#opt in

Very different and unlike our beloved boop button ─ where the designer's choice was clearly respected and not at all influenced by Third-Party Contracts.

Hello everyone! Rayne’s Mun here!  I have done some thinking in regards to Rayne’s story and how it involves those he is close to. And I began to think about making another Opt in plot line! The first one I had created was a success and met some great people from it! Smiley was my pride and joy..but all good things must come to and end, and from the ashes even grander things will be reborn. I am merely making this post as a gauge to see if it is something people will be interested in. If successful, another post will be made when the plot goes live!

After the discovery of an old underground Citadel, some adventurers and the archaeologists that accompanied them make a fatal mistake. An evil entity is released and everyone that dared enter the long forgotten ruins did not make it out alive.  The entity’s one goal is to restore The Black Empire in the name of The Old Gods. She is a ruthless and zealous being who will not cease her plotting and scheming until everything the Titans have created has fallen and the glory of The Black Empire is restored. The Legion have had their run and amidst all the chaos, she will interject her will. “We do not die; we do not live. We are outside of the cycle.”

My thoughts were of an elite strategist that is under the influence of the old gods to begin terrorizing the citizens of Stormwind and any who inhabit it (those that opt in). She will try to gain your trust through whatever means and if you cannot be won over, then she will attempt to take your will by force. She is fairly weak and will actively seek new hosts to wander Azeroth and fulfill her purpose. 

Players who opt in may receive:

Whispers of doubt, hatred, pride, lust, or agony.

Interactions involving rather horrifying experiences.

Prompts involving nightmares your character may have.

Prompts involving hallucinations your character might witness.

The plot will be slow moving at first, but with time will pick up and hopefully will cause some interesting but above all enjoyable character development and interactions. I as a writer have always -loved-  angsty writing and feel like some people do not have a way to enjoy it because of their characters nature. (non combat etc. ) So hopefully, if this has a positive review, we can bring that experience to you. 

Thank you all for reading and I hope to see you all in the fight against The Black Empire.

Accepting entries for the Reference Sheet Tier list!

- They must be by an artist other than myself to qualify. - You may post multiple entries! Depending on how many entries we get you may get multiple slots into the tier list. - This is being judged on how readable and useable the ref sheet is, not on how well it's drawn! Please keep this in mind - This should go without saying, but NO AI GENERATED REF SHEETS!!! This will result in you being blocked / banned

WhatsApp has become the go-to platform for businesses in India. With over 850+ million users, it's where your customers already are. But here's the catch: you can't just start messaging anyone. You need their permission first. This is called opt-in, and it's not optional.

Let's understand why opt-ins matter and how to get them right.

What is WhatsApp Opt-In?

Simply put, "opt-in" means getting clear permission from customers before sending them WhatsApp messages. Think of it as asking someone, "Can I send you updates on WhatsApp?" and them saying "yes."

WhatsApp requires businesses to have explicit consent from users before sending messages, and this rule applies to every business in India – whether you're a small shop or a large company.

Read the Complete Guide: opt-in advantages, challenges, and examples.

Why Opt-Ins Are Non-Negotiable

It's the Law In India, businesses must comply with data protection regulations. Recent CCI rulings have emphasized that users must have the option to opt in or opt out of communications, with their rights protected at all times.

WhatsApp Will Ban You WhatsApp uses automated systems to detect and ban accounts that engage in spammy behavior, including mass messaging without consent. One wrong move and your business number could be blocked permanently.

Customers Trust You More When people opt in willingly, they actually want to hear from you. This means better engagement, higher response rates, and more sales.

The 5 Must-Have Requirements for Valid Opt-Ins

For your opt-in to be valid, you need to tick these boxes:

1. Get Explicit Consent

Your customer must actively agree to receive messages. A pre-checked box doesn't count. They should tick the box themselves or click a button.

2. Mention WhatsApp Clearly

As of November 2024, you no longer have to specify that subsequent messages will be sent via WhatsApp when collecting opt-ins. However, it's still good practice to be clear about the platform.

3. Collect Phone Numbers Properly

The customer should enter their own number or have control over which number is used.

