Want to send bulk messages on WhatsApp effectively? This guide covers three main methods: WhatsApp groups and broadcast lists, third-party tools, and the WhatsApp Business API. For reliable bulk messaging, the Official WhatsApp API stands out as the most professional solution, offering automation, scalability, and personalization features. You'll learn how to set up the Business API through an official solution provider like Heltar, create approved message templates, import contact lists correctly, and follow best practices to maintain quality metrics.
Bulk Messages can be sent on WhatsApp via groups or broadcast lists, chrome extensions, and WhatsApp Business API.
3 Ways to Send Bulk Messages on WhatsApp
Bulk Messages can be sent on WhatsApp via groups or broadcast lists, chrome extensions, and WhatsApp Business API.
Method 1 - WhatsApp Groups and Broadcast Lists
You can use broadcast lists to send a message to several contacts at once. Broadcast lists are saved lists of contacts that you can repeatedly message without having to select the contacts each time. (Note: Broadcast lists aren't supported on Windows, Mac, or Web)
Broadcast list requirements:
Make sure all contacts in the broadcast list have saved your number in their address book.
You can create as many broadcast lists as you like.
You can include up to 256 contacts in each broadcast list.
Create a broadcast list
Tap on the three dots on the top right and select ‘New broadcast’
Search for or select the contacts you want to add.
Tap on the tick button to confirm.
Recipients receive a message from your broadcast list as an individual message from you in their Chats tab. Their reply will also appear as an individual message and won’t be sent to other contacts in the broadcast list.
Note:
Only people who’ve added you to their phone's contacts will receive your broadcast message.
If someone isn’t receiving your broadcast messages, ask them to add you to their contacts.
Broadcast lists are a one-to-many communication. If you want your recipients to participate in a group conversation, create a group chat instead.
Edit a broadcast list
From the Chats tab, tap your broadcast list.
Tap on the three dots on the top right and select ‘Broadcast list info’
In the broadcast list info screen you can:
Change the name of your broadcast list by tapping the three dots > Change broadcast list name. Enter the new name of your broadcast list > OK.
Add recipients to the list by tapping Edit recipients. Search for or select the contacts you want to add.
Remove recipients by tapping Edit recipients > Tap the "x" in the contact’s profile picture
Delete a broadcast list
From the Chats tab, tap your broadcast list.
Tap the three dots > Broadcast list info > Delete broadcast list > Delete.
Check the box if you’d also like to delete media received from the device gallery.
Limitation of Broadcast lists
Broadcast lists on WhatsApp are limited to 256 recipients at a time, which can restrict the reach of your marketing campaigns. Additionally, manually saving contacts and creating individual broadcast lists can be time-consuming and inefficient for businesses looking to scale their efforts.
Method 2 - Third-Party Tools and Platforms
There exist third party tools and extensions on chrome like WASender free PlugIn or WA Bulk Message Sender that can be used for bulk messaging, but they entail a high risk of getting you permanently banned from the platform. Therefore, this unofficial method is not recommended at all.
Method 3 - WhatsApp Business API
This method helps us overcome the limitations of both the above mentioned methods. Unlike the regular WhatsApp Business app, which has limitations on message broadcasting and manual interactions, the API allows businesses to send bulk messages efficiently without a risk of getting banned. It enables seamless communication, whether for customer support, or for marketing campaigns.
Using WhatsApp Business API
Setting up and using the WhatsApp Business API for bulk messaging can significantly streamline your business communication, Here’s how you can do it:
Registration and Verification
First, register with a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) like Heltar- Best WhatsApp Business API. This step involves submitting your business details and verifying your Facebook Business Manager account.
Creating Message Templates
WhatsApp requires pre-approved message templates for bulk messaging to ensure compliance. These templates can include messages from across categories - marketing, utility, service, or authentication. They should be clear, non-spammy, and valuable to the recipient.
Launching Campaigns
After setting up the API and templates with Heltar, you can start sending bulk messages to your customers. The API enables you to automate message delivery, personalize content, and schedule campaigns for optimal engagement.
