Vishal Singhal 
The numbers are staggering – WhatsApp boasts over 2.5 billion users worldwide and achieves an impressive 98% open rate.
AWS SES WhatsApp campaigns can connect you with users across 100+ countries where WhatsApp dominates the messaging landscape. Traditional marketing channels face declining engagement rates. WhatsApp stands strong as a marketing powerhouse that businesses worldwide can’t ignore.
Setting up AWS SES with WhatsApp can be tricky without platforms like Netcore. This piece guides you through each step of the process. You’ll learn everything from simple AWS SES integration to advanced WhatsApp campaign techniques.
Let’s tuck into the ways you can utilize WhatsApp marketing tools through AWS SES. Your business can reach 2.3 billion active users and achieve the engagement rates it deserves.
Step 1: Set Up Your AWS SES Account
Create and verify your AWS account
You’ll need an active AWS account to integrate WhatsApp campaigns with AWS SES. The AWS Management Console lets you create an account and manage all AWS services. Your registration provides access to essential tools that build WhatsApp marketing infrastructure.
Enable Amazon SES in your region
Each AWS Region has its own email address and domain verification status. Your verified domain in one region (like US West) won’t work in another region (such as US East) until you complete another verification. The Easy DKIM service requires you to generate and add CNAME records in each region where you plan to use the service.
Verify sender email or domain
AWS SES requires proof that you own the email address or domain before sending any emails. Domain verification is recommended because it lets you send from any subdomain or email address without individual verification. Each region allows verification of up to 10,000 identities.
AWS sends a verification link that expires in 24 hours for email verification. Domain verification needs specific DNS records to prove ownership. Your account’s sandbox mode requires verification of recipient email addresses too.
Step 2: Choose a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider
The right WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) plays a vital role in running successful aws ses whatsapp campaigns.
Understand the role of BSPs
BSPs act as Meta-approved intermediaries that connect businesses to the WhatsApp Business API. These providers handle all technical aspects of WhatsApp integration so you can focus on creating powerful messaging strategies. The ecosystem has three distinct provider types: Solution Partners, Tech Providers, and Tech Partners. Solution Partners deliver detailed services with credit lines and direct invoicing options. Tech Providers need businesses to use their own payment methods.
Compare top BSPs for WhatsApp API access
Your whatsapp campaign management success depends on picking the right BSP. Here’s what you should think over:
- Authorization status – Stick to official WhatsApp BSPs to protect your account from bans
- Integration capabilities – BSPs with smooth CRM integration can boost your sales by 29%
- Onboarding efficiency – Quick setup lets you access new WhatsApp features sooner
- Scalability – Your provider should handle message volumes as you grow
- Compliance expertise – Pick partners who know WhatsApp policies and data protection standards well
Register with a Meta-approved provider
Meta’s Partner Directory helps you find verified BSPs. Your chosen provider will walk you through setup, which usually involves:
- Business verification completion in Meta Business Manager
- New phone number registration (one not used with WhatsApp before)
- API configuration setup
- aws ses setup integration with WhatsApp automation tools
Step 3: Complete Facebook Business Verification
Your organization needs Facebook Business Verification to configure aws ses whatsapp campaigns. This essential step proves your business’s legitimacy and helps you tap into the full potential of whatsapp campaign management.
Submit business documents
The process starts when you log into Meta Business Manager. Head to “Business Settings” and then “Security Center” where you’ll find the “Start Verification” button. You’ll need these details ready:
- Your legal business name, address, phone number, and website
- The type of your business (Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, etc.)
- Valid business registration documents such as business license or certificate of incorporation
- A utility or phone bill if your primary document doesn’t show contact details
Keep in mind that you should pick “My Business Isn’t Listed” even when you see your name. This helps avoid errors from partial matches.
Verify your business in Meta Business Manager
After submitting your documents, you can confirm your business connection through any of these methods:
- Email (matching your domain)
- Phone call/Text/WhatsApp message
- Domain verification (needs hosting/DNS settings access)
Meta usually reviews applications within 2 business days. Your verification locks certain details permanently – legal name, country, and tax ID can’t be changed later.
The completed verification lets you move forward with connecting aws ses setup to whatsapp automation tools.
Step 4: Register and Configure WhatsApp Business Account
Image Source: DoubleTick
Your WhatsApp presence is vital for aws ses whatsapp campaigns after business verification. A WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) represents your business’s official identity on the platform.
Set up your WhatsApp Business Profile
You’ll need to create a WhatsApp Business Account through Meta Business Suite. This account makes it possible to send and receive messages to WhatsApp users and create message templates. The process gives you access to WhatsApp Manager where you can track messaging metrics and handle tasks like template creation.
