WATI

WhatsApp communication and engagement platform for NGOs & SPOs

WATI is a WhatsApp Business API-based platform that enables organisations to manage conversations, automate workflows, and engage users through structured messaging.

Communication challenges for nonprofits and social purpose organisations

Challenge

Managing conversations with large beneficiary groups can be difficult

Teams lack structured tools to track and respond to messages

Automating communication workflows often requires technical setup

Broadcast messaging and segmentation are limited in basic tools

Solution

Platforms like WATI provide a structured interface to manage WhatsApp communication, automate workflows, and streamline user engagement.

Key capabilities of WATI

Core capabilities that support WhatsApp-based communication and engagement

Shared team inbox

Enables programme teams to manage large volumes of beneficiary conversations from a single interface, ensuring no query is missed and response accountability is maintained.

No-code chatbot workflows

Allows non-technical staff and volunteers to automate onboarding, reminders, FAQs, and follow-ups without requiring developer support.

Broadcast messaging

Supports targeted outreach to specific beneficiary groups for reminders, awareness campaigns, and programme updates.

User segmentation and contact management

Enables organisations to group users and personalise communication based on programme needs.

Analytics and tracking

Provides visibility into message delivery and engagement, supporting basic monitoring of outreach effectiveness.

Conversation management and support workflows

Allows teams to assign conversations, coordinate responses, and manage user queries across distributed teams.

WATI supports structured communication workflows across programme delivery — from onboarding and reminders to follow-ups and query management. Conversations are tracked and managed centrally, replacing unstructured use of personal WhatsApp accounts.

Language support

WATI’s platform interface is available in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese.

While the interface does not support Hindi, organisations can create and send messages in Hindi and other Indic languages using WhatsApp’s native multilingual capabilities.

Pricing for nonprofits

Platform subscription

WATI offers tiered plans starting from approximately ₹2,499/month (Growth), ₹5,999/month (Pro), and ₹16,999/month (Business). Annual plans may include discounts.

Messaging costs

WhatsApp conversation charges are billed separately based on Meta’s pricing model, with an additional per-conversation markup by WATI.

Consideration

Total cost depends on expected monthly conversation volume. Organisations should estimate usage before committing. Nonprofit discounts may be available but are not standardised.

Best suited for which nonprofits

Organisations seeking a ready-to-use WhatsApp communication platform

Teams that prefer no-code tools for automation

Programmes requiring structured communication workflows

Organisations managing ongoing beneficiary engagement

Teams without deep technical capacity

Similar tools

Glific

Interakt

Zoko

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WATI require to get started?

Organisations need access to the WhatsApp Business API, including an approved WhatsApp Business account and a verified phone number. Setup involves approval from Meta and configuration within WATI.

How does WATI handle beneficiary data?

Messages are processed through Meta’s infrastructure and may be stored on WATI-managed servers. Organisations handling sensitive data should review compliance requirements, especially under India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA).

What costs should nonprofits expect beyond subscription fees?

In addition to platform subscription, organisations pay per-conversation charges defined by Meta, along with a markup applied by WATI. Total costs depend on message volume and type.

Can WATI work in low-connectivity or rural environments?

WATI depends on internet-based messaging through WhatsApp. Both programme teams and beneficiaries require basic internet access.

How is WATI different from tools like Glific?

WATI is a managed, no-code platform designed for ease of use and quick setup. Tools like Glific offer greater customisation but may require higher technical capacity.

When might WATI not be the right fit?

WATI may be less suitable for organisations that require full data control, deep integrations with M&E systems, or highly customised workflows beyond no-code capabilities.

Want to learn more?

Visit WATI