How to Create a WhatsApp Broadcast List: A Quick Guide (2024)

If you’re a business looking to engage customers through WhatsApp Broadcast Messages, you’ve come to the right place. Many free and paid tools promise to simplify creating a WhatsApp Broadcast list, but they often disappoint.

This article will guide you through every aspect of WhatsApp Broadcast and show you how to use it effectively for your business. We’ll explore various methods for starting a WhatsApp Broadcast and dive deeper into its specifics for a more comprehensive understanding.

What is a WhatsApp Broadcast?

If you use WhatsApp for daily communications, you might have received a few messages like “Send This Message To 10 More People, and You’ll get good news by the evening”. These are WhatsApp broadcast messages sent to you.

A broadcast is a message sent from a single source to multiple destinations simultaneously. When a user sends a message to several recipients in one click, it’s called a WhatsApp broadcast message. No recipient can see the other recipients of the broadcast.

Initiating a WhatsApp broadcast is easy. On the main ‘CHATS’ window, simply click on the three dots on the upper right menu. Whether you use the WhatsApp messaging app or the WhatsApp Business app, you can build a broadcast list to send messages to your audience.

However, there are some limitations to this type of broadcast on WhatsApp. As they say, “Great power comes with some sacrifices.” To maximize the benefits of WhatsApp broadcast, it’s important to understand these limitations and use the feature wisely.

How to Create a WhatsApp Broadcast List?

Here’s how you can do it on Wati.

#1 Add Contacts into an Excel Sheet

You will need to choose the contacts to whom you want to send the broadcast. Wati allows you to select contacts individually or upload a list of contacts in a specific format (like CSV).

#2 Create a Contact List

Start by importing your contacts into the messaging platform you are using before sending out any messages through the bulk WhatsApp sender feature. Segment your contacts into relevant groups based on factors like their interests, location, or purchase history. This will help you send targeted and personalized messages to each group, increasing the chances of engagement.

Limitations Of WhatsApp Broadcast using the WhatsApp Business App?

1. The Broadcast Limit

A key limitation to consider is the WhatsApp broadcast limit. You can only add up to 256 contacts in a single broadcast list. While this may suffice for small-scale communications, it can be restrictive when looking to reach a larger audience.

2. Dependence on Contact Saving

For your broadcast messages to be received, the recipients must have saved your number in their contacts. This requirement can limit your reach, especially if you’re trying to connect with new clients who may not have added you yet.

3. Lack of Interactivity in Broadcasts

Messages sent through a broadcast list don’t foster group engagement. Recipients cannot see if others have received the same message or their responses. This one-way communication model might be less dynamic compared to other marketing channels.

4. Restricted Formatting and Content

The WhatsApp Business App may limit the kind of content you can send in broadcasts. For instance, there are restrictions on sending promotional material in some regions, and the format is limited to text, images, videos, and documents, which may not suit all marketing needs.

5. Potential for Spam Labeling

If recipients frequently block your number or report your messages as spam, WhatsApp might restrict or even ban your account. It’s crucial to ensure your broadcasts are relevant and welcomed by your audience to avoid such issues.

6. No Scheduling Feature

Unlike some other digital marketing tools, the WhatsApp Business App doesn’t provide an option to schedule broadcasts. This means you have to manually send out messages at the desired time, which could be a limitation for time-sensitive or large-scale campaigns.

7. Limited Analytics

While you can see who has received and read your messages, the analytics provided by the WhatsApp Business App for broadcast messages are relatively basic. You don’t get in-depth insights like click-through rates or conversion data that other marketing platforms offer.

8. Compliance with WhatsApp Policies

Staying compliant with WhatsApp’s policies is paramount. If you violate their terms, especially regarding unsolicited messages or inappropriate content, your account could face restrictions.

Features Of WhatsApp Broadcast using WhatsApp Business App

1. Personalized Messaging at Scale

With the WhatsApp Business App, you can send personalized messages to a broad audience without sacrificing the personal touch. Your broadcast message lands in your clients’ inboxes as if it were a personal message, maintaining a one-on-one communication feel.

