When a lead ignores your first message, a timely WhatsApp follow-up is often all it takes to revive the conversation and clinch the sale. Yet doing it manually doesn’t scale.
In this guide you’ll discover exactly how to automate follow-ups on WhatsApp with AiSensy, so every prospect or customer receives the right nudge at the right moment.
At a Glance
Introduction to Follow-ups on WhatsApp
Examples of Effective WhatsApp Follow-ups
Ways to Automate WhatsApp Follow-ups with AiSensy
1. With API-Triggered Campaigns
2. Building Chatbots with Flow Builder
3. Integrating with E-commerce Platforms
4. Using Broadcasts and Segmentation
Conclusion
FAQ
What it is: Understanding Automated WhatsApp Follow-ups
Automated WhatsApp follow-ups refer to the process of sending pre-scheduled or trigger-based messages to your contacts on WhatsApp without manual intervention.
These messages can serve various purposes, from reminding customers about abandoned carts to sending post-purchase feedback requests or sharing updates. The goal is to maintain engagement, drive desired actions, and provide a seamless customer experience.
Manual follow-ups on WhatsApp can be time-consuming and prone to human error, especially as your business scales. WhatsApp automation, however, ensures consistency, timeliness, and efficiency, allowing your team to focus on more complex tasks. It's about being present and responsive for your customers, exactly when they need you.
Examples of Effective WhatsApp Follow-ups
To truly grasp the power of automated WhatsApp follow-ups, let's look at some real-world scenarios where they make a significant difference:
1. Abandoned Cart Reminders:
A customer adds items to their cart on your e-commerce site but doesn't complete the purchase. An automated WhatsApp follow-up can send a friendly reminder, perhaps with a small discount, to encourage them to complete their order.
“Hey {{name}}, noticed you left {{product_name}} behind. Grab it now with free shipping: {{checkout_url}}."
2. Payment Pending / COD Verification:
A customer has chosen Cash on Delivery (COD) but hasn't confirmed the order, or a payment link has expired. A WhatsApp follow-up can secure the confirmation needed to ship the product.
“Kind reminder: your COD order #{{order_id}} awaits confirmation. CTA 1: Confirm order. CTA 2: Cancel.”
3. Post-Purchase Feedback Requests:
After a customer receives their product, a follow-up message can be sent to ask for their feedback or review. This helps in gathering valuable insights and improving customer satisfaction.
"Hi {{name}}, thanks for your recent purchase of {{product_name}}! We'd love to know what you think. Could you spare a moment to leave a review? {{review_link}}"
4. Service Appointment Reminders:
For service-based businesses, automated reminders for upcoming appointments can significantly reduce no-shows.
"Hello {{name}}, this is a friendly reminder of your appointment with {{service_provider}} on {{date}} at {{time}}. Please reply 'YES' to confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you!"
5. Webinar/Event Reminders:
Boost your Event & Webinar attendance with WhatsApp. If someone registers for a webinar or event, a series of follow-up messages can be scheduled to remind them of the date, time, and how to join.
“Hi {{name}}, our webinar starts in 1 hour. Join here: {{join_link}}. See you soon!”
6. Subscription Renewal Alerts:
For subscription services, a timely reminder before renewal ensures continuity and reduces churn.
"Hi {{name}}, your subscription for {{service_name}} is set to renew on {{date}}. To ensure uninterrupted access, please review your details here: {{renewal_link}}. Thanks for being with us!"
7. Lead Nurturing in Real Estate:
After a potential buyer inquires about a property via WhatsApp, a follow-up message could share virtual tour links or book a site visit:
"Hello {{name}}! Thanks for your interest in our downtown apartments. Here's a quick tour—when would you like to visit?"
8. Healthcare Appointment Follow-Ups:
Clinics can enhance appointment scheduling, boost patient communication, and deliver real-time medical support with AiSensy's powerful WhatsApp automation.
Use WhatsApp to trigger Healthcare follow-up messages like:
"Your check-up is tomorrow at 10 AM. Reply 'Confirm' or 'Reschedule'."
9. Lead Nurturing Sequences:
After an initial inquiry, a series of automated messages can provide more information, answer common questions, and guide the lead through the sales funnel.
"Hi {{name}}, following up on your interest in {{product/service}}. Here is a short guide that explains how it can help you achieve {{benefit}}: {{guide_link}}. Do you have 15 minutes for a quick chat tomorrow?"
These examples highlight how a strategic WhatsApp follow-up can transform customer interactions and drive business objectives.
Ways to Automate WhatsApp Follow-ups with AiSensy
AiSensy offers multiple powerful avenues to automate your follow-ups on WhatsApp, tailored to different business needs and technical capabilities.
Before we proceed, keep in mind: for any of these scenarios, it's mandatory to get your WhatsApp Business API number live and prior approval for WhatsApp Template Messages via the AiSensy platform. These templates are mandatory for sending automated message sequences due to WhatsApp API rules.
Learn More: How to Apply for WhatsApp Business API
Learn More: How to create WhatsApp Template Messages in AiSensy?
1. Using API Campaigns for Triggered Notifications
AiSensy's API campaigns are the backbone for automating WhatsApp follow-ups directly from your CRM or other third-party systems. This triggers messages based on user actions, like form submissions or purchases, for timely follow-up on WhatsApp.
Here's how to set it up:
- Log in to your AiSensy dashboard.
- Go to Campaigns > +Launch > API Campaign.
- Name your campaign, choose a pre-approved WhatsApp template, and set it live.
