In today’s digital age, businesses need to reach many customers quickly and efficiently. This is where bulk messaging comes in handy. It allows companies to send the same message to lots of people at once, saving time and effort. Whether it’s about a new product, a special offer, or an important update, bulk messaging helps businesses stay connected with their customers. It can reach hundreds or thousands of people instantly!

Risks of Getting Banned on WhatsApp

While bulk messaging is useful, it can be risky if not done correctly on WhatsApp. The app has strict rules to protect users from spam and unwanted messages. If a business sends too many messages too quickly, or if lots of people complain about their messages, WhatsApp might think it’s spam. This could lead to the business’s account being banned. It’s like getting a red card in soccer – you’re out of the game! Being banned means losing the ability to reach customers, which can hurt the business badly.

What are bulk WhatsApp messages?

A bulk WhatsApp message is a message sent to multiple recipients (contacts) at once. It’s like sending a mass text but through WhatsApp. This can be useful for businesses to send out promotions, announcements, or customer updates efficiently. 

New to WhatsApp marketing? Learn the basics before diving in. Check out our WhatsApp marketing guide.

How to Send Bulk Messages on WhatsApp?

To send bulk messages on WhatsApp, you can use either WhatsApp Business or WhatsApp Business API.

WhatsApp Business is a free app for small businesses. You can use it to send messages to many contacts at once through broadcast lists. However, there are limits: you can only send up to 256 contacts at a time, and they must have your number saved in their contacts. If you send too many messages or irrelevant ones, your number could be marked as spam and get banned.

WhatsApp Business API is for larger businesses. It lets you send more messages to more people and includes advanced features like automation and CRM integration. You need to work with an official WhatsApp partner to set it up, and your message templates need to be approved by WhatsApp. This method is more powerful but also more complex and requires following strict rules.

Reading recommendation: Types of WhatsApp

Now let’s understand how do you use WhatsApp business or api to sending bulk messages

Using WhatsApp Business for Bulk Messaging

WhatsApp Business, while useful for many small businesses, has a significant limitation when it comes to bulk messaging: you can only include up to 256 contacts in a single broadcast. This means that if you have a larger customer base, you’ll need to create multiple broadcast lists to reach everyone.

To create a WhatsApp Business broadcast list:

Launch the WhatsApp Business app on your smartphone.

On the main screen, tap the three dots (menu) in the upper-right corner (on Android) or the “Chats” tab (on iOS).

Choose “New Broadcast” from the menu options.

Choose the contacts you want to include in your broadcast list. Remember, you can only add up to 256 contacts at a time.

Once you’ve selected your contacts, tap the green checkmark to create the broadcast list.

Tips for Effective Broadcast Lists

• Segment your audience: Create different broadcast lists based on customer interests, demographics, or purchase history for targeted messaging.
• Personalize messages: While you can’t personalize messages to each individual in a broadcast, try to make the content as relevant as possible to your audience.
• Test your messages: Before sending a broadcast to your entire list, test it on a small group of contacts to ensure it delivers as expected.
• Respect privacy: Only send messages to contacts who have opted in to receive communications from your business.

Best Practices to Avoid Spam and Bans

• Obtain explicit consent: Ensure that contacts have given you permission to send them WhatsApp messages.
• Avoid excessive frequency: Don’t bombard your contacts with too many messages.
• Provide an unsubscribe option: Make it easy for contacts to opt out of your broadcasts.
• Comply with WhatsApp’s guidelines: Familiarize yourself with WhatsApp’s terms of service and adhere to their rules.
• Monitor message delivery: Keep an eye on message delivery rates and adjust your strategy accordingly.

By following these tips, you can effectively use WhatsApp Business for bulk messaging without risking your account getting banned. Remember, building trust with your customers is essential for long-term success.

WhatsApp Business Bulk Messaging Charges

Unlike WhatsApp Business API, WhatsApp Business itself does not charge directly for sending bulk messages. However, there are limitations:

• You can only send the same message to a maximum of 256 contacts at once.  
• Creating and sending broadcast messages is a manual task.

While there’s no direct cost involved, the time and effort required for managing multiple broadcast lists, especially for larger businesses, can be significant.

It’s important to note that WhatsApp Business is designed for smaller businesses with limited messaging needs. If you need to send bulk messages to a large number of contacts or automate the process, WhatsApp Business API would be a more suitable option.

Using WhatsApp Business API for Bulk Messaging

WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool for businesses looking to send bulk messages efficiently and at scale. It offers significantly more capabilities compared to WhatsApp Business.

Benefits of Using WhatsApp Business API 

• Unlimited Reach: Unlike WhatsApp Business, there’s no limit to the number of contacts you can reach with the API.
• Automation: Automate message sending, delivery, and responses, saving time and resources.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrate WhatsApp with your existing business systems (CRM, marketing software, etc.).
• Analytics: Gain valuable insights into message performance, open rates, and click-through rates.
• Advanced Features: Access features like interactive messages, buttons, chatbots and structured messages.

Read more on: WhatsApp Automation

Requirements and Setup Process for WhatsApp Business API

• A Facebook Business Manager account
• Your business needs to be verified through Facebook Business Manager to establish credibility.
• A WhatsApp business account.This is necessary to link your business phone number to the API.
• Register a dedicated phone number for the API. This number will be used for sending and receiving messages.
• A Business Solution Provider (BSP) like SalesTown WhatsApp CRM

The setup process involves:

1. Business Verification: Verify your business with WhatsApp.
2. BSP Selection: Choose a BSP that aligns with your business needs.
3. API Integration: Integrate the API into your business systems.
4. Template Approval: Submit message templates for WhatsApp’s approval.

Importance of Template Approval

WhatsApp has strict guidelines for message content. To ensure compliance, you must submit message templates for approval before sending bulk messages. These templates outline the message structure and content. Once approved, you can use the template to send messages with dynamic content, such as customer names or order details.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Bulk Messages Using API

Set Up Your API: Work with your BSP to get the WhatsApp Business API set up and integrated into your system.

Create Message Templates: Design and submit message templates for approval through your BSP. Ensure they are clear, concise, and comply with WhatsApp guidelines.

Segment Your Audience: Use your CRM or database to segment your audience into different groups based on relevant criteria.

Send Messages: Use the API to send messages to your segmented lists. The API allows you to automate this process for efficiency.

Monitor and Analyze: Track the delivery, read rates, and responses to your messages. Use this data to adjust and improve your messaging strategies.

Best Practices for API-Based Bulk Messaging

• Obtain User Consent: Ensure all recipients have opted in to receive messages.
• Adhere to WhatsApp Guidelines: Follow WhatsApp’s terms of service and policies.
• Monitor Message Delivery: Track message delivery rates and make adjustments as needed.
• Personalize Messages: Whenever possible, personalize messages to improve engagement.
• Test Thoroughly: Test your API integration and message templates before sending to a large audience.
• Leverage Analytics: Use data to optimize your messaging campaigns.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the WhatsApp Business API to send bulk messages while maintaining a positive sender reputation.

WhatsApp Bulk Message Service Charges from WhatsApp API

WhatsApp’s pricing model for bulk messages is conversation-based, not per message.This means you’re charged for each unique 24-hour interaction with a customer.  

Conversation Categories and Costs

WhatsApp divides conversations into four categories:

• Marketing: This includes promotional messages, offers, and product suggestions. Costs are typically higher for marketing messages.  
• Utility: These are messages that help customers manage their accounts, such as order updates, payment reminders, or appointment confirmations. Costs are generally lower than marketing messages.  
• Authentication: Used for verifying user identities, sending one-time passwords, or security alerts. Costs are similar to utility messages.  
• Service: These are customer-initiated conversations where businesses provide support or information. Costs are usually the lowest.

The exact cost per conversation varies based on your region and the type of message.  

Additional Factors Affecting Costs

• Template approval: You’ll need to submit message templates for approval before sending bulk messages.  
• BSP fees: If you use a Business Solution Provider, there might be additional charges.  
• Messaging volume: Discounts may be available for high-volume users.

It’s essential to check WhatsApp’s official pricing page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What’s Next? Use WhatsApp to Grow Your Business

Want to send lots of WhatsApp messages without getting banned? You need to use the right tools. You have two main options:

1. WhatsApp Business: This is great for small businesses. It’s easy to set up – just download it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. WhatsApp Business API: This is better for bigger businesses that need to do more. But you’ll need help from a special partner to use it.

Need help sending lots of WhatsApp messages? Try 👉 SalesTown!

SalesTown is a Platform that can help you use WhatsApp for your business. They know all about WhatsApp’s rules, so they can help you stay safe. With SalesTown, you can:

• Send messages to lots of people at once
• Sort your customers into groups
• See how well your messages are working

Want to learn more? It’s easy! Just ask SalesTown for a 👉 demo. They’ll show you how to use WhatsApp to help your business grow.

Ready to get started? Book a demo with SalesTown today!