Top 5 Ways to Collect WhatsApp Opt-in From Customers

Would you like to receive the latest updates and offers directly from the business? Of course, it saved both business and customer time to look out for the exclusive deals or offers not to be missed. 

Well, Meta has made it crucial for companies to make WhatsApp opt-in from clients before sharing any kind of promotional or marketing messages via the WhatsApp Business API. This is done to make sure the message you are sending is only to those who have asked you to send WhatsApp updates.

“We want to guide people in getting useful, expected details from companies they need to hear out. 

By Meta”

It’s important that you obtain opt-in from all prospects before hitting that first information. But there’s something you’re missing out on. What’s it? How to receive opt-ins from customers in WhatsApp Business API? You don’t know about it; relax, guys! 

At the end of this article, you will know the useful ways to opt-in customers for WhatsApp updates. 

Understanding WhatsApp Opt-in

Basically, WhatsApp opt-in is the way to receive permission from potential customers to send them notifications on WhatsApp. These opt-ins are leveraged to target promotional content, updates, or any kind of conversation sent to users who are ready to receive them.

The permission can be taken directly through WhatsApp or from other platforms such as a checkbox, QR code, Website, chat link, & social media ads. This is an effective way to make a list of buyers who have agreed to get direct WhatsApp updates from the business.

It must include the following communication for the opt-in message:

• The business name from which the user is receiving WhatsApp updates.
• The user’s consent to get updates from the company.

So, you must be wondering whether receiving opt-ins on WhatsApp might be a complicated process. We’re here for you to let you know this is much easier than you might think. There are several strategies that you can deploy to guarantee a higher inflow of clients to your WhatsApp. All opted-in users.

Is It Required To Get WhatsApp Opt-Ins?

WhatsApp opt-ins are compulsory to ensure that your messages are accepted and welcomed from the user’s side. WhatsApp opt-ins are even law and required to be compliant with conversation regulations and privacy laws like GDPR and TCPA. More details are accessible in the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy.

Important WhatsApp Opt-in Needs

There are five requirements to get WhatsApp opt-ins from users:

1. Explicit consent

Most importantly, we define WhatsApp business opt-in as explicit consent from clients to get messages on WhatsApp from a business. You can do this by utilizing many channels, such as in-store signups, social media, or any other physical setting or online platforms where user permission could be asked or received.

2. Clear communication

A business opt-in must be clear about what kind of content the user would like to receive. Hence, they know what they are opting for. Mention whether they will receive customer service information, exclusive offers, and promotional launch.

3. Opt-in method

Basic opt-in for only conversation is not enough. The opt-in method must offer users to agree to receive opt-in messages from the business using WhatsApp.

4. Documenting consent

Each user permission they have been offered must be documented. It’s necessary as it could be needed to show any future issues or disputes, and for other compliance reasons.

5. Compliance with regulations

Instead of complying with the WhatsApp opt-in policy, your business is even required to comply with the regulatory laws for data privacy and electronic communication. This is appropriate to the region you work in. It can be laws or acts like CAN-SPAM in the US or GDPR in Europe.

5 Ways to Get WhatsApp Opt-in

WhatsApp conversations are effective, but they work only if you have useful ways to gather WhatsApp opt-ins. There are good ways to do this.

Method 1: [Send broadcast] with subscriber message

The method is leveraged to ask your existing or new WhatsApp subscribers to verify that they want to continue receiving messages from you. It’s an easy and quick way to gather opt-ins from people who have already engaged with you.

1. Create a WhatsApp broadcast message that sends to people who’ve already engaged with you on WhatsApp.
2. The message must consist of a clear CTA, such as asking them to reply with ‘Yes’ or click a button to be subscribed.
3. When they reply, it counts as their permission to continue getting updates.

For example: 

Hello [First Name], we’re going to launch our new product this month. To keep receiving discounts, product notifications, and tips, just reply with ‘Yes’ or click the button below.

Subscribe

If we don’t get a response from you, we won’t send messages. 

Thank you!

