There are several apps available that allow users to schedule and automatically send WhatsApp messages. These apps can be quite useful for both personal and business purposes. Some key benefits of using an automated WhatsApp messaging app include:
- Schedule messages to be sent at a later date and time.
- Automate messaging campaigns and promotions.
- Send recurring reminders or alerts.
- Message multiple contacts at once.
- Free up time spent manually messaging contacts.
When looking for an automated WhatsApp messaging app, some key features to consider include:
- Ability to schedule messages in advance
- Contact management and messaging list creation
- Message personalization with merge fields
- Automated messaging based on triggers or workflows
- Reporting on message status and engagement
- Integration with other apps or services
- Reliable message delivery and queueing
- Security and compliance with WhatsApp guidelines
Some of the most popular automated WhatsApp messenger apps include SendPulse, ChatFuel, Wati, Sendible, and Ryver. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at what these apps offer and how they can help optimize your WhatsApp messaging.
Overview of Top Automated WhatsApp Messenger Apps
Here is an overview of some of the top options for automated WhatsApp messaging platforms:
SendPulse
SendPulse is an omnichannel marketing platform that includes options for automated WhatsApp messaging. Key features include:
- Drag and drop builder to easily create WhatsApp campaigns
- Schedule messages or set automated triggers
- 2-way messaging with customizable chatbots
- Opt-in messaging through QR codes or links
- Chat delivery receipts and read status
- Segmentation and personalized messaging
- Integrations with email, SMS, push notifications
- Starts at $15/month for up to 800 subscribers
SendPulse makes it simple to create targeted and automated WhatsApp campaigns alongside your other marketing channels.
ChatFuel
ChatFuel is a conversational marketing platform for Messenger, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Features include:
- Visual bot builder with branching logic
- Broadcast messaging to subscribers
- Auto-reply conversations based on keywords
- Built-in subscriber management and list segmentation
- Automated replies and follow-up sequences
- Chatbot analytics and optimization
- 14-day free trial, plans starting at $15/month
ChatFuel focuses on creating chatbots and conversational experiences across multiple platforms including WhatsApp.
Wati
Wati is an AI-powered chatbot platform for WhatsApp and Messenger. Key features:
- Chatbot creation using graphical drag-and-drop
- Omnichannel deployment across multiple platforms
- AI-powered natural language processing
- Bulk and scheduled messaging
- Chatbot analytics and optimization
- Mobile SDKs and web widget integration
- 15-day free trial, plans starting at $49/month
Wati makes it easy for anyone to build a intelligent chatbot without coding and deploy it across multiple messaging apps.
Sendible
Sendible is a social media management platform with built-in options for WhatsApp business messaging. Features include:
- Create and schedule unlimited WhatsApp messages
- 2-way messaging with customers
- Opt-in messaging through QR codes
- See message status and read receipts
- Integrated social inbox across channels
- Team collaboration and assignment
- 14-day free trial, plans starting at $29/month
Sendible allows you to manage all your social media and WhatsApp messaging in one platform.
Ryver
Ryver is a team communication platform with built-in support for WhatsApp integration. Key features:
- Send and receive WhatsApp messages in Ryver
- Automatically log WhatsApp chats as Ryver conversations
- Sync 1:1 and group conversations
- Enable team collaboration via WhatsApp
- Mobile apps with push notifications
- Plans start at Free for up to 12 users
Ryver uniquely provides an option for teams to communicate via WhatsApp while managing the messages directly in their Ryver dashboard.
Comparison of Key Features
Here is a comparison of some of the key capabilities of these automated WhatsApp messaging platforms:
| Platform | Chatbot Creation | Broadcast Messaging | Scheduling | Automation | Analytics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SendPulse | Basic | Yes | Yes | Workflows | Reporting |
| ChatFuel | Visual Builder | Yes | Yes | Sequences | Bot Analytics |
| Wati | Drag & Drop | Yes | Yes | Triggers | Analytics |
| Sendible | No | Yes | Yes | Limited | Reporting |
| Ryver | No | No | No | No | Basic |
As you can see, ChatFuel, SendPulse and Wati offer the most extensive options for building and automating conversational WhatsApp chatbots. Sendible and Ryver focus more on enabling WhatsApp messaging from within their broader social media and team messaging capabilities.
