Are you tired of your email newsletters gathering dust in crowded inboxes? You’re not alone.
In recent industry benchmarks, email open rates hover between 30% and 40% for most businesses, with newsletters themselves averaging around 28%. Even worse, click-through rates rarely climb above 2–5%, meaning most messages fail to spark further engagement.
Now consider this: WhatsApp messages boast open rates well above 90%, with several studies reporting 98% reach and 40–70% click-through rates. That means every time you hit send, your message lands directly in front of your audience—almost guaranteed to be seen.
If you’re a B2B company using WhatsApp to communicate with clients, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what WhatsApp newsletters are, why they blow email engagement out of the water, how much they cost, and exactly how to send them like a pro.
What is WhatsApp newsletter?
WhatsApp newsletter is a recurring broadcast message sent via WhatsApp to a list of opted-in subscribers. Businesses and creators use it to share updates, news, offers, and content directly in their audience’s WhatsApp chats — similar to an email newsletter, but with much higher open and engagement rates.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Key Points About WhatsApp Newsletters
- Direct communication → Sent straight to your audience’s WhatsApp inbox, ensuring high visibility.
- Opt-in required → Users must subscribe to your updates, making it permission-based marketing.
- Supports rich media → You can include text, images, videos, PDFs, links, buttons, and catalogs.
- Personalized messaging → Unlike email, WhatsApp allows more conversational and engaging communication.
- Mass reach via broadcast → Send updates to thousands of users at once using WhatsApp Business API or WhatsApp Channels.
Example Use Cases
- E-commerce brands → Share new arrivals, discounts, and product launches.
- B2B companies → Send industry updates, event invites, and case studies.
- Content creators → Share blogs, videos, or podcast updates.
- News outlets → Deliver breaking news and trending stories instantly.
Why It’s Becoming Popular
- Higher open rates: WhatsApp newsletters enjoy 90–98% open rates, compared to 30–40% for emails.
- Better engagement: Click-through rates are often 5x higher than email campaigns.
- Preferred by users: People spend more time on WhatsApp than on email or social feeds.
Why Choose WhatsApp Newsletters Over Email in 2026
Email newsletters are becoming less effective. Most users ignore marketing emails, leave them unread in their inbox, or they end up in spam folders. WhatsApp newsletters, however, appear directly in the chat window, making them far more visible and engaging.
Here’s how WhatsApp performs compared to email:
| Aspect | WhatsApp Newsletters | Email Newsletters |
|---|---|---|
| Message Reach | Sent directly to personal chats | Often filtered into spam or promotions |
| Average Open Rate | Around 90% or higher | Typically 15–25% |
| Click Engagement | 40–60% of readers click links | Only 2–5% click links |
| User Experience | Interactive buttons, quick replies | Mostly static content with links |
| Delivery Speed | Instantly viewed in chat | May remain unread for hours or days |
Because WhatsApp messages feel personal and arrive where people chat most, they get opened faster, clicked more often, and drive better conversions than traditional email campaigns.
When and Why to Send WhatsApp Newsletters
Before sending a WhatsApp newsletter, focus on what’s valuable for your customers. The right timing and purpose make your message more engaging and impactful. Below are some effective use cases:
Welcome & Onboarding Messages
When a new user signs up, a WhatsApp newsletter is the perfect way to welcome them and guide them through the first steps. Include:
- Key setup instructions
- Quick tips for getting started
- Links to helpful resources
This approach builds a positive first impression and reduces early drop-offs.
Product Launches & Feature Announcements
Relying on email for updates often results in low visibility. With WhatsApp, your users get instant notifications about:
- New product launches
- Feature rollouts
- Service enhancements
You can also add a CTA button linking to demo videos or detailed release notes, ensuring better awareness and adoption.
Event Updates & Reminders
Hosting a webinar, workshop, or product launch? WhatsApp newsletters make it easy to:
- Send event invitations
- Share real-time updates
- Deliver last-minute reminders
Since messages land directly in the chat inbox, attendance rates increase significantly compared to traditional email reminders.
Loyalty Rewards & Exclusive Offers
Keep your existing customers engaged by using WhatsApp newsletters for:
- Special discounts
- Early access to promotions
- VIP-only content
This personalized communication helps strengthen relationships and boosts repeat purchases.
Personalized Account-Based Updates
For B2B businesses, WhatsApp newsletters are an effective way to nurture high-value accounts. You can send:
- Tailored content
- Relevant case studies
- Personalized nudges
This ensures you stay top-of-mind with decision-makers and move deals forward faster.
Sharing Valuable Content
If you regularly publish blogs, guides, or videos, WhatsApp newsletters are a great way to:
- Highlight your most useful content
- Keep customers informed
- Maintain brand visibility without being intrusive
Always make sure the shared content adds real value to your audience.
Educational Tips & Best Practices
Use newsletters to teach your customers how to get more from your product or service:
- Share how-to guides
- Offer workflow tips
- Provide quick solutions to common problems
This builds customer trust and positions your brand as a helpful partner.
Industry News & Expert Insights
Want to establish thought leadership? Share:
- Market trends
- Industry news
- Expert opinions
This approach works especially well for B2B audiences who want insights but don’t have time to research on their own.
WhatsApp Business App vs WhatsApp Business API for Sending Newsletters
If you’re just starting with WhatsApp newsletters, the WhatsApp Business app can work well in the beginning. However, it quickly becomes limiting as your audience grows. You can only send broadcasts to up to 256 contacts at a time, and those people must have saved your number to actually receive the message. On top of that, there’s no automation, no analytics, no scheduling, and no way for your team to work together on campaigns.
