It’s no secret that connecting with customers on their favorite channels is quickly becoming a staple strategy for many businesses. One of the most popular messaging channels includes WhatsApp Business Platform – in fact, Meta reports that 40 million people check business product catalogs every month on WhatsApp.    

So, it’s clear customers are looking to connect with brands over the app, but how do you start a WhatsApp conversation with them to offer better experiences and services? That’s where WhatsApp opt-ins come into play.   

Let’s dive into what opt-ins are, why you need them, what are the latest changes, and the best ways to collect them.

What does opt-in mean? 

Essentially, opt-ins give customers control over who they interact with and prevent businesses from sending unsolicited messages to users. Once you have collected consent from a user, your business can send promotional, transactional, and various types of messages to customers.  

Why do you need WhatsApp opt-ins? 

Collecting WhatsApp opt-ins forces businesses to remain compliant with regulations, as well as local laws around business messaging. It helps reduce the risk of spam messages reaching users and helps businesses build a more trustworthy relationship with their customers.   

However, customers also have the option to block or report businesses they don’t want to receive notifications from by simply blocking, reporting, or unsubscribing from communication at any point. 

Who needs to collect opt-ins for WhatsApp? 

Of course, if you’re chatting with your mom or best friend on WhatsApp, you don’t need their permission to send a message. However, whether you are a small, medium, or enterprise business across the board with a WhatsApp Business Account, you need to have permission to engage customers. 

What’s new in WhatsApp opt-ins? 

Previously, businesses needed to collect a specific opt-in for WhatsApp to send messages on the platform. Now, a general opt-in suffices, simplifying the process for businesses. If you’ve obtained permission to contact someone via their mobile number—even without a double opt-in explicitly for WhatsApp—you can connect with them on the platform. 

To ensure compliance, businesses must: 

How to collect WhatsApp opt-ins efficiently 

Gathering WhatsApp opt-ins can be easy if you integrate them into your existing customer interactions. Below, we’ve outlined four easy and unobtrusive ways your business can collect customer opt-ins. 

Request customer opt-ins when they seek support  

The simplest way to ask a customer to opt-in is when they’ve already reached out to your customer support. Once their query is resolved, ask them to opt-in for updates and notifications. Be transparent about the type of messages they’ll receive and seek their confirmation.  

Utilize WhatsApp Flows to create an opt-in collection that is seamless and user-friendly. 

Grab attention on your website 

No matter what industry you operate in, your website is a great channel to use to invite new and existing customers to gather opt-ins. You can use: 

• Pop-ups: Your homepage is one of your best tools for driving conversions. Promote the opt-in option using a well-designed pop-up screen to grab their attention instantly. 
• QR codes: You can embed a QR code on your homepage that leads straight to a WhatsApp conversation with your brand. 
• Dedicated landing pages: you can create a special landing page to collect subscriptions. Customers give their consent by providing their phone number on the landing page. Then, redirect them to a Thank You page to confirm successful opt-in. 
• Sign-up forms: Add an opt-in option during account creation or contact form submissions.

Collect opt-ins via other messaging channels 

Leverage platforms your customers already use. Oftentimes, the best way to reach out to customers is over the channels you already use to communicate with them. SMS, Voice, or ATM notifications will quickly grab their attention and help you get an immediate response. 

Use SMS messaging as a door opener. Offer a simple, one-click opt-in option over SMS, so your customer gives their immediate consent for future notifications. Or, you can include a direct link to your landing page which will lead them to more information before opting in. 

You can also automate your opt-in collection process over Voice IVR. The process is simple – using automated voice messaging, ask your customers to give consent by pressing a specific key on their dial pad. As opt-in confirmation, send a “Thank You” message over WhatsApp. 

Lastly, if you operate in the banking industry, ATMs are an interesting communication channel. You can announce the opportunity to receive balance notifications over WhatsApp while inviting clients to opt-in by providing their phone number directly via the ATM. 

Ask for an opt-in at checkout 

Since customers can use WhatsApp to receive important notifications like order confirmations, boarding passes, and delivery notifications, they are more inclined to opt-in during the purchase process, increasing their opt-in rate. So seize the moment and invite customers to receive updates on orders, delivery, or future promotions while completing a transaction. 

This is often the best option for retailers, airlines, and logistics companies since they can easily include a checkbox at various touchpoints where the customer would enter their phone number—for example, when they enter their billing or delivery information. 

In a physical setting, customers can opt-in by signing a document or form in a physical or digital form. Whether they’re using your service or purchasing a product, this approach combines personal interaction with consent collection. 

6 Tips to Increase your WhatsApp opt-ins 

No matter which option you choose, keep in mind that there are many ways to make your opt-in collection strategy successful. Here are some ways to boost your number of opt-ins:   

The power of WhatsApp opt-ins 

By simplifying opt-ins and integrating them into everyday customer interactions, businesses can build stronger relationships and enhance their communication strategies. With WhatsApp’s global reach and multiple conversational features, your customers are just a message away. 

Are you ready to maximize your business’s potential on WhatsApp? Start collecting opt-ins today and experience the difference this powerful platform can make.