WhatsApp Scheduling: How can I Schedule WhatsApp Messages?

In this article we are going to discuss: 

1. How Can WhatsApp Messages Be Scheduled On Android?
2. How Can WhatsApp Messages Be Scheduled On An iPhone?
3. How Can WhatsApp Messages Be Scheduled On WhatsApp Web?
4. How Can WhatsApp Messages Be Scheduled On The Business App?
5. How Can WhatsApp Business API Be Used To Schedule Messages?
6. Advanced Use Cases for Scheduling WhatsApp Messages
7. FAQs About Scheduling WhatsApp Messages

WhatsApp is among the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion active users. WhatsApp enables sharing of text messages, images, videos, locations, and money.

To make use of all these helpful capabilities, you can schedule a WhatsApp message to wish someone a happy birthday or to remind your pals about upcoming events.

Alternatively, if you own a business, arrange payment reminders for the final day of subscriptions or cart reminders to your clients' WhatsApp accounts. It would be best to automate WhatsApp Business welcome messages to all new members and customers.

As it increases engagement and sales, scheduling WhatsApp messages is crucial for you. Ideally, two groups of users want to plan WhatsApp messages:

1. Users of WhatsApp
2. Users of WhatsApp for Business

Let's check how to schedule WhatsApp messages on each WhatsApp platform.

How can I schedule WhatsApp messages on Android?

Install the WhatsApp Message Scheduler app from the Play store.

1. Enable the toggle for the app under Settings -> Accessibility -> Services to gain full accessibility.
2. Launch the app and select the "+" symbol.
3. Select a group or contact on WhatsApp. Next, choose the time and date.
4. Type the message you need to schedule now.
5. Click the "Create" button to finish scheduling a WhatsApp message.

Reminder: Multiple messages cannot be scheduled for the same time.

Read: You can Send 1000 Messages at Once on Whatsapp.

How can I schedule WhatsApp messages on my iPhone?

Scheduling WhatsApp messages on iPhone & iOS devices are more complex than on Android, despite Apple's assertions that it values customer privacy. However, you may schedule WhatsApp messages using Siri shortcuts.

1. Find the Shortcuts app in the App Store and install it.
2. When the app has opened, select Automation.
3. Press the "make personal automation" button by tapping the plus sign in the top right corner.
4. Select a time and date and then press "next."
5. Next, press "Add Action" and type "Text" into the search bar. Choose "Text" from the list of results.
6. Fill out the text field with the desired WhatsApp message
7. Tap the "+" icon once the message has been typed. In the pop-search-up box, enter "WhatsApp."
8. You choose "Send Message Through WhatsApp" from the dropdown menu that appears. Choose the contact you want to schedule that WhatsApp message for, and then click Next > Done.

How can I schedule WhatsApp messages on WhatsApp Web?

Using the Blueticks extension for Google Chrome, you may quickly schedule WhatsApp messages on the WhatsApp web.

1. From the Chrome Web Store, install Blueticks.
2. Open the Google Chrome browser and access WhatsApp Web.

3. Choose and open the WhatsApp chat, contact, or group you wish to arrange a message.
4. Click the symbol in the message box's proximity. The WhatsApp Message Scheduler window will then open as a result.
5. Type the WhatsApp message that you wish to send to that person.
6. Choose the time and date for the message's delivery
7. Click on "Schedule Send."

Let's now check the scheduling of WhatsApp messages for corporate users.

Based on two criteria, business users can schedule WhatsApp messages:

1. Schedule WhatsApp messages based on the date and time
2. Schedule WhatsApp messages based on a user's activity concerning your services. 

How can I schedule WhatsApp messages on the Business App?

1. Open the WhatsApp Business app on your iPhone or Android.
2. Tap and select "Settings." Choose "Business Tools."
3. Touch and select "Select Away Message." Turn "Send away message" on using the toggle.
4. Fill up the text field with the WhatsApp message.
5. On the WhatsApp Business menu, select "Send Away Message." 'Only Send to in the Recipients' should be chosen.
6. Next, select "Schedule."

