Overview
The WhatsApp action lets you send WhatsApp messages directly from an automation. This is perfect for creating timely, personal communication with families through their preferred messaging app.
You can send manual messages or use pre-approved templates to reach parents about tours, enrollment updates, reminders, and more.
What This Action Does
The WhatsApp Send Message action automatically sends messages to families via WhatsApp when triggered by specific events in your automation. Whether you're following up on tour inquiries, confirming appointments, or sending enrollment reminders, this action keeps families informed right where they are.
Key Features
- Send real-time WhatsApp messages directly from your automation
- Use pre-approved templates for messages outside the 24-hour window
- Personalize messages with dynamic variables (parent name, child name, tour date, etc.)
- Works for both business-initiated and parent-initiated conversations
How to Set It Up
Before You Start
Make sure WhatsApp is enabled and set up in your Enrollio account. For business-initiated conversations, you'll need approved WhatsApp message templates.
[SCREENSHOT: WhatsApp settings page in Enrollio showing enabled status and template library]
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the Action: In your automation builder, click to add a new action and select "WhatsApp" from the communication actions.
- Name Your Action: Give it a clear name like "Send Tour Reminder" or "Enrollment Confirmation Message."
- Choose Message Type: Select "WhatsApp Template" to use a pre-approved template. This is required for messages sent outside the 24-hour conversation window.
- Select Your Template: Choose from your approved templates. Make sure the template matches your communication goal.
- Customize Variables: Fill in any dynamic fields like parent name, child name, or appointment details. These pull from your family's contact information automatically.
- Save and Activate: Save your action and activate the automation to start sending WhatsApp messages based on your triggers.
[SCREENSHOT: Automation builder showing WhatsApp action configuration with template selection and variable fields]
Important Things to Know
Free Entry Point Conversations
When a parent responds to your WhatsApp message, it opens a 72-hour window where you can send free-form or template messages at no additional cost. This is great for back-and-forth conversations about enrollment questions or tour scheduling.
Do Not Disturb Settings
You can set up Do Not Disturb preferences for WhatsApp to respect families who opt out or prefer not to receive messages during certain times.
Example: Tour Reminder Automation
Let's say you want to send a WhatsApp reminder to families 24 hours before their scheduled tour.
Automation Setup
- Trigger: Tour scheduled (24 hours before start time)
- Action: WhatsApp Send Message
- Action Name: "Send WhatsApp Tour Reminder"
- Message Type: Template - Tour Reminder
- Template Content: "Hi {{parent.first_name}}, this is a friendly reminder about your tour at [Center Name] tomorrow at {{tour.start_time}}. We're looking forward to meeting you and {{child.first_name}}! Reply if you have any questions."
What Happens
The parent automatically receives a personalized WhatsApp message 24 hours before their tour. If they reply with questions, you can continue the conversation naturally within the 72-hour window.
[SCREENSHOT: Example WhatsApp message as it appears on a parent's phone, showing personalized tour reminder]
Common Use Cases for Childcare
- Tour confirmations and reminders
- Enrollment status updates
- Waitlist notifications when spots open up
- Quick schedule changes or closures
- Payment reminders
- Photo day or special event reminders
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