Guide to Collecting WhatsApp Opt-ins

Before you can send proactive, business-initiated messages (like promotions) to a customer on WhatsApp, they must first give you explicit permission, known as an opt-in. This is a fundamental requirement of Meta's policy and is essential for maintaining a high quality rating for your phone number.

What is a Valid Opt-In?

A valid opt-in must:

1. Be Active: The user must take an action, like checking a box or entering their phone number, to consent. Pre-checked boxes are not considered a valid opt-in.
2. Be Clear: The user must understand that they are opting in to receive messages from your business specifically on WhatsApp.
3. State the Value: The user should know what kind of messages they will receive (e.g., "order updates," "special offers," "newsletters").

Effective Methods for Collecting Opt-Ins

You can collect opt-ins through various channels, both on and off WhatsApp.

1. Website Pop-ups and Forms

• Contact Forms: Add a checkbox on your "Contact Us" or lead generation forms.
  • Text Example: [ ] Yes, I would like to receive order updates and special offers from [Your Business Name] on WhatsApp.
• Checkout Page: Allow customers to opt-in for shipping notifications during the checkout process.
• Dedicated Landing Pages: Create a page specifically for WhatsApp sign-ups, highlighting the benefits of subscribing.

[SCREENSHOT: An example of a website checkout page with a clearly labeled, unchecked checkbox for WhatsApp opt-in.]

2. Click-to-WhatsApp Ads

• Ads on Facebook and Instagram that start a WhatsApp conversation are a powerful way to get an implicit opt-in. When a user messages you first, you have a 24-hour window to reply and can ask them if they'd like to subscribe for future updates.

3. In-Store or at Events (QR Codes)

• Create a QR code that, when scanned, opens a pre-filled WhatsApp chat with your business.
• Pre-filled Message Example: "Hi! I'd like to sign up for your WhatsApp newsletter."
• Display this QR code on posters, business cards, or at your checkout counter.

[SCREENSHOT: A graphic showing a smartphone scanning a QR code that leads to a WhatsApp chat.]

4. During Other Conversations

• If a customer contacts you for support via another channel (like email or phone), you can ask for their permission to continue the conversation or send future updates on WhatsApp.

Managing Opt-Outs

Just as important as getting an opt-in is respecting an opt-out.

• Provide a Clear Exit: It's a best practice (and required for Marketing templates) to include a simple way to unsubscribe, like "Reply STOP to opt out."
• Update Your Records: When a user opts out, you must immediately add them to a "Do Not Contact" list or use a tag like "Opt-Out" in LeadClose to exclude them from future campaigns.

FAQs

Q: Can I import a list of phone numbers and start messaging them? A: No. You must have proof of an explicit opt-in for each number before sending them a business-initiated message. Importing a list is fine for creating customer profiles, but you cannot message them proactively without prior consent.

Q: What if a customer messages me first? Is that an opt-in? A: When a customer messages you first, it opens a 24-hour "customer service window." You can reply with any type of message during this window. However, it is not an automatic opt-in for future promotional messages. You should ask for their permission to send future messages during this initial conversation.