Sending automatic reminders to a WhatsApp group can be very useful for managing events, meetings, and any other scenarios where you need to notify a group of people about something on a recurring schedule. With the right tools and techniques, setting up automatic WhatsApp group reminders is easy.
In this article, we’ll walk through the full process of how to set up automatic reminders on a WhatsApp group. We’ll cover creating reminders on both iPhone and Android devices. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to schedule automated messages to any WhatsApp group to remind participants about important events, tasks, or other timely information.
Benefits of Automatic WhatsApp Group Reminders
Here are some of the top benefits of setting up automated WhatsApp group reminders:
- Ensure events and tasks don’t get forgotten or missed
- Promptly notify all group members at once
- Save time over sending manual reminders
- Schedule reminders ahead of time for future events
- Customize reminder frequency and timing
- Increase participation and engagement in group activities
Whether it’s an upcoming meeting, event RSVP deadline, recurring office task, or anything else your group needs reminding about, automated WhatsApp messages provide a simple yet powerful solution.
Setting Up Automatic Reminders on iPhone
For iPhone users, the easiest way to schedule automated WhatsApp group reminders is by using the Shortcuts app. Here are the steps:
1. Create a New Reminder
Open the Shortcuts app and tap the + button to create a new shortcut. Search for and select the “Remind me of something” template.
This will create a basic reminder with placeholder fields you can customize.
2. Customize the Reminder Details
Tap on the reminder title and message fields to edit them to your liking. For example, you may set the title to be the name of your event and the message to include key details like date, time, location, and instructions.
The other fields like date, time, and repeat interval can also be customized as needed.
3. Add a WhatsApp Message Action
Next, tap the + button to add an action to send a WhatsApp message. Search for and select the WhatsApp action.
Configure it by choosing the WhatsApp group you want to send the reminder to. Tap the text field to customize the message with the same details you added in step #2.
4. Save and Test the Shortcut
Give your new shortcut a name and tap Done to save it. You can then test it out by tapping the play button on the shortcut. Verify it sends the automated WhatsApp message as expected.
Now your reminder is ready! The final step is scheduling it to activate automatically.
5. Schedule the Reminder
Open the Shortcuts app main screen. Tap on the shortcut you created, then tap the settings icon in the top-right corner.
Go to the Schedule toggle and turn it on. This will allow you to configure what time and how often you want the reminder to automatically run.
Once scheduled, your automated WhatsApp group reminder is all set! It will now send recurring notifications to the group on your set schedule.
Setting Up Automatic Reminders on Android
The process is very similar for Android users to set up automated WhatsApp group reminders. We’ll use the IFTTT app and WhatsApp’s built-in reminder function.
1. Install the IFTTT App
IFTTT is a free automation app for Android. Install it from the Play Store on your device.
2. Connect IFTTT to WhatsApp
Open the IFTTT app and sign up for a free account if you don’t already have one. Tap Search and look for the WhatsApp service. Connect / link your WhatsApp account.
3. Create a New Applet
Tap the + button in IFTTT to create a new Applet. Search for and select the “Date & Time” service as the IF trigger.
Configure it by choosing “Every day at” and setting your desired reminder time. Tap Continue.
4. Add a WhatsApp Action
Search for and add the WhatsApp service as the THEN action.
Select “Send message” and configure it with your group name and the reminder message. Make sure to enable “Skip if same message is recently sent” to avoid duplicates.
5. Enable the Applet
Double check the Applet settings, then finish by tapping the Enable button. This will activate your automated daily reminder.
Customizing and Scheduling
From IFTTT’s My Applets section, you can customize the date, time, and repeat interval for your WhatsApp reminder applet. You can also create multiple applets with different schedules for each.
That’s all there is to it! With IFTTT and WhatsApp reminders, setting up automated WhatsApp group reminders on Android is quick and easy.
Tools for Advanced WhatsApp Automation
The methods above provide a simple way to get started with automated WhatsApp group reminders. But for more advanced functionality, a dedicated WhatsApp marketing platform is recommended. Here are some top tools to consider:
WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to programmatically interact with WhatsApp at scale. It enables creating chatbots, automating messages and notifications, collecting feedback, providing support, and more. This enterprise-grade API delivers advanced WhatsApp automation capabilities beyond basic reminders.
ChatEngine
ChatEngine is a conversational AI platform for WhatsApp. It makes it easy to build intelligent chatbots for WhatsApp without coding. ChatEngine lets you automate conversations, collect information, promote offers, answer questions, and more to engage your audience on WhatsApp automatically.
