The short answer
To send WhatsApp broadcasts without getting blocked, message only people who opted in. With the free WhatsApp Business app, use broadcast lists, which reach only contacts who saved your number. For larger lists, use the WhatsApp Business Platform through a provider and send approved template messages. Keep messages useful, send 2–4 a month, include an opt-out, and watch your quality rating.
Before you start
By the end of this SOP
An opted-in contact list, message templates and a monthly broadcast routine.
- Time
- 45–60 minutes to set up
- You’ll need
- A WhatsApp Business account (app or Platform via a provider), and consented contacts.
- Who does this
- The marketing or CRM specialist.
About this SOP: why it matters, where and when
Why it matters: WhatsApp broadcasts bring repeat sales and event attendance cheaply, but blocks and reports can restrict your number.
Where: WhatsApp Business app or your WhatsApp Business Platform provider’s dashboard.
When: For offers, reminders, launches and re-engagement.
Stage 1
Get opt-in
- 1
Collect opt-in on forms, at billing or in chat: “Can we send you offers and updates on WhatsApp? Reply YES.”
- 2
Store the date and source of each opt-in in your CRM.
- 3
Ask customers to save your number; broadcast lists in the app only reach people who saved it.
Stage 2
Choose app or Platform
- 1
WhatsApp Business app: free, broadcast lists of up to 256 contacts each, manual sending. Good for small shops.
- 2
WhatsApp Business Platform (API) via a provider: templates, larger lists, automation, CRM sync and click tracking. Marketing template messages are charged per message by Meta; check current rates.
Stage 3
Write messages
- 1
One message, one purpose: an offer, a reminder or useful news. Personalise with the first name.
- 2
Add a clear action (button or link with UTM tags) and an opt-out line: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
- 3
On the Platform, submit marketing templates for approval; avoid misleading or aggressive wording.
Stage 4
Send and monitor
- 1
Send 2–4 broadcasts a month at sensible times (not late night).
- 2
Track delivered, read, replies, clicks and sales; remove people who opt out immediately.
- 3
On the Platform, watch your number’s quality rating; if it drops, slow down and improve relevance.
Practice & check
Now do it for real
Reading is not doing. Open your own account and complete this task before you move on.
Practice task (5 min)
Write a WhatsApp broadcast for a festival offer with personalisation, one call to action and an opt-out line.
Prove it
Two questions. Get both right and this SOP is done.
Common questions
How many people can I broadcast to on WhatsApp?
In the Business app, up to 256 per broadcast list. On the Business Platform, limits grow with your number’s quality and volume.
Are WhatsApp marketing messages free?
Broadcasts from the app are free. Marketing templates on the Business Platform are charged by Meta per message.
Can I message people who never contacted me?
Only if they opted in to receive messages from you.
Done. That’s a real skill, not a certificate.
Next: SOP 328 — Run Click-to-WhatsApp Ads and Track Real Leads →
Want to do this on real client budgets, with a mentor checking your work? That’s Level 2 at Unlearn. See the Digital Marketing track