Method 2: Use the WhatsApp newsletter widget

This is the second method that includes adding a WhatsApp subscription widget on your website, blog, landing page, or anywhere where your audience explores. It lets the visitor easily opt in to receive updates from the brand directly through WhatsApp. This is like subscribing to a newsletter.

1. Integrate a WhatsApp newsletter widget (often a button or pop-up) on your platform.
2. Visitors tap the widget, which pops up a pre-filled WhatsApp message in their app or browser.
3. When they hit the message, it automatically adds to your subscription list.

For example:

Let’s see how this widget works:

Want to receive weekly updates on WhatsApp?

Subscribe now!

When the user taps the button, a pre-filled message will appear, like:

“I want to receive WhatsApp updates from the newsletter.”

Once they send it, it means they’ve given consent – you can begin sending them notifications, launches, or broadcast messages.

Method 3: Use WhatsApp Chat widget

One of the most creative and helpful ways to receive opt-ins on WhatsApp is by linking a WhatsApp button to your website. Adding a free WhatsApp chat button on your website, you can effortlessly lead website visitors to WhatsApp & achieve opt-in. 

Add a pre-filled message that the client can send on WhatsApp, indicating their goal of receiving updates from the business on WhatsApp. The pre-filled message is one that automatically comes when the user clicks the WhatsApp button on the website.

1. Create a WhatsApp chat widget
2. Integrate a WhatsApp chat widget directly on your website.
3. Buyers will click it if they’re interested in products that are directly taken to WhatsApp with a pre-defined message like ‘I want to know more about this product’.
4. When the message is sent, it is thought to be opted in to receive messages from the company (if you comply with WhatsApp’s policies).

For example:

Consider visiting a website and noticing this in the bottom corner:

Have a query? Connect with us directly on WhatsApp!

Click here to start a chat!

When the user taps the button, a message will appear:

I’m interested in [product name] and want more information.

After this, businesses can send them broadcasts or newsletters due to the fact that they interacted and opted in.

Method 4: QR codes on shops/visiting cards

You can add a WhatsApp QR code to your shops, product packaging that can be scanned to be taken to a page where users can add in their business details and explicitly offer consent for getting messages from the business on WhatsApp. A pre-written message will show to the customer whenever they scan the code. The QR codes can be implemented on:

• Posters, brochures, flyers, or visiting cards
• Product packaging or delivery boxes
• Events or in-store displays

Customer directs to WhatsApp chat with the business, where you can assure opt-in. 

Create a WhatsApp QR code connected to a specific message, like ‘Hey, I’d like to subscribe to the updates’. 

1. Print the code on your shop signage, product packaging, visiting card, or brochure.
2. The user will scan it via their phone camera or QR app.
3. It shows them a pre-written message, and you receive the opt-in.

For example:

Consider you have a tea shop. You print the QR code on the counter or on each teacup.

Connected with us on WhatsApp!

Scan the code to get exclusive discounts & new drink updates!

QR Code!

Method 5: With WhatsApp chat link

The method includes adding a clickable WhatsApp link that redirects to a WhatsApp chat with your firm. It’s easy, simple, effective, and works well on social media, SMS, and websites. When a user taps the link, it opens WhatsApp with a pre-written message. When they send it, they’ve opted in to get updates from you. 

Generate a WhatsApp chat link following the format: 

https://wa.me/<your-number>?text=<pre-filled-message> 

Send the link anywhere online: 

• In your Instagram bio
• In a Facebook post or ad
• In email newsletters
• On your website or blog

Whenever a user taps the link, WhatsApp opens with a pre-defined message, such as

‘Hey, I want to be notified of all notifications from [business name].’

When the message is sent, you can consider it as an opt-in and initiate sharing updates using WhatsApp broadcasts.

Can We Set up Opt-out on WhatsApp?

Yes. Meta lets you set up an opt-out on WhatsApp to allow clients to opt out of receiving messages from your business if they’re interested. You can help the users to unsubscribe also by sending a particular keyword like ‘Stop’ or ‘Unsubscribe’.

