Summary

Want to send automatic WhatsApp notifications when a new lead is created in Zoho CRM? This guide walks you through setting up a workflow rule using Wati's WhatsApp integration. You'll learn how to trigger template-based messages with dynamic variables (like names or meeting links) without manual effort.

Prerequisite: A Zoho Professional Plan (or higher) to access workflow rules.

Instructions

Prefer a visual guide? Watch our step-by-step video.

Steps to Set Up Automated WhatsApp Messaging

1. Create a Workflow Rule

Go to Zoho CRM → Settings → Workflow Rules.
Click Create Rule.
Select Lead as the module and name your rule (e.g., "New Lead WhatsApp Alert").

2. Configure Triggers and Conditions

Under When, choose Record Creation or another trigger (e.g., when a lead's status changes).
Set conditions if needed (e.g., only for leads from a specific source).

3. Add a Custom Function

Under Actions, select Function → Write your own.
Click Edit Arguments and add:
- A mandatory argument named number (map this to the lead's phone number field).
- Additional arguments for template variables (e.g., name, meeting_type).

Example: If your WhatsApp template says "Hi ####{{name}}, your ####{{meeting_type}} is confirmed!", add name and meeting_type as arguments.

4. Generate and Paste the Script

Use this script generator tool (link placeholder) to create a Deluge script for Wati.
Copy the generated script and paste it into the function body.

5. Test and Save

Click Save & Execute to test the function.
Confirm the WhatsApp message is delivered correctly to a test number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions

1. What is the purpose of setting up automated WhatsApp messaging in Zoho CRM?

→ Automated WhatsApp messaging allows you to send template-based messages to new leads in Zoho CRM without manual effort. Messages can include dynamic details like names or meeting links.

2. What Zoho CRM plan is required to create workflow-based WhatsApp notifications?

→ You need a Zoho CRM Professional Plan or higher to access and use workflow rules for automation.

Setup and Configuration

3. Where do I create a workflow rule in Zoho CRM?

→ Go to Zoho CRM → Settings → Workflow Rules. Click on Create Rule and select the Lead module.

4. What triggers can I use to send WhatsApp messages?

→ You can trigger WhatsApp messages when a record is created or when specific conditions are met, such as a lead's status changes.

5. What is a custom function in Zoho CRM workflows?

→ A custom function is a piece of code (Deluge script) added to a workflow rule that allows Zoho CRM to send automated WhatsApp messages through Wati.

6. What arguments should I add to the custom function?

→ At a minimum, add:

A mandatory argument named number (mapped to the lead's phone number).
Any additional arguments that match variables in your WhatsApp template (e.g., name, meeting_type).

7. How do I generate the Deluge script needed for WhatsApp automation?

→ Use the provided script generator tool (link placeholder in the guide) to create the script, then copy and paste it into the custom function body.

Testing and Troubleshooting

8. How do I test if the automated WhatsApp message is working?

→ After saving the function, use the "Save & Execute" option to test. Send a test lead to confirm the message is delivered correctly to the target WhatsApp number.