Summary
Maintaining a high-quality messaging rating and avoiding being blocked by WhatsApp requires giving users control over their messaging preferences. Allowing users to stop messages and resubscribe ensures compliance with WhatsApp’s best practices.
Instructions
Steps to enable Stop flow
Step 1: Add a Stop Button to Template Messages
Go to Templates in your Wati portal.
Edit the template you want to use for messaging.
Add a quick reply button labeled "Stop" (or your preferred keyword). Example: A quick reply button at the bottom of your template reading “Stop”.
Save the template.
Tip: You can also include a footer text like “Reply Stop to stop receiving messages from us.”
Step 2: Enable the rule “Unsubscribe from broadcast” available under Rules
Navigate to Automation → Rules in your Wati account.
Under Rules you should see a built-in rule called Unsubscribe from broadcast.
Edit the rule and under Filter conditions, remove the keyword Unsubscribe.
Enable the rule.
Note: If you are using the keyword Unsubscribe in your template message, then remove the keyword Stop from the Filter condition of the Unsubscribe from broadcast rule.
Unsubscribe from broadcast rule is available by default for new customers only. If you are an old customer and don’t see the Unsubscribe from broadcast rule, don’t worry. It’s quite simple to create a new rule.
Follow these steps to create a new rule for unsubscribe:
Step 1: Create a Unsubscribe reply material
Go to Automation → Reply Material under Action Library.
Select Contact Attributes.
Click on Add to add a new reply material of type Contact Attribute.
Enter Unsubscribe under the material name.
Under Attribute, select Allow Broadcast and set it to False.
Click on Save.
Step 2: Create a "Unsubscribe from broadcast" automation rule
Go to Automations → Rules.
Click on Create Rules button.
Give an appropriate name to the rule such as Unsubscribe from broadcast.
Select New WhatsApp message received.
Under Filter add a condition and select Incoming message matches keyword rule.
Select the Matching method as Exactly matches.
Under Keyword(s) - add Unsubscribe or Stop depending on the keyword you are using in your template message.
Under Actions select Update contact attribute and select Unsubscribe reply material you just created.
Save changes and enable the rule.
How users can unsubscribe
Unsubscribing is simple! Users just need to type "STOP" in response to any message.
Once they send the "STOP" keyword, they will receive an automatic confirmation message.
Their AllowBroadcast setting will be updated to FALSE, ensuring they no longer receive future messages from WATI.
How users can resubscribe
Rejoining is just as easy! Users can type "START" to resubscribe.
After sending "START", they will receive an auto-reply confirming their subscription.
Their AllowBroadcast setting will be updated to TRUE, allowing them to receive messages from WATI again.
This quick opt-in and opt-out process ensures users have full control over their messaging preferences.
Best Practices
Use clear, easy-to-understand stop wording. Include both a quick reply button and footer text to improve visibility. Regularly test your stop and resubscribe flows to avoid accidental blocks or user complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
1. Why is it important to allow users to stop messages?
It helps maintain high-quality messaging status, reduces the risk of being blocked, and ensures compliance with WhatsApp best practices.
2. Can I choose a different keyword for stopping messages?
Yes, you can replace “Stop” with any keyword. Make sure to update the keyword action settings accordingly.
Stopping Messages
3. How can users stop receiving messages?
Users can stop messages by pressing the Stop button or replying with your chosen keyword.
4. What happens after a user stops messages?
They receive an automatic confirmation message, and their AllowBroadcast attribute is updated to FALSE, stopping future messages.
5. Can I add a stop option to message templates?
Yes. Include a footer message or quick reply button labeled “Stop” for easier access.
Subscribing Back to Messages
6. How can users resubscribe after stopping messages?
Users reply with the keyword "START" to any message.
7. What happens after a user resubscribes?
They receive a confirmation message, and their AllowBroadcast attribute is set to TRUE, allowing messages again.