Introduction
Are you tired of forgetting to send important messages at the right time? Communicating with customers consistently at the right time may mark the difference between a lead conversion or a lost lead. For a growing business, it’s essential to send reminder messages for abandoned carts, sale launches, or subscription renewals. Apart from business-related messages, greeting a customer on their anniversary, birthday, or milestone goes a great length to strengthen the relationship between a business and customer.
WhatsApp has over 2.95 billion monthly active users in over 180 countries. Reports predict that this number will reach 3.14 billion by 2025. However, with an increasing customer volume, manually engaging with each at a precise time is challenging. That’s when it is helpful to know how to schedule messages on WhatsApp.
In this blog, we will explain the steps to schedule messages on WhatsApp, why to schedule messages, best practices, and best use cases of scheduling messages on WhatsApp.
What is a scheduled message on WhatsApp?
A scheduled message on WhatsApp is a message that is automated to be delivered at a select date and time. It is a convenient way to ensure critical messages are delivered at the right time without fail. It is possible to send greeting messages, reminders, and bulk messages while you are away on other critical tasks using scheduled messages.
Why should you schedule messages on WhatsApp?
Scheduling messages on WhatsApp is a great way to automate and streamline regular repetitive messaging campaigns. Apart from that, there are a host of other advantages to scheduling messages on WhatsApp, such as;
Regular communication
Often, we face gaps or miscommunication creep in our interactions as we fail to convey critical points at the right time. On the other hand, scheduling messages on WhatsApp will allow freedom from inconsistent communications as messages are sent on time without fail. It streamlines and improves the messaging workflow as content is researched and crafted prior, giving enough time for iterations.
Promotional communication
Promotional communication, for example, to announce a sale, discount offer, or deal, generates significant repetitive work, which is sensitive to specific time. If the promo message is sent earlier, customers may forget about it. If sent late, they may miss the deals, but when sent at the right time, it will generate a significant impact useful for both customers and companies. Scheduled messages ensure the delivery of every message at the right time.
Messaging global customers
Sending messages to global customers implies working with different time zones. Your message will create impact only when it reaches customers at the right time when they are ready to engage with your content. Scheduling messages on WhatsApp reduces some of the struggles of juggling communication through different time zones.
Organize your workflow
By scheduling messages, teams can organize their workflows as a time-consuming and repetitive task is automated to deliver messages to the right audience at the right time. Teams can plan their remaining time to schedule important tasks that require creative thinking and discussions.
How to schedule messages on WhatsApp on iOS device?
WhatsApp natively doesn’t offer features to schedule messages on WhatsApp. However, this doesn’t mean that it is altogether not possible. Siri shortcut allows users to schedule messages on WhatsApp on iOS devices. For this, follow the steps mentioned below;
1. Download and install the shortcut app from the App Store.
2. In the app, click on the automation feature.
3. Next, tap the “+” button present in the upper right corner to create your own personal automation workflow.
4. Select a date and time for your scheduled message.
5. Next, tap on Add Action and search text in the search bar. Select the appropriate text from the search drop-down.
6. In the next step, type your message in the text field.
7. Click on “+” and type WhatsApp in the search bar.
8. From the drop-down menu, click on “Send a message through WhatsApp”.
9. In the next step, you can select the recipient for your scheduled message and click next.
As the scheduled message time arrives, the shortcut app will send you a reminder to your phone. When you click on the notification, it takes you to your WhatsApp account, with the saved message ready to be sent to the preferred recipient. At this moment, you only need to send the message, and it will be delivered.
The shortcut app, instead of completely automating the scheduled message delivery, creates a reminder for you to send the message at a desired time.
How to send schedule messages on WhatsApp on Android device?
Sending a scheduled message on WhatsApp offers two methods: through the WhatsApp business app or using a third-party app. If you choose to go ahead with a WhatsApp business app to schedule your WhatsApp messages, then you will need to use the “Away message” feature on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s feature to send “Away messages” allows users some liberty to inform their contacts that they are unable to respond to you back immediately. It offers some degree of flexibility in customizing messages, but not completely.
However, there is an option to use third-party apps on Android devices. SKEDit is a popular message-scheduling app from the Google Play Store. Here are a few steps to follow for using SKEDit to schedule messages on WhatsApp.
