What Shopify added
Shopify Messaging can now send automated WhatsApp marketing messages. The October 28 announcement names templates for abandoned browsing, abandoned carts and abandoned checkouts, and allows WhatsApp steps in custom automations.
The setup is under Messaging > Automations. This extends the follow-up options available to a merchant; it does not tell you which sequence is appropriate for your customers.
Read the whole sequence before adding a step
A shopper may already receive email, SMS or messages from another app after leaving a cart. Our recommendation is to map those existing triggers and delays before enabling WhatsApp. Otherwise, separate tools can each behave as configured while producing an unpleasant combined experience.
Use a test customer to check what happens when the shopper buys after the first message. Review the stop conditions, the destination link and whether a discount remains valid when the message arrives.
Give replies somewhere to go
A reminder can generate a question rather than an immediate order. Decide who monitors replies and how questions about stock, delivery or product suitability reach someone who can answer them.
Check the recipient’s recorded permission and the channel’s current requirements before activation. Then judge the sequence using completed orders, messaging cost and customer responses. A larger send count by itself is not evidence that the follow-up helped.
For your next work session
What to check next
- Map existing abandoned-cart messages across email, SMS and apps.
- Check recipient permission, account access and current messaging costs.
- Test links, purchase stop conditions and offer expiry before activation.
- Assign ownership of customer replies and review completed orders.
Sources and scope
The October 28 announcement confirms automation templates and the setup location. It does not establish eligibility, pricing or permission to message every customer; verify those details in the store and current product documentation.
The announcement is confirmed by the source below. Practical checks in this article are Stan Consulting's recommendations.
Need help applying this to your business? Lead follow-up services.
