How to Send Bulk SMS with WhatsApp

You are not alone if you are trying to send messages to communicate with clients in a timely and efficient manner. They use many channels, but WhatsApp and SMS, despite their differences, are the most common ones.

SMS is grounded on cellular networks, while WhatsApp, on the other hand, is an over-the-top (OTT) messaging app that sends messages via the internet. Therefore, if you're looking for a way to send bulk SMS messages via WhatsApp as a brand, you need a plan for doing so. WhatsApp mass messaging may be a strong and effective tool for engaging customers, but if done incorrectly, it may result in bans and erode client confidence.

This guide will walk you through the only legitimate and officially recommended messaging strategy and the way to send bulk messages on WhatsApp — using the WhatsApp Business API. Ready to start? Let's begin!

WhatsApp’s Official Policy on Bulk Messages: What is the WhatsApp bulk message rule?

WhatsApp is meant for personal communication and not bulk messaging. It is against WhatsApp's terms of service to employ third-party "bulk sender" tools or even the broadcast feature of the WhatsApp Business app for marketing. If you send WhatsApp messages for business, you risk a lot, including:

• Account Ban: According to the terms of service, unauthorized bulk messaging is automatically detected by WhatsApp's technology, leading to a possible ban on your number.
• Loss of Customer Trust: Receiving unsolicited bulk or automated messages frequently results in people banning or reporting your number. So send messages with care to customers.
• Absence of Scalability or Automation: Unofficial approaches in WhatsApp marketing lack professional functionality, analytics, CRM connectivity, and automation.

Nonetheless, bulk WhatsApp messages are still possible. Let's figure out how they are made.

How to send bulk messages on WhatsApp without getting banned using the business API

In this section, we break down the process of sending bulk WhatsApp messages to multiple recipients into clear, actionable steps.

1. Partner with a BSP like DecisionTelecom: Since the API is not directly accessible through Meta, DecisionTelecom is an example of a Business Solution Provider (BSP) that assists with platform setup, technical integration management, and support. We provide a platform and a dashboard, taking care of the technical setup and assisting throughout the process.
2. Get your WhatsApp Business Account approved: Use a new phone number that isn't connected to any existing WhatsApp accounts before getting started. Next, create a verified business identity by connecting this number to your Facebook Business Manager. To guarantee a seamless and legal setup, BSPs like DecisionTelecom offer support during the verification and configuration phases. All in all, you get a solid platform for further actions.
3. Getting user opt-ins (establish its importance for compliance): You must only message users who have explicitly opted in. For example, they may have checked a box during online checkout, scanned a QR code in a physical store, or followed an SMS opt-in process — anything that complies with the law.
4. Create and submit message templates: WhatsApp requires templates for business-initiated chats and promotional bulk messages, including greeting texts, to be pre-approved. All outgoing communications must adhere to WhatsApp's stringent norms and quality requirements. Drafting your message content with any personalization factors (such as {{Name}}), classifying it under the appropriate template type, and sending it through your BSP for approval are all steps in the submission procedure. Depending on the content and level of compliance, approval usually takes a few minutes to several hours.
5. Define a message template: It is a message format that you send to WhatsApp for approval. It may have personalization placeholders (such as {{1}} for a customer's name). For example: "Hello {{Name}}! It’s time for our summer sale! Use code {{XYZABC}} to get 20% off everything. Visit us at {{Website}}." The template types include various communication goals and are used for marketing (like promotions), authentication (like OTPs), and utility (like order confirmation).
6. Upload your opted-in contact list (WhatsApp broadcast lists): Remember that only authorized contacts — those who provide their consent — should be added. You can upload a CSV file in international phone number format using BSP platforms such as DecisionTelecom. This process is made simple by BSP systems like DecisionTelecom, which provide intuitive dashboards that let you import your contact list, verify the information, and make sure your outreach initiatives continue to adhere to WhatsApp's rules.
7. Launch your bulk WhatsApp campaign: Selecting an authorized message template is the first step towards starting your campaign. Next, choose the relevant contact list of users who have chosen to participate. Lastly, use your BSP dashboard to schedule the campaign or send it right away. As a result, you'll get your first campaign with ease.
8. Analyze the results: Keep tabs on key performance indicators like the quantity of messages sent, delivered, opened, and responded to. These metrics offer insightful information about the effectiveness of your campaign. In order to determine what appeals to your audience and make wise changes to improve subsequent efforts, you also need to closely monitor user interaction and feedback. All things together, they may show you the real effect and how to tune it up ultimately.

Benefits of using WhatsApp for Business API

The only authorized and secure way to send bulk messages on WhatsApp is via the WhatsApp Business API, not some suspicious WhatsApp bulk sender service. It's designed to let medium-sized and large organizations interact with customers on a wide scale.