Another method to do this is to offer clients a link in your WhatsApp message, which will take clients to a page where they can opt out. They can easily unsubscribe from getting WhatsApp content from you. It must be considered that guidelines on opting out must be offered to the user in your information.

Use Cases for Opt-In-Based Messaging

Before hitting business-initiated WhatsApp messages, you should explicitly opt in. But what type of messages can be shared which is really valuable? These are the general and helpful use cases that lead to engagement and create customer loyalty when done appropriately:

Order updates and delivery tracking – Let the customer be notified in real time about their order status. 

Appointment confirmations: Share alerts or enable users to reschedule them directly through WhatsApp.

Product restock alerts: Inform customers when the most-selling or popular products are restocked. 

Abandoned cart reminders: Reconnect buyers with custom offers to complete their shopping.

Loyalty point updates: Inform them about the reward status or new perks to boost repeat purchases.

Personalized promotional offers: Offer targeted promotions depending on past history or user nature.

Each message type needs to be opted in first, and when used correctly, they drive strong engagement, grow satisfaction, and higher conversion rates.

WhatsApp Opt-in Rules & Regulations

1. Get the opt-in on WhatsApp itself or through other platforms before sending promotional content.
2. Get the opt-in during the first conversation, if the user initiates it.
3. Check the opt-in if the user is interested in receiving messages on WhatsApp.
4. Mention the message type the user can wish to receive, like OTP, order status, etc.
5. Give the opt-out option for getting WhatsApp updates. The process of opt-in or opt-out must be easy and intuitive for all.

Tips to Increase WhatsApp Opt-in & Prevent Opt-outs

Below are the five tips you can follow to ensure 3x more opt-ins on WhatsApp from users:

• Communicate in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. Clearly state the advantages that users will experience if they choose to receive your WhatsApp updates. 
• Avoid spamming users; doing so will only result in your being blocked on WhatsApp. Aim to broadcast only when absolutely required. 
• Launch Click-to-WhatsApp Advertisements. The most effective strategy to increase WhatsApp opt-ins is to run Facebook and Instagram ads that direct users to your WhatsApp Business API account. You can make click-to-WhatsApp advertising with Getgabs and convert leads right away. 
• Give consumers the option to opt out because not all users would want to receive WhatsApp notifications. Ensure that each message includes an opt-out option and respects their privacy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are we allowed to send marketing messages without a WhatsApp opt-in?

A. No, you can’t send a message to the consumer unless they have given consent to receive promotional content. Comply with the WhatsApp GDPR.

Q2. How does WhatsApp know if a business has taken opt-ins before message sending?

A. WhatsApp regularly checks business opt-in flows to ensure compliance. They will even track the quality signals you’d see in your WhatsApp account. When they’re red, Meta will verify opt-in flows.

Q3. Can we consider it opt-in if the user messages us first?

A. No, this is not what we consider a WhatsApp opt-in. The business is not enabled to send any push alert except the ‘issue-resolution’ type. But it opens a 24-hour window session, where the business can send a message to the client asking for an opt-in.

Q4. What if we send a message without a WhatsApp opt-in?

A. WhatsApp Business holds the right to revoke the brand’s WhatsApp license and registration, and the message can fail with a ‘user not opted in’ reply. And it could be tough for the brand to reapply.

Q5. What is the WhatsApp issue resolution type template?

A. WhatsApp issue resolution templates offer businesses the ability to reply to queries, concerns, or feedback from users.

Conclusion

Getgabs is an official WhatsApp Business API Provider. They help businesses in any industry to activate WhatsApp messaging immediately, with compliant opt-in methods, WhatsApp message templates, and integrations into your existing software. Receiving opt-ins could be a complicated task.

Yet, as long as you adhere to the WhatsApp guidelines, your users will be grateful to connect with you on a platform that they’re most interested in. Just make it quick and simple, use the platform efficiently to optimize customer engagement and satisfaction.

Be on the same page, follow the useful methods to receive opt-ins from users without any hassle. And it’s done, send marketing messages anytime to them.