- Use the API endpoint (POST https://backend.aisensy.com/campaign/t1/api/v2) to send messages programmatically.
In your code, fill a JSON payload with essentials like apiKey (from your dashboard), campaignName, destination (user's phone number, e.g., +917428526285), userName, and optional fields like templateParams for custom content.
Example: If a user leaves a lead form incomplete, send an automated WhatsApp follow-up: "Hi [UserName], we saw your interest in our services—here's more details!"
Benefits: Enjoy high open rates (up to 98%), easy CRM connections (like HubSpot), and response tracking. Many businesses see 30-50% more lead conversions with these targeted WhatsApp follow-ups.
For full details, check AiSensy's API Documentation. AiSensy even auto-creates contacts for new users, helping you grow your list effortlessly.
2. Building Chatbots with Flow Builder for Interactive Follow-Ups
AiSensy's Drag & Drop Chatbot Flow Builder is a game-changer for creating interactive and automated WhatsApp follow-ups without writing a single line of code.
Steps to get started:
- Unlock Flow Builder in your AiSensy account (includes a 14-day free trial).
- Navigate to Flow Builder > Create Flow.
- Drag and drop elements like text messages, lists, questions, or buttons onto the canvas.
- Connect them with threads to build the logic.
Example: Design a flow that spots inactivity (e.g., no reply in 24 hours) and sends a follow-up: "Haven't heard back—still interested? Reply 'Yes' for more info." You can also capture data, like saving responses to attributes (e.g., "companyname"), or pull in external info via API.
Benefits: No coding needed, supports multiple languages, and runs 24/7. Users often generate 5x more leads through these automated WhatsApp follow-ups.
Learn more with AiSensy's Flow Builder Guide.
Tip: Link to Click-to-WhatsApp ads for smooth ad-to-follow-up flows, with support for up to 20 ads per chatbot.
3. Integrating with E-commerce Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce
AiSensy connects smoothly with e-commerce tools like Shopify to automate WhatsApp follow-ups, especially for recovering abandoned carts. This helps turn lost sales into wins through targeted follow-up on WhatsApp.
Setup steps:
- In Shopify admin, go to Apps > Search "AiSensy WhatsApp Marketing."
- Install, confirm permissions, and pay the $1 setup fee.
- AiSensy will sync your store data automatically.
Set triggers in AiSensy for events like cart abandonment, timing messages for optimal impact.
Example: Send: "Hi [Name], your items are still in your cart! Use code RECOVER10 for 10% off and finish now."
Benefits: Real-time alerts, data-driven personalization, and analytics show 20-30% cart recovery rates. Works with WooCommerce and others too.
For a full tutorial, visit AiSensy's Shopify Integration Guide. Combine with chatbots for even more interactive WhatsApp follow-ups.
4. Use Broadcasts and Segmentation for Smarter Follow-ups
With AiSensy, you can easily segment your audience by factors like purchase history, engagement level, or demographics — and send follow-up broadcasts tailored to each group. Even better, you can schedule your WhatsApp broadcasts up to 2 months in advance, so every message goes out at the perfect time, completely hands-free.
Instead of sending one-size-fits-all messages, create personalized follow-ups that actually resonate. For example, share a new product update with customers who’ve bought similar items before, or send a reactivation message to users who’ve been inactive for a while.
This level of targeting and automation turns WhatsApp follow-ups into a powerful growth tool — boosting engagement, conversions, and long-term customer loyalty. With AiSensy, your follow-ups practically run themselves.
Conclusion
Automating follow-ups on WhatsApp with AiSensy isn't just about saving time—it's about creating meaningful, timely interactions that build trust and drive results.
From API-triggered notifications to interactive chatbots and targeted broadcasts, AiSensy provides the tools to scale your WhatsApp follow-up strategy effortlessly. Businesses using these features often see higher conversion rates, better customer retention, and improved overall engagement.
Start automating and your WhatsApp follow-ups today with AiSensy and experience the difference! Create a free account.
FAQs
WhatsApp follow-ups are subsequent messages sent after an initial interaction to nurture leads, remind users, or provide updates. Automating them with AiSensy ensures they're timely and personalized, enhancing your follow-up on WhatsApp strategy.
Automation saves time, reduces errors, and scales easily. With AiSensy, you can achieve up to 98% open rates for WhatsApp follow-ups, leading to better engagement and conversions compared to manual methods.
First, apply for the WhatsApp Business API through AiSensy. Then, create approved templates and choose a method like API campaigns or Flow Builder. AiSensy offers a 14-day free trial for features like chatbots—sign up here: https://app.aisensy.com/register.
Yes, AiSensy uses the official WhatsApp Business API, ensuring all automated WhatsApp follow-ups comply with policies. You must use pre-approved templates for messages outside the 24-hour window.
AiSensy integrates with over 2,000+ tools, including Shopify, WooCommerce, HubSpot, and more. This allows seamless automation of follow-ups on WhatsApp based on data from your CRM or e-commerce platform.
AiSensy offers flexible pricing starting from basic plans. There's a $1 setup fee for some integrations like Shopify, and advanced features like Flow Builder may require an add-on. Check AiSensy's pricing: https://www.aisensy.com/pricing for details.
Absolutely! Use variables like {{name}} or {{order_id}} in templates, and segment audiences for targeted follow-ups on WhatsApp. This personalization boosts response rates significantly.
AiSensy's Request Intervention feature lets you escalate chats from automated flows to live agents, creating a hybrid approach for complex follow-up on WhatsApp scenarios.