Features of WhatsApp Business API
Automation Capabilities
One of the key advantages of the WhatsApp Business API is its automation features. You can automate customer responses, schedule message delivery, and integrate chatbots to handle routine queries. This reduces manual effort and ensures your business is responsive 24/7.
Scalability for Businesses
Unlike the regular WhatsApp Business app, the API supports large-scale messaging, allowing you to send bulk messages to thousands of customers without the need for broadcast lists. This scalability is crucial for businesses with a large customer base or those expanding rapidly.
Personalization of Messages
With the WhatsApp Business API, businesses can send personalized messages that include customer names, previous purchase history, and relevant offers. This level of personalization helps improve engagement and enhances the customer experience, making your messages more likely to be read and acted upon.
Preparing Your Messaging Strategy
Follow this simple 4-step guide to send bulk messages on WhatsApp without saving contact.
To avoid getting banned by WhatsApp make sure you have already chosen a WhatsApp Business API solution provider, as mentioned earlier.
1. Import a contact list
The first step to send WhatsApp bulk messages is to import a contact list to the WhatsApp Business API solution provider’s platform.
While importing contacts, make sure that all the contact phone numbers are in the international format with country and area codes in the CSV file.
2. Create a message template
Message templates need to be approved by WhatsApp before you send a bulk message on WhatsApp. The WhatsApp Business API solution provider you can even choose, a premier IT company to create and submit message templates..
Remember, if you want to make your bulk message more effective, you need to make it engaging. You can set up an WhatsApp API interactive message template that contains a call-to-action or quick reply button, or a multimedia message template that supports text, images, videos and PDF files.
Once your message template gets approved, it’s time to use and send a WhatsApp bulk message!
3. Compose your WhatsApp bulk message
Using the approved message template, customize the placeholders. Ensure you keep your message crisp and clear, focusing on what you want to promote and the action you want the recipient to take.
Make use of the formatting options available on WhatsApp to structure your messages well, and highlight the important parts. This includes the ability to bold or strikethrough words in the message.
Also remember to add multimedia to make your WhatsApp bulk message visually engaging, along with emojis.
4. Send or schedule your bulk message
Schedule WhatsApp messages in bulk at a specific day and time, you will need to set up a broadcast message campaign through your WhatsApp Business API solution provider. Make sure you name the bulk message clearly if you intend to send more campaigns in the coming period.
Remember to use tags to send targeted bulk WhatsApp messaging. The higher the context of your bulk WhatsApp messages, the more likely a customer is to convert on your bulk message campaign.
Best Practices for Bulk Messaging
Four things that you should keep in mind while creating conversation-driven messages using WhatsApp templates are:
1. Always keep WhatsApp message limit in check
Business accounts can have up to 250 message templates.
Keeping quality over quantity in mind, the frequency of WhatsApp marketing messages should be around 5-6 messages per month.
2. Curate WhatsApp marketing messages thoughtfully
As per customers' preferences, messages must be personalized using images, videos,& PDFs with a clear call to action.
No content should ask for any sensitive or personal information from the customers.
3. Be consistent and concise while messaging
Aim for short, direct sentences to avoid creating long copies of automated messages.
Avoid using complicated jargon that may confuse the users.
4. Keep an eye on quality metrics
Pending: After submitting the WhatsApp message templates for the first time, this status reveals that Meta is yet to review them.
Approved: It implies that brands can send communications from the platform.
Rejected: It means brands need to revise the WhatsApp business message templates.
Flagged: It indicates that WhatsApp templates are of poor quality, the quality ratings have reached a low status, and it needs further improvement to get approval.
Disabled: The WhatsApp business message templates will be disabled across all languages if the ratings don't improve even after seven days of being moved to the Flagged status.
Try Heltar today!
Start with our free trial and experience the difference in service and support. Choose Heltar for a straightforward, feature-rich approach to WhatsApp Business communications that won't strain your budget.
Read more about WhatsApp Business API.
