In today’s business landscape, WhatsApp Business has become a major player. The growing popularity of the platform has nudged several businesses, small and large, to integrate WhatsApp into their business communication and marketing strategies. WhatsApp Business is preferred by businesses because of the host of features that it offers and one of the most prominent ones is the WhatsApp Broadcast.
What is a WhatsApp Broadcast
WhatsApp Broadcast is the bulk messaging option provided by WhatsApp Business. By creating a Broadcast List and adding the saved contacts to it, businesses can send product information, deals and notifications to a list of users at the same time. The main advantage of a Broadcast message is that businesses can instantly connect with thousands of customers and prospects on WhatsApp and have a wider reach than regular messages. Also, since WhatsApp Broadcast is a bulk messaging option, it saves you both time and effort.
WhatsApp vs email vs SMS: Which is the best way to send bulk campaigns?
Traditionally, businesses have used SMS and email as the primary options for sending bulk messages and email still remains to be the most preferred option. However, with the changing times and the ever-increasing use of social media & digital communication platforms, businesses need to adapt to stay relevant and connected to their customers and prospects.
Businesses also need to spend more time, money and effort sending bulk messages through email and SMS. This is because either the customer service team needs to send out those messages individually or get assistance from bulk messaging platforms that charge them exuberant fees. With WhatsApp, however, businesses can easily send thousands of messages with just a single click.
Furthermore, using SMS or e-mail for bulk messaging also poses significant security risks for the business. For example, business owners need to be wary of the privacy of their content when engaging with third-party service providers. There is also a greater risk of reaching mobile numbers/email addresses that are spam. With WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, businesses can rest assured about these privacy concerns.
WhatsApp Broadcast: How does it work?
WhatsApp’s broadcast list is a free feature that was launched to help businesses boost their revenues by keeping in touch with their customers. Businesses with a business account can create a broadcast list, add the contacts to that list and send bulk messages instantly. Much like regular WhatsApp messages, each broadcast message is also delivered directly to the customer’s personal WhatsApp screen. This allows businesses to have an opportunity to create a one-to-one conversation with each customer.
To efficiently use WhatsApp broadcast, businesses should create a separate broadcast list of specific target demographics. They should segregate their WhatsApp customer base with the help of labels and add them to a broadcast list. This allows them to send personalized messages/notifications to them and increases the chances of a successful engagement.
WhatsApp group vs WhatsApp Broadcast
In contrast to a WhatsApp broadcast, businesses can also create a WhatsApp group for the specific group of customers that they’ve tagged. WhatsApp’s group feature also allows businesses to send important notifications/deals & create personalized connections with the target audience. However, it differs from WhatsApp Broadcast in terms of functionality. Unlike a broadcast, each member of the group will be able to see the notification and interact with other members of the group. While WhatsApp group allows businesses to build a bond in a group, it makes it difficult for businesses to create a conversation with their customers.
Disadvantages of WhatsApp Broadcast using WhatsApp Business.
There is no doubt that WhatsApp broadcast provides excellent benefits to businesses. However, businesses should be wary about the limitations of broadcasting on the WhatsApp Business app. This is because the Business app was developed with the focus of helping small to medium businesses. Some of the major ones are listed below:
- Broadcast lists can only contain 256 customers.
- The app can be used only on two devices at a time.
- There are no additional automation features available to instantly respond to replies from broadcast customers.
- If a customer hasn’t saved the business’ contact number, they won’t receive the message.
Is WhatsApp Broadcast enough for your business?
The limitations of using WhatsApp Business stems from the fact that it was built for small-scale businesses that are looking to establish themselves in an industry. Therefore, any business that is looking to grow might get constrained by some of the features that it provides (like broadcasting). That’s where WhatsApp’s Business API comes into play. With WhatsApp’s Business API, businesses can effectively manage their communication/marketing strategies with the help of message automation, tracking/monitoring and report generation.
To integrate the API, businesses need to create a WhatsApp API account by partnering with a WhatsApp business service provider like Gallabox. The company provides WhatsApp CRM and integration support to businesses and helps them create customized WhatsApp chatbot & broadcasting strategies. If you are looking to scale your WhatsApp campaign, Gallabox is your best bet.
8 Advantages of WhatsApp Broadcast using WhatsApp Business API
When it comes to broadcasting, the Business API is definitely a game-changer. There are several features that the API has which make it a better choice than using the WhatsApp Business app. The following are 8 unique advantages that your business will get when it uses WhatsApp API for broadcasting:
- No Message Limit - With the WhatsApp API, businesses can send up to 1,00,000 messages at a single time.
- Automation Assistance - Business owners can automate their business messages & create a customized flow that originates from their broadcast messages.
- Multi-User Support - With WhatsApp Business API’s shared inbox businesses can enable multiple users to track broadcast conversations.