Add a new phone number
The registration process starts when you click “Add Phone Number” in your WABA settings. Note that you can only register a mobile or landline number that you own and can receive verification codes. The platform doesn’t support VoIP, toll-free, premium, or personal numbers. You’ll need to verify the number through SMS or call by entering the 6-digit code sent to you.
Configure business details and logo
Your business profile needs proper customization. Start by adding your official business name and pick an appropriate category from the dropdown menu. Upload a recognizable logo and add your business hours, location, website, email address, and a brief description. A complete profile builds credibility and helps reduce customer questions about simple business information.
Step 5: Connect AWS SES with WhatsApp API
Connecting WhatsApp with AWS SES demands a technical approach that utilizes multiple AWS services. This integration serves as the foundation for your aws ses whatsapp campaigns.
Use AWS Lambda and API Gateway for integration
AWS SES and WhatsApp connection works through a dual mechanism. Amazon Pinpoint triggers an AWS Lambda function with endpoint data and WhatsApp message template names. The Lambda function executes API calls to WhatsApp using customer’s mobile number and message content. Amazon API Gateway acts as the callback URL, while AWS Lambda manages authorization and processing for incoming messages.
The setup requires:
- Creating a Lambda function (recommended: Python 3.9)
- Adding permissions for Pinpoint to invoke it
- Implementing WhatsApp API calls in the function code
Store WhatsApp tokens securely in AWS Secrets Manager
Security remains crucial when handling WhatsApp credentials in AWS Secrets Manager. The process starts at AWS Secrets Manager console. Select “Store a new Secret” and choose “Other type of secret.” Create two key-value pairs: WHATSAPP_AUTH_TOKEN and WHATSAPP_FROM_NUMBER_ID. The secret should be named “MetaWhatsappCreds” for easy reference.
Set up custom endpoints in Amazon Pinpoint
Your WhatsApp campaigns need custom endpoints in Pinpoint. The endpoint type should be CUSTOM because WhatsApp numbers don’t need the “+” symbol. Our expert team can help with the setup. Sign up for our expert assistance.
Step 6: Build and Segment Your Contact List
A quality contact list forms the foundation of successful aws ses whatsapp campaigns. In fact, your whatsapp campaign management could face compliance problems without proper opt-ins.
Collect opt-ins via website forms and ads
Your website forms, checkout pages, and account registration should include WhatsApp opt-in checkboxes. Adding pop-ups with incentives like 10% discounts will boost subscription rates. Click-to-WhatsApp ads on Meta platforms work as lead generation tools and automatic opt-in mechanisms effectively.
Use QR codes and wa.me links
Your website homepage, product pages, and offline materials like packaging or receipts should feature QR codes. These codes let customers start WhatsApp conversations instantly and provide consent automatically. The opt-in process becomes smoother with clickable wa.me links on your digital properties.
Import contacts from CRM or CSV
AWS SES accepts contact uploads through Amazon S3 in CSV or JSON format. The API or SDK helps you update subscription statuses.
Ensure compliance with WhatsApp opt-in policies
Note that valid opt-ins must clearly state that users agree to receive WhatsApp messages from your business. Plus, as of November 2024, your business needs explicit consent before messaging, whatever Meta’s policy updates say. Keep detailed records of consent dates and methods.
Step 7: Create and Approve WhatsApp Message Templates
Image Source: Customer Support – Deewan
Message templates play a vital role in aws ses whatsapp campaigns by enabling communication beyond the 24-hour customer service window.
Types of templates: marketing, utility, authentication
Your whatsapp marketing tools strategy depends on template categorization:
- Marketing templates: Drive promotional offers and product announcements
- Utility templates: Handle transaction-related communications like order confirmations
- Authentication templates: Use predefined structures to send one-time passwords
Any templates that mix marketing and utility content will be labeled as marketing automatically.
Design templates with media and buttons
Your whatsapp campaign management can be more effective with these elements:
- Interactive elements: Add up to 2 Call-to-Action buttons that link to phone/website or up to 3 Quick Reply buttons
- Media components: Headers can feature images, videos, or documents
- Variables: Dynamic placeholders populate with customer’s data
Meta needs sample values to visualize your template’s appearance, so include them with variables.
Submit for Meta approval and track status
The approval process through your aws ses setup involves these steps:
- Submit complete template samples showing final appearance
- Review decisions take up to 24 hours
- WhatsApp Manager notifications help track template status
- Templates might pause automatically based on customer feedback
Starting April 30, 2024, template pacing will apply to both marketing and utility templates. This allows time to gather customer feedback before mass distribution.
