Templates & Rules
How to Collect WhatsApp Opt-ins the Right Way (and Grow Your List)
What WhatsApp opt-in means, why it protects your number, and 10 practical ways to grow an opted-in contact list – with example wording and opt-out tips.
What is a WhatsApp opt-in?
An opt-in is a customer’s permission to receive messages from your business on WhatsApp. WhatsApp’s Business Messaging Policy requires businesses to get this permission before messaging people, and to respect requests to stop.
A good opt-in is clear (the customer knows it is WhatsApp), specific (they know what kind of messages they will get) and recorded (you can show where and when it happened).
Why opt-ins matter so much
- Protects your number: people who didn’t agree are more likely to block or report you, which lowers your quality rating.
- Better results: customers who asked for updates open and reply more.
- Trust: respecting permission makes your brand look professional.
10 ways to collect opt-ins
1. Website opt-in form
Add a checkbox or form: “Send me order updates and offers on WhatsApp.”
Opt-in Form GeneratorCreate a WhatsApp opt-in form for your websiteOpen tool →2. Checkout page
Online stores can add a WhatsApp updates checkbox at checkout.
3. QR code in your shop
“Scan to get offers on WhatsApp” at the counter, on bills and packaging.
4. Click-to-chat links
When a customer messages you first, they have started the conversation. Ask if they want future updates.
5. Click-to-WhatsApp ads
Ads that open WhatsApp bring people who choose to message you.
6. Lead forms
Add a line in Facebook, Instagram or Google lead forms about WhatsApp updates.
7. At billing or reception
Ask: “Can we send your bill and offers on WhatsApp?” and note the answer.
8. Events and webinars
Offer reminders and recordings on WhatsApp during registration.
9. Email and SMS
Invite existing subscribers to join your WhatsApp updates with a link.
10. Inside WhatsApp itself
After helping a customer, ask: “Would you like to receive offers here? Reply YES.”
Example opt-in wording
How to handle opt-outs
- Add “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” (or an opt-out button) in marketing templates.
- Stop marketing messages quickly when someone opts out.
- Keep sending only essential updates they still need, like an order they placed – if appropriate.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying contact lists or scraping numbers.
- Hiding the WhatsApp opt-in in small print.
- Using one opt-in for “order updates” to send daily promotions.
- Ignoring STOP messages.
Keep a record
Save where and when each person opted in – a form entry, a checkbox at checkout or a chat. In WATick you can tag contacts by source and keep your list clean.
Ready to grow your list? Start your free trial or read 20 WhatsApp marketing ideas.
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9 min read · 26 Sep 2026Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. WhatsApp’s policies require permission before you message people, and you must respect opt-out requests.
They started the conversation, so you can reply. For future marketing, ask clearly if they want updates.
Only if those customers agreed to receive WhatsApp messages from you. Otherwise, ask for permission first.
Add a line like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” or an opt-out button in marketing messages.
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Put these ideas to work with WATick’s official WhatsApp Business API.