How to Start a New Chat in WATI: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to send a message to someone for the first time or continue a conversation with a contact, this guide will help you. Here’s how you can start a new chat in WATI. Follow these steps to message a new contact or reconnect with an existing one:

Step 1: Log in to Your WATI Account

Begin by logging in to your WATI account using your credentials. Once logged in, you’ll be directed to the main dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to the Team Inbox

The Team Inbox is where all conversations are managed.

Step 3: Click on the New Message Button

In the Team Inbox, locate the New Message button. Clicking on this button will open a dialogue box to create a new conversation.

Now, there are two ways of choosing Your Contact:

1. Type in the Contact Number: If you know the recipient's contact number, you can simply type it into the input field. If the number doesn’t exist in your contact list, WATI will automatically add it to your Contacts once the message is sent. 

2. Select an Existing Contact: If the person you wish to message is already in your Contacts, you can choose their name from the list. This option is especially convenient for reaching out to frequent contacts.

If you want to create a new contact for a chat, here’s a complete guide to help you: Read the full blog here.

Step 4: Click "Next"

After selecting or typing the contact number, click on the Next button to proceed.

Step 5: Select a Pre-Approved Template

You can choose a pre-approved template that suits the purpose of your message (e.g., greetings, updates, offers).

Then, to personalise the message, fill in the necessary variables (such as the recipient's name, order details, or specific dates).

Step 6: Send the Message

Once you've filled out the template, hit Send. The message will be delivered to the contact, and a new conversation will appear in your Team Inbox with a Broadcast status.

But WATI has a lot of limitations:

• WATI allows only 5 users per plan, which is difficult for larger teams.

• Extra chatbot responses come with additional charges, increasing costs.

• The plans are expensive and have high charges for messages.

• WATI lacks advanced features like custom JavaScript workflows, unlike tools like Heltar, making it less flexible.

Choosing the right WhatsApp Business API provider is crucial for scaling your business. You can explore free trials of different BSPs to find what works best for you. To save some time and effort, here’s a comprehensive comparison of features, limitations, and pricing.

Feature Comparison: Wati vs. Heltar:

Pricing Comparison: Wati vs. Heltar:

Conversation Pricing: Wati vs. Heltar:

Heltar stands out as a cost-effective, feature-rich, and scalable solution for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It offers:

• Affordable Pricing: Heltar’s plans are significantly cheaper than Wati’s, starting at just ₹999/month.

• Unlimited Scalability: No cap on chatbot responses or users in any plan.

• Advanced Integrations: OpenAI and Javascript compatibility for enhanced functionality.

• Customer-Centric Features: 24/7 support and a free green tick badge for credibility.

• High Volume Messaging: Send over 1,000,000 messages with just one click, ensuring efficiency without risks.

You can start a free trial to explore the features by yourself or book a free demo! 

If you have any questions about migrating from one BSP to another, read this blog on All You Need to Know About WhatsApp Business API BSP Migration.

For more insights, tips, and strategies to make the most of your WhatsApp Business API, explore Heltar Blogs.