WhatsApp Business SIM

Cost:

• SIM Card Purchase: Minimal cost of purchasing a new SIM card.
• Data Plan: Potential additional cost for a data plan dedicated to the business number.
• Smartphone: If not already available, the cost of acquiring an additional smartphone could be a consideration.

Small businesses may use the WhatsApp Business app, without the API, for marketing and other campaign purposes, provided that the following guidelines are adhered to:

Whats Is Allowed

Broadcast Messages to Contacts:

• You can send marketing messages through broadcast lists, but only to recipients who have your business’s phone number saved in their contacts. This ensures that the messages are reaching users who are already engaged with your business.
• The broadcast feature allows you to send the same message to up to 256 contacts at once.

One-on-One Messaging:

• You can send personalized marketing messages directly to individual users. This could include information about promotions, new products, or special offers. However, these messages should ideally be relevant to the user’s previous interactions or interests.

Catalog Sharing:

• You can share your product catalog with customers through the app. This allows you to promote specific products or services, offering a non-intrusive way to market your offerings.

Status Updates:

• You can use WhatsApp Status to share marketing content, such as promotional offers, new product launches, or updates about your business. This content is visible for 24 hours and can be viewed by all your contacts who have saved your number.

Group Chats:

• If you’ve created a group for your customers, you can send marketing messages within that group. However, the content should be relevant and not overly frequent to avoid annoying the members.

Whats Is Not Allowed

Sending Messages Without User Consent:

• You cannot send marketing messages to users who have not given explicit consent to receive such messages. This includes users who have not saved your business’s phone number in their contacts, as well as those who have not opted in to receive marketing communications.

Spamming:

• Sending unsolicited or frequent marketing messages to users can be considered spam. WhatsApp takes spam seriously, and repeated offenses could lead to your business number being blocked by users or even banned by WhatsApp.

Adding Users to Groups Without Permission:

• Adding users to a WhatsApp group without their explicit consent is not allowed. Users should always have the choice to join a group, especially when it comes to receiving marketing messages.

Sending Bulk Messages Through Unauthorized Tools:

• Using third-party tools or automation to send bulk marketing messages is against WhatsApp’s terms of service. This can lead to your account being banned.

Sending Messages to Users Who Have Opted Out:

• If a user has opted out of receiving marketing messages or has blocked your business, you cannot attempt to contact them through other means on WhatsApp.

Inappropriate Content:

• Sending marketing messages that contain inappropriate content, such as false advertising, misleading information, or content that violates WhatsApp’s policies (e.g., violent, sexually explicit, or hateful content), is strictly prohibited.

When using the WhatsApp Business App for marketing, it’s crucial to focus on user consent and relevancy. Broadcasting to engaged users, sharing catalogs, and using status updates are effective and allowed practices. However, spamming, sending unsolicited messages, and using unauthorized tools are not allowed and can lead to severe consequences, including account suspension or banning. Always ensure your marketing practices are user-centric and compliant with WhatsApp’s guidelines.

WhatsApp considers user consent to be properly obtained when it meets the following criteria:

Explicit Opt-In:

• Clear Permission: Users must explicitly opt-in to receive messages from your business. This means they have agreed to receive communication from you, typically by checking a box, responding affirmatively to a request, or subscribing through a form.
• Transparent Communication: The opt-in process should clearly explain what types of messages users will receive (e.g., marketing messages, order updates, promotions).

Voluntary Participation:

• No Coercion: Users must freely give their consent without being forced or tricked into agreeing. Consent should be a deliberate and voluntary action.

Easy Opt-Out:

• Clear Unsubscribe Option: Users must be able to easily withdraw their consent at any time. WhatsApp requires that businesses provide a clear and easy way for users to opt out of receiving future messages, such as replying with “STOP” or a similar command.

Documented Consent:

• Record-Keeping: Businesses should keep a record of how and when they obtained user consent. This documentation is important for compliance purposes and to address any disputes or inquiries that may arise.

Relevant Context:

• Contextual Relevance: The consent must be obtained in a context where the user understands they are agreeing to receive WhatsApp messages. For example, if consent is collected through a website or in-store, it should be clear that the communication will occur via WhatsApp.

User-Initiated Conversations:

• Implied Consent in Conversations: If a user initiates a conversation with your business on WhatsApp, this can imply consent to receive a response and potentially follow-up messages related to that conversation. However, explicit consent is still required for unrelated marketing messages.

Compliance with Local Regulations:

• Adherence to Laws: The method of obtaining consent must comply with relevant data protection and privacy laws, such as GDPR in the European Union or CCPA in California. These laws often have specific requirements about how consent must be obtained and documented.

Our WhatsApp Widget, links, or QR codes make it easy for customers to start a chat with you. When someone begins a conversation using these tools—whether from your website, social media, or an email link—they’re giving permission to chat, following WhatsApp’s rules.

Getting this consent is essential for any marketing or communication on WhatsApp. It means that your interactions are respectful, follow the rules, and meet customer expectations.

Real-time communication can streamline operations by reducing the time spent waiting for email responses, thus speeding up decision-making and problem-solving processes.

In today’s fast-paced market, the speed of response can be a key differentiator. Businesses that leverage WhatsApp CRM can gain a competitive edge by meeting the immediate needs of their customers.

These benefits highlight the transformative impact that real-time communication through WhatsApp CRM can have on a business’s ability to engage with and serve its customers effectively.