Introduction
In our lives, knowing how to communicate effectively can drastically change many things. Usually, when you wish to send a message, we realize maybe it is too early or too late, or you want to send it after two days. But waiting to send the message can make you forget it altogether. So, scheduling a message to send precisely is the right solution.
WhatsApp is one of the most loved instant messaging platforms, with 2 billion active global users, as per Statista reports. If you are searching for how to send timed messages on WhatsApp, you have reached the right place.
In this step-by-step guide, you will learn the best practices for sending timed messages on WhatsApp. This article will also guide you on how to send timed messages on WhatsApp from Android, iPhone, WhatsApp web, or even from a business API platform.
So, without further ado, let’s dig deep to understand better.
What is the need to send timed messages on WhatsApp?
There might be a lot of reasons to send timed messages on WhatsApp, but let’s look at some of the most common ones here;
Schedule greetings: Greetings are a great way to stay in touch and let your customers know they are remembered and valued. But often, in the chaos of our lives, we forget to send those essential greetings that can strengthen our relationships. However, by scheduling messages on WhatsApp, you can ensure that every message is sent on time.
Stay connected always with timed messages on WhatsApp for consistent communication.
Time-sensitive announcements: Many times, you may need to send a message about an offer, limited-time deal, or promotion ad, which needs to be sent at the right time. If sent earlier, customers may notice but then forget about it. If sent late, it completely loses its significance. So, by sending at a precise time, you can reap the complete value of your efforts. Time is of great significance in getting the right impact out of your communication.
Messaging in different time zones: When you have customers globally, interacting with different time zones can be a real struggle. You don’t want to message them when they are least active, such as late night.
Just as we noted earlier, time is of great essence in getting things right.
It is noticed that users are most active in reading messages either early in the morning before starting work or late in the evening after work. So, sending a timed message on WhatsApp is your rescue while juggling between the times your target customers are most active.
- Schedule service notifications: Service notifications are a critical set of messages that are frequently used to keep customers updated about their purchases or delivery timings. The great thing is you can schedule service-related messages so that you don’t miss out on updating your customer.
- Engage autopilot for your customer communication: At times, it can be hectic, with several matters requiring our undivided attention. As you automate timed messages on WhatsApp, you’re streamlining a significant task that takes much time in your busy routine. With scheduled messages, you can shift your attention to critical matters and let automation do its wonders to your advantage.
Consistent communication: Consistent communication is essential for strengthening a customer relationship, as it removes any confusion and builds trust. A timed message on WhatsApp builds a consistent messaging routine for your business that allows you to stay connected with your customers all the time.
Whether it is an announcement for promos or updates on your business, customers can be informed on time through scheduled messages. It not only builds the trust of your customer but also creates an image of reliability and professionalism.
The best practices for sending timed messages on WhatsApp
If you wish to send timed messages on WhatsApp, then you can follow the best practices mentioned here below;
- Plan Your Messages Carefully: Write clear and concise messages that are easy to understand and avoid unnecessary jargon. To add a touch of personalization, you can tailor messages to the recipient’s interests or needs. Add a clear call to action to guide recipients toward their next action. It is crucial, as you wouldn’t want to miss the lead or confuse your customers if you’re sending an informative message.
- Stick to Appropriate Timing: While scheduling messages, account for time zone differences for customers staying in different time zones. Send messages at times when recipients are most likely to be active. Avoid sending too many messages at once or risk being marked as spam.
- Test and Refine your scheduling strategy: Send a few test messages on a trial run to ensure the app and timing are working correctly. You should track message delivery and responses to refine your scheduling strategy. If you are satisfied with the scheduled delivery and receiving optimal results as expected, then you can start sending message campaigns.
- Back-Up Your Messages: You should regularly back up your scheduled messages to prevent data loss.
- Use Labels or Categories: For better management, you can organize your messages using labels or categories. Labels allow you to identify your intended customers and schedule messages.
