WhatsApp Marketing | Onboarding, Template and Campaign Launch

WhatsApp is the most used messaging application. WhatsApp has grown from a simple one to one personal chat app to the most powerful business communication platform.

WhatsApp is deeply trusted by its users because it is a cost efficient and end to end encryption as a key reason for interacting with businesses.

This blog is your complete 2025 guide to WhatsApp marketing. You’ll learn how to set up an Authkey account, onboard official WhatsApp Business API, create and send templates, automate campaigns, analyze performance and unlock CRM capabilities for smarter customer interactions.

What is WhatsApp Marketing?

WhatsApp marketing is sending the bulk WhatsApp campaign to promote products, engage customers with amazing offers, send transactional updates and build long-term relationships. WhatsApp messages have an average 98% open rate and often get read within minutes.

Businesses are rapidly adopting WhatsApp over SMS as a core communication channel because it allows them to connect with customers instantly and meaningfully.

Here are the most common ways brands leverage WhatsApp:

Promotional Campaigns

Share special offers, discounts, seasonal deals, or new product launches directly with opted-in customers. WhatsApp Messages land instantly(a user checks frequently), engagement rates are significantly higher compared to email or SMS.

Transactional Messages

Deliver essential updates such as OTPs, booking confirmations, payment alerts, delivery updates and account notifications. These real-time, secure messages improve customer trust and reduce uncertainty.

Customer Support

Use chatbots for instant responses to FAQs or basic support queries, while enabling live agents to handle complex cases. This creates a seamless support system that’s both scalable and human when needed.

Interactive & Personalized Engagement

WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to send media-rich templates (images, videos, documents) along with interactive buttons like “Track Order,” “Buy Now,” or “Contact Agent.” With personalization (like addressing users by name or tailoring offers to their interests), brands can turn simple notifications into meaningful conversations.

Get Started with WhatsApp Marketing

Starting your WhatsApp marketing journey may feel overwhelming, but with the right platform and tools, it becomes smooth and scalable.

Using Authkey’s WhatsApp Business API, businesses can seamlessly set up their accounts, design message templates and launch campaigns that deliver measurable results.

1. Create an Authkey Account

To get started with WhatsApp Marketing, the first step is to create your Authkey account.

Authkey is your gateway to access the WhatsApp Business API, enabling you to send bulk promotional campaigns, deliver transactional updates (like OTPs and order confirmations) and manage customer conversations in one place.

Setting up your account is quick and simple:
Visit Authkey Console and sign up with your business email.
Fill in basic business details such as company name, website and industry category.
Verify your email and mobile number for account activation.
Log in to your Authkey dashboard. You’ll find all the tools to manage WhatsApp onboarding, template creation and campaign setup.

Once your Authkey account is active, you can begin the official WhatsApp Business API onboarding process to start conversational marketing.

2. WhatsApp API Onboarding: Embedded Signup (Go Live in Just 10 Minutes!)

Authkey connects your business with the WhatsApp Business API using a seamless Embedded Signup flow directly from the Authkey dashboard. You can be messaging customers using WhatsApp in under 10 minutes.

Initiate WhatsApp Onboarding
From your dashboard, click the green “WhatsApp Onboarding” button located in the top-right corner. This launches the Embedded Signup flow.

Provide Your Business Details
Enter details such as:

Company name
Proposed WhatsApp number
Business website URL
Business email address

Once completed, click “Request Now” to move to the Meta integration step.

Connect via Meta (Facebook)

You’ll be redirected to a Meta page to complete the Embedded Signup using your Facebook Business account credentials. Here, you’ll authorize Authkey to manage your WhatsApp Business API setup.

After finishing onboarding, you can later edit or update your business profile within the dashboard as needed.

3. Create WhatsApp Templates for Marketing

Before sending messages, businesses must create approved WhatsApp templates. These can be promotional (offers), transactional (alerts), or service updates.

Lets learn steps to create the WhatsApp Template for Marketing.

Navigate to WhatsApp → WhatsApp Template → Create New Template

It will open the New Template Window as given below

Create Template Section:

Template Name: Choose a clear and familiar name that reflects the campaign (e.g., Festival_Offer_2025 or Cart_Abandonment_Alert). This helps you easily identify and reuse the template later.

Language: The default is English, but you can choose another language if you’re targeting specific regions.

Account Type: Select Marketing if the template is for offers, promotions, and campaigns. Other types include Utility (for OTPs, confirmations, updates) and Authentication.