- Data Insights - Since the API supports message tracking and provides detailed insights, businesses can get a better understanding of the effectiveness of their WhatsApp Broadcast campaigns.
- Non-Transaction Templates - The WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to create non-transaction templates and send bulk messages on a regular basis.
- Integration Capabilities - The API allows businesses to create integration with other WhatsApp features like messenger, website/mobile app, and other integrations.
- Comprehensive Support - Since businesses need to partner with business partners to create a WhatsApp API account, they can get comprehensive support regarding the broadcasting regulations & requirements.
- Smart Segmentation - WhatsApp API can help businesses use labels and tags to effectively segment and manage broadcast communications with different audiences.
WhatsApp Broadcast Limit for a day - Get in-depth analysis
Now that we’ve seen the benefits of WhatsApp broadcasts, you might be wondering how to efficiently send broadcast messages to customers on a daily basis. Partnering with Gallabox is the first step toward getting started with WhatsApp API. The company helps businesses plan their broadcast strategies and provides end-to-end support to help you execute them efficiently. This section of the blog will guide you on how to send WhatsApp broadcasts to up to 1000 users per day using Gallabox. Before that, here is an example of how you can target customers and track your WhatsApp broadcasts on Gallabox:
How to send Broadcast Messages on WhatsApp? A step-by-step Guide!
Let’s take a look at a detailed walkthrough of how you can send WhatsApp broadcasts through Gallabox.
Step 1: Open Gallabox Dashboard
Open the Gallabox WhatsApp dashboard where all the integrations and features are listed.
Step 2: Select WhatsApp Templates
Select the WhatsApp Message Templates from the Integration section. This will list out all the templates that have been added to Gallabox.
Note: WhatsApp needs to approve all the messages that will be sent as broadcasts. Therefore, businesses need to create Template messages and get them approved from WhatsApp. Click here to know more about WhatsApp Templates.
Step 3: Select Broadcasts
Select the Broadcast feature from the menu at the top of the page. This will have the historical details of all the broadcast messages that you’ve sent.
Step 4: Click Add Broadcast
Click on Add Broadcast at the top-right of the screen.
Step 5: Click on Create Segment
Once you click on Add Broadcast, you will land on the Select Segment screen. In the Select Segment screen, click on the Create Segment tab.
Step 6: Add the required filter
In the Create Segment section, click on Add Filter. Once you click Add Filter, you will be able to select from a list of filters that can be used to segment the broadcast customer data.
Step 7: Enter the Filter Details
In this example, we are choosing Tags as the filter item and further specifying the necessary details for the system. This specific criteria will filter out contacts that have been tagged as Internal Team.
Step 8: Name the Segment
Apply the filter and check if you have all the required contacts. Add a name for your segment in the bottom-right text box & click on Create Segment.
Step 9: Click on Continue
Once you named the segment, select the segment and click on Continue.
Step 10: Select the template
Once you create the segment, you will be prompted to select the template message that you wish to send. In this case, we are selecting the ‘feature_update’ template.
Step 11: Add a Variable
Once you select the template, you need to add a variable. Variables are additional details that will be fetched from the system and added to the template.
In this example, we have chosen the Name variable and it has been added to the template.
Step 12: Select the Delivery Type
In addition to sending an immediate broadcast message, Gallabox also allows you to schedule the broadcast to be sent at a pre-set time.
Select either of the option based on your requirement and click on Continue.
Step 13: Check Status
Once you create the broadcast, you can view it on the recent tab of the broadcast section.
Upon refreshing the page, you will be able to see if the messages have been delivered. You will also be able to view the percentage of messages that have been read.
Step 14: View or Download Report
You can also view the broadcast message details or download them as a report by clicking on the appropriate Action button.
The downloaded report can be opened in Excel and it will show all the details of the broadcast list.
You can also check out our video on Gallabox WhatsApp Broadcast to get a detailed understanding of the process:
How to send a WhatsApp broadcast directly from Google Sheets
As a business owner, you can follow these steps to send a broadcast message instantly. However, this might seem a little tedious if you have a huge list of contact numbers. For sending bulk messages to 100-1000 customers, you can create a broadcast list on Google Sheet and instantly upload that to send the broadcast messages. For more details learn using our blog on how to send WhatsApp message from Google Sheets.
7 WhatsApp broadcast message samples you can use right now
Here are some of the transactional and promotional broadcast template samples that you can use right now. You can choose any of them and start broadcasting with your customers instantly.
