How to Send Automated WhatsApp Messages on WP Form Submission

Automating WhatsApp messages upon WP Form submission is a great way to enhance customer engagement. Whether you want to send a thank-you message, a confirmation, or follow-up details, this integration ensures quick and efficient communication.

This guide will walk you through setting up automated WhatsApp messages using WPForms and WhatChimp in a few simple step.

Table of Contents #

1. Install WPForms Webhook Add-on
2. Create a Message Template
3. Create a Webhook Workflow Campaign
4. Create a WP Form and Add the Callback URL
5. Send Sample Data and Map the Workflow
6. FAQs

Prerequisites #

Before getting started, ensure you have the following:

• WPForms Pro (the free version does not support webhooks)
• Webhooks Addon installed and activated in WPForms
• A WhatsApp Business Account connected to WhatChimp
• An Approved Message Template from Meta
• A WhatChimp Account to set up the automation

 1: Install WPForms Webhook Add-on #

• Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
• Navigate to WPForms > Addons.
• Find Webhooks Addon, install, and activate it.

This add-on allows WPForms to send data to external services like WhatChimp via webhooks.

 2: Create a Message Template #

Meta requires an approved Message Template to initiate a business message on WhatsApp. Follow these steps to create one or check here for a guide:

• Go to WhatChimp Dashboard > WhatsApp Bot Manager > Message Template.
• Click Create, then choose General Template.
• Provide a Template Name, Locale, Category, and Header Type.
• Write the Message Body.
• (Optional) Add Call to Action or Quick Reply buttons.
• Save the template and click Sync Template.
• Once Meta approves the template, it will be available for use.

 3: Create a Webhook Workflow Campaign #

• In WhatChimp Dashboard, go to Webhook Workflow.
• Click Create and enter a Workflow Name.
• Select the WhatsApp Account and the Message Template to use.
• Click Create Workflow.
• Copy the Webhook Callback URL provided (you’ll need this in WPForms).

Important: Keep this window open, as the campaign is not yet complete.

 4: Create a WP Form and Add the Callback URL #

• In WordPress Dashboard, navigate to WPForms > Add New.
• Name your form and select a Template.
• Add a Phone Number field to the form.
• Go to WPForms Settings > Webhooks and enable it.
• Paste the Webhook Callback URL from WhatChimp into the Requested URL field.
• Set Request Method to POST.
• Under Request Body, map form fields to parameter keys:
  • Name
  • Email
  • Phone Number
  • Message
• Click Save.

 5: Send Sample Data and Map the Workflow #

• Fill out the WPForm once to generate sample data.
• Return to WhatChimp’s Webhook Workflow.
• Click Capture Webhook Response.
• Select the captured Phone Number field from raw data.
• Map other fields to corresponding Message Template Variables.
• Save the campaign.

By following these steps, you can set up an efficient automation system where WhatsApp messages are sent instantly upon WPForm submissions.

FAQs #

1. Do I need the WPForms Pro version?

Yes, the webhook functionality is only available in WPForms Pro.

2. How long does it take for Meta to approve a message template?

Approval can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours, depending on the content.

3. Can I send messages without using a template?

No, Meta requires an approved template for initiating messages to customers.

4. What happens if the webhook fails?

Check if the webhook URL is correct and ensure WPForms is correctly configured.