Do you want to send important information to all of your WhatsApp contacts? No problem! With the WhatsApp broadcast feature, you can easily send messages to up to 256 recipients at once. Recipients receive your WhatsApp message as an individual private message and can only reply to you personally. This saves you a lot of time and effort when sending important messages to your chat list.
WhatsApp offers various options for sending messages to multiple contacts. Broadcast lists are particularly suitable for private use. In contrast to group chats, recipients only see your message and can only reply to you. This keeps conversations clear and individual.
Companies that want to use Whatsapp for their marketing quickly reach their limits with the standard functions. This is where the WhatsApp Business API offers a professional solution for sending messages to an unlimited number of contacts. The API can also be used to send automated campaigns and newsletters. However, there are costs for using the API, while the normal WhatsApp app and the business app remain free.
What options are there for WhatsApp group messages?
Depending on the use case and target group, different options are available that vary in functionality and reach. WhatsApp offers various options for sending messages to multiple people at once, including broadcast lists and WhatsApp Business for companies.
Broadcast lists for private messages
WhatsApp broadcast lists are suitable for private use. Communication is one-way, meaning that recipients cannot interact with each other. Broadcast lists are ideal for informing friends, family or acquaintances about important news.
WhatsApp Business App for companies
Smaller companies can use the WhatsApp Business App to communicate with their customers. The app offers advanced features such as automated messages, quick replies and a company profile. The app is free and suitable for customer support and simple marketing campaigns.
WhatsApp Business API for professional marketing
For larger companies with extensive customer lists, the use of the WhatsApp Business API is recommended. This interface enables the integration of WhatsApp into professional marketing software such as Chatarmin. This makes it possible to carry out and automate WhatsApp campaigns on a large scale. The API offers advanced features such as sender IDs, templates and analysis tools. There are fees for using it.
The choice of the appropriate option depends on individual requirements and resources. While broadcast lists and the business app are sufficient for simple applications, the API offers comprehensive options for professional WhatsApp marketing.
Send a WhatsApp message to multiple contacts: Here's how
Do you want to send a message to several of your WhatsApp contacts without having to create a new group each time? We'll show you how.
Instructions for Android users
To create a new broadcast list on your Android smartphone, first open the menu in WhatsApp and tap on “New Broadcast”. You can then select up to 256 contacts from your phone list to receive your WhatsApp broadcast list. Once you have made your selection, tap the checkmark icon to create the list. Now you can compose your message and send it to all recipients at the same time.
Instructions for iOS users
iOS users can find the broadcast feature by scrolling down to the bottom of their chat overview or by opening the “Settings”. There, iPhone users will find the “Broadcast Messages” tab.
Important: Only contacts who have your phone number saved in their address book can receive your broadcast message.
Broadcast list: requirements and limitations
There are a few things to keep in mind when using WhatsApp Broadcast:
Recipients must have your phone number stored in their contacts to receive your broadcast message.
- Replies to your broadcast message will be sent to you as private chats.
- Broadcast recipients cannot see who else has received the message.
The WhatsApp Business API: professional marketing without limits
For companies with extensive customer lists and higher demands on customer communication, the WhatsApp Business API is recommended. It enables messages to be sent to an unlimited number of recipients and can be seamlessly integrated into professional marketing software. However, there are costs for using the API, which depend on the number of recipients.
An important advantage of the API is the option to communicate in a GDPR-compliant manner. The prerequisite for this is the use of template messages that must be approved by WhatsApp in advance. This is how companies ensure that their marketing activities meet legal requirements.
Alternatives to WhatsApp for mass messaging
Besides WhatsApp, you can also use other effective channels to send messages to many recipients. Each of these channels has its own advantages and is suitable for different target groups and purposes.
One proven method is sending newsletters by email. This channel enables you to reach customers reliably and share more detailed information. For short, urgent messages, on the other hand, SMS is often the better choice. It guarantees a high open rate and is perfect for time-critical messages.
Whatsapp Chatbots and messenger services such as Facebook Messenger, Telegram or Signal offer similar advantages to WhatsApp. They enable direct, personal communication and interactive elements such as surveys or product suggestions. Depending on the target group and their preferences, these platforms can be a suitable alternative to WhatsApp.
Chatarmin as a central solution
With Chatarmin, you can efficiently manage and combine all these channels. The platform enables seamless integration of WhatsApp, email, SMS and other messenger services such as Telegram. By supporting AI-powered chatbots and personalized messages, Chatarmin offers a flexible and scalable solution that optimally adapts to the needs of your target groups. In the blog article Chatbot Examples, we show you how to use chatbots efficiently for your business. This makes Chatarmin the ideal choice for you if you want to professionally manage your communication on multiple platforms.
Choosing the appropriate channel depends on the target audience, the purpose of the communication, and the available resources. A combination of different channels is often the most effective approach for a successful mass mailing.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has established itself as a popular messenger for private and business communication. With around 60 million active users in Germany, WhatsApp offers enormous potential for sending mass messages. Companies use the WhatsApp Business app or the API to conduct professional marketing and benefit from high open rates of up to 98%.
While broadcast lists are sufficient for private use, they quickly reach their limits in a business context. The WhatsApp Business app offers advanced features for smaller businesses, while the API opens up unlimited possibilities for targeted and automated marketing. WhatsApp Channels enable one-way push communication with no limit on reach, but require users to actively join the channel.
For effective and professional WhatsApp marketing, WhatsApp newsletters via the API are the best choice. They offer comprehensive targeting and personalization options, automation possibilities and a high level of GDPR compliance. With interactive communication and the option for customers to reply directly, companies can reach their target group personally and effectively. Depending on their use case and budget, private individuals and companies can find the right solution to take full advantage of the popular messenger for sending mass messages. If you are looking for a holistic and scalable solution, Chatarmin is the perfect choice.