Account Updation
Dear <Customer Name>, we are pleased to inform you that your account has been successfully updated with <Business Feature>. Please, <Insert relevant link to a new service.> Thank you. can_copy_tExt
Promotions
Hi <Customer Name>, you have successfully unlocked a new promotional code. You can use <Code Number> to get 20% off on your next purchase. can_copy_tExt
Customer Feedback
Dear <Customer Name>, we have received your feedback and we really appreciate your <Comment.> We take your feedback very seriously and always want to improve our product. can_copy_tExt
Booking Notification
Hi <Customer Name>, your flight booking has been confirmed. You can view the flight details and make any changes by <Clicking on the link.> can_copy_tExt
Reorder Notification
Hi <Customer Name>, we have received your request for a reorder. This request will be processed in <Insert time.> We will contact you again with your updated details. can_copy_tExt
Payment Update
Dear <Customer Name>, your payment for <Product/Feature/Service> is successful. You can view the complete invoice in <Link>. can_copy_tExt
Shipping Update
Hi <Customer Name>, your product <Product Name> has been shipped. You can track the delivery at <Link>. You can also contact our team for any queries. can_copy_tExt
5 Things to be careful about when you are sending WhatsApp Broadcasts
Now that you’ve seen the benefits of sending WhatsApp Broadcasts, it is important to know some of the things that you need to keep in mind while sending WhatsApp broadcasts. By doing so, you can avoid unforced errors or unexpected outcomes that can impact your business.
Check Unsent Messages
While sending WhatsApp Broadcasts, it is important to keep note of how many messages are being delivered. By tracking the number of delivered messages, you can learn how many customers have blocked them. If too many messages in a broadcast list are not sent, then it’s critical to create a new list or modify the message.
Ensure Messages have a Friendly Tone & Voice
You as a business owner should make sure that the broadcast message is created in a friendly and informal tone. Ensure that your message does not come across as a press release or a sales pitch. If you need to send bulk messages to your customers, you need to make sure that each customer can personally connect with you.
Check How Many Messages are Read
It is also important to keep track of how many messages are being read by your customers. Since not all customers who read your message will be transacting with you, it's important to make sure that your broadcast message reaches the maximum audience. By doing this, you can determine the type of information or value your customers are willing to give and how to create relevant and engaging content for them.
Be Aware of Current Trends
It’s critical you remain updated with the current trends in your industry. While creating your WhatsApp broadcast messages, always consider the latest trends and changes in your industry. By doing so, you can learn how to create the best content to engage your audience in the right way. This is the best way to ensure that your broadcast list stays relevant to the target customers.
Schedule Notifications/Broadcasts
While it might be tempting to create broadcast messages on the go and send them immediately, there is a benefit to creating a comprehensive schedule of broadcast messages. This way, you can make sure that your customers are receiving relevant and informative messages at the right time. This can help you to create engagement and connection with your customers.
WhatsApp Broadcasts for Business: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send a broadcast message on WhatsApp Business without adding contacts?
While it is not possible to send broadcast messages to unsaved contacts using WhatsApp Business, it is possible when you are using a WhatsApp Business Service provider like Gallabox. With Gallabox, you can group customer contact numbers using tags like ‘New Customer’ and use that to send WhatsApp Broadcasts to those customers even if you’ve not saved the numbers. You can also bulk upload the numbers using Google Sheets and create a broadcast list.
How do you know a WhatsApp broadcast message has been read?
If your customers have turned on ‘Read Receipts’ (blue ticks while they read the message), then you can select any message that is part of your broadcast list and check its information. The details of the customers who have read the message will be displayed there.
If you use Gallabox, this is much easier as the ‘Read %’ will be shown right next to the broadcast list.
How many contacts can I broadcast on WhatsApp business?
If you are using WhatsApp Business, you can add 256 unique customers to each broadcast list. If you are using WhatsApp Business API using a third-party business service provider like Gallabox, you can send broadcast messages to up to 1,00,000 unique customers. This is an added advantage for businesses that are looking to grow.
How do I create a broadcast group on WhatsApp business?
To create a WhatsApp broadcast group, follow these simple steps:
- Open WhatsApp Business.
- Tap Broadcast Lists at the top of the Chats screen.
- Tap on New List at the bottom of the screen.
- Search & select the contact numbers that you want to add.
- Click on Create and send the broadcast messages.
How to export a WhatsApp Broadcast List
You can export your WhatsApp broadcast list in WhatsApp Business by following these steps:
- Open WhatsApp Business.
- Go to the Broadcast Lists screen.
- Tap the menu button (three eclipses).
- Click on Export & choose the type of file.
- Choose the location that you want to save.
While using Gallabox, you can simply click on the Download action button to easily download the broadcast list immediately after sending it.
Create Whatsapp Broadcast now with Gallabox!
WhatsApp Broadcasts can benefit your business in many ways. It can be used as a marketing tool to reach out to your target customers. You can use it to send business updates or promotional offers.
With these benefits, you might want to integrate WhatsApp Broadcasts into your workflow through a WhatsApp Business API account. Gallabox can help you create customized WhatsApp broadcasts and chatbots to help your business grow.
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