Are you still manually typing out each message? Using carrier pigeons to send notifications? Waiting for the stars to align to remind your customers about their abandoned carts?
We've got a better idea: Broadcast messages. Broadcast messages let you reach all of your customers in a single message. This can be a great way to get everyone on the same page, whether reminding them about an upcoming sale or letting them know about new products or services.
In this article, we will look at all the details you need to know about how to send a broadcast message on WhatsApp. We will also examine some sample broadcast messages and how to use them with your business.
What are Broadcast Messages on WhatsApp?
You know how sometimes you want to share the same message with many people, but you don't necessarily want to put them all in a group chat? Well, that's where WhatsApp's broadcast feature comes in handy.
Think of it as a one-to-many communication tool. Creating a broadcast list is like making a personal radio station where you're the DJ. You can send a single message, and it'll go out to everyone on your list.
The cool thing is that responses return to you, not the whole list. So, unlike a group chat where everyone can chime in (and you end up with those endless notification pings), with a broadcast message, it's more like individual conversations that all start with the same input from you.
Remember, though, for this to work, the people on your broadcast list must have your number saved in their contacts. Otherwise, they won't receive your broadcast message.
What is the Need Of Broadcast Messages on WhatsApp?
Open your Gmail inbox and look at the number of emails that you left without opening. Those tempting headlines, the promise of great deals, they all fade into the background.
Email fatigue is a real thing. Your customers are probably just as overwhelmed, their inboxes crowded with newsletters, promotions, and updates, most of which go unread.
Now, switch gears and think about WhatsApp. It's more personal, isn't it? Messages are short, direct, and get straight to the point. Plus, we all know that 'ping' is harder to ignore. 😉
This is where WhatsApp's broadcast messages feature becomes a game-changer for you as a Shopify store owner. Moreover, the 99% open rate makes WhatsApp messages win the race among other customer interaction methods—SMS (98%), IVR (72%), and email have an open success of 21%.
You've got a flash sale coming up? Or a new product dropping? With a broadcast message, you can share this exciting news directly with your customers without getting lost in the sea of emails.
And the best part?
All their responses come directly back to you, maintaining that one-to-one connection but without the headache of starting individual chats.
That sounds like a good deal, right?
Types Of Broadcast WhatsApp Messages
Broadcasting is a very powerful tool, but it can be used for more than just promotions. You can use it to address problems, share new features and updates, send out surveys (and get feedback), and even send out love notes!
Here are some types with examples of how you might use broadcast messages:
1. Product launch broadcast
This is your opportunity to create a buzz around your newest products. The key is to share just enough to pique interest without revealing everything. You could even include a sneak peek picture or a countdown to build anticipation.
👉🏻 Template: "Hello! We've been working behind the scenes on something exciting. Our new line of eco-friendly yoga wear is launching this Friday at 9 AM sharp. Here's a sneak peek for our favorite customers. Stay tuned for the big reveal!"
2. Sales and discounts broadcast
Everyone loves to bag a bargain, and your customers are no different. Use this type of broadcast to announce upcoming sales, exclusive discounts, or special promotions. Remember, urgency is a great motivator, so limited-time offers work well here.
👉🏻 Template: "Surprise! We're having a flash sale just for our VIP customers. Starting at midnight, enjoy 30% off on all items for the next 24 hours. Use code VIP30 at checkout. Happy shopping!"
3. Updates and news broadcast
Whether it's a change to your store policies, extended holiday hours, or upcoming website maintenance, use this type of message to keep your customers informed. Transparency helps build trust and customer loyalty.
👉🏻 Template: "Hey there! Just wanted to let you know we're extending our return and exchange policy from 30 to 45 days. We want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. As always, reach out if you have any questions."
4. Holiday greetings broadcast
This type of message is a great way to connect with your customers on a more personal level. Show your appreciation during the festive seasons, and maybe throw in a special holiday offer or recommend gift items from your store.
👉🏻 Template: "Happy Holidays! We hope you're having a wonderful festive season. As a token of our appreciation, use code HOLIDAY10 for an extra 10% off your next purchase. May your holidays be merry, bright, and full of joy!"
5. Customer feedback broadcast
This is a great way to show your customers that you value their opinions. Requesting feedback can provide valuable insights into how you can improve your business. And more reviews will influence other visitors to become customers, so it's a win-win situation.
👉🏻 Template: "Hello! We hope you're loving your recent purchases. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Would you mind taking a minute to provide feedback? Your opinion helps us serve you better."
We have a dedicated article on how to collect feedback/reviews from your users in an irresistible way. You won't regret checking this! 😉
How to Send WhatsApp Broadcasts
There are three methods to send Whatsapp broadcasts:
👉🏻 Through your Personal WhatsApp
👉🏻WhatsApp Business app
👉🏻WhatsApp Business API.
1. Through your personal WhatsApp
This is the easiest and most convenient way to send WhatsApp broadcasts to your customers. You can do it from the WhatsApp application on your mobile phone or desktop. But read the requirements before you start.
- Open WhatsApp: You're already one step closer to broadcasting your message!
- Go to the broadcast lists: Now, if you're using an iPhone, you'll find “Broadcast Lists” right at the top of the chat screen. On an Android, you'll have to tap on the three dots at the top right corner of the screen and then select “New broadcast.”
- Select recipients: Time to pick your audience! You'll see a list of all your contacts. Go ahead and tap on the names of the people you want to send your broadcast message. Remember, only those who've saved your number in their contacts will get the message, so make sure you're on their list too.
- Create your broadcast: Once you've selected everyone, tap “Create” or “Done.” Voila! Your broadcast list is ready.
