailsโ
Now fill in the basic details:
| Field | What to Enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| App Name | A friendly name for your app | My CRM Leads |
| Contact Email | Your email address | [email protected] |
Tip for the app name: Use something descriptive like "Your Company CRM Leads" or "My Business Leads". This name is only visible to you in the Meta developer portal.
Click Create
5. You're In!โ
You should now see your App Dashboard. It looks something like this:
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
โ Your App Dashboard โ
โ โ
โ App ID: 123456789012345 โ
โ Status: In Development โ
โ โ
โ Products: โ
โ [+ Add Product] โ
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
Get Your App ID and App Secretโ
Now we need two pieces of information from your app. Think of them as your app's username and password.
Finding Your App IDโ
- Look at the top of the page - you'll see "App ID: XXXXXXXXXXX"
- Copy this number
The App ID is also visible in the URL bar: https://developers.facebook.com/apps/YOUR_APP_ID/dashboard/
Finding Your App Secretโ
- In the left sidebar, click App settings โ Basic
- You'll see:
- App ID (already have this)
- App Secret - click "Show" next to it
- Enter your Facebook password when asked
- Copy the App Secret
KEEP YOUR APP SECRET... SECRET!
Never share it publicly, never put it in client-side code, never post it on forums. If someone gets your App Secret, they can impersonate your app. If it's ever exposed, you can reset it from this same page.
Save These Credentialsโ
You now have two important values. Keep them handy - you'll need them in the next steps!
| Credential | Value | Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| App ID | _______________ | 123456789012345 |
| App Secret | _______________ | abc123def456ghi789jkl012 |
Do I Need to Set the App to "Live" Mode?โ
No! Here's the deal:
| Mode | Who Can Use It | Needs Review? |
|---|---|---|
| Development (default) | Only you (the app admin/developer) | No |
| Live | Anyone with a Facebook account | Yes |
Since you are creating the app and you are connecting your own pages:
Development Mode is perfectly fine! You do NOT need to submit for app review or switch to Live mode.
This is the standard approach used by self-hosted integrations everywhere - WordPress plugins, CRM modules, Zapier connectors, etc.
Common Mistakes to Avoidโ
| Mistake | Why It's Wrong | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Selecting "Business" app type | Adds unnecessary restrictions | Select "Other" โ "Create an app without a use case" |
| Connecting a business portfolio | Not needed, adds complexity | Select "I don't want to connect a business portfolio yet" |
| Sharing your App Secret | Security risk! | Keep it private, store it only in your module settings |
| Trying to go "Live" right away | Not needed for your own pages | Stay in Development mode |
Got your App ID and App Secret? Configure Webhooks