Is using WhatsApp Interactive Messages expensive?

No, WhatsApp Interactive Messages are cost-effective compared to traditional SMS or email marketing. You only pay for the messages you send, and the high engagement rates ensure better ROI for your business.

What if my customers don’t respond within 24 hours?

If a customer doesn’t respond within 24 hours, you can still re-engage them using WhatsApp template messages, which require pre-approval from Meta. With Sleekflow, you can automate this process to get conversations started.

Do I need technical expertise to set up WhatsApp interactive messages?

Not at all! SleekFlow’s user-friendly platform allows businesses to create and customise interactive messages without any coding knowledge. The intuitive template manager makes it easy to set up and automate responses in just a few clicks.

Will my customers find interactive messages spammy or intrusive?

No, since WhatsApp messages are opt-in-based, they are not as intrusive as other forms of marketing. You can also personalise the message for each user to resonate more with them. The user-friendliness of interactive messages reduces friction for recipients, thus improving conversion rates.

What if my business has multiple locations?

WhatsApp interactive messages are perfect for multi-location businesses. You can set up list messages to allow customers to choose their preferred outlet, reducing miscommunication and streamlining reservations.

WhatsApp Interactive Messages for Better Engagement

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most active regions for WhatsApp usage. In Singapore alone, 83.2% of the population uses WhatsApp as their primary messaging app. Malaysia and Indonesia see even higher penetration rates at 93.2% and 86.4%, respectively.

Research also shows that businesses leveraging WhatsApp interactive features, such as quick replies and call-to-action (CTA) buttons, experience significantly higher engagement and conversion rates. For example, WhatsApp business messages boast a 95% read rate, far surpassing traditional email open rates.

What Are WhatsApp Interactive Messages?

Interactive messages enable businesses to enhance conversations with structured and actionable elements. These work best in conjunction with a WhatsApp chatbot, as it allows customers to reply in just a single click after clicking on the chatbot.Unsure of how to create one? Learn how to create a WhatsApp chatbot for your business in our definitive guide.

There are two main types of interactive messages—List Messages and Quick Reply.

Things to note when using Interactive Messages

Your customers can only choose one option from either List Message or Quick Reply Buttons, and they can go back and reopen the previous message.
Interactive Messages can only be sent within 24 hours from the last message from your customer, otherwise, a template message is required.
iOS, Android, and Websites all support Interactive Messages.

Types of interactive messages

List messages

differences between text messages and list message or reply button

A list message can contain up to 10 options for your customer to choose from. You can customise the content of each option, such as title, menu content, and more. This makes it extremely convenient for your customers to choose and reply instantly with only a simple click. As a business, you will be able to let customers access information quickly based on their options - no more manual copying and pasting!

List messages are most suitable for the following situations:

FAQ menu
Selection of nearby shops and locations
Available reservation time slots
Choosing a recent order to repeat

Chat buttons

Chat buttons allow your customers to reply with one click. For SleekFlow users, there are two chat buttons you can use, namely the Quick Reply button and the Call-to-action CTA button. Below is a table summarising their differences:

Quick reply button	`Call-to-action CTA button`
Up to 3 buttons can be embedded into one message.	Only one can be embedded into one message.
The buttons are generally short answers. It aims to trigger some “quick replies” to cater to the FAQs.	The button will be a link. The action in this “call-to-action” button is to direct your customer to a specific website.
Example use case: It can be the first greeting message to your customer. For example: “Hi, thanks for contacting us! What’s your preferred language?” Then two buttons, “Chinese,” “English”, could be the answer choices. or “What’s the expected campaign started date?” The answer could be “immediately,” “in a month,” “in a quarter.” It is instrumental in qualifying/ prioritizing leads and handling the primary inquiry. The above gif is an example of a quick reply.	Example use case: It can be an abandoned shopping cart reminder. The link, of course, will be redirected to the checkout page! Yes. The use case is as simple as that.

Chat buttons are most suitable for the following situations:

Abandoned cart reminders
Supplementary questions
Changing personal information
Re-order
Requesting a return
Choosing the payment method

Examples of interactive messages from SleekFlow customers

Want to begin using interactive messages on WhatsApp to generate even more qualified leads?

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CATS College’s personalised WhatsApp marketing messages

International College of Creative Arts Technology (CATS College), a higher education institution in Malaysia, broadcasts WhatsApp campaign messages with interactive chat buttons to reach out to prospective students.

example of cats college using whatsapp interactive message

In October 2023, CATS College targeted prospective students who did not secure places in public universities, highlighting their advanced programmes and encouraging them to explore alternative opportunities. SleekFlow’s solution enabled them to sieve through responses from top funnel awareness right down to the consideration stage in just minutes.

Cutt & Grill’s interactive message for bookings and enquiries

Cutt & Grill, a steakhouse in Indonesia, uses WhatsApp interactive messages to streamline customer interactions. Customers can make reservations, chat with a host, or inquire about different outlets via structured options.

example of cutt&grill using whatsapp interactive message

Previously, the steakhouse relied on a manual reservation process, however, with five branches spread across Jakarta, consolidating all inquiries and reservations was a challenge. With interactive messages, Cutt & Grill can automate this process, reducing administrative workload and ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Intriq Journey’s personalised event broadcasts

intriq journey using whatsapp interactive message for event broadcast

Intriq Journey, a bespoke luxury travel expert in Singapore, uses SleekFlow to send WhatsApp interactive messages to their marketing list. To re-engage over 3,000 previous travellers to join an exclusive wildlife event, the travel agency sent personalised messages with interactive chat buttons. This format allows customers to respond quickly with just one click and prompts them to visit the website or call for more information.

How to set up a WhatsApp interactive message template using SleekFlow?

Setting up a WhatsApp interactive message template on SleekFlow is relatively straightforward, as with all other functions of the platform. Here’s a video showing you how!

Go to settings.
Look for the template manager for WhatsApp templates.
Create a new template.
Fill in the fields, including Template name, Category, Button Type, Message and Button text.
Save and publish the template.