Follow this step-by-step guide to create your OpenAI API key and connect it to BizzyBees. (Takes ~5–10 minutes.)
Important: Treat your OpenAI API key like a password.
Don’t share it publicly, don’t paste it into screenshots, and don’t send it to anyone (including support). If you think it’s been exposed, revoke it in OpenAI and create a new one immediately.
Go to the OpenAI Platform dashboard and sign in (you can use the same account as ChatGPT).
OpenAI requires a one-time phone verification when you generate your first API key. After that, you can create additional keys without repeating this step.
Tip: Some regions may offer WhatsApp verification in addition to SMS.
If you run into phone verification issues, OpenAI’s help center has a dedicated section: Phone verification help.
Most new API accounts use prepaid billing. Add payment details and purchase credits so API requests can run.
In OpenAI, go to Settings → Billing (or “Billing” in the sidebar), then click Add payment details and choose an initial credit amount. The minimum is typically $5.
Note: purchased credits typically expire after 1 year and are non-refundable. You can also enable/disable auto-recharge in the billing portal.
OpenAI organizes API usage into Projects. For most BizzyBees users, the Default project is fine. If you prefer separation (multiple websites, clients, or environments), you can create a dedicated project and generate a key for it.
Typical path: Settings → Organization → Projects (owners can create projects). If you don’t see Projects, you may be in a different role/organization.
In the OpenAI Platform, open API Keys (usually under your project settings) and click + Create new secret key. Name it something obvious like BizzyBees.
CRITICAL: OpenAI only shows the secret key once. Copy it immediately and store it somewhere safe.
If you have permission options, “All” is easiest to start with. Advanced users can use restricted permissions, but if you restrict too much, BizzyBees won’t be able to run.
Go back to your WordPress admin dashboard and paste the API key into BizzyBees.
Typical path in WordPress:
Premium users: if BizzyBees supports per-task keys, you can use separate keys per task/client for clearer billing separation.
Some advanced API models/capabilities may require Organization Verification. If you see “not verified” / access errors for specific models, this may be the reason.
OpenAI path: Settings → Organization → General → Verify Organization.
Note: verification uses a government-issued ID and may not be available to all orgs/regions.
The most common issues we see when connecting OpenAI to BizzyBees.
Phone verification is required for generating your first API key on the OpenAI Platform. After your first key is created, you shouldn’t need to do it again for additional keys.
OpenAI help: Phone number requirement for new API keys
This usually means there are no credits available (or billing isn’t set up). Go to Billing and add payment details / purchase credits.
Billing portal: Billing overview
No — OpenAI only shows the secret value once. If you didn’t store it, create a new key and replace the key inside BizzyBees.
After you swap the key in BizzyBees, run a small test task to confirm it’s working.
The most reliable approach is to keep a sensible prepaid balance (and disable auto-recharge if you prefer manual top-ups). You can also set budgets/alerts in OpenAI Limits settings.
Important: OpenAI project “budgets” are designed for alerts/monitoring and may not enforce a hard cut-off.
Use separate keys per site or environment when possible, monitor usage regularly, and rotate keys if you suspect exposure.
OpenAI best practices: API key safety
Still stuck? We’ll help you get connected.
Contact our support teamOnce your OpenAI key is connected, you can start generating new posts or intelligently updating existing content.
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