However, you do not need to download the WhatsApp Business API app alone. Only Business Solution Providers (BSPs) like DecisionTelecom can access this API. It offers numerous advantages in WhatsApp messages in bulk, including allowing you to:

1. Send messages at scale: Reach thousands of opted-in customers with ease to improve WhatsApp outreach. The more you text, the more leads your business gets.
2. Automate Effortlessly: Integrate with chatbots and CRM systems for a comprehensive approach and deeper control. A united business flow will result in clearer business insights and stronger control over the process.
3. Rich media support: Send bulk messages efficiently with images, videos, documents, and interactive buttons. Try personalized messages, if needed. Need more information on how to leverage rich media content for WhatsApp sender? Explore our articles on how RCS compares to SMS.
4. Verified business profile: Get the green checkmark to build deeper trust for bulk WhatsApp messages without problems. The customers are more likely to engage with and buy from authorised brands.
5. Insightful analytics: Track delivery, read rates, and engagement in real time, keeping the reports at your fingertips for reactive measures and timely control.

This way, you can be sure that no ban will follow while sending WhatsApp bulk messages. Now, it's time for the main part on how to send bulk WhatsApp messages smoothly.

Why shouldn’t I just stick to WhatsApp Business?

For small enterprises, the WhatsApp Business app is an excellent place to start, but as your company grows, it soon shows its limitations. Sometimes, depending only on the app is unsustainable for professional, scalable, or compliance messaging because of:

1. Limited Scaling Capability: Teams cannot use the app because it runs only on a single phone and a few connected devices.
2. No Bulk Messaging: You can send messages to people who have added your number, and you are unable to broadcast messages to thousands of users at once.
3. Manual Procedures: All tasks are not automated, which becomes unfeasible when done in bulk.
4. Risks of Compliance: WhatsApp forbids bulk messaging using unapproved tools or automation within the app. Doing so may result in bans or restrictions.
5. Lack of Professional Features: You can’t interface the app with your CRM and analytics or automate workflows.
6. Restricted Customer Support Features: You can’t set up chatbots, queues, or route messages to various agents.

As a result, only a reliable BSP provider like DecisionTelecom lets you leverage additional features that are crucial for business.

Everything you need to know before starting your bulk SMS campaign on WhatsApp

It's critical to comprehend the guidelines, architecture, and price structure of the WhatsApp Business API before launching your first mass messaging campaign. This section will walk you through the key elements that impact your capacity to message people in a way that is both legal and efficient, such as message formats, pricing, and best practices for compliance.

Session messages vs. message templates

WhatsApp must first approve message templates, which are used to start chats with users. The type of interaction determines how much these messages cost. Responses sent within a 24-hour period following a user-initiated message are known as session messages. Additionally, these communications don't need pre-approval and are less costly.

WhatsApp API account pricing deep dive

The cost is determined by the interaction rather than the content. The person who started the communication determines the charges. The first 1,000 talks are frequently free each month.
For detailed and up-to-date pricing, refer to the official Meta for Developers pricing page.

Best practices to avoid having your business account blocked

Here's a bunch of tips that are always useful to avoid bans and problems. By following them, you save a lot of time and effort with brand WhatsApp messages:

1. Stay away from spam at all costs. Sending high-value information that your clients genuinely desire to receive is more important than sending out sporadic communications. This can include timely alerts, helpful updates, and special offers that are pertinent to their interests and requirements.
2. Respect user opt-outs at all times. Customers should be able to unsubscribe from your messages with ease and clarity. Put a clear sentence like "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" in your outgoing communications, for instance. In addition to being a best practice, this is also required to meet current regulatory requirements.
3. Pay attention to how frequently you message. Users may become irritated and ban your number if you send too many texts in a short period. Instead of being overbearing, your communication approach should be kind and constant.
4. Keep your quality rating high. Your number is given a quality score by WhatsApp based on user interactions, such as reports and blocks. Your account could be suspended if it receives a low rating. Keep a close eye on these indicators and modify your strategy in response to user comments and behavior.

We've discussed the fundamentals of your bulk WhatsApp messages and provided some useful advice that will help you сommunicate through WhatsApp smoothly. So let's summarize the ideas.

WhatsApp API Pricing Deep Dive

The price structure of WhatsApp Business API is conversation-based. You pay for each 24-hour texting session rather than for individual messages. There are two kinds of conversations: business-initiated, which starts when your company sends the initial message using a pre-approved template, and user-initiated, which starts when a consumer messages your company.

Every month, Meta gives each WhatsApp Business Account 1,000 free calls, which are refreshed every 30 days. The cost varies according to the country of the recipient and the nature of the conversation. This way, you’re not limited in your means.

Start sending WhatsApp bulk messages the right way with DecisionTelecom

In summary, WhatsApp is truly not an SMS app. It wasn't designed for business channels to send bulk messages to multiple contacts. Nevertheless, it doesn't mean that businesses can't leverage their potential. The WhatsApp Business API is the tool that is solely authorized for sending large amounts of messages. You can easily start using WhatsApp messages for your business without getting banned with the help of BSP. To comply fully, you will also need opt-ins and authorized templates as stated above.

As a result, when used properly, WhatsApp will transform from a straightforward chat program into a dynamic, scalable channel that improves customer satisfaction and increases sales.

Stop using unapproved ways to put your business at risk and start sending mass WhatsApp messages the right way! Get quick and easy access to the WhatsApp Business Platform and launch your first campaign with confidence with DecisionTelecom’s WhatsApp Business API. Sign up now.