WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging platforms with over 2 billion active users worldwide. With such a massive user base, many businesses and marketers are leveraging WhatsApp to connect with their audience and promote their products or services through bulk messaging.
While WhatsApp does not have a built-in mass messaging feature, there are some clever workarounds using third-party apps and tools to send bulk messages on WhatsApp.
Methods to Send Bulk Messages on WhatsApp
Here are some of the most common methods used for sending bulk messages on WhatsApp:
- Using a WhatsApp Business API integration
- Using third-party WhatsApp marketing tools
- Exporting and importing contacts
- Using WhatsApp Web to message contacts
- Using WhatsApp click to chat links
Let’s look at each of these methods in more detail:
1. Using a WhatsApp Business API Integration
The WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp messaging capabilities directly into their CRM and marketing automation systems. With the API, you can build WhatsApp messaging right into your existing workflows to send notifications, alerts and other bulk messages automatically to your contacts.
While the WhatsApp Business API does have some limits on the number of messages you can send per day, it provides one of the most seamless experiences for sending bulk WhatsApp messages from your business systems and workflows.
2. Using Third-Party WhatsApp Marketing Tools
If you don’t want to build your own integration, there are many third-party tools like Chat-API, Phobos, and RapidPro that make it easy to manage bulk WhatsApp messaging.
These tools provide desktop and web interfaces that connect to your WhatsApp account. You can upload your contact lists and schedule sending of messages or broadcast messages in bulk across your contacts.
The advantage of these tools is convenience – you don’t need any technical expertise to get started. However, the tools also have limitations on how many messages you can send daily.
3. Exporting and Importing Contacts
WhatsApp allows you to export your phone contacts and message history to a CSV file. You can then edit the CSV file to add or remove contacts as needed.
The edited CSV contact list can then be imported back into WhatsApp on a different device. Now when you message contacts from this device, it will allow you to selectively message contacts in bulk across your exported list.
The limitation here is that you can only message up to 256 contacts in a single WhatsApp session with this method.
4. Using WhatsApp Web to Message Contacts
The WhatsApp desktop app and WhatsApp Web allow you to access your WhatsApp on your computer’s browser. This interface can be used to efficiently select and send messages to multiple WhatsApp contacts more easily than on your mobile device.
However, there is still a limit of how many chats and messages you can send in a given timeframe before WhatsApp blocks you for spam-like behavior. So while more efficient, this method has its limitations for true bulk messaging.
5. Using WhatsApp Click to Chat Links
WhatsApp has a click to chat feature that allows you to create a URL with your phone number embedded. When someone clicks on this link on their phone, it will open a chat with your number automatically within WhatsApp.
You can share these click to chat links through emails, ads, websites, and other channels to engage your contacts and start conversations in bulk.
The main limitation is that for someone new to click and engage, they need to have your phone number saved in their phone’s contacts already. But for existing contacts, it can be a quick way to start conversations at scale.
Tips for Managing Bulk WhatsApp Messaging
Now that you know the main methods for sending bulk messages on WhatsApp, here are some tips to ensure your messaging is effective, compliant and avoids getting blocked:
- Always get opt-in consent before adding any contacts to your broadcast lists.
- Include an opt-out option in your messages to allow contacts to unsubscribe.
- Spread out messages over time instead of blasting bulk messages all at once.
- Personalize messages with names or other details when possible.
- Test your messaging on small contact groups first before expanding.
- Follow WhatsApp Terms of Service and avoid spammy language.
FAQs on Sending Bulk Messages on WhatsApp
Is it legal to send bulk WhatsApp messages?
Yes, it is legal to send bulk messages on WhatsApp to your contacts if you follow proper opt-in and spam guidelines per your local regulations. Be sure not to randomly message numbers that have not consented to receive your messages.
What are WhatsApp’s limits for bulk messaging?
WhatsApp does not publish fixed limits, but in general try to limit bulk messaging to a few hundred messages daily at most per account. Accounts perceived to be spamming thousands of messages per day run higher risks of blocks.
Can I schedule future messages on WhatsApp?
Unfortunately, native WhatsApp does not have a scheduling feature. However, many of the third-party tools mentioned do provide schedule message capabilities for future dated bulk messaging.
Is there a way to see if my recipients opened my WhatsApp messages?
WhatsApp does not show read receipts or other open/delivery tracking for bulk messages sent to groups or broadcast lists. You can only see single tick delivery confirmations.
Can I send bulk messages on WhatsApp using a computer?
Yes, tools like WhatsApp Web and third-party desktop apps allow you to access your WhatsApp account on a computer to more efficiently send bulk messages.
Conclusion
With the rise of business messaging, WhatsApp bulk messaging capabilities are essential for marketers and brands to engage their customers. While WhatsApp does not enable true native mass messaging, the workarounds listed here can still allow you to use WhatsApp effectively for both one-to-one conversations and bulk notifications.
When using any of these WhatsApp bulk messaging methods, be sure to follow best practices around getting consent, personalization, appropriate frequency and legal compliance based on your local spam laws.
Used responsibly, WhatsApp provides an unparalleled channel to humanize your outreach and forge meaningful connections with your contacts at scale.