ChatFuel
Another no-code platform, ChatFuel provides a drag-and-drop interface for creating WhatsApp bots. It provides pre-built templates and integrations to get started quickly. Growth tools help you build an audience and drive engagement on WhatsApp.
ManyChat
ManyChat focuses on Facebook Messenger marketing automation, but also supports WhatsApp. It provides broadcast messaging, subscriber management, flow builders, and analytics for engaging your WhatsApp contacts. Integration with other marketing tools is easy.
Comparison of WhatsApp Automation Tools
| Tool | Key Features |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp Business API | Enterprise-grade API, Scalable automation, Rich functionality |
| ChatEngine | No-code chatbots, Conversational AI, Easy workflows |
| ChatFuel | Drag-and-drop bot builder, Growth tools, Engagement templates |
| ManyChat | Broadcast messaging, Messenger automation, User management |
Best Practices for WhatsApp Group Reminders
When setting up automated WhatsApp reminders for your groups, keep these best practices in mind:
Personalize Messages
Avoid blasting generic mass messages. Make sure your reminders are tailored and relevant for each group’s purpose. Personalized messages drive more engagement.
Allow Opting Out
Let group members easily opt out of reminder notifications if they want. This gives them control and prevents frustration with unwanted messages.
Send at Appropriate Times
Understand when your recipients are most likely to see and respond to your reminders based on their time zones. Avoid too early, too late, or other bad timing.
Test Extensively
Thoroughly test your automated reminders before fully launching them. Confirm the messages are being delivered to the right groups as intended without issues.
Monitor Performance
Track open and click-through rates to see if your reminders are working. Adjust the content, timing, and frequency as needed based on performance.
Follow WhatsApp Guidelines
Make sure to follow WhatsApp’s rules and policies around automated messaging. Avoid spamming users or sending too many reminders.
WhatsApp Group Reminder Ideas and Use Cases
Automated WhatsApp reminders can be helpful for many different use cases. Here are just a few ideas:
Event and Meeting Reminders
Give event attendees or meeting participants automated reminders about start times, locations, dial-in details, and any pre-event instructions.
Webinar and Online Class Reminders
Promote upcoming webinars, virtual events, and online classes through automated reminders with registration links sent to WhatsApp groups.
Sales and Promotion Reminders
Notify customers and subscriber lists about flash sales, limited-time promotions, coupons, and other special offers happening on your online store or business.
Recurring Task and Activity Reminders
Keep team members, employees, or other groups on track with regular reminders about daily or weekly tasks, activities, reports, and deadlines.
Event Feedback and Follow-Up
Send post-event surveys and reminders to collect feedback and encourage follow-up actions after online or offline events.
Appointment Reminders
Professionals like doctors, dentists, salons, tutors, and coaches can automatically remind clients about upcoming appointments.
The possibilities are endless! WhatsApp group reminders can drive better engagement for events, ecommerce, nonprofits, networking, schools, and any organization that communicates through WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is scheduling automatic WhatsApp reminders free?
Yes, tools like Shortcuts, IFTTT, and WhatsApp chatbots can enable free automated reminders. However, advanced platforms may offer premium features or charge based on usage.
Can I set up WhatsApp reminders from my desktop?
Unfortunately WhatsApp web and desktop apps don’t support automation features. You need to set up reminders through a mobile app like Shortcuts or IFTTT.
Do all WhatsApp users see automated reminders?
Recipients must have your chat or group notifications enabled to see automated reminders you send through WhatsApp.
Can I customize the repeat frequency for reminders?
Yes, you can schedule WhatsApp reminders to recur at any custom frequency – daily, weekly, monthly, on specific days, etc. based on your needs.
Is there a limit to how many reminders I can schedule?
WhatsApp doesn’t enforce hard limits, but avoids spamming users with excessive automated messages. Keep your reminder count reasonable based on your use case.
Conclusion
Automating reminders for your WhatsApp groups is easy with the right tools. Whether you need to promote an event, drive webinar attendance, or simply remind colleagues about meetings, scheduled WhatsApp messages are a convenient solution.
Shortcuts and IFTTT provide simple methods to get started on iOS and Android. For advanced functionality, investigate platforms like ChatEngine, ChatFuel, ManyChat, and the WhatsApp Business API.
Set up tailored, relevant reminders sent at optimal times. Monitor performance and continually optimize your automated WhatsApp content and schedules. With the techniques above, you can engage any WhatsApp group or audience more effectively.