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How to initiate a WhatsApp conversation with a prompt

Learn about WhatsApp's rules for sending approved prompts and when to use them for initiating customer conversations.

Updated yesterday

hNote: Currently, WhatsApp is only available to our brands enrolled in our Design Partner Program. To learn more, refer to this article.

Applies to: All

Overview

WhatsApp prompts are pre-approved messages that you must use to initiate conversations or send messages outside the 24-hour consent window. These prompts are the only type of message that you can send to customers who have yet to message you, or who have not sent you a message in the last 24 hours.

Prompts must be approved and categorized by Meta. With Endear, you can customize and submit prompts for approval that align with your brand and communication needs. Learn how to create and manage your WhatsApp prompts here.

🚨 Important Note for U.S. Brands: Currently, Meta does not allow you to send marketing prompts to U.S. phone numbers. All marketing prompts sent to U.S. numbers will fail to deliver because of this rule.

Understanding Prompt Categories

WhatsApp prompts fall into three main categories based on the content of the message. When you create and submit your prompt for approval, Meta/WhatsApp will automatically categorize your prompt:

1. Marketing

  • Promotional content, special offers, product announcements

  • ⚠️ Currently prohibited for U.S. phone numbers

2. Utility

  • Transactional messages like order updates, appointment reminders

  • Account notifications and customer service communications

3. Authentication

  • One-time passwords (OTP) and account verification messages

  • Security-related communications

When to Use Approved WhatsApp Prompts

  1. Initiating conversations: When reaching out to customers who haven't messaged you first

  2. Outside the 24-hour consent window/re-engagement: After the 24-hour consent window closes, you can no longer send custom/free-form messages. At this point, you have two options: You can wait for the customer to reply, or you can send a WhatsApp prompts to regain consent.

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With Endear, you can easily select the best prompt and write your follow-up message in the open text box which will automatically send once the customer consents to receiving messages.

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