Based on the operating hours of your company, you can choose a particular timetable.

This is how you schedule an "Away" message for the designated time.

You cannot plan WhatsApp messages depending on the factors significant to your company using the WhatsApp Business App.

For instance, plan a WhatsApp welcome message for when a user joins your platform. Or, send a WhatsApp reminder to anyone who needs to remember to attend the event.

To address this issue on a global scale, WhatsApp introduced the WhatsApp Business API platform in 2018, enabling SMEs and major corporations to integrate WhatsApp directly with their systems and communicate with their customers on WhatsApp.

With the WhatsApp API solution, you may send and schedule WhatsApp messages on a massive scale. You may send messages straight from your CRM or database using WhatsApp APIs.

Let's check how to arrange and distribute WhatsApp messages systematically.

‍How can I schedule WhatsApp messages using WhatsApp Business API ? 

To send & schedule WhatsApp messages on a large scale, you'll need access to the WhatsApp Business API. There are two ways to gain access to the WhatsApp API:

1. You can directly apply and receive cost-free access to the WhatsApp Cloud API. These APIs can be incorporated into your system to schedule WhatsApp messages.
2. You can register for BSPs like BotSpace, which are based on the WhatsApp Business API and offer all the functionality included in the API. 

If you choose Cloud API, a development team may be required to set everything up for you since Cloud API doesn't have an interface.

On the other side, BotSpace, a WhatsApp API provider (BSP), offers you a complete WhatsApp CRM with a specific Team Inbox to organize conversations. To use all the functionality of WhatsApp Business API directly through BotSpace, you must combine it with your WhatsApp Business API number. 

Benefits of using BotSpace to access the WhatsApp API:

1. Applications from third parties and tools like CRM and analytics
2. Schedule WhatsApp messages using 'One Click' from CRMs, Google Sheets, and third-party applications
3. Verified WhatsApp Business profile with a Green Tick
4. Bulk notifications using WhatsApp Broadcast
5. Support for WhatsApp Chatbot & Interactive Messages
6. Customer service access with several agents

Note:- All BSPs will follow these stages pretty much precisely. Depending on the features offered by different BSPs, some features may change. All of these features are accessible on Cloud API. Connect them to your systems to use them.

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For businesses looking to enhance their communication strategies, scheduling WhatsApp messages goes beyond simple "Away" messages or basic responses. With the development of tools and platforms like the WhatsApp Business API, companies can now automate customer interactions more effectively and streamline operations for improved customer satisfaction and engagement.

Advanced Use Cases for Scheduling WhatsApp Messages

1. Automated Reminders for Appointments and Events Many businesses face the challenge of no-shows for scheduled appointments or events. By leveraging the WhatsApp Business API, businesses can automate reminder messages to ensure that customers receive timely notifications before their appointments. For example, a dental clinic can schedule reminders 24 hours before a patient’s appointment, ensuring they don’t forget their visit.
2. Personalized Welcome Messages for New Customers Creating a welcoming experience for new users is crucial for retaining customers. With the API, businesses can schedule personalized welcome messages as soon as a user signs up for a service or registers on a platform. These messages can be tailored to include the customer's name and relevant information, making the onboarding process feel more personal.
3. Re-engagement Campaigns Customer re-engagement is essential for maintaining long-term relationships. Scheduling WhatsApp messages with exclusive offers or updates about upcoming events can help re-engage customers who haven't interacted with your brand in a while. For instance, an e-commerce store can schedule a reminder about items left in a cart, encouraging users to complete their purchase with a time-sensitive discount.
4. Order Updates and Shipping Notifications For e-commerce businesses, keeping customers informed about their orders is vital. Using the WhatsApp Business API, businesses can automate real-time order status updates and shipping notifications. Scheduled messages can be sent when an order is processed, dispatched, and delivered, enhancing the overall customer experience.
5. Feedback Requests Gathering customer feedback is essential for improving services. Businesses can schedule follow-up messages asking for feedback after a purchase or service interaction. This not only provides valuable insights but also shows customers that their opinions are valued.

