WHATSAPP ⤴️ NUMBER FOR 📩 MESSAGE & 📞Call

 Using a WhatsApp number for message marketing involves leveraging the WhatsApp Business App or WhatsApp Business API to engage customers with personalized, direct, and compliant promotional messages. Below is a step-by-step guide to effectively use a WhatsApp number for marketing, based on best practices and insights from various sources:

### 1. **Set Up a WhatsApp Business Account**

- **Choose the Right Platform**: 

  - **WhatsApp Business App**: Ideal for small businesses managing one-on-one customer interactions. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It’s free and supports basic marketing features like broadcast lists (up to 256 contacts).[](https://www.twilio.com/en-us/blog/guide-to-whatsapp-marketing)[](https://iide.co/blog/how-to-do-whatsapp-marketing/)

  - **WhatsApp Business API**: Suited for larger businesses or those needing advanced features like automation, chatbots, and bulk messaging. Requires integration through providers like AiSensy, Twilio, or Wati, and a virtual or dedicated phone number.[](https://www.twilio.com/en-us/blog/guide-to-whatsapp-marketing)[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/how-to-get-virtual-number-for-whatsapp/)

- **Create a Professional Profile**: Set up a business profile with your business name, logo, description, contact details, hours, and product catalog to build trust and transparency. Verify your account for a green tick (optional but enhances credibility).[](https://www.plivo.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)[](https://messagemedia.com/uk/blog/whatsapp-marketing-guide/)

- **Use a Dedicated or Virtual Number**: For privacy and scalability, use a dedicated business number or a virtual number (not tied to a physical SIM). Virtual numbers can be purchased from providers like AiSensy (e.g., Rs 299 for 3 months) for global reach without a physical presence.[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/how-to-get-virtual-number-for-whatsapp/)[](https://www.wati.io/blog/virtual-number-for-whatsapp-business-setup/)

### 2. **Build a Compliant Contact List**

- **Obtain Explicit Consent**: WhatsApp requires explicit user consent before sending marketing messages to comply with privacy laws (e.g., GDPR) and avoid being flagged or blocked. Collect opt-ins via:

  - Website forms with a checkbox for WhatsApp messaging.

  - Social media campaigns (e.g., Click-to-WhatsApp ads on Facebook/Instagram).

  - QR codes in physical stores or marketing materials.

  - In-store or event sign-up forms offering incentives like discounts or exclusive content.[](https://www.plivo.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)[](https://www.dashsocial.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing)

- **Ensure Users Save Your Number**: WhatsApp only allows messaging users who have saved your business number in their contacts or initiated a conversation. Encourage this through incentives or clear instructions.[](https://usergrowth.io/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)[](https://messagemedia.com/uk/blog/whatsapp-marketing-guide/)

- **Segment Your Audience**: Use customer data (purchase history, preferences, demographics) to create custom audience segments for targeted campaigns. Tools like AiSensy or MoEngage simplify segmentation.[](https://business.whatsapp.com/blog/marketing-messaging-quick-guide)[](https://www.braze.com/resources/articles/whatsapp-marketing)

### 3. **Craft Effective Marketing Messages**

- **Personalize Content**: Tailor messages to user preferences, past purchases, or behavior for higher engagement. For example, send personalized product recommendations or abandoned cart reminders. Studies show personalized messages can boost conversion rates by up to 202%.[](https://clevertap.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)

- **Use Rich Media**: WhatsApp supports text, images, videos, audio, documents, and carousel messages (up to 10 products). Visual content gets 94% more views than text alone.[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing-strategies/)[](https://clevertap.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)

- **Keep Messages Concise and Actionable**: Write short, clear messages with emojis, clickable CTAs (Call-to-Action), and quick reply buttons to drive engagement. For example: “Hi Mia! Based on your recent purchase, check out these new arrivals 😍 [carousel].”[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing-strategies/)[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/7-whatsapp-promotional-messages/)

- **Balance Promotional and Transactional Messages**: Maintain a 3:1 ratio of transactional (e.g., order updates) to promotional messages to avoid spamming. Overloading users with promotions can lead to blocks or reports, lowering your quality rating.[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/7-whatsapp-promotional-messages/)[](https://www.braze.com/resources/articles/whatsapp-marketing)

- **Examples of Campaigns**:

  - **Promotional Offers**: Discounts, flash sales, or product launch updates (e.g., “Hi Amanda! 20% off your next order, valid today only! 🛒 Click here: [link]”).

