How to Send a WhatsApp Message from the Conversation Pane in Go High Level

Introduction

Go High Level (GHL) makes it easy to communicate with your contacts across multiple channels from one centralised inbox. One of the most powerful channels available is WhatsApp, and if you have it connected, you can send WhatsApp messages directly from the Conversation Pane without ever leaving GHL. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it.

Prerequisites

Before you can send WhatsApp messages from GHL, make sure the following are in place:

• You have a WhatsApp Business Account connected to your GHL location.

• The contact you want to message has a valid WhatsApp-enabled phone number saved in GHL.

• Your GHL subscription includes the WhatsApp messaging feature (available on most plans with the integration enabled).

Step-by-Step: Sending a WhatsApp Message from the Conversation Pane

Step 1: Open the Conversation Pane

From the left-hand sidebar in GHL, click on Conversations. This will open your unified inbox where all contact communications are displayed. Find the contact you want to message, or use the search bar to locate them by name or phone number.

Step 2: Open or Start a Conversation

Click on the contact to open their conversation thread. If this is a new conversation, click the compose / new conversation icon and search for the contact you want to reach.

Step 3: Select WhatsApp as the Channel

At the bottom of the conversation pane, you will see the message input area. Look for the channel selector. This is typically a dropdown or icon row showing the available messaging channels (SMS, Email, WhatsApp, etc.). Click it and select WhatsApp.

If WhatsApp does not appear as an option, this typically means the integration has not been connected for your location. Contact your GHL administrator or visit Settings > Integrations to set it up.

Step 4: Choose a Template or Type Your Message

WhatsApp has two types of messages within GHL:

• Template Messages: required when messaging a contact for the first time, or after the 24-hour conversation window has closed. These are pre-approved message formats submitted to Meta.

• Free-form Messages: available once the contact has replied and you are within the active 24-hour conversation window. You can type freely in this mode.

Select the appropriate template from the dropdown if prompted, or type your message directly into the input box if free-form messaging is available.

Step 5: Add Any Media (Optional)

WhatsApp supports sending images, documents, and other media. If you want to attach a file, click the attachment / paperclip icon in the message composer and select your file. Be aware of WhatsApp's file size limits (typically 16MB for most file types).

Step 6: Send the Message

Once your message is ready, click the Send button (or press Enter, depending on your settings). The message will be delivered via WhatsApp and will appear in the conversation thread with a WhatsApp icon indicating the channel used.

Tips for Effective WhatsApp Messaging in GHL

• Keep templates handy: set up a library of approved WhatsApp templates in GHL for common scenarios like appointment reminders, follow-ups, and quote requests.

• Watch the 24-hour window: if a contact hasn't replied within 24 hours, you'll need to use a template message to re-engage them. Free-form replies are only available within an active session.

• Use tags and filters: in your conversations inbox, you can filter by channel (including WhatsApp) to quickly see all WhatsApp threads in one view.

• Automate where possible: GHL's workflow builder allows you to trigger WhatsApp messages automatically based on contact actions, saving your team time on manual outreach.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• WhatsApp option not showing: check that the WhatsApp integration is active under Settings > Integrations and that the contact has a phone number in the correct format (international format, e.g. +44 7700 900000).

• Message failed to send: this can happen if the contact's number is not registered on WhatsApp, or if your WhatsApp Business Account has a sending restriction. Check your Meta Business Manager for any account flags.

• Template not available: templates must be approved by Meta before they can be used. If a template is pending or rejected, it will not appear in the dropdown. Review your template status in Meta Business Manager.

Wrapping Up

Sending WhatsApp messages from the GHL conversation pane is a straightforward process once your integration is set up correctly. It keeps all of your contact communications in one place, reduces context switching, and gives you access to one of the highest-engagement messaging channels available to businesses today.

If you need help setting up WhatsApp within your GHL account or want to explore automated WhatsApp workflows, get in touch with the Always Aware team and we'll get you sorted.