- Send your message: Now, all you have to do is type out your message in the broadcast chat, just like you would in a regular chat. When you hit send, your message will go out to everyone on your broadcast list.
2. WhatsApp Business app
If you're a small- to medium-sized business, the WhatsApp Business app is a great option. It's free and comes with features tailored for businesses, like automated responses and labels for organizing contacts or chats. But note that it has only limited features.
For bulk messaging, you can use the “Broadcast Lists” feature, which we've talked about before. Recipients need to have your number saved in their contacts to receive your broadcast messages.
3. WhatsApp Business API
If you're a larger business or corporation, you might want to look into the WhatsApp Business API. It allows for automated, secure, and bulk messaging and integrates with your business systems.
This means you can manage and send messages directly from your company's software. However, setting up the WhatsApp Business API requires some technical know-how, and WhatsApp must approve your application for access.
But there's a simple option that does everything for you. All you have to do is set it and (nearly) forget about it. And that's BiteSpeed.
Here's what it does:
- Automated messaging: BiteSpeed can automate your WhatsApp messages, ensuring your customers receive timely updates such as order confirmations, shipping notifications, and more.
- Automated abandoned cart campaigns: The platform allows you to remind customers of their abandoned carts, helping to boost your conversion rates.
- Personalized communication: BiteSpeed enables personalized messages, enhancing engagement and making every customer interaction feel unique and special.
- Two-way communication: This platform ensures conversations are two-sided, allowing customers to reply, ask questions, and provide feedback.
- Review collection: With BiteSpeed, you can automatically request reviews from customers, gathering valuable feedback and building trust with potential shoppers.
- Integrations: BiteSpeed can integrate seamlessly with your existing business systems, such as your CRM, e-commerce platform, or customer service software.
- Analytics and Insights: The platform offers access to detailed analytics about your messages, enabling you to track delivery, open, and response rates for strategic insights.
And to capture your customer, it has multiple opt-in tools. So, it's an all-in-one tool to accelerate your WhatsApp marketing strategy.
Samples of WhatsApp Broadcast Messages
You have the list and the method and are ready to hit the "send" button, but what about the message? Here are some samples of the message you can use for different situations:
Absolutely! Here are some sample broadcast messages for various situations:
1. Product launch
"Hey there! We're super excited to announce our latest summer collection is hitting the store tomorrow! Keep an eye out for the launch notification. Stay stylish, stay fabulous! 🌞👗"
2. Sales and discounts
"Hello! We're having a flash sale! Starting at midnight, enjoy a whopping 50% off storewide. Remember, the early bird gets the best deals. Happy shopping! 🛍️"
3. Updates and news
"Good news! We're now offering free shipping on all orders above $50! Happy shopping and even happier shipping! 🚚💨"
4. Holiday greetings
"Season's Greetings! Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season. As a token of our appreciation, enjoy 10% off your next purchase with code HOLIDAY10. 🎄🎁"
5. Abandoned cart reminder
"Oops, looks like you left something behind in your cart. Just a friendly nudge to complete your purchase. Hurry, the stock is running out fast! 🛒"
6. Review the request
"Hello! We noticed you recently made a purchase with us. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Would you mind taking a minute to leave a review? Your feedback helps us improve. 🌟"
7. Cross-sell promotion
"Hello there! We saw you recently purchased our premium yoga mat. We thought you might like our eco-friendly yoga blocks to enhance your practice. As a valued customer, use code YOGA15 to get 15% off on the yoga blocks. Happy stretching! 🧘♀️"
WhatsApp Group Vs. WhatsApp Broadcast: What's the Difference?
Wondering what's the difference between a group and a broadcast? Here's a quick breakdown of these two WhatsApp features.
1. What is a WhatsApp Group?
A WhatsApp group is a chat interface that allows up to 256 people to communicate and share media. All members can see each other's responses, and everyone can participate in the conversation.
It's a great way to foster interactive discussions or share updates with a community, like a family, team, or class.
2. What is a WhatsApp Broadcast?
A WhatsApp broadcast is a feature that allows you to send a message to multiple contacts at once without them knowing who else has received the message. Unlike groups, responses in a broadcast are not shared with other recipients.
It's a one-to-many communication tool, perfect for sending updates or announcements to multiple people simultaneously.
3. So, what's the main difference between a WhatsApp Group and a WhatsApp Broadcast?
The main difference lies in the interaction. In a group, everyone can see and respond to all messages, making it interactive and communal. In contrast, a broadcast is more like sending individual messages to many people at once. Recipients can't see who else received the message, and responses will come only to you, not the entire list.
4. When should I use a WhatsApp Group vs. a WhatsApp Broadcast?
If you want to encourage open conversation and community feeling, a group is the way to go. If you want to send the same message to multiple people without them knowing who else received it, or you don't need them to interact with each other, a broadcast would be your best bet.
For example, businesses might use broadcasts to send out announcements, updates, or promotions to their customers.
Wrapping Up
It's evident that WhatsApp broadcast messages can be an effective way to reach a large number of people at once. If you're looking for a way to send out announcements, updates, or promotions to your customers, broadcasts can be the answer.
So the next step? Well, it's time to jump into the driver's seat and take BiteSpeed for a spin. Picture yourself cruising down Efficiency Avenue, waving as you pass by your competitors who are stuck in the slow lane.
Just imagine the wind of automated messaging in your hair and the thrill of seeing those abandoned cart reminders convert into sales. Ah, the sweet smell of success!
So, what are you waiting for? Schedule a demo with BiteSpeed. Don't worry, we promise it'll be more fun than a roller coaster ride and less scary than a haunted house tour.
