Prerequisites 

Before you create a WhatsApp campaign using Zoho Campaigns, you need to meet the following prerequisites:

• You need to have a WhatsApp business account and dedicated phone numbers to use the WhatsApp business API. You'll receive an authentication code to the dedicated number to verify the number in our platform.

• You need to have created a personal Facebook account (linked to your business email) to send WhatsApp campaigns.

• You need to have a valid website for your business, and you'll need to have a legal name and an address for your business that can be displayed in campaigns if required.

• You need to integrate your WhatsApp business account with Zoho Marketing Automation and add numbers.

• Draft your WhatsApp templates beforehand. You can send a WhatsApp campaign only after Meta approves it.

Creating WhatsApp campaigns 

Follow the steps given below to create a WhatsApp campaign in Zoho Campaigns:

1. From the Navigation toolbar, select WhatsApp under Campaigns.

2. Click Create New.

3. In the Campaign Details section, select who should receive your campaign. Under the To field, choose contacts from the lists and segments you've already saved.

4. In the From field, add the sender details.

   

5. In the Content section, choose whether you want to create a new template or use an existing one.

   

6. If you already have saved templates, browse through them and select the one you want to use. Edit the template if needed before continuing.

7. To create a new message, click Create New and enter the required template details. Add a clear Template Name, choose a Category (such as promotional or transactional), and select the Language your audience prefers.

   

8. Add the content for your message. You can include a Header, Body, Footer, and Buttons. The Header is optional and appears at the top of your message. You can use text, an image, a video, or a document to make your message more engaging.

   

Note:
(a) The header can contain a maximum of 60 characters and one placeholder. It does not support new lines, formatting characters, emojis, or asterisks.
(b) The body can contain up to 800 characters, including placeholders such as merge tags and links. It cannot contain the characters <, >, {, or }, and can have a maximum of 10 placeholders.
(c)The footer can contain up to 60 characters. It does not support multiple lines, placeholders, emojis, or special characters.
(d) A WhatsApp template can contain a combination of Quick Reply and Call-to-Action buttons, with a maximum of 10 buttons in total. You can add up to 10 Quick Reply buttons, 2 URL buttons, and 1 Call Phone Number button.

1. Add your main message in the Body section. Keep the content short, simple, and easy to read. For example: “Hi! We’re offering 20% off all hair services this weekend only. Book now to reserve your slot!”

   
   
   

2. Optionally, add a Footer with extra details such as your business name, support information, or unsubscribe instructions.

3. You can also add up to ten Buttons to encourage action. These buttons can let customers quickly reply, visit your website, or call your business directly.

4. Once your message is ready, click Send for Review. Your campaign will be reviewed to ensure it follows WhatsApp guidelines.

   

5. After approval, click Launch to deliver the campaign to your selected contacts.

Send a Test WhatsApp Campaign 

Once your WhatsApp campaign is ready, you can test it before sending it to your recipients.

To test your campaign:

1. Click Test WhatsApp.

2. Select a phone number from the drop-down list.

3. Click Send.

Best Practices 

• Use simple language

• Keep the message short

• Use clear headers, which will help recipients quickly understand what your message is about.

• Add a clear call-to-action button to tell customers exactly what you want them to do.

• Space out your campaigns, and do not send campaigns frequently.

• Avoid using all caps in your message.

• Always include a way for customers to contact you or opt out in the footer.