There are two main ways to collect WhatsApp subscribers:
Email or SMS to WhatsApp
Social media to WhatsApp
Before you start
Things you need to know:
You must have WhatsApp integrated with your Dotdigital account.
You need a Surveys, pages, and forms signup form or a click-to-chat link ready to use.
For the Email or SMS approach described in this article, you need existing contacts to invite.
Learn how WhatsApp consent management works in Manage WhatsApp consent.
Email or SMS to WhatsApp
Use your existing email or SMS contacts to build your WhatsApp audience. This is one of the most effective ways to grow your WhatsApp channel quickly.
How it works
Send an email or SMS campaign inviting contacts to join your WhatsApp channel.
Include a link to either a signup form or a click-to-chat link.
Contacts provide their phone number and consent through the form.
Once subscribed, you can send WhatsApp messages alongside your email and SMS campaigns.
Choose your signup method
Use a Surveys, pages, and forms signup form when:
You don't already have phone numbers for your contacts.
You want to collect additional information like name or preferences.
Fields can be pre-populated if you already have some contact details.
Learn more in Create a survey or form.
Use a click-to-chat link when:
You already have phone numbers but need to collect consent.
You want a faster, one-click signup experience.
Learn more in Click-to-chat for WhatsApp.
Don't use click-to-chat…
With autoresponders:
If you have autoresponders set up, contacts receive an automated message when they send START. This creates a confusing experience, so use a form instead.If you don't have phone numbers:
This creates duplicate contacts.
Social media to WhatsApp
Share your WhatsApp signup form on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. This works the same way as the email approach, but helps you reach new audiences.
Create a Surveys, pages, and Forms signup form for WhatsApp.
Share the form link on your social media channels.
New subscribers complete the form and join your WhatsApp channel.