Lead Hero Custom WhatsApp Integration
Third-Party, Non-Meta-Approved Integration
Our custom WhatsApp integration replaces SMS completely—eliminating SMS fees—by routing all communication through WhatsApp. While SMS functionality will be disabled, you’ll still retain full access to your phone system for inbound and outbound calls.
✅ Key Benefits
- No SMS costs – all messaging handled via WhatsApp
- More flexibility – no Meta template approvals, no 24-hour message window
- Conversational freedom – send personalised messages without restrictions
⚠️ Considerations & Risks
- Not Meta-approved – this is a third-party solution. If misused (e.g. mass messaging/spam), WhatsApp may restrict or block the number.
- We’ve seen one account temporarily restricted after sending high volumes of AI-driven automation while scaling ad spend (£200k/month). Prior to that, the same setup ran smoothly for over 6 months. The number was reinstated within 24 hours.
🔒 Best Practices to Avoid Blocking
WhatsApp flags accounts that behave like bots. To reduce the risk of restriction:
General Recommendations:
- Always warm up your number before bulk messaging. >>> Start by using Lead Hero to message your existing customers in a natural, conversational way—where replies are expected and the interaction feels personal.
- See Meta’s official guidelines on avoiding blocks and policy violations.
- Avoid sending too many messages at once
- Use “Drip Mode” (5–8 messages per minute is safe)
- Add contacts to your phone before messaging
- Encourage contacts to reply or save your number
- Don’t use spammy or irrelevant content
Line Warm-Up Steps:
- Send/receive manual messages to/from a few contacts
- Delay automation for a few days
- Start slow (e.g. 1 message/minute) and gradually increase volume
- Join group chats to stimulate natural engagement
🔁 Scaling Up Safely
- Use drip mode when sending to larger lists
- Balance automated and manual replies to appear more “human”
- Stick to WhatsApp’s Business and Commerce Policies
- Ensure recipients opt-in and messages are useful and personalised
🚨 What If My Number Gets Blocked?
If your number is restricted:
- Go to WhatsApp on the device
- Tap “Request Review”
- Clearly explain why unblocking is important for your business
- Most cases are resolved within 24 hours
Disclaimer
This is a third-party integration and not officially supported by Meta. While we follow best practices, we cannot guarantee that your number will never be restricted.
If you require full compliance and protection, you may consider using WhatsApp’s official API, but be aware of its limitations:
- Higher costs and hidden fees (e.g. via Twilio)
- Limited ability to initiate conversations
- 24-hour reply windows
- Requirement to use pre-approved message templates
- You lose access to the number on your phone (must be fully removed from WhatsApp mobile)