Tips to build and grow your WhatsApp list
Building a WhatsApp list will take time and it's best to use as many different tactics and approaches as possible - we've outlined some in this article. One of the big benefits of WhatsApp is its potential to reach different groups who are less likely to engage with other channels, so it's important to try a range of sign up journeys.
For technical information on how the sign up process works, view our help article on the sign up process using emails and direct links or if you collect phone numbers with WhatsApp sign up consents, you can upload a list of supporters into Movement.
Note: Our campaigns success team are happy to think through new ideas or help with technical information on how to set up these journeys and asks - just email support@yourmovement.org
Ambient asks
Ambient asks are those that are included within user journeys - they're one of the strongest tools available to grow your WhatsApp list. By including a WhatsApp sign up in your user journey you are reaching people at a time where they are most engaged and you can give them a compelling reason to sign up to WhatsApp to hear urgent and important updates on the action they have just taken:
Here are some ways to bake in ambient asks:
-
Add a WhatsApp sign up ask to your action form: Give new joiners the option of email or WhatsApp as a sign up route, introduce a WhatsApp sign up ask for existing email subscribers.
-
Post-action WhatsApp ask: Personalise the ask based on the action the supporter has just taken and give them a strong reason to sign up, whether that's getting the most urgent news, being the first to take action or social proof. You can also include this ask and sign up link in your thank you emails.
-
In-action WhatsApp ask: When you're running surveys, gathering case studies or organising events or demos, consider including a WhatsApp sign up in the action. Again, make the case for sign up using benefits that will feel relevant for the action.
-
WhatsApp action: Think about ways to make using WhatsApp part of the action - for example submit a voice note, video or image by signing up and sending through WhatsApp.
One off asks
Make a direct case for WhatsApp with a one off ask. You might invite your most engaged supporters to join WhatsApp but don't assume those most engaged in your current communications will be on WhatsApp. Your active supporters may only be active because you're reaching them on a channel that works for them. Think in depth about how you can reach existing supporters that might prefer WhatsApp as a channel.
-
Develop an email arc with asks that speak to different groups and their preferences; use all the tools available like social proof, evidence of impact and fomo!
-
Think about reaching groups who don't open and engage with emails with one off asks. For example, you could set up social ads targeting people who have taken action more than once via social shares or social ads.
WhatsApp supporter share asks
Your existing supporters are an important way to help you reach new subscribers. Make sure you include share asks in your WhatsApp messages, with a call to action to sign up to WhatsApp to take part in the campaign. WhatsApp is a high trust platform where supporters are likely to share with friends and family or in engaged groups or communities.
Leverage the strength of peer-to-peer asks to build your list by using this CTA when running rapid response, celebrating campaign wins or when your issue is high in the news to lean into the immediacy WhatsApp offers.
Build community
WhatsApp is a place where community already exists for your supporters - it's where they connect with friends and family and get involved in group chats. Lean into the community building benefits of WhatsApp and grow your list by inviting supporters to become part of your community through WhatsApp.
Reach people where they are, using unique native features like voice notes and leaning into more informal communication styles to build community in a way which isn't available to now more formal communications like email.
Follow through on your sign up pitch promises!
If you're pitching your WhatsApp channel as the best way to get urgent updates or the first way to take action, make sure you follow through. It only takes a few minutes to send a WhatsApp message, so when running rapid response to news or campaign developments, send out a quick, short WhatsApp asap!
In the long run, the best way to grow and maintain your WhatsApp list is to give your supporters something they value. Keep your WhatsApp relevant, timely and compelling, and give your supporters new and easier ways to get involved in the causes and issues they care about.