In this article, you'll learn how to manage large contact lists effortlessly and start connecting with them through broadcast messages — even before they interact with your business.
Aelyst lets you import large contact lists obtained from events, campaigns, or other platforms and proactively initiate connections with them using broadcast messages. This eliminates the need to send individual messages to each Contact beforehand.
You can only send broadcast messages to Contacts you've already interacted with, except when using WhatsApp. For WhatsApp, you can send broadcasts even to Contacts you haven't interacted with before, as long as you have their phone number. Other channels either require the Contact to message your business first or don't support broadcast.
This article explains how to send WhatsApp broadcast messages using the Broadcasts module in Aelyst.
Prerequisites
To send broadcast or bulk messages via WhatsApp without restrictions, you'll need:
- A WhatsApp API account connected to Aelyst.
- A WhatsApp Message Template approved by Meta.
- Sufficient balance in the WhatsApp Business Account.
- A phone number with Connected status and a good quality rating.
- Owner or Manager access level to access the Broadcasts module.
Make sure your Contacts have opted in externally and are expecting messages from you before importing to broadcast. If they were migrated from another platform, the opt-in would have been obtained there. Doing this helps prevent Contacts from reporting or blocking your number.
Process steps
Step 1: Import the contact list
To begin, save the Contacts' details in a CSV file for a streamlined import, eliminating manual data entry.
It's recommended to add a tag to the import. Tagging helps you identify the batch of Contacts you imported — for example, leads collected from a product launch event.
Refer to the guide on importing Contacts for step-by-step instructions.
Step 2: Create and send the broadcast message
Once Contacts have been imported into Aelyst, create and send a broadcast message:
- Go to the Broadcasts module, then click + Add Broadcast.
- Name your broadcast, add a label for reference, then click Create.
- Create a Segment to target a specific group of Contacts. Click the dropdown at Segment, click + Add Segment, name the segment, then click Save. To easily find the batch you imported, set:
- Category: Contact Tag
- Operator: has any of
- Select: click the dropdown and choose the tag used for the import.
- In Channel Type, select Specific Channel.
- In Channel, select the connected WhatsApp API channel to send your broadcast.
- Turn the Send message only to contacts who have previously interacted with this channel toggle off. This lets the broadcast reach Contacts you haven't interacted with before.
- Under Message Content, select the relevant Message Template and fill in the required details.
- Under Message Preview, see how your message will appear to Contacts. Click Test Broadcast to send a sample to yourself before sending the real one.
- Click Next, then Send Broadcast to send immediately, or Schedule Broadcast to send later.
A broadcast may fail for various reasons. If that happens, learn more about troubleshooting failed broadcasts.
Examples of use cases
Marketing
- Promoting seasonal sales, holiday discounts, or time-sensitive offers to a select group of customers.
- Sending invitations to webinars, workshops, product demos, or other events.
- Sharing company achievements, milestones, or news to keep the brand top-of-mind and foster community.
Sales
- Sharing limited-time offers or discounts exclusively for a select group of customers.
- Announcing the launch of a new product or service.
- Notifying customers when a previously out-of-stock item is back in inventory.
Support
- Informing customers of planned system maintenance or unexpected outages.
- Notifying customers of changes to terms of service or other important policies.
- Sharing tips and guides to help customers use products and services more effectively.