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How to Import to Broadcast via WhatsApp

Wai Ting Yong Updated by Wai Ting Yong

In this article, you’ll discover how to manage large contact lists effortlessly and start connecting with them through broadcast messages - even before they interact with your business.

Respond.io lets you import huge contact lists obtained from events, campaigns or other platforms and proactively initiate connections with them using broadcast messages. This eliminates the need to send individual messages to each Contact beforehand.

You can only send broadcast messages to Contacts with whom you have not interacted using WhatsApp or SMS. Other Channels either require Contacts to send your business the first message or do not support broadcast.

This article covers the sending of WhatsApp broadcast messages using the Broadcasts module on the respond.io platform.

Prerequisites

  • To send broadcast or bulk messages via WhatsApp without restrictions, you will need the following:
  • To access the Broadcasts Module on the respond.io platform. you must have the Owner or Manager access level.
Make sure your Contacts have opted in externally and are expecting messages from you before you proceed to import to broadcast. If they’re migrated from another platform to the respond.io platform, the opt-in would have been obtained when they were using the previous platform. Doing this can prevent your Contacts from reporting or blocking your number.

Process Steps

Watch this video for a tutorial on how to reach a broad audience with promotional messages and notifications on WhatsApp.

Step 1: Import Contact List

To begin, have the Contacts' details saved in a CSV file for a streamlined import process, eliminating the need for manual data entry.

It is recommended to add a tag to the import. Tagging helps you identify the batch of Contacts that you have imported, for example leads collected from a product launch event.

Refer here for a step-by-step guide on how to import Contacts.

Step 2: Create and Send Broadcast Message

Once Contacts have been imported to the respond.io platform, create and send a broadcast message by following these steps:

  1. Go to the Broadcasts Module > Click + Add Broadcast.
  2. Name your broadcast > Add a label for reference > Click Create.
  3. Create a Segment to target a specific group of Contacts for the broadcast. Click the dropdown menu at Segment > Click + Add Segment > Name the segment > Click Save.
  4. To easily find the batch of Contacts that you have imported, ensure these are filled in:
    • Category: Contact Tag
    • Operator: has any of
    • Select: Click the dropdown and select the tag that was used for the import process.
Import To Broadcast - Contact Tag
  1. In Channel Type, select Specific Channel.
  2. In Channel, select the connected WhatsApp API channel to send your broadcast.
  3. Turn the Send message only to contacts who have previously interacted with this channel toggle off. This ensures the broadcast message can be sent to Contacts with whom you have not interacted before.
  4. Under Message Content, select the relevant Message Template > Fill in the required details.
  5. Under Message Preview, see how your message will appear to your Contacts. You can click Test Broadcast to send a sample message to yourself before sending the actual broadcast message.
  6. Click Next > Click Send Broadcast to send the broadcast message immediately, or Schedule Broadcast to schedule it for a later date and time.
For more detailed information of the steps, refer to this page.
A broadcast message may fail to be sent due to numerous reasons. If this happens, learn more about troubleshooting failed broadcasts here.

Examples of Use Cases

The following are some use cases for this feature:

Marketing

  • Promoting seasonal sales, holiday discounts, or time-sensitive offers to a select group of customers.
  • Sending invitations to webinars, workshops, product demos or other events to customers.
  • Sharing significant company achievements, milestones, or news to keep the brand top-of-mind and foster a sense of community.

Sales

  • Sharing limited-time offers or discounts that are exclusively available for a select group of customers.
  • Announcing the launch of a new product or service to a select group of customers.
  • Notifying customers when a previously out-of-stock item is back in inventory.

Support

  • Informing customers of planned system maintenance or unexpected outages.
  • Notifying customers of changes to the company’s terms of services or other important policies.
  • Sharing tips and guides to help customers use the products and services more effectively.

Feeling stuck? Do not fear.

Need assistance? Contact us for support. Help is here!

How to Start a Workflow Based on Broadcast Response

How to Troubleshoot a Failed Broadcast

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