Want to inform your consumers about a future sale, ongoing promotion, or policy change? It’s time to send a WhatsApp bulk message.
Before we start, it’s essential to note that the WhatsApp Business client and the WhatsApp Business API offer bulk messaging. Suppose you want to send a bulk message to more than 256 contacts. In that case, you’ll require the WhatsApp Business API, a popular choice for fast-growing businesses because it includes capabilities like campaign scheduling.
However, you must work with a WhatsApp Business solution provider such as Trengo to access the WhatsApp Business API features.
This blog post will go through many methods to learn how to send bulk messages on WhatsApp to an unknown number. Let’s look at each one.
What do WhatsApp bulk messages mean?
WhatsApp bulk messages are an efficient way for businesses to reach leads and current customers. Bulk messages are similar to regular WhatsApp messages, except they include an infinite number of characters that may be relied on to highlight a campaign’s importance. Videos and photos can also be included.
The Issue with Traditional Methods of Bulk Communication
SMS and email were the two most preferred methods of mass communication with buyers. However, these classic marketing methods have a few significant flaws:
- They are no longer effective.
- They just cannot be sustained.
- The ROI from these channels is almost next to none.
Why have these once-popular channels of communication with customers been useless today?
Let’s take a closer look at them.
Spammy emails: Spammy emails might cause consumers to ban you, making it impossible to reach customers.
Limitations of character: Bulk emails are charged without assuring focus, and SMS messages have character restrictions of 160, making complex information impossible to express.
Overcrowded: In today’s congested market, buyers are bombarded with advertising emails and SMS, frequently needing more personality and connection.
Businesses must be compassionate, create value, and understand their challenges to catch their attention. They are more likely to consider obtaining your goods or service if you demonstrate empathy and understanding. Organizations may provide consumers with a more memorable and engaging communication experience by resolving these concerns.
Why is there a necessity for WhatsApp Bulk Messaging?
Marketing communication is quickly going to WhatsApp these days. With over 2 billion active users globally, this instant messaging network has become an everyday path to connect with customers all over the world. If you have a large client base on WhatsApp and want to communicate with them all at once, you will need the bulk messaging function on WhatsApp or an official product that guarantees similar features.
There are several other things to consider, such as:
- When compared to other instant messaging networks, it has a large range and user base.
- Bulk messages cut time and effort as they remove the need for typing a notification for each and every user.
- Because WhatsApp has a 99% open rate, it increases the likelihood of marketing success.
With the essential elements in place, let’s move on to learn how to send bulk messages on WhatsApp.
Option 1: Use Third-Party Tools to Send Bulk Messages
Many alternatives are available that can help you in sending bulk messages on WhatsApp without creating contacts. However, before sending a WhatsApp message to many unsaved numbers, you should be informed of the technology you’re using and its possible risk factors. Also, remember that using unapproved automation tools to send bulk messages is prohibited by WhatsApp’s Terms of Service, and employing such devices may cancel the account you are using. Regarding third-party technologies, it’s critical to understand what is and isn’t permitted.
Here are three approaches to using third-party tools to send messages in bulk without adding contacts:
- Making use of WhatsApp Business API tools: If you apply the WhatsApp Business API, you may send bulk messages without saving your number. Many official WhatsApp API apps, such as Trengo, let you build texts and then send them in bulk to many numbers without adding them to your contacts. Still, remember that WhatsApp Business API is not the same as WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business. It is designed for large-scale professional communications and is not free of charge.
- Making use of semi-automatic bulk send tools: If you use regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business, you can use semi-automatic bulk send means to send messages in bulk without maintaining contacts. You will, however, need to use WhatsApp’s ‘Click to Chat’ option for this feature. You must authorize these applications to hit SEND for each recipient. This method will be executed using formal integrations, and, even more importantly, it does not violate WhatsApp’s automation policy. We’ll go through WhatsApp’s ‘Click to Chat’ function in greater detail later.
- Allowing third-party apps to access your WhatsApp via the web or device: WhatsApp bulk Sender are apps that will let you send bulk messages using your WhatsApp account without adding contacts. However, these innovations come with a catch: you must provide these applications complete access to your cellphone or WhatsApp. Before bulk sending your messages, they will typically ask you to scan a QR code and take advantage of control of your account and device. Remember that this is not a suggested practice because you will expose your personal information, data, and conversations to a third party. More significantly, they violate WhatsApp’s Terms of Service, which might result in a ban.
Option 2: Using the ‘Click to Chat’ feature on WhatsApp.
Users may send messages to unsaved numbers using WhatsApp’s ‘Click to Chat’ function. To launch a chat window, use the URL format (https://wa.me/number>). After that, you may send your message to the number without keeping it in your contacts. Here’s how to take advantage of the ‘Click to Chat’ function step by step:
- Enter https://wa.me/ and the number to whom you want to send messages (the country code and phone number). For example, if you’re going to send a message to a phone number in the United States (country code +1), and the mobile number is 1234567890, the URL becomes https://wa.me/11234567890.
- Simply copy and paste the URL into the address bar of your browser and press enter.
- A page with the option to ‘Continue to Chat’ will display. Click it to launch the WhatsApp conversation.
- You may now send a message without adding the phone number to your contacts list.
This strategy is a good workaround for delivering individual messages to a large number of unsaved contacts. It may be used in conjunction with a spreadsheet formula to produce connections for several persons at the same time.
Option 3: Making Use of the WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp Business API was created to allow businesses to deliver messages in bulk to their buyers. These can be transactional in nature, helpful, or commercial messages. Using the WhatsApp API, you may send bulk messages to numerous recipients without adding them to your contacts. These templates, however, require WhatsApp’s prior approval. Furthermore, WhatsApp needs you to get the recipient’s approval before messaging them.
According to WhatsApp’s standards, “before messaging their customers, businesses must first obtain consent (or opt-in) from them.” This also applies to bulk messaging. You can collect opt-ins using a third-party channel, such as your website or email, which must explicitly specify that the individual agrees to receive messages from your company via WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Business API is meant for larger companies and businesses, making it an unattractive alternative for small businesses. It is not free since both WhatsApp and third-party services collect fees. The API lacks a clear user interface, needing additional programming work to send and receive messages. It is also challenging to set up, requiring professional-level technical skills or the working together of a technical team to connect with company procedures. The approval procedure for API access might take some time and is not always successful. Overall, WhatsApp Business API is unsuitable for small enterprises because of its high pricing, lack of a direct user interface, tricky setup, and unpredictability.
Final Words
Bulk messages are an excellent approach to reaching out to potential clients on a large scale – customers who have already opted into your WhatsApp list by interacting with your company or purchasing from you.
However, to have more control over message templates and mass messaging campaigns, you must use the WhatsApp Business API.
Want to send a group WhatsApp message? Request a demo with our recommended platform, Trengo.