- Strategize for A/B Testing: It is best to experiment with different message variations (e.g., timing, content, visuals) to see what works best. You can track metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and replies to analyze the performance of your scheduled WhatsApp campaign. It provides insight into audience preference to interact with your messages, which allows you to plan accordingly.
- Consider Cultural Nuances: Be mindful of cultural differences and avoid offensive or insensitive content. Respect local customs regarding message timing and frequency.
- Monitor and Adjust: You should regularly review your scheduling strategy to make adjustments as and when needed. To be on top of your marketing game, keep up with WhatsApp’s updates and features to optimize your messaging.
How to send timed messages on WhatsApp via Android phone?
On an Android device, there are two ways to send timed messages on WhatsApp, either through the WhatsApp Business app or through a third-party app. In this article, we will talk about how to send timed messages on WhatsApp through the WhatsApp Business App.
Sending timed messages through the WhatsApp Business App
A WhatsApp Business app offers to schedule an Away message, which is a customizable message option to inform your customers when you are out of your business hours or busy not to respond for some time. To set up the away message through your WhatsApp Business app, follow the steps below;
- 1. Download the WhatsApp Business app on your Android phone.
- 2. Set up your business profile in the app.
- 3. Click on the more options › Business tools, lastly on › Away message.
- 4. Click to switch on the Send away message.
- 5. Tap on the edit option to customize your message. Then click ok.
- 6. To schedule your away message, you can choose the following options;
• Always send: This option allows you to send a message whenever someone messages you.
• Custom schedule: With this option, you can send your message only during the specified period.
• Outside of business hours: This option allows you to send your message only outside of business hours. To allow this function to work, you need to set up your business hours in the profile section of your business account.
- 7. Now, to choose who should receive your messages, click on Recipients. You will get four options for recipient settings.
• Everyone: You can use this option to send to anyone who messages while you have the Away Message feature turned on.
• Everyone not in the address book: This option allows you to send messages only to customers who are not in your address book.
• Everyone except: With this setting, you can send messages to all customers except those you select.
• Only send to: With this option, you can choose to send messages only to your preferred contacts.
- 8. Once you have kept all the settings in place, click save.
- Technically, it is not much of a message scheduling feature, but it lets you stay in touch with your customers even when you are unable to respond. It lets you reassure your customers that you have received their message and will shortly get back to them.
How to send timed messages on WhatsApp via iPhone?
As Apple prioritizes providing the best user privacy, sending timed messages on WhatsApp via iPhone is quite more challenging than on Android phones. However, it is not altogether impossible to do so, and the Siri shortcut allows you to send timed messages on WhatsApp.
- 1. Firstly, install the shortcuts app from the App Store.
- 2. Tap to choose the automation feature after opening the app.
- 3.Click on the “+” button present in the upper right hand corner. You will get an option to create personal automation by clicking on it.
- 4. Next, you can select a time and date for the scheduled message. Then click on Next.
- 5. In the next screen, click on add action & search text in the search bar. From the results, click on the text.
- 6. Next, you can add your customized message in the text field.
- 7. Once you are done typing the message, click on the + symbol. Type WhatsApp, as a search bar appears on the screen.
- 8. As a dropdown appears, click on Send Message Through WhatsApp. Next, you can select the recipient contact to whom you wish to send a timed message and click on next.
- 9. The shortcuts app will send you a reminder notification at the scheduled time.
- 10. As you click on the notification, it will open your WhatsApp, with the message ready to be sent to your selected recipient. At this moment, you just need to click send.
How to send timed messages on WhatsApp via WhatsApp web?
To schedule WhatsApp messages via WhatsApp Web, you should use an external tool or platform that integrates with WhatsApp Business API. For this, a Google Chrome extension of Blueticks helps you schedule your WhatsApp messages.
- 1. Install the Blueticks on your Google Chrome browser and open WhatsApp Web.