Use Cases and Examples
There are countless ways these automated WhatsApp messaging apps could be used across different industries and use cases. Here are just a few examples:
Ecommerce
Ecommerce businesses can use automated WhatsApp messaging apps for:
- New order and shipping confirmations
- Shipping and delivery updates
- Cart abandonment reminders
- Promotional alerts for sales or new arrivals
- Customer satisfaction surveys
- Appointment reminders
Agencies
Digital agencies can leverage automated WhatsApp messaging to:
- Send onboarding or project kickoff messages to new clients
- Automatemilestone or progress update notifications
- Route client requests quickly to the right team members
- Collect feedback or testimonials from happy clients
- Promote new services, offerings, or content
Publishers
Publishers and content creators can use automated WhatsApp messaging apps to:
- Share new articles, videos or podcast episodes
- Curate and send relevant content to subscribers based on interests
- Promote events, webinars, and online courses
- Collect feedback on new content or ideas from subscribers
- Deliver exclusive offers and subscriber perks
Schools
Educational institutions can leverage automated WhatsApp messaging for:
- Class absence or late notifications
- Event or deadline reminders
- Course or assignment updates
- Emergency alerts and notices
- Acceptance letters or enrollment confirmations
- College advising conversations
Benefits of Using Automated WhatsApp Messaging
Here are some of the key potential benefits of using automated WhatsApp messaging:
Improved Engagement
WhatsApp has incredibly high open and response rates compared to other channels. Automating relevant, well-timed messages can improve engagement.
Greater Convenience
Scheduling messages in advance or setting up recurring reminders saves a ton of time over manual messaging.
More Personalized Service
Merge fields and segments allow for more personalized and contextual conversations.
Higher Satisfaction
Quick, automated responses to common questions via chatbots improves customer satisfaction.
Consistent Communication
Automated messaging ensures reliable, timely delivery of important updates or alerts.
Higher Revenue
Triggered promos or reminders reduce cart abandonment and can drive more sales.
Improved Data
Chatbots can capture lead data and feedback more easily through conversational interfaces.
Faster Follow-Up
Automated follow-up sequences keep conversations moving and lead to faster deal closure.
Expanded Reach
Broadcast messaging allows you to easily reach all subscribers at once to share announcements.
Key Considerations for Automated WhatsApp Messaging
While automated WhatsApp messaging provides some great benefits, there are also some important factors to keep in mind:
WhatsApp Policies
Make sure to follow WhatsApp’s terms of service and business messaging policies, including user consent.
Spam Detection
Low-value, spammy messages can lead to blocks or bans. Focus on value over promotions.
Data Privacy
Take steps to ensure private user data is protected and handled securely.
Message Timing
Avoid messaging at inappropriate times like holidays or weekends unless it’s expected.
User Preferences
Allow users to easily opt out or choose lower message frequency if desired.
Chatbot Training
Take time to train chatbots with appropriate content for accurate responses.
Backup Plans
Have backup communication plans in place in case issues arise with WhatsApp.
Testing
Thoroughly test automation workflows and chatbot conversations before full deployment.
Ongoing Optimization
Monitor performance data and user feedback to continuously improve the experience.
Conclusion
Automated WhatsApp messaging apps provide a powerful way for businesses and organizations to improve communications and engagement with their audiences. With the ability to schedule messages, create chatbots, and automate conversations, these tools can save time, boost satisfaction, and increase revenue. Leading solutions like SendPulse, ChatFuel, and Wati make it easy to get started with automating WhatsApp while following best practices for message relevance and user preferences. The benefits of timely, automated, and personalized WhatsApp communication are huge, but require thoughtfully planning the messaging strategy and workflows. With a strategic approach, automated WhatsApp messaging can take your business communication to the next level.