2. Streamlined Reach with Broadcast Lists

Create a ‘Broadcast List’ on WhatsApp to efficiently send important updates, offers, or announcements. The ease of setting up and maintaining these lists ensures you’re always connected with your key contacts.

3. Adherence to the WhatsApp Broadcast Limit

Understanding the WhatsApp broadcast limit is crucial. You can add up to 256 contacts in a single broadcast list. This limit helps ensure your messages are targeted and relevant, maximizing their impact.

4. Enhanced Privacy and Engagement

Messages sent via a broadcast list are received as individual messages by your clients. This means their responses come directly to you, not to the entire list, fostering a sense of privacy and personal engagement.

5. Efficient Message Tracking

The WhatsApp Business App allows you to track which messages have been delivered and read. This feature is invaluable for measuring engagement and tailoring your communication strategy accordingly.

6. Improved Customer Relationship Management

By integrating the WhatsApp Business App into your CRM system, you can enhance customer interactions through automated messages, quick replies, and more, all while using the broadcast feature to keep your clients informed and engaged.

7. Labeling for Easy Organization

Organize your contacts with labels for seamless management of your broadcast lists. This feature allows you to categorize clients based on interests, preferences, or where they are in the sales funnel, ensuring that your broadcasts are as relevant as possible.

8. Compliance with WhatsApp’s Policy

As a business user, it’s vital to comply with WhatsApp’s policies, including obtaining consent from contacts before adding them to a broadcast list. This not only aligns with best practices but also enhances your brand’s reputation for respecting customer privacy.

Does your business solely rely on using the WhatsApp Broadcast app?

It all depends upon the use case. Let me explain.

If you are a local/small business operating using the WhatsApp Business App, you’ll probably have 100-200 customers you know personally. There is also a possibility they might have saved your WhatsApp Business number on their phone.

In this scenario, you can take advantage of WhatsApp Broadcast lists using your WhatsApp business App, as most of them will likely receive the message you are willing to send.

If you are a well-established medium or large business that has more than 200 clients, you may have concluded that WhatsApp Broadcast using the regular WhatsApp Business App is not your cup of tea.

So, What’s the solution?

Well, in 2018, WhatsApp launched WhatsApp Business API. The purpose is to help SMBs to communicate with their customers on WhatsApp.

To use the WhatsApp APIs, businesses need to verify themselves to activate their Business number for WhatsApp APIs. But WhatsApp alone can’t verify every business around the globe.

To resolve this, WhatsApp provided its WhatsApp APIs to third-party service providers known as WhatsApp Business Solution Partners(BSP).

These BSPs built their systems over WhatsApp Business API to provide the businesses features like WhatsApp CRM, Contact Management, and much more.

With WhatsApp API-enabled business numbers, Wati will broadcast your WhatsApp message to thousands of your customers at the same time.

How To Broadcast Message On WhatsApp?

An alternative method for broadcasting WhatsApp messages is by using Excel and Google Sheets. With MS Excel, you can also send bulk WhatsApp messages. For a better understanding of these techniques, watch this video.

Advantages

• No worries about your WhatsApp number getting banned.
• Reliable solution for automation and scheduling messages.
• Build auto-reply chatbots.
• Multiple Agents can log in and reply to customers.
• Integrate APIs with external systems – to send transactional updates.
• Possibility of getting Green Tick Verification.

Disadvantages

• Requires Business API approval.
• WhatsApp must pre-approve templates, and they do not allow promotional messages.
• Not for personal use.

With WhatsApp APIs, you can also enable a WhatsApp Chatbot on your business number that’ll help you automate your sales and customer support.

How to Apply for the WhatsApp Official API with Wati?

If you’re a business looking to use WhatsApp for customer communication, applying for the WhatsApp Official API is essential. With the API, you can unlock advanced features like automation, custom messaging, and analytics that can help you engage with customers more effectively.