1. After downloading, sign up on the app and grant the necessary permissions.
2. Click on “+” and select WhatsApp. In the next step, allow SKEDit to have accessibility and allow service permission.
3. Now you can start adding the recipient name and creating your message. You can set the date, time, and frequency of sending the scheduled message.
4. Next, you can create your messages and click “Create” to schedule them.
Please note that the app allows users to send a message with a 500-character limit. Also, it is not possible to schedule multiple messages at the same time on the app.
Must read: Explore How To Schedule WhatsApp Messages On Android: A Step-By-Step Guide
How to schedule messages on WhatsApp via WhatsApp web?
Again, as WhatsApp doesn’t offer an integrated scheduling feature, users can still schedule messages on WhatsApp web using a third-party tool such as Bluetick, which is available as a Google extension. If you wish to try out Bluetick for scheduling messages on WhatsApp, then follow the steps mentioned below;
1. First, install the Bluetick extension on Google Chrome and open WhatsApp Web.
2. Login to WhatsApp Web and open an individual or group chat where you want to schedule a message.
3. In the next step, click on the icon beside the message box. A new window with the WhatsApp message scheduler opens on the screen.
4. Draft your message, which you want to schedule for the recipient.
5. Lastly, choose the date and time you want to deliver the message. Complete your message schedule by clicking on “Schedule Send”.
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How to send scheduled messages on WhatsApp with Business app
By now, you will know that WhatsApp doesn’t offer features to schedule messages on WhatsApp. However, businesses who want to stay in touch with their users can use the away messages.
Please note that the away messages are pre-defined message templates that users can schedule as per their requirements. It is also worth noting that away messages offer limited flexibility to customize messages, so if you are looking for a better text to convey critical messages to your recipients accurately, you should choose another method mentioned in this blog.
Let’s go down to follow the steps for scheduling the away messages.
1. Go to settings and choose business tools on the WhatsApp Business app.
2. Go to away messages and then select send away message.
3. Start editing your message by clicking on the edit icon. Click ok once done.
4. Now you can schedule your message as per your requirement and business hours.
How to schedule messages on WhatsApp with WhatsApp API
1. Make a list of your contacts : – Import your contacts into the messaging app before sending any messages. Using factors like geography, previous purchases, or areas of interest, group your contacts into categories that are relevant to them. By sending personalized and unique messages for each discussion, you may raise the chance of interaction.
2. Write a Message:- Crafting a message that resonates with an audience takes a lot of work. It should be succinct, clear, and relevant to the readership you are writing for. You can choose from pre-made message templates that fit your company’s goals and style.
3. Personalize the Message:- You may improve the efficacy of your communication and create a lasting impression by skillfully integrating dynamic elements like the recipient’s name, the current date, and a pertinent location. It will improve the engagement of your message and help you reach your target audience more precisely.
4. Plan and Send:- To get the most out of your campaign and manage your outreach strategy, pick the ideal day and time. Simply pressing the “Send” button will get your message to your audience at the critical moment.
Try Kenyt.AI WhatsApp Campaigns for scheduling messages on WhatsApp
Kenyt.AI is one of the leading AI-powered WhatsApp blast campaign platforms that allows users to send unlimited scheduled messages. Kenyt is an official WhatsApp Cloud API provider that helps you to send unlimited bulk messages. With Kenyt, users get additional benefits such as;
1. Free green tick verification
2. Zero platform cost
3. Message personalization
4. Real-time AI-powered analytics
5. Multi-lingual support for a global audience
6. Message throttling and balance support
7. Drip campaigns
8. Pre-defined WhatsApp campaign templates
Kenyt.AI has consistently provided its users with a 10X higher conversion rate through its campaigns. With a 99% delivery rate, Kenyt has proved to be a force to recognize among its peers.
Its authority in AI applications strengthens its position in delivering a superior customer experience with personalized content that has ensured a 5X better engagement.
The great thing about Kenyt.AI is users can send unlimited scheduled bulk messaging only in just one click.
Top 6 best practices of scheduling messages on WhatsApp
Following a few best practices for scheduling messages on WhatsApp will ensure your messages garner trustworthiness and can be used with maximum efficiency.
1. Grant permissions: While using third-party apps like SKEDit for scheduling your messages, allow all necessary permissions to allow your scheduled messages to be delivered at the desired time. Be sure to check contact, notification, or accessibility permissions to ensure smooth delivery of your messages at the scheduled time.