  - **Abandoned Cart Reminders**: “Hey Ana! You left items in your cart. Complete your purchase now for free shipping! 🚚 [link]” (Skullcandy recovered 40% of abandoned carts this way).[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing-strategies/)

  - **Seasonal Campaigns**: Holiday deals or event promotions.

  - **Customer Engagement**: Polls, surveys, or quizzes to gather feedback and boost interaction.[](https://sinch.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)

### 4. **Leverage Automation and Tools**

- **WhatsApp Business API Features**:

  - **Chatbots**: Automate responses for common queries, lead qualification, or appointment scheduling. AiSensy’s AI-powered chatbots can screen leads and route them to human agents.[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing-strategies/)[](https://www.wati.io/blog/virtual-number-for-whatsapp-business-setup/)

  - **Broadcast Messaging**: Send bulk messages to opted-in users (unlimited with API, unlike the 256-contact limit in the Business App). Use platforms like AiSensy to filter contacts and track analytics.[](https://aisensy.com)[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/7-whatsapp-promotional-messages/)

  - **Integration with CRM**: Sync with CRM systems (e.g., Wati, MoEngage) for seamless data management and personalized messaging based on customer history.[](https://www.wati.io/blog/virtual-number-for-whatsapp-business-setup/)[](https://www.braze.com/resources/articles/whatsapp-marketing)

- **Click-to-WhatsApp Ads**: Run ads on Facebook/Instagram that open a WhatsApp chat when clicked, ideal for starting conversations and collecting contacts.[](https://mailchimp.com/resources/whatsapp-marketing/)[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing-strategies/)

- **Analytics**: Track delivery rates, open rates (98% on WhatsApp vs. 20% for email), click-through rates (40–60%), and conversions to refine campaigns. Use built-in WhatsApp analytics or third-party tools like AiSensy or Plivo.[](https://www.plivo.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)[](https://www.wati.io/blog/virtual-number-for-whatsapp-business-setup/)

### 5. **Comply with WhatsApp Policies and Local Regulations**

- **Template Approval**: For API users, marketing messages must use pre-approved templates to prevent spam. Submit templates via WhatsApp Manager or platforms like AiSensy, ensuring they’re clear, non-salesy, and grammatically correct.[](https://messagemedia.com/uk/blog/whatsapp-marketing-guide/)[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/7-whatsapp-promotional-messages/)

- **Respect Messaging Limits**: Start with a 1,000-message limit per 24 hours, scalable to 10,000, 100,000, or unlimited based on your quality rating and sending volume. Maintain a high rating by avoiding excessive user blocks or reports.[](https://www.braze.com/resources/articles/whatsapp-marketing)

- **U.S. Restrictions**: As of March 2025, WhatsApp bans templated marketing messages to U.S. numbers, but businesses can still engage users who initiate contact or use non-templated messages. Check local regulations for compliance (e.g., GDPR in Europe).[](https://sinch.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)[](https://messagemedia.com/uk/blog/whatsapp-marketing-guide/)

- **Opt-Out Option**: Always provide an easy way for users to opt out (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”) and respect their preferences to maintain trust.[](https://mailchimp.com/resources/whatsapp-marketing/)

### 6. **Best Practices for Success**

- **Engage, Don’t Spam**: Focus on value-driven content (e.g., exclusive deals, early access) to keep users engaged. WhatsApp’s high engagement (98% open rate, 85% response rate) thrives on relevant messaging.[](https://www.wati.io/blog/whatsapp-marketing-benefits-for-your-business/)