To apply for the WhatsApp Official API, you’ll need the following details:

• WhatsApp Phone Number: You should use the WhatsApp phone number exclusively for your business communication on WhatsApp, and it is non-transferable.
• Business Display Name: This name should clearly indicate your business and be consistent with your branding. Click here
• Verified Facebook Business Manager ID: You’ll need to create a Facebook Business Manager account and verify it by uploading your business documents.

After gathering these details, you can send them to a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) such as WATI. BSPs serve as intermediaries between businesses and WhatsApp, ensuring that all communication aligns with WhatsApp’s policies.

To apply for the WhatsApp Official API through Wati, simply follow this link. The Wati team will assist you throughout the process, enabling you to swiftly and effectively establish your API.

By applying for the WhatsApp Official API, you can take advantage of powerful tools and features that can help you improve your customer communication and grow your business.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your WhatsApp presence and provide a better experience for your customers.

Unlocking the Power of WhatsApp Broadcasts with Wati: A Game-Changer for Business Communication

To surpass the restrictions of WhatsApp broadcasts, businesses can opt for Wati, a WhatsApp Business API provider that offers a range of features for enhanced customer communication. Wati enables businesses to automate their processes and scale their communication efforts by providing access to APIs and integrations.

With Wati, businesses can easily send messages to large groups of customers, customize their message templates, and track their message delivery status. Additionally, Wati offers advanced reporting and analytics features to help businesses measure the effectiveness of their communication efforts.

By partnering with Wati, businesses can unlock the full potential of WhatsApp as a communication tool and enhance their customer engagement and retention efforts. With Wati’s powerful features and capabilities, businesses can take their WhatsApp broadcasts to the next level and achieve better results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a WhatsApp Broadcast List?

A WhatsApp broadcast list allows you to send a message to multiple contacts at once without revealing the recipients to each other. It’s an efficient tool for you, as a businessperson, to share updates, announcements, or marketing messages directly to your clients’ WhatsApp, without the need for a group chat.

How Do I Create a Broadcast List on WhatsApp?

To create a broadcast list, open WhatsApp and go to the ‘Chats’ tab. Tap on the menu (three dots on the top right corner) and select ‘New broadcast’. Choose the contacts you want to add to your broadcast list and hit ‘Create’. This will enable you to send messages to multiple contacts as if they were individual chats.

What is the WhatsApp Broadcast Limit?

WhatsApp imposes a limit on the number of contacts you can send a broadcast message to. Currently, you can include up to 256 contacts in a single broadcast list. This limit maintains the quality and reliability of the service, ensuring the effective delivery of your messages.

How Does a Broadcast List Differ from a WhatsApp Group?

Answer: In a WhatsApp group, all members can see each other’s responses and interact, making it a collective conversation. In contrast, a broadcast list sends messages to recipients individually. They receive your message as a regular message, and their replies come only to you, not the entire list.

Can I See Who Received My Broadcast Message?

Yes, you can. After sending a broadcast message, you can tap on the message and select ‘Info’ to see who has received and read your message. This feature helps you track the engagement and reach of your communication.

Are Broadcast Messages Delivered to Everyone in My List?

Your broadcast messages will only be delivered to contacts who have saved your phone number in their address book. This ensures that you are sending messages to individuals who already have a relationship with you or your business, thereby reducing the likelihood of spam.

Can I Schedule WhatsApp Broadcast Messages?

WhatsApp itself doesn’t offer a scheduling feature for broadcast messages. However, you can use third-party tools or business solutions like WATI to schedule and automate your WhatsApp broadcasts, making your communications more efficient.

How Can I Effectively Use WhatsApp Broadcasts for My Business?

As a businessperson, you can use WhatsApp broadcasts to send personalized updates, exclusive offers, event invitations, or important notifications. It’s a powerful way to maintain direct and personal communication with your clients, enhancing customer relations.