Meta requires WhatsApp opt-in before businesses send messages through the WhatsApp Business API. Here are 7 easy strategies to win opt-ins, tips to keep them, and the rules you must follow.
Key takeaways:
- Opt-in is mandatory: You need a user’s permission before sending business-initiated WhatsApp messages.
- Many places to ask: Website pop-ups, sign-up forms, WhatsApp itself, SMS and email, website buttons, in-store QR codes and social media all work.
- Be clear and respectful: Explain what users will receive, avoid spam and always offer an easy opt-out.
- Quality matters: If too many people block you, your quality rating drops and your number can be restricted.
Meta requires businesses to collect opt-in from users before messaging them through the WhatsApp Business API. This makes sure you only message people who genuinely want to hear from your business. As Meta puts it, the goal is to help people “receive useful, expected information from businesses they want to hear from.”
So it is crucial to get opt-in from every user before you send that first WhatsApp notification.
Not sure how to persuade users to opt in? Don’t worry. By the end of this post, you will know exactly how to drive WhatsApp opt-in.
What is WhatsApp opt-in?
WhatsApp opt-in is the permission a business must get from users before sending them notifications on WhatsApp. Once users agree, you can send them promotions, updates and other messages.
You can collect this consent directly on WhatsApp or through other channels. These include your website, a checkbox during sign-up and social media ads. In effect, opt-ins let you build a list of people who are happy to hear from you on WhatsApp.
Your opt-in request must clearly show:
- The name of the business the person will receive WhatsApp updates from.
- The person’s consent to receive WhatsApp updates from that business.
You might think getting opt-in is hard. In fact, it is much easier than you think. There are several strategies that bring a steady flow of opted-in users to your WhatsApp. If you are new to the platform, start with how to use the WhatsApp Business API.
7 strategies to drive WhatsApp opt-in
1. Add a WhatsApp opt-in pop-up to your website
The easiest way to get opt-in is a website pop-up that invites visitors to sign up for WhatsApp notifications.
This sends website visitors straight to WhatsApp. There, you can engage them with offers, answer their questions and turn them into customers. With BotSpice, you can capture each user’s name and mobile number as soon as they reach your WhatsApp.
2. Ask for opt-in on your sign-up page
Your sign-up page is another great place to ask for opt-in.
After collecting the key details, give users the option to sign up for WhatsApp updates. Also make clear what kinds of messages they will receive, such as promotions, transaction alerts and one-time passwords (OTPs).
3. Ask for opt-in directly on WhatsApp
WhatsApp once required businesses to collect opt-in through third-party channels like SMS or email. However, in July 2020, WhatsApp updated its business policy to allow opt-in through a WhatsApp message.
So if you already have a user’s WhatsApp number, you can ask for permission with a WhatsApp message:
- Greet the customer warmly.
- Ask whether they want to receive updates from your business on WhatsApp.
- Count users who reply “Yes” as opted in.
Keep your message crystal clear, and include an opt-out option too.
4. Use SMS and email to ask for opt-in
SMS and email campaigns are another great way to collect opt-ins. Let users know you are on WhatsApp, where they can easily reach you for questions and support.
WhatsApp messages have an open rate of around 98%, far higher than email and SMS. So moving conversations from email to WhatsApp can be very effective for business growth.
5. Add a WhatsApp button to your website
A WhatsApp button on your website is one of the most creative ways to collect opt-ins. It moves visitors straight to WhatsApp, where you can ask for permission.
Add a pre-filled message that users can send to show they want updates from your business. A pre-filled message appears automatically in the user’s chat window when they click your WhatsApp button. For more ways to bring visitors over, see effective strategies for driving users to your WhatsApp account.
6. Collect opt-ins in store
You can also drive opt-ins with QR codes in your shops. Again, add a pre-filled message that customers can send to give their consent to receive updates.
7. Use social media
Social media is one of the best places to drive WhatsApp engagement and collect opt-ins. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to bring more people to WhatsApp.
Tips to triple your opt-ins and prevent opt-outs
Follow these tips to win up to 3x more opt-ins:
- Keep it crisp, clear and convincing. Explain simply how users benefit from opting in to your WhatsApp updates.
- Don’t spam. Spam only leads users to block you. So broadcast only when it truly matters.
- Run Click-to-WhatsApp ads. Facebook and Instagram ads that open a chat with your WhatsApp Business API account are one of the best ways to drive opt-ins. Learn more about Click-to-WhatsApp ads.
- Let users opt out. Not everyone wants WhatsApp updates. So respect their privacy, and include an opt-out option in every message.
Once users opt in, the right messages keep them engaged. Try these high-converting WhatsApp message templates.
WhatsApp opt-in rules
Follow these rules when collecting opt-in:
- Get opt-in, on WhatsApp or another platform, before sending your first promotional message.
- If a customer starts the conversation, you can ask for opt-in during that first conversation.
- Make sure the opt-in clearly states that the user agrees to receive WhatsApp messages from your business.
- Tell users in advance what types of messages to expect, such as order confirmations, shipping updates, promotions and OTPs.
- Always give users a way to opt out. Both the opt-in and opt-out flows should feel smooth and intuitive.
A verified business profile also builds trust when you ask for consent. See how to apply for WhatsApp green tick verification.
FAQs
What does WhatsApp consent mean?
To keep WhatsApp safe and spam-free, Meta requires businesses to get consent before sending users WhatsApp notifications. That way, people only receive messages from businesses they want to hear from.
How does WhatsApp enforce its opt-in policy?
WhatsApp watches how many people block a business. If blocks rise, the business’s quality rating drops from green to yellow to red. If a business keeps broadcasting with a low quality rating, its WhatsApp API number may be restricted or disabled.
Is WhatsApp opt-in necessary?
Yes, opt-in is mandatory. You must collect it before sending your first business-initiated message outside the 24-hour customer service window.
Does a customer messaging you for support count as opt-in?
No. A customer contacting you on WhatsApp does not automatically count as opt-in. To add them as an opted-in contact, send an opt-in message asking for permission to send notifications and updates on WhatsApp. To handle those support chats well, read how to use WhatsApp for customer support.