How Do I Add Bulk Contacts to WhatsApp Broadcast from Excel

WhatsApp has become a vital tool for businesses to engage with their customers in real-time. With the ability to send broadcast messages to multiple contacts at once, businesses can efficiently reach their audience and deliver important updates, promotions, and announcements. However, manually adding contacts to WhatsApp broadcast can be time-consuming and tedious, especially when dealing with large contact lists.

Understanding WhatsApp Broadcasts:

WhatsApp Broadcasts allow businesses to send messages to multiple contacts without creating a group chat. This feature is ideal for broadcasting messages to a large audience while maintaining individual privacy. However, adding contacts to a broadcast list one by one can be impractical, particularly when dealing with hundreds or thousands of contacts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding WhatsApp Bulk Contacts from Excel:

1- Prepare Your Excel Sheet:

• Column Headers: In the first row of your spreadsheet, clearly label the column containing phone numbers as “Phone Number” or a similar identifier. This helps ensure accurate data mapping during the import process.
• International Format: Ensure all phone numbers are in international format, including the country code and omitting leading zeros or special characters. For example, a US number 555–123–4567 should be formatted as +15551234567.
• Data Validation (Optional): Consider implementing data validation rules to ensure consistency and prevent errors. This allows you to define acceptable formats (e.g., only numbers) for specific columns.

2- Export as CSV File:

• Navigate to the “File” tab in your Excel sheet.
• Select “Save As” and choose “CSV (Comma delimited)” from the “Save as type” dropdown menu.
• Choose a descriptive filename and save the file in a readily accessible location.

3- Import Contacts into WhatsApp Business:

• Open the WhatsApp Business app on your smartphone.
• Tap the three dots in the top right corner and select “Broadcast.”
• Click on “New Broadcast” and give your broadcast list a recognizable name.
• Tap the “Add” button and select “Choose from contacts.”
• In the contact selection screen, tap the three dots in the top right corner and choose “Import.”
• Locate and select the CSV file you saved earlier from your phone’s storage.

4- Review and Send Broadcast Message:

• WhatsApp Business will display the imported contacts. Carefully review the list to ensure all entries are correct and unwanted contacts are not included.
• You can deselect any incorrect or unwanted contacts before proceeding.
• Once satisfied, tap the green checkmark to confirm your selection.
• You will be directed to the broadcast chat window. Here, compose your message and tap the send button to deliver it to all recipients on the list.

Additional Considerations for WhatsApp broadcast list:

• Limit Broadcast List Size: While WhatsApp doesn’t explicitly state a maximum broadcast list size, it’s generally recommended to keep it under 256 contacts for optimal performance and to avoid potential restrictions. If your list exceeds this number, consider creating multiple smaller broadcasts.
• Obtain Consent: Always remember to obtain explicit consent from individuals before adding them to your broadcast list. This demonstrates respect for their privacy and adheres to ethical marketing practices.
• Personalize Your Messages: Although using a broadcast list allows you to send messages to a large group, personalize the message content whenever possible. Addressing recipients by name or mentioning relevant details can significantly improve engagement and response rates.
• Follow WhatsApp’s Business Policies: It’s vital to adhere to WhatsApp’s Business Policies when using their platform for marketing purposes. These policies outline prohibited content, spam prevention measures, and user consent requirements. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure your broadcasts comply with the platform’s regulations

Ready to explore the power of Whatsapp Broadcasting? Get in touch with us today for a demo or start your free trial now!

FAQs

Q. Is it safe to use third-party tools to add contacts to WhatsApp broadcasts?

WhatsApp strictly prohibits the use of third-party tools or automated methods to add contacts to broadcasts. This blog post and the recommended approach focus solely on using the platform’s intended functionalities and adhering to their policies.

Q. What format should my Excel sheet be in for WhatsApp broadcasts?

Your Excel sheet needs to be saved as a Comma-Separated Values (CSV) file. This format is universally compatible and readily recognized by most software, including WhatsApp.

Q. What information do I need to include in my Excel sheet for WhatsApp broadcasts?

At the minimum, include two columns:

Phone Number: The phone number of the contact, saved in international format including the country code (e.g., +1 234–567–8900 for a US number).

Name (Optional): The name of the contact, although not required for WhatsApp broadcasts.

Q. Is there a maximum number of contacts I can add to a WhatsApp broadcast list?

While WhatsApp doesn’t explicitly state a limit, it’s generally recommended to keep your broadcast list under 256 contacts for optimal performance and to avoid potential restrictions. If your list exceeds this number, consider creating multiple smaller broadcasts.

Q. Do I need to ask permission before adding someone to my WhatsApp broadcast list?

Absolutely. Always obtain explicit consent from individuals before adding them to your broadcast list. This demonstrates respect for their privacy and adheres to ethical marketing practices.

Q. How can I personalize my messages in a WhatsApp broadcast?

Although using a broadcast list allows sending messages to a large group, personalize the message content whenever possible. Addressing recipients by name or mentioning relevant details can significantly improve engagement and response rates.

Q. Where can I find more information about WhatsApp’s Business Policies?

It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with WhatsApp’s Business Policies, which outline prohibited content, spam prevention measures, and user consent requirements. You can find these policies on the official WhatsApp website.