WhatsApp number lists, when built and managed correctly, are an incredibly powerful tool for digital marketing, especially in a market like Bangladