How to Grow WhatsApp Channel Subscribers from Scratch

With the launch of WhatsApp Channels in 2023, an opportunity opened for businesses seeking to connect directly with their existing customers and prospects. As of May 2025, WhatsApp has 3.14 billion global users. With its high open rate, it is one of, if not the most, engaging and active messaging apps ever.

As organic reach declines on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, WhatsApp Channels enable small to mid-size businesses (SMBs) to build their own following organically, independent of third-party algorithms.

In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of the growth of a WhatsApp Channel, highlight practical methods for increasing channel followers, and explain how Messente's messaging products can assist with it all.

In a world of limited customer attention, WhatsApp Channels are a valuable business tool. As WhatsApp channels offer a distinct yet complementary set of business benefits, it would be worthwhile to understand how your organization can amplify its use and impact.

1. Trust and reach

WhatsApp conversations boast a staggering 98% open rate. That means your message will not only reach the target audience but is also highly likely to be read! The platform's sizeable reach is complemented by its end-to-end encryption, making it a platform that is highly trusted by its audience.

2. Cost-effective marketing

WhatsApp Channels are one of the most cost-effective methods to interact directly with your customers. Traditional paid advertising methods require a substantial investment for potential exposure. WhatsApp Channels use organic growth and smart distribution to spread their reach on a large scale, at a fraction of what you would pay for advertising.

3. Direct access to prospective customers

Isn’t it frustrating to locate someone in a crowded inbox? Channels enable you to reach out directly, bypassing a sea of distractions, and ensure reliable delivery without any security issues.

4. Customer retention

You can share relevant content, timely updates, or customized offers to create a loyalty group of buyers, followers, and repeat purchasers who offer long-term value.

5. Data ownership

Privacy and data ownership are significant concerns right now.

When you grow your audience with WhatsApp Channels, you can have the peace of mind that your customer data is governed appropriately, safely, and in compliance with regulations such as the GDPR, DORA, and ISO standards.

A holistic approach for growing your WhatsApp Channel combines organic strategies to build a loyal, engaged audience with paid growth strategies to increase reach and subscriber acquisition.

1. Build on top of your existing digital footprint

Your current audience is the lowest-hanging fruit. Create as low-friction an opportunity as possible for your audience to discover and connect to your channel.

1. Click-to-channel links: You can embed these links in a pop-up on your website, homepage, product pages, etc.

2. Dedicated landing pages: Build conversion-oriented landing pages to help support opt-ins during product launches or special campaigns.

Social media platforms

1. Link in bio: Put your WhatsApp Channel URL in the bios of your Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, and Facebook accounts.

2. Content calendar: Continually or regularly mention the WhatsApp Channel in organic posts, stories, and reels, asking all followers to join to receive exclusive offers and early access to sales.

3. WhatsApp status: Offer teasers of special updates with your WhatsApp status.

Email marketing

1. Smart signatures: Use a "Join our WhatsApp Channel" banner in the email signatures of each team member.

2. Newsletter CTAs: Use value-based CTAs and opt-in invitations in your newsletters.

2. Offer value and incentives to entice subscribers

Your offline presence is as vital as your online presence. Every chance you have to engage with someone in person is another chance to grow. Generate a unique QR code for your WhatsApp channel and distribute it.

Customers scan the code and are automatically directed to your WhatsApp channel with a pre-filled message. You can set up custom WhatsApp Flows that nurture your leads and turn them into conversions with minimal human intervention.

You can place your QR code on:

• In-store signage: Provide designated areas for scanning QR codes in shops to capture customers’ interest at checkouts, counters, or on tables.

• Packaging: The QR code can be included in the packaging design with something informational like "Scan for exclusive deals and product information."

• Receipts: A QR code and a simple "Join our WhatsApp Channel" can help you build a long-lasting connection with your customers.

3. Stay consistent to foster community

Why might someone want to follow your channel? Majorly due to the value it offers!

You will need to provide your existing and potential customers with incentives to follow your channel and engage with your plans. Through your WhatsApp Channel, you can instantly broadcast your offers to:

1. Share behind-the-scenes content, announce a new product launch, or share exclusive tips to keep your audience interested.

2. Create exclusive discounts and promotions for your WhatsApp subscribers, making them feel like they’re a part of your VIP squad.

3. Run polls, quizzes, and surveys to keep your audience engaged and gather valuable feedback and data.

4. Use automated opt-in workflows to enforce compliance

Messente has strong compliance features to protect your WhatsApp Business account. We work alongside you to help you learn how to use message templates with approval, set up double opt-in processes, electronically manage opt-outs, monitor in real-time, etc., all while complying with WhatsApp's policies and global compliance.

With this compliance infrastructure, you can scale your WhatsApp Business account aggressively without risking account damage, a common issue many businesses face when scaling into WhatsApp channels.

5. Segment subscribers to improve engagement

Sending generic messages to your entire WhatsApp list can lead to opt-out very quickly. Messente's Phonebook enables you to create advanced segmentations based on elements such as purchase history, engagement levels, demographics, behavioral triggers, and more. 

You can craft targeted messages based on a range of parameters, retaining the attention span and interest of your WhatsApp channel followers, thus promoting your channel’s growth effectively.

Messente's dashboard also makes managing these segments easy, as well as scheduling targeted broadcasts, so the right message reaches the right customer at the right time.

6. Monitor growth metrics regularly

The fastest-growing businesses on WhatsApp are those that leverage WhatsApp as a performance channel with a trackable ROI. Messente's analytics dashboard gives you a bird’s-eye view of WhatsApp messaging metrics, including reaction details, reach, growth, and other follower insights.

Users can view key analytics, including delivery rates, read rates, and click-through rates, and report on multiple message versions to determine which one performs better. With that information, you can improve your content, timing, and calls to action, and grow your WhatsApp channel by posting effective content consistently.

7. Invest in paid growth tactics

Although organic growth is essential, sometimes paid ad growth strategies help accelerate the development of your WhatsApp channel followers if executed correctly.

• Meta ads: Make more out of Facebook and Instagram ads with click-to-WhatsApp CTAs while using UTM parameters to track performance.

• Influencer collaborations: Partner with micro-influencers in your domain to expand your follower base.

• Cross-promotions: Tap into Messente’s segmentation features to identify the ideal partner whose followers match your target customer profile. Then, set up a cross-promotion activity, such as a webinar or a social media live interaction, to drive traffic and targeted followers to each other’s channels.

This is where an API provider will prove valuable. Connecting your WhatsApp Business Account to the Messente API allows you to do the following:

• Automate welcome messages: Send a welcome message automatically to boost engagement with new followers from the moment they sign up for your channel.

• Capture and qualify leads: Ask qualifying questions and automatically add the new contact to a distinct audience segment in the Messente application.

• Nurture and convert prospects: Direct them to join your channel or place them in a new, targeted messaging sequence.

This provides a seamless and professional experience and makes sure no lead is left unattended.

Best practices for sustainable WhatsApp growth

While the growth strategies listed above can help you get started in expanding your channel’s organic and paid growth, you need a sustainable approach. Here are some best practices for creating consistently high-impact content that engages your followers and encourages them to share it with their network.

1. Focus on quality over quantity

100 highly engaged subscribers are ultimately much better than 1,000 subscribers who aren't that involved. So concentrate on attracting users who have an active interest in your content and offerings.

2. Deliver exceptional experience

Treat your WhatsApp channel like professional communication. Establish a consistent brand voice across all your platforms, and respond to inquiries promptly.

3. Use social proof to build trust

Post the powerful testimonials, reviews, and success stories of your subscribers. Every time your users see evidence that others are benefiting from your channel, it gives them the confidence to subscribe and engage.

4. Offer valuable one-way updates

While WhatsApp channels were initially designed for one-way updates, you can transform them into a space for two-way conversations using interactive tools, such as polls, quizzes, and surveys.

5. Use content optimized for mobile

There is a high chance that most of your recipients will be viewing your messages and all their contents on a mobile device. Therefore, everything you post must be mobile-optimized. For instance, avoid using too many components on your WhatsApp channel update, as this could lead to longer load times, overwhelm users, and negatively impact your audience experience.

Conclusion

Creating a successful WhatsApp Channel requires strategy, organic growth strategies, and a reliable technology partner. By implementing these seven proven tactics alongside Messente's WhatsApp Business API, you can create a channel that generates real business impact.

Sustainable growth requires providing real value to your subscribers and complying with WhatsApp's policies. Messente's transparent pricing model, direct carrier connections, and reliable analytics provide you with everything you need to grow your channel with confidence, free from additional fees or risk of account ban.