4. Keep Records

Document every opt-in you collect. This protects you if there's ever a dispute or compliance check.

5. Follow Local Laws

Besides WhatsApp's rules, you must also follow Indian data protection regulations and consumer protection laws.

How to Collect Opt-Ins (The Right Way)

Website Pop-ups

Add a simple pop-up on your website asking visitors if they'd like to connect on WhatsApp. Make sure there's a checkbox they can tick.

Social Media

Run Click-to-WhatsApp ads on Facebook and Instagram. When someone clicks, they're automatically giving consent to start a conversation.

In-Store Sign-ups

Keep a tablet or form at your shop counter. Customers can enter their details and opt in right there.

QR Codes

Print QR codes on your packaging, pamphlets, or store displays. When customers scan it, they can opt in through a simple form.

Email and SMS

If you already have customers on email or SMS, send them a message with a link to opt in for WhatsApp updates.

What Happens After You Get Opt-Ins?

Great! You've collected opt-ins properly. Now what? This is where WhatsApp automation comes into play. But before you start automating, you need to pick the right tool for your business size and goals.

WhatsApp Business App vs WhatsApp Business API

WhatsApp Business App is free and works well for small businesses. However, it has limitations like only 2 active sessions and basic features. You can handle customer queries, but scaling is difficult.

WhatsApp Business API is built for medium and large businesses. The API allows developers to build tools that remove limitations and add features to extend WhatsApp's functionality. You can send unlimited broadcasts (with proper opt-ins), integrate with your CRM, and have multiple team members responding to customers.

Read more about this: WhatsApp Business App vs. WhatsApp Business API

For businesses looking to implement WhatsApp automation at scale, the API is the way to go.

Sending Bulk Messages the Compliant Way

Many businesses want to know how to send bulk WhatsApp messages without getting banned. Here's the truth:

Sending bulk messages on WhatsApp is against the app's terms of service if done indiscriminately and without recipients' consent. However, with the WhatsApp Business API and proper opt-ins, you can legally send bulk messages.

The key is

Only message people who have opted in

Use approved message templates

Respect WhatsApp's messaging limits

Don't spam people with too many messages

Read more about this: How to Send Bulk WhatsApp Messages

Building Trust with the WhatsApp Blue Tick

Want to stand out and build more trust? Get the WhatsApp blue tick verification.

The WhatsApp Blue Tick is a verification badge that shows up next to a business's name, letting users know the account is official and trustworthy. In India, the blue tick subscription plans range from ₹639 to ₹21,000 per month.

Since July 2024, all businesses using the WhatsApp Business app can get verified and get the blue tick, not just API users. This helps smaller businesses build credibility too.

Read more about this: How to Get Blue Tick on WhatsApp

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Buy Contact ListsBuying phone numbers and messaging them is illegal and will get you banned. Every contact must opt in willingly.

Don't Use Old Consent for WhatsApp If someone gave you permission for email updates, that doesn't automatically mean you can message them on WhatsApp. Get separate opt-in for WhatsApp.

Don't Ignore Opt-Outs Always provide a clear and straightforward way for recipients to opt out of receiving future messages. If someone says stop, respect it immediately.

Don't Forget the 24-Hour Window With WhatsApp API, after 24 hours have expired, you can't reply to the customer unless you use pre-approved templates.

Quick Action Steps for Your Business

Audit Your Current Process: Are you collecting opt-ins properly? Check if you're following all 5 requirements.

Choose Your Platform: Decide between the WhatsApp Business app for small-scale operations or the WhatsApp Business API for growth.

Set Up Collection Methods: Add opt-in forms to your website, social media, and store.

Document Everything: Keep clear records of when and how each customer opted in.

Train Your Team: Make sure everyone understands the rules and consequences of violations.

The Bottom Line

WhatsApp opt-ins aren't just a technical requirement they're about respecting your customers and building a sustainable business. Yes, it takes effort to collect opt-ins properly. But it's worth it.

When you do it right, you get:

A list of people who actually want to hear from you

Higher engagement and conversion rates

Protection from bans and legal trouble

A business that's built to last