On the other hand, the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) gives you more control and flexibility. With tools like Rasayel, you can send newsletters to unlimited contacts, personalize messages, schedule campaigns, track performance in detail, and even collaborate with your team seamlessly.
Here’s an easy-to-understand comparison:
| Feature | WhatsApp Business App | WhatsApp Business Platform (API) |
|---|---|---|
| Contact limit | Up to 256 contacts per broadcast | No limit — reach thousands at once |
| Automation | Not available | Yes — send automated, timed campaigns |
| Scheduling | Not possible | Schedule newsletters in advance |
| Personalization | Basic — same message for everyone | Advanced — use dynamic templates and placeholders |
| Analytics | Limited — only delivered/read stats | Full insights — track opens, clicks, conversions |
| Team collaboration | Single-user only | Shared inbox, mentions, and task assignments |
If your business wants to scale, personalize communication, and track results effectively, the WhatsApp Business API is the smarter choice.
How to Set Up and Send a WhatsApp Newsletter (Step-by-Step Guide)
Sending newsletters on WhatsApp is one of the best ways to keep your audience engaged. The process is simple once you have the right setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Get Access to the WhatsApp Business Platform
If you want to send newsletters the professional way, you need the WhatsApp Business Platform (API).
- A personal WhatsApp account won’t work.
- The WhatsApp Business app is okay for small-scale messaging but too limited for newsletters.
Step 2: Pick an Official Meta Business Partner
To use the WhatsApp Business Platform, you’ll need to work with an official provider approved by Meta — also known as a Meta Business Partner.
- Tools like Rasayel make the process easier.
- They offer automation features, analytics, and expert support.
- Plus, they guide you on what works best for your business.
Step 3: Collect Customer Opt-ins
WhatsApp is strict about privacy. You must get explicit consent from people before sending them newsletters.
- Be transparent about what they’ll receive — whether it’s product updates, offers, or weekly tips.
- Clearly mention how often they’ll get messages.
- Add opt-in options via:
- Signup forms
- Checkout flows
- Checkboxes on your website
- Always keep a record of every consent for compliance.
Step 4: Create and Get Your Message Template Approved
Before sending newsletters, WhatsApp requires you to use approved templates to prevent spam.
- Create your message template using a provider like Rasayel.
- Keep your message clear, relevant, and valuable to your subscribers.
- The approval process is usually quick — often under 24 hours.
Step 5: Segment Your Audience
Not every subscriber wants the same thing. Group your audience based on:
- Interests (e.g., product categories)
- Location
- Customer journey stage
By segmenting, you can send personalized newsletters that feel more engaging and relevant.
Step 6: Send Your WhatsApp Newsletter
Once your template is approved and your audience is ready, it’s time to send your newsletter.
- Use your team inbox within Rasayel or another provider.
- Schedule your newsletters or send them instantly.
- Messages are delivered directly to your audience’s WhatsApp — where engagement is highest.
Step 7: Track and Analyze Performance
After sending your newsletter, monitor how it performs in real time.
- See how many messages were delivered, opened, or clicked.
- Review session insights like:
- Response times
- Team performance
- Peak engagement hours
Use these reports to refine future campaigns and improve results.
Best Practices for Sending WhatsApp Newsletters
To make sure your WhatsApp newsletters are actually read and not ignored, follow these tips:
- Avoid over-sending – Once a week is usually enough. Sending too frequently can annoy people and lead them to mute or block you.
- Get clear opt-in – Only send newsletters to people who’ve explicitly agreed to receive them.
- Keep it short and simple – Deliver your message in a clear, concise way so it’s easy to read and understand.
- Make it relevant – Segment your audience and send personalized updates based on their interests.
- Use buttons and links smartly – Add call-to-action buttons if you want users to read more, sign up, or shop.
- Test and improve – Monitor your reports to see which messages get opened or clicked, and use those insights to refine future campaigns.
WhatsApp Newsletter Costs Explained
WhatsApp charges on a per-message basis for outbound templates. This means each newsletter you send is billed individually depending on factors like message type, timing, and customer location. If you’re using a team inbox platform, there may also be an additional subscription fee.
What Affects WhatsApp Newsletter Costs
- Message Type – Marketing templates (including newsletters) are more expensive than utility or authentication templates.
- Region – Costs vary based on the location of your customers.
- Platform Fees – If you’re using a team inbox or third-party tool, you’ll need to factor in the subscription charges.
Example Cost Calculation
Sending 1,000 marketing newsletters per month in Saudi Arabia:
1,000 × $0.046 = $46 in WhatsApp messaging fees
+ any team inbox subscription charges
Final Words
WhatsApp newsletters are an excellent tool for keeping your audience engaged and building stronger relationships. They allow businesses to share updates, promotions, and valuable content directly with customers in a more personal and effective way.
However, it’s important to plan carefully by considering the message type, customer region, and platform fees to manage costs efficiently. By optimizing your templates, segmenting your audience, and sending relevant content, you can boost engagement while keeping expenses under control and maximizing your ROI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are WhatsApp newsletters free to send?
No, WhatsApp charges per outbound message template. Marketing templates, including newsletters, usually cost more than utility or authentication templates.
How often should I send WhatsApp newsletters?
Once a week is generally enough. Sending too many newsletters can lead to users muting or blocking your number.
Do I need user permission before sending newsletters?
Yes, WhatsApp requires opt-in consent. You should only send newsletters to users who have agreed to receive them.
Can I personalize WhatsApp newsletters?
Absolutely. You can segment your audience based on interests and preferences to make your newsletters more relevant and engaging.
How can I track the performance of my newsletters?
You can monitor metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversions through your WhatsApp Business Platform or team inbox analytics to improve future campaigns.