- **A/B Test Campaigns**: Experiment with different headlines, CTAs, or send times to optimize performance.[](https://business.whatsapp.com/blog/marketing-messaging-quick-guide)[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/7-whatsapp-promotional-messages/)

- **Use Incentives**: Offer discounts or VIP perks to encourage opt-ins and conversions. For example, Chéel boosted sales by 70% using QR codes linking to WhatsApp product info.[](https://www.dashsocial.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing)

- **Monitor Performance**: Use analytics to track metrics and adjust strategies. High engagement and low block rates improve your messaging capacity.[](https://www.plivo.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)[](https://www.braze.com/resources/articles/whatsapp-marketing)

- **Integrate with Other Channels**: Combine WhatsApp with SMS, email, or social media for a unified marketing strategy. Platforms like Sinch MessageMedia allow managing multiple channels from one dashboard.[](https://messagemedia.com/uk/blog/whatsapp-marketing-guide/)

### 7. **Costs and Considerations**

- **Free Options**: The WhatsApp Business App is free for basic features like broadcast lists and manual messaging.[](https://iide.co/blog/how-to-do-whatsapp-marketing/)

- **Paid Options**: The Business API incurs costs (e.g., ₹0.88 per marketing message via AiSensy, free for service replies). Virtual numbers cost ~Rs 299 for 3 months. Check provider pricing (e.g., AiSensy, Twilio) for details.[](https://aisensy.com)[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/how-to-get-virtual-number-for-whatsapp/)

- **ROI Potential**: WhatsApp marketing can yield up to 150x ROI (e.g., brands like Skullcandy and Vivo) due to high engagement and conversion rates.[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/how-to-get-virtual-number-for-whatsapp/)

### 8. **Getting Started**

1. **Install the App or API**: Download the WhatsApp Business App or sign up for the API via providers like AiSensy, Twilio, or Wati.[](https://www.twilio.com/en-us/blog/guide-to-whatsapp-marketing)[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/how-to-get-virtual-number-for-whatsapp/)

2. **Verify Your Number**: Use a dedicated or virtual number and complete Meta’s business verification for higher messaging limits.[](https://www.plivo.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)[](https://www.braze.com/resources/articles/whatsapp-marketing)

3. **Collect Opt-Ins**: Use website forms, social media, or QR codes to build your contact list.[](https://www.dashsocial.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing)

4. **Create and Send Messages**: Start with simple broadcasts or use API for advanced automation and personalization. Submit templates for approval if using API.[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/7-whatsapp-promotional-messages/)

5. **Track and Optimize**: Monitor analytics and refine campaigns based on performance data.[](https://www.plivo.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)

### Important Notes

- **Global Reach**: WhatsApp’s 2.78 billion users across 180 countries make it ideal for global marketing, especially in regions like India, Brazil, and Latin America.[](https://www.moengage.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing/)[](https://www.dashsocial.com/blog/whatsapp-marketing)

- **Legal Compliance**: Always adhere to local privacy laws and WhatsApp’s terms to avoid penalties or account suspension.[](https://myoperator.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-use-whatsapp-business-numbers)[](https://messagemedia.com/uk/blog/whatsapp-marketing-guide/)

- **Scalability**: Start small with the Business App and scale to the API as your needs grow. Platforms like AiSensy simplify bulk marketing and automation.[](https://m.aisensy.com/blog/how-to-get-virtual-number-for-whatsapp/)

For detailed pricing or API setup, visit:

- AiSensy: https://aisensy.com

- Twilio: https://www.twilio.com

- WhatsApp Business: https://business.whatsapp.com[](https://www.twilio.com/en-us/blog/guide-to-whatsapp-marketing)[](https://aisensy.com)[](https://business.whatsapp.com/blog/marketing-messaging-quick-guide)

By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively use a WhatsApp number for message marketing to drive engagement, conversions, and customer loyalty.