Best Practices for Scheduling WhatsApp Messages

1. Ensure Compliance with WhatsApp Policies It’s essential to follow WhatsApp’s commerce policies and terms of service when scheduling messages. Always ensure that your communications align with WhatsApp’s guidelines to avoid any disruptions in service.
2. Personalize Your Messages Avoid generic messages that may come across as spammy. Personalization, such as using the recipient's name and referring to their past interactions, can make a significant difference in customer engagement.
3. Optimal Timing Timing is everything when it comes to message scheduling. Analyze your customer data to identify the best times to send messages. Sending notifications too early or too late can negatively impact customer experience.
4. Utilize Templates for Faster Setup The WhatsApp Business API allows for message templates, which can be pre-approved by WhatsApp for use in automated messages. This feature ensures that your messages meet compliance standards and can be delivered without delays.

How to Use BotSpace for Scheduling WhatsApp Messages

BotSpace offers an intuitive interface that simplifies the process of scheduling messages through the WhatsApp Business API. Here’s how to schedule a message using BotSpace:

1. Log into the BotSpace Dashboard Sign in to your BotSpace account to access the WhatsApp scheduling tool.
2. Select Your Campaign Type Choose from predefined options such as reminders, updates, or promotional messages.
3. Customize Your Message Draft your message, ensuring it adheres to WhatsApp’s policies, and customize it with variables like customer names or order details.
4. Schedule Your Message Set the specific time and date for the message to be sent. You can also set up recurring schedules for ongoing campaigns.
5. Monitor and Analyze Use BotSpace’s analytics tools to track the performance of your scheduled messages. Analyze open rates, response times, and customer interactions to fine-tune your messaging strategy.

FAQs About Scheduling WhatsApp Messages

1. Can I schedule WhatsApp messages directly in the standard WhatsApp Business app?
No, the standard WhatsApp Business app allows for basic "Away" messages but does not support advanced scheduling capabilities. For more sophisticated scheduling, you need to use the WhatsApp Business API or a third-party provider like BotSpace.

2. What are the main advantages of using the WhatsApp Business API for scheduling messages?
The main advantages include automation of large-scale messaging, integration with CRM systems, the ability to schedule personalized messages, and access to advanced customer engagement tools. The API provides flexibility for businesses to build seamless workflows that improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

3. Is it necessary to have a developer for setting up the WhatsApp Cloud API?
Yes, integrating the WhatsApp Cloud API requires technical expertise. A developer is often needed to set up and maintain the API. However, platforms like BotSpace simplify the process with user-friendly dashboards that do not require advanced coding skills, making it easier for non-technical teams to schedule messages.

4. Are there any restrictions on the type of messages that can be scheduled?
Yes, WhatsApp has guidelines for message content, including commerce and policy compliance. Scheduled messages must follow WhatsApp’s approved use cases such as notifications, order updates, and reminders. Messages that violate these policies, such as unsolicited promotional content or spam, can lead to penalties or suspension of your account.

5. How can I measure the effectiveness of my scheduled WhatsApp campaigns?
Measuring the effectiveness of your campaigns involves tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) like delivery rates, open rates, response rates, and customer engagement metrics. BSPs like BotSpace offer comprehensive analytics tools that help you gain insights into how your messages perform. This data can be used to optimize your campaigns for better results. Additionally, collecting feedback from recipients can provide qualitative insights into the impact of your scheduled communications.

6. Can I schedule messages to different customer segments?
Yes, the WhatsApp Business API allows you to schedule messages for specific customer segments based on your criteria. By integrating with your CRM or using platforms like BotSpace, you can filter and categorize customers to send targeted messages that resonate with each segment.

7. How can I ensure my scheduled messages don’t come off as spam?
Personalization and timing are key. Tailor messages to include customer-specific information and send them at times when customers are most likely to be engaged. Avoid over-messaging, and always provide value in your communications, ensuring they are relevant to the recipient.

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Using several WhatsApp systems, you can schedule messages, as seen above. Please feel free to join a demo with our staff if you still have any questions.