Add Media (Optional): To make your messages engaging, you can include images, videos, or documents. Media-rich templates drive higher click-through rates compared to plain text.

Template Details Section

Header: Choose the media type: Image, Document, or Video. You can either upload media from your gallery or paste the file URL.

Note: If the media isn’t already uploaded to the Media Gallery, you must add it there first before using it in a template.

Body Message: This is the main text of your template. Keep it clear, engaging, and to the point.
You can add variables like {{name}}, {{date}}, or {{number}} to personalize messages for each customer.

Example: Hi {{name}}, your order {{number}} is confirmed for {{date}}.

Footer (Optional): A short, catchy line that grabs attention or adds context. Ideal for taglines, disclaimers, or reminders. Example: Limited time offer, grab it today!

Button (Optional)

Add CTA (Call-to-Action) buttons like:
- Visit Website
- Call Now
- Shop Now
Or add Quick Reply buttons for faster responses like:
- Yes, Interested
- Remind Me Later

FallBack Setting (optional)

We will not change it as it is choosing the substitute channel trigger in case of message failure.

Submitting the Template

Once you’ve filled in all sections (Header, Body, Footer, and optional Buttons), review your template carefully.

Click on the “Save & Send For Approval” button.
Your template will be sent for Meta’s approval.
Approval Time: Usually 1–5 minutes, but it may take longer depending on Meta’s review process.

After approval, your template will be ready to use in campaigns, automation, or triggered messages.

4. Setup and Launch Your First WhatsApp Campaign

Once templates are approved, set up your first campaign:

Navigate to the Campaign in the left side bar.

Campaign Channel: Choose the channel as WhatsApp.

Select Brand Number: Select the registered WhatsApp Business API number associated with your brand..

Select Campaign Type: Choose Normal Campaign.

Enter Custom Campaign Name: Give your campaign a unique, recognizable name.

Jewelry_Summer_Offer_Aug2025
Festive_Diwali_Collection_Launch
VIP_Customers_Early_Access

Choose Audience

Option 1: Copy/Paste Numbers
- Paste customer numbers directly (without country code, e.g., 9999xxx123).
Option 2: Upload/Create Contact List
- Add contacts by creating a number list in the dashboard.

Next, Choose the Template message you want to send in the campaign.

Campaign Preview and check for the details.

Launch Campaign

The campaign will be instantly deployed to your chosen number list.
With Authkey’s WhatsApp API, you can send 1 message to thousands or even millions of users in just a few seconds.
Messages are delivered smoothly and reliably, ensuring maximum reach without delays.

Marketing Campaigns Using WhatsApp API

WhatsApp isn’t just about sending bulk campaigns. It’s about delivering the right message at the right time. With Authkey’s WhatsApp API, you can set up automated triggers that respond instantly to customer actions or events. This ensures your brand stays relevant and builds stronger engagement.

Examples of WhatsApp API Triggers:

Cart Abandonment → Remind customers to complete their purchase and offer incentives like discounts or free shipping.
Order Confirmation → Instantly notify customers with order details, shipping status, or invoices.
Payment Reminder → Send automated alerts before due dates to reduce defaults and improve collections.
Event Reminders → Notify attendees about upcoming webinars, product launches, or physical events.
Feedback & Reviews → After a purchase, trigger automated feedback requests to capture customer insights.

With API triggers, your campaigns run 24/7 automatically, reducing manual effort while improving conversions.

Unlock the Full Potential of WhatsApp Marketing with WhatsApp CRM

WhatsApp isn’t just about sending campaigns, it’s a two-way messaging app. When potential customers respond to your messages with queries, feedback, or interest in your products, you need an efficient way to manage these conversations.

Since the WhatsApp Business API does not work directly on mobile apps, you can’t just open WhatsApp on your phone to reply.

Managing thousands of conversations on WhatsApp can be overwhelming without the right tools. That’s where a WhatsApp CRM comes in. With Authkey’s CRM, businesses can centralize, automate, and streamline their WhatsApp communications while ensuring every lead is tracked and nurtured properly.

With Authkey WhatsApp CRM, you can:

Auto-assign incoming chats → Distribute chats among agents or teams based on rules for faster resolution.
Tag & organize leads → Use custom tags to segment customers and prioritize follow-ups.
Faster responses with quick replies & chatbots → Automate FAQs and save agents’ time with predefined templates.
Maintain complete chat history → Access past interactions instantly to offer personalized support.