Step 8: Launch and Automate Your WhatsApp Campaign
The next step after template preparation is to execute your aws ses whatsapp campaigns through targeted audience selection and automation.
Segment audience based on behavior
Behavioral data-based segmentation substantially improves campaign results. Companies that use behavioral data to personalize content see 20% higher customer satisfaction and 15% better sales conversion rates. Your audience needs different messages based on:
- Purchase patterns – Target skincare buyers with relevant product updates
- Engagement levels – Adapt messages for active and casual responders
- Customer journey stage – Send welcome messages to new users and rewards to loyal customers
Schedule messages using automation tools
Amazon Pinpoint works as your multichannel engagement platform for whatsapp automation and supports campaigns on six different channels. Pinpoint’s custom channel lets you expand features through webhooks or Lambda functions. You can build automated sequences that respond to customer actions for complex workflows. Lambda functions activate automatically when WhatsApp messages arrive through SNS notifications.
Track delivery, open, and response rates
CloudWatch metrics help you monitor campaign performance through WhatsAppMessageFeeCount and WhatsAppConversationFeeCount. CloudWatch alarms on these metrics notify you when specific thresholds are reached. This alertness helps track your messaging service costs. Tools like CampaignHQ are a great way to get analytics beyond AWS with easy-to-use dashboards that show read rates and click-through metrics without technical knowledge.
Conclusion
AWS SES makes WhatsApp marketing a great way to boost engagement rates. This piece walks you through the steps you need to set up WhatsApp campaigns without Netcore. The process might look technical at first, but breaking it down into simple steps makes it easy to implement.
Note that WhatsApp’s 98% open rate beats traditional marketing channels by a wide margin. This advantage alone makes the original setup effort worth it. Your business can gain substantial visibility by targeting those 2.5 billion global users the right way.
AWS SES integration with WhatsApp lets you customize your messaging approach. The platform’s segmentation features, optimized workflows, and detailed analytics give you everything you need to create effective campaigns. On top of that, it lets you customize templates with interactive elements to boost customer engagement and response rates.
Your WhatsApp marketing success ends up depending on how well you follow opt-in policies while delivering valuable content to your audience. Good segmentation based on behavior data keeps your messages relevant and welcomed instead of ignored or reported.
Want to launch your AWS SES WhatsApp campaign with expert help? Sign up with CampaignHQ to simplify the technical parts and maximize your campaign results.
AWS’s resilient infrastructure combined with WhatsApp’s unmatched reach creates a marketing channel that belongs in your communication strategy. These steps will help you achieve the engagement rates your business needs.
FAQs
Q1. How do I set up a WhatsApp campaign using AWS SES?
To set up a WhatsApp campaign using AWS SES, start by creating an AWS account, enabling Amazon SES in your region, and verifying your sender email or domain. Then, choose a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, complete Facebook Business Verification, and configure your WhatsApp Business Account. Finally, integrate AWS SES with the WhatsApp API using AWS Lambda and API Gateway.
Q2. What’s the maximum number of WhatsApp messages I can send through AWS SES?
The maximum number of WhatsApp messages you can send depends on your WhatsApp Business API tier. With proper setup and approval, you can potentially reach up to 100,000 users daily. However, it’s important to comply with WhatsApp’s policies and maintain good sending practices to avoid restrictions.
Q3. How do I create and approve WhatsApp message templates for my campaign?
To create WhatsApp message templates, design them with appropriate content (marketing, utility, or authentication), add media and interactive elements if desired, and include variables for personalization. Submit these templates for Meta’s approval through your WhatsApp Manager. Approval typically takes up to 24 hours, and you can track the status of your submissions.
Q4. Can I automate my WhatsApp campaign using AWS services?
Yes, you can automate your WhatsApp campaign using AWS services. Utilize Amazon Pinpoint for multichannel engagement, including WhatsApp. You can set up automated sequences triggered by customer actions using Lambda functions and API Gateway. This allows for event-driven messaging and complex workflow automation based on customer behavior and engagement.
Q5. How do I track the performance of my WhatsApp campaign on AWS?
To track your WhatsApp campaign performance on AWS, use CloudWatch metrics such as WhatsAppMessageFeeCount and WhatsAppConversationFeeCount. Set up CloudWatch alarms to receive notifications when specific thresholds are reached. For more comprehensive analytics, consider using additional tools or services that offer intuitive dashboards showing read rates, click-through metrics, and other key performance indicators.