- 2. Next, open a chat, contact, or group you want to schedule a message on WhatsApp. You will notice an icon adjacent to the send button. Click on the icon.
- 3. On the next screen, you will find a text field to type your message. Select the date and time as well. Once you have selected the date & time, click on the schedule send button.
- 4. Now, you can see that the message that you wish to send is marked to be sent at a scheduled time and date.
How to send timed messages on WhatsApp via the Business app?
Message scheduling on the WhatsApp Business app is not possible. However, you can schedule away messages on the WhatsApp Business app.
- 1. Open the WhatsApp Business app on your phone.
- 2. Click to open the Settings and then select Business Tools.
- 3. Click on Away Message and then go to Send Away Message. Select the edit icon next to Away Message.
- 4. Now, type your message in the text field. Once done, click ok.
- 5. Plan to schedule the message and click on schedule. You can customize your message schedule as per your business hours.
With the above steps, you can schedule your away messages on your WhatsApp Business app to keep your customers notified.
How to send timed messages on WhatsApp by Kenyt?
- 1. Create your Contact List – Before sending any messages, import your contacts into the messaging app. Sort your contacts into categories that are appropriate to them according to criteria such as location, past purchases, or areas of interest. By doing so, you may increase the likelihood of engagement by sending every chat customized and tailored messaging.
- 2. Create a Message – It requires a lot of effort to craft a compelling audience-resonant message. It should be brief, understandable, and pertinent to the audience you are writing for. Alternatively, you may pick from pre-made message templates that complement the objectives and tone of your business.
- 3. Customize the Message – By seamlessly incorporating dynamic factors like the recipient’s name, the current date, and a relevant place, you may increase the effectiveness of your communication and leave a lasting impression. It will make your message more engaging and specifically targeted to your target audience.
- 4. Schedule and Send – Choose the best day and time for your campaign to ensure maximum impact and take charge of your outreach plan. You can reach your audience at the exact moment that counts most by just clicking the “Send” button.
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Conclusion
Technically, WhatsApp does not support a scheduling feature; however, you can schedule a message delivery using a third application or service.
By following these steps:
- • Choose a Reliable App or Integration: Choose a reliable platform with the possibility to manage and schedule messages in WhatsApp Business API.
- • Connect Your WhatsApp Account: Connect a selected platform to your WhatsApp Business account.
- • Create a Scheduled Message: Type your message and choose the delivery time.
- • Review and Send: Make sure the message is content and send it at the appropriate time of the day.
Remember to:
- • Prioritize Data Security: Select the platforms that have security and privacy features at the top of their list.
- • Comply with WhatsApp’s Terms & Conditions: Make it a point that when using scheduling tools, it is according to the regulations set by the company while using WhatsApp.
- • Experiment and Refine: Try some innovation, evaluate the outcome, and adapt it to your working style.
Taking action according to suggested steps and recommendations will allow the use of WhatsApp for message scheduling, increasing working time, improving communication results, and, hence, the performance of a business venture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- • No, WhatsApp doesn’t have a built-in scheduling feature. You’ll need to use third-party apps or integrations.
- • Yes, there are some free options available, but they might have limitations or offer fewer features compared to paid alternatives.
- • Yes, it’s generally safe to use reputable third-party apps. However, always prioritize platforms that prioritize data security and privacy.
- • Yes, most scheduling platforms allow you to set up recurring messages for birthdays, anniversaries, or other regular occasions
- • Yes, you can usually schedule group messages using third-party apps or integrations.
About the Author
Nisha Sneha
Nisha Sneha is a passionate content writer with 5 years of experience creating impactful content for SAAS products, new-age technologies, and software applications. Currently, she is contributing to Kenyt.AI by crafting engaging content for its readers. Creating captivating content that provides accurate information about the latest advancements in science and technology has been at the core of her creativity.
In addition to writing, she enjoys gardening, reading, and swimming as hobbies.