2. Appropriate message timing: Plan the delivery of your scheduled messages when your recipients are most active. It increases the chance for the recipients to engage with the message. Research to find the best time for maximum engagement with your audience. Take special care to research the best time to send messages if the recipients are residing in a different time zone.
3. Test your schedule settings: If you are new to using any application, the best thing is to test the functionality before going live with your audience. The same goes for scheduling your messages. Before scheduling any message campaign, always check the content, delivery time, and other functionality by sending a test message to yourself or colleagues.
4. Craft engaging messages: Crafting engaging messages is critical on WhatsApp. Keep your messages simple and concise. Ensure to personalize your message by addressing your recipient or wishing them for their special occasion. Do not forget to add a call to action button for recipients to act in response to your message.
5. Segment your recipient list: Organize your recipients into segments based on demography, subscription plans, past purchases, preferences, etc. Make use of labels and categories to segment your audience. Segmenting your audience will streamline your message scheduling workflow by allowing you to identify your audience easily and schedule the messages.
6. Test your messages: Test several variations, such as time, content, and visuals. To evaluate the effectiveness of your planned WhatsApp campaign, you can monitor metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and replies. It gives you information on how your audience prefers to engage with your messages, enabling you to make appropriate plans.
Best use cases of scheduling messages on WhatsApp
While scheduling messages on WhatsApp may be helpful in diverse scenarios, it is beneficial in a few rigorous message types, such as;
WhatsApp drip campaigns
WhatsApp Drip campaigns can effectively engage the audience with targeted content by segmenting them based on their interest. It helps to engage users with content relevant to their sales funnel journey. WhatsApp drip campaigns are sequentially scheduled to increase engagement and nurture the audience to move further down the sales funnel.
Time is of great essence to ensure highly engaged customers step towards the final stage of purchase. While less interested customers are nurtured with relevant content further. Scheduling WhatsApp drip campaigns gets your hands off many repetitive tasks. It is highly effective when you have a broad list of customers.
Promotional messages
It is essential to engage with existing and new customers in promotional content. Bulk messaging is used for sending promotional content via WhatsApp broadcasts. However, sending the same message to many audiences is challenging and impractical due to the time taken to perform the task.
Scheduling messages on WhatsApp to send out promotional content is an effective way to automate repetitive tasks. Additionally, by scheduling messages, it is possible to ensure that the message is delivered at the exact time to the audience to achieve the right impact on your message.
Reminder messages
A no-show can be heavy on your business and day-to-day work schedule if you are a service-based company. However, manually sending reminders to many customers at different times is challenging, ineffective, and may cause missed reminders.
Instead, by scheduling appointment reminders, you can reduce the chances of a no-show and ensure smooth operation with effective use of each appointment slot.
Feedback collection
Feedback on your service or product is essential to improvise as per the needs of your target customers. However, sending many feedback requests can be a repetitive task and time-consuming if you are manually sending them. Instead, with a scheduled message on WhatsApp, you can automate the delivery of a feedback survey link to a diverse category of your customers.
Scheduled messages streamline the messaging workflow and ensure critical messaging is never missed and executed at the precise time to generate maximum impact.
Conclusion
Scheduled messages on WhatsApp are a great way to ensure consistent messaging with customers and a great way to streamline workflow. It comes with great advantages as you can deliver promotional messages, reminders, and drip campaigns on time without fail. As WhatsApp continues to evolve, we can expect many features to simplify and improve communication in our lives, whether personal or professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
As mentioned in the blog, WhatsApp doesn’t offer an in-built feature to schedule messages on WhatsApp. For scheduling messages on WhatsApp, users can use third-party apps. However, WhatsApp business users can make use of away messages to inform customers of their business hours schedule.
Yes, users can schedule messages for both individual and group chats.
Yes, it is certainly possible to cancel or edit a scheduled message before it is sent. It offers the flexibility to iterate, refine content, and remove errors before sending.
Yes, it is possible to send scheduled messages on WhatsApp to multiple recipients at once. You can use a WhatsApp Business API to schedule a broadcast to multiple recipients.
If your scheduled message on WhatsApp fails to send, you can perform a few troubleshooting steps to understand the exact cause.
• Ensure your phone has stable internet connectivity.
• Make sure you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp.
• Check if you have entered an accurate phone number of the recipient.
• If you’re using any third-party app for scheduling WhatsApp messages, please double check if you have allowed all necessary permissions for the scheduled message delivery.
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.
