Getting opt-in consent for WhatsApp messages (without losing half your list)

Opt-in is the part of WhatsApp marketing that people skip and then regret. It's also easier than it sounds. You're just asking people whether they'd like to hear from you on WhatsApp, and writing down that they said yes.

Why it matters

Meta requires businesses to have opt-in before sending messages, and many countries have their own rules on top. More practically, people who didn't agree to a message tend to block or report it. Blocks and reports lower your number's quality rating, which lowers how many messages you're allowed to send. Consent protects your ability to keep messaging.

What counts as valid opt-in

• The person gave you their number and clearly agreed to be contacted on WhatsApp.
• You told them what kind of messages to expect (order updates, reminders, offers).
• You can show when and how they agreed.

A number sitting in your phone from three years ago doesn't count. Neither does a list you bought.

Ways to collect it

• A checkbox on your checkout, booking or admission form: "Send me updates on WhatsApp."
• A short message inviting a customer to start a chat with you, which opens a conversation on their terms.
• A QR code or link in your shop, on packaging or on receipts that starts a WhatsApp chat.
• A sign-up line on your website or social media pages.
• A verbal yes at the counter, written down straight away with the date.

Keep a record

For every contact, note where their consent came from and when. When you import contacts into Notivo, you confirm consent, and the platform stores the source and the timestamp against each contact. If anyone ever asks how you got their number, you have an answer.

Make leaving easy

Someone who can quietly opt out won't block you. Tell people they can reply STOP at any time, and honour it every time. Notivo detects STOP replies and excludes those contacts from later campaigns automatically.