As a business, WhatsApp can be an extremely effective and highly rewarding platform to work with. But as you begin using it more, eventually you will need to find a way to keep your data streamlined.
This is where integrating Google Sheets with WhatsApp can help you. In this post we will take a detailed look at how you can send WhatsApp messages from Google Sheets and its impact.
Is it possible to send WhatsApp messages from Google Sheets?
Yes, it is possible to connect Google Sheets to WhatsApp to handle your data in a more streamlined way. You can do this in the following ways:
1. Using Google Sheet WhatsApp Extension
If you’re using a WhatsApp Business API solution provider like Interakt, integrating with Google Sheets is even easier. All you need to do is log in to your Gmail account and go to Google Sheets, click on Extensions and head over to Get Add-ons.
Simply search for ‘Interakt’ in the Extensions available. Then tap on the ‘WhatsApp sender – Jio Haptik Technologies Ltd’ and install it. Once you’ve downloaded the extension, configure your account to get started with the integration.
For a detailed step-by-step on the process, read this post.
2. Using third-party integration
You can also leverage Google Sheets to WhatsApp automation by using third-party automation tools such as Zapier or Integromat.
Zapier has a variety of integrations allowing you to connect Google Sheets with WhatsApp. Integromat, now known as Make, allows you to create different scenarios that enable the automation of a lot of tasks between WhatsApp and Google Sheets.
3. Using Python and APIs
For those who prefer coding for Google Sheets to WhatsApp automation, Python is a great way to go about it. Using Python along with APIs such as gspread, you can read data from Google Sheets and send messages with the WhatsApp API. By combining the steps with Google Spreadsheets API and WhatsApp API with a Python script, you can automate the whole process of sending messages based on data from your Google Sheet.
Top use cases of Google Sheets to WhatsApp integration
WhatsApp to Google Sheets integration can be used in a lot of ways that can benefit your business greatly. Here are some of the top Google Sheets to WhatsApp integration use cases:
1. Automated notifications and alerts
The enabling of timely updates to customers is one of the primary reasons behind businesses preferring WhatsApp. Combining WhatsApp and Google Sheets can only make this process more effective. Each time a new row is added to the Google Sheet, you can automatically send timely order confirmations to customers.
Google Sheets to WhatsApp integration also lets you send appointment reminders, due and overdue payment reminders and more based on the data listed in the sheet.
2. Customer support and service
You can send WhatsApp messages from Google Sheets automatically to customers for diverse customer support and service-related communication. Customers can easily be updated on the status of the support tickets they have opened.
You can also seamlessly request and collect feedback after a purchase or after an issue resolution with automated messages. Google Sheets to WhatsApp automation also lets you provide accurate real-time updates about customers’ order, delivery and shipment status.
3. Promotions and Marketing
Another major use case of integrating WhatsApp to Google Sheets is to send engaging marketing and promotional messages to customers. You can send event invitations that are personalized to the contacts listed in the Google Sheet and by doing so manage to always remain relevant to the customer.
You can also seamlessly share special offers, discounts and promotional content to your customers from Google Sheets. The integration also makes sending regular updates, new product launch alerts and distribution of newsletters much more efficient, timely and streamlined.
4. Internal team communication
One of the most common and most effective use cases of Google Sheets to WhatsApp integration is to carry out streamlined and effective internal team communication. Team members can be notified about new tasks or any changes or updates to existing tasks, making task assignments simpler and more efficient.
In a similar manner you can also send deadlines and meeting reminders as well as project progress updates to keep the team well informed.
Prerequisites to send WhatsApp messages from Google Sheets
These are the three key prerequisites you need to be able to WhatsApp messages from Google Sheets:
• WhatsApp Business API access
In order to be able to send WhatsApp messages from Google Sheets one of the major prerequisites is to get WhatsApp Business API. For this sign up with a Business Solution Provider, verify your business and number and obtain WhatsApp Business API credentials.
• Google Sheets
Besides the WhatsApp Business API, you must create or prepare your Google Sheet and add in all the necessary details. You should also include the recipient’s name as well as the phone number with the area code in the spreadsheets.
• WhatsApp Message templates
The last key prerequisite after WhatsApp API and Google Sheet, is the message itself. Prepare dynamic WhatsApp message templates that are to be sent to your customers.
Conclusion
The Google Sheets to WhatsApp integration is key if you’re running multiple campaigns to acquire, engage and retain your customers. But it works only when you get the set up right and that’s why it’s important to work with a WhatsApp Business API solution.
Want to explore the use cases of Google Sheets to WhatsApp?