Run re-engagement campaigns → Reconnect with leads through targeted offers, reminders, or promotions.

Benefits of WhatsApp Marketing Campaigns

High Engagement
- WhatsApp messages have an average 98% open rate, far higher than email (~20%) or SMS (~30%).
- Most messages are read within minutes, making it ideal for time-sensitive campaigns.
Personalization
- Businesses can address customers by their name and use variables like date, order ID, or product name.
- Personalized offers, reminders, and product recommendations boost conversions.
Rich Media Support
- WhatsApp supports images, videos, PDFs, catalogs, and interactive buttons.
- Rich media makes messages more engaging, easier to understand, and action-oriented.
Instant Communication
- Messages are delivered in real-time, ensuring customers don’t miss critical updates.
- Perfect for transactional alerts like OTPs, booking confirmations, and payment reminders.
Trust & Credibility
- Verified WhatsApp Business Accounts (green tick) reassure users they’re interacting with an authentic brand.
- Builds stronger trust and customer loyalty.
Scalability
- With WhatsApp Business API + Authkey CRM, businesses can send millions of messages without delays.
- CRM features like chat history, tagging, and automation ensure seamless management at scale.

Should Brands Look to Adopt WhatsApp Marketing?

The short answer: Yes.

With customer attention rapidly shifting toward messaging apps, WhatsApp has emerged as the most direct, personal, and cost-effective channel for businesses. Unlike email, which often sits unread, or SMS, which feels outdated, WhatsApp messages are delivered instantly and read almost immediately. It boasts an average open rate of 98%.

Whether you’re a startup testing your first campaigns, a D2C brand aiming to boost customer retention, an e-commerce store running promotions, or a large enterprise managing millions of conversations, WhatsApp marketing offers unmatched opportunities for:

Growth → by reaching new customers where they already spend time.
Engagement → through two-way conversations, personalized offers, and interactive elements.
Loyalty → by delivering timely updates, support, and value-driven interactions.

Brands that ignore WhatsApp risk losing relevance while those that adopt it early can build stronger, long-term customer relationships at scale.

Best-Fit Industries for WhatsApp Marketing

WhatsApp isn’t just a communication tool, it’s a business growth channel that adapts to multiple industries. Here are some sectors where WhatsApp marketing delivers exceptional results:

Retail & eCommerce
Send personalized promotions, abandoned cart reminders, and exclusive discounts. With WhatsApp Commerce, brands can create in-thread shopping experiences, enabling customers to browse and buy without leaving the app.
Financial Services
Provide customers with real-time transaction alerts, fraud notifications, loan reminders, and important account updates directly on their WhatsApp, ensuring trust and instant communication.
Travel & Hospitality
Share booking confirmations, flight or hotel updates, and personalized offers. Leverage WhatsApp Flows to let customers seamlessly book reservations or modify travel plans within a chat.
Media & Entertainment
Deliver tailored content recommendations, subscription renewal reminders, and event updates. Use interactive list messages or buttons to capture preferences and personalize future content delivery.
QSR (Quick Service Restaurants) & On-Demand Services
Automate order confirmations, provide live delivery tracking, and reward customers with loyalty points or coupons, making customer interactions faster and more engaging.
Healthcare & Wellness
Send appointment reminders, prescription refill alerts, and test result notifications. WhatsApp can also support telehealth consultations or quick access to patient assistance.

Conclusion

WhatsApp has evolved from a simple messaging app into a powerful business communication platform. With its massive global reach, 98% open rates, and interactive features, it enables brands to connect with customers in real time, deliver personalized experiences, and drive measurable results. From eCommerce to healthcare, businesses across industries can leverage WhatsApp for promotions, transactions, customer support, and long-term engagement.

WhatsApp Marketing with tools like Authkey’s, brands not only ensure scalability but also build trust, loyalty, and stronger customer relationships. In today’s competitive digital landscape, WhatsApp is no longer optional — it’s the must-have channel for businesses aiming to stay ahead.

Start your WhatsApp Marketing journey with Authkey today. Sign up and launch your first campaign in minutes!

Quick Signup, Free WhatsApp Business API Onboarding, Developer friendly APIs, Marketing Campaigns.

WhatsApp Marketing Explained: WhatsApp Onboarding, Template Creation and Launch Campaign.