The Complete Guide to WhatsApp Opt-in

2 billion people are interacting daily on WhatsApp.

Gone are the days when people had to wait for a brand to respond. Although there are several ways through which customers can communicate with brands, WhatsApp stands out as the most reliable app to communicate.

However, to safeguard users from spam, WhatsApp requires brands to collect WhatsApp opt-ins. Let’s explore how your brand can collect opt-ins.

What is WhatsApp Opt-in?

It can be defined as the different ways through which a user gives consent to receive communication from a brand acknowledging that they have an interest in their product or service. When rolling out opt-in alerts, businesses must clearly state:

✅A person is opting to receive messages via WhatsApp

✅The business name the person will receive messages from

✅Comply with the relevant laws

You may be wondering …

In case your customer lands on a clicks-to-WhatsApp ads, is it considered an opt-in?

Yes, the opt-in is taken at the back end when the customer clicks on the “Send Message” button.

Collecting opt-in can help to engage with your customers in a more connected way. Since WhatsApp lets you send promotional messages now, you can use it to send product recommendations, sales alerts, abandoned cart alerts, and more. Brands that are willing to revolutionize their customer’s experience, find WhatsApp to be a great tool for boosting conversion and loyalty.

What are the rules?

WhatsApp has laid out certain rules before brands can roll out WhatsApp opt-ins to its users. They are as follows:

#1: Must have an active opt-in i.e the consent must be triggered by a user action such as entering a phone number or checking a check box form for consent

#2: Must have control over the phone number i.e an option to edit the phone number

#3: Must state the type of information the user is signing up for i.e delivery alerts, order status alerts, product updates, etc.

#4: Must adhere to this format: “receive [type-of-information], [WhatsApp logo and name], on [number]"

Read also How to Setup WhatsApp Shopping for your Commerce Business?

What are the ways to collect WhatsApp opt-in?

Here are 10 ways to collect opt-in from your customers:

#1: When the customer reaches out

One of the best ways to get a WhatsApp opt-in is when the customer reaches out to your brand for a query. Once the query is answered, your brand can ask whether they would like to receive notifications and updates in the future via WhatsApp. In case the customer agrees, your brand can further outline the details.

Use specific and clear language. Here’s an example:

#2: Website pop-ups

Your website is a great way to invite potential and existing customers to receive WhatsApp notifications and messages. Set up a pop-up screen that prompts the customer to put in their WhatsApp contact to receive notifications.

Read also WhatsApp Marketing: Campaigns and Examples

#3: Spin the wheel pop up

You can give additional discount coupons if the customer signs up on WhatsApp to receive notifications. You can add a spin the wheel to engage with users and get their contact information.

#4: SMS

Use your existing contacts to send out an SMS blast to sign up to your brand’s WhatsApp. Offer one-click opt-in option via SMS that gives your brand immediate consent to use WhatsApp as a channel for future communications.

#5: IVR

Automate your opt-in process using Voice IVR. You can ask customers to give consent by pressing a specific key on the dial pad. Upon confirmation, you can send a thank you message via WhatsApp.

#6: Existing flow process

Since customers can receive template messages such as order confirmations, delivery confirmations, they are more inclined to opt-in during the purchase process. This is one of the best options for brands wherein they can include a checkbox for customers to opt-in to receive notifications in the future on WhatsApp.

For instance, an airline company can prompt opt-ins during the booking process. They can also send boarding passes, notifications, and updates via WhatsApp.

Read also WhatsApp Promotional Messages: Guidelines & Use Cases

#7: Sign up forms/ Contact us section

When a customer is filling out a sign-up form or creating an account, brands can offer a choice of channels that they want to be contacted on. If you are already using this approach you can add a WhatsApp opt-in to your list of options. You can also include this list in the “Contact Us” section of your website.

#8: Emails

Based on your open rates, emails can be a great way to collect opt-in. You can send an email blast by offering a discount coupon when a customer signs up to receive notifications via WhatsApp. You can highlight the amazing offers that your customers can get upon signing up with WhatsApp.

#9: Social media

If you have an engaged community on your social channels, consider sending wa.me links to your customers to receive future notifications. You can also use carousels to create awareness that customers can now communicate with your brand on WhatsApp.

Read also A Complete Guide to Social Shopping

#10: Live chat

Live chats are a great way to start a conversation when your customer is already browsing through your site. You can ping customers on your Live Chat asking them to sign up on WhatsApp to receive future communications.

What to keep in mind?

There are countless ways to collect WhatsApp opt-in. However, here are some things that you should keep in mind:

✅Avoid spamming customers with messages

✅Communicate the importance of notifications and updates via WhatsApp

✅Users should expect to receive messages from your brand

✅Provide clear instructions in case a user wants to opt-out

✅Monitor your quality rating while rolling out opt-in notifications

✅Be transparent about how you are using your customer’s data

WhatsApp: Your brand’s best friend

WhatsApp has the power to foster meaningful relationships that last. With WhatsApp commerce, your brand can engage with customers on a 1:1 level and use strategic conversations that help in conversion. Ready to boost your conversion with WhatsApp? Book a demo today.