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What is the Opt-in process? ✍️

Rafaela Basso Updated by Rafaela Basso

What is the Opt-in process?

Users need to first give you their consent to be reached via WhatsApp, as part of Whatsapp's policies to avoid SPAM.

We call Opt-in process the setup necessary to obtain the consent of the user.

That means, the Users must confirm that they wish to receive future messages from you on WhatsApp.

This can be done through:

  1. A simple Snippet added to your website.
  2. A Web Bot specific to get the Opt-in. or
  3. Simply getting the user's permission on WhatsApp itself.

For more information about the WhatsApp Terms of Services and the consequences of its violation, please click on this link!

Snippet option

The Opt-in Process can happen via Snippet, a sort of "Form to give consent" that you can embed into your website.

The snippet has to be contextual and explicit about its purpose, as defined by WhatsApp's Terms of Use

“In order to send a WhatsApp message to a person, you must receive opt-in permission in-line and contextually during the relevant user flows. For example, to receive a receipt via WhatsApp, a person must opt-in during a purchase flow.

Opt-in obtained without context and in any manner not related to an action the user is already taking, does not comply with this policy.“ 

Click on this link to read more about Opt in Snippets and how to Get Subscribers!

Through WhatsApp

The most immediate and easy-to-use option: by following an initial flow to opt-in, users will be able to give their consent to receive future notifications through WhatsApp.

From there, you can direct the user towards the same Bot's path or Jump to a different Bot.

Learn how to create your Opt-in Bot (both for WhatsApp and Web)

Using a Web Bot

You can also allow users to Opt-In using a Web bot. To do that, all you need is the user's consent and their phone number to be able to send them messages on WhatsApp.

Once you have that, you can send a proactive message or HSM Template to the user's WhatsApp.

If you want, this proactive message can trigger a WhatsApp bot.

Read this article to know more about HSM templates and how to use them!

Why is the Opt-in Mandatory?

Users need to first give you their consent to be reached via WhatsApp, as part of Whatsapp's policies to avoid SPAM.

Users must in any case confirm that they wish to receive future messages on WhatsApp by doing the Opt-In in any of the ways mentioned above.

This condition is mandatory and its violation means the violation of WhatsApp Terms of Service, which can lead to the banning of your WhatsApp business number.

Whatsapp's Requirements for Opt-in and Banned Accounts

In order to comply with WhatsApp Guidelines, Businesses must follow the below requirements when obtaining opt-in:

  • Businesses must clearly state that a person is Opting-in to receive messages from them over WhatsApp;
  • Businesses must clearly state the Business’ name that a person is opting in to receive messages from;
  • Businesses must comply with applicable law.
From WhatsApp FAQs "Staying safe on WhatsApp":

We may ban accounts if we believe the account activity is in violation of our Terms of Service.

Per our Terms of Service, we may retain the right to ban you without notification. Please be aware that a user report of conduct in violation of our Terms of Service won't necessarily result in us banning the user or otherwise taking action against the user.

Please review the “Acceptable Use of Our Services” section of our Terms of Service carefully to learn more about the appropriate uses of WhatsApp and the activities that violate our Terms of Service.

For more information about the Opt-in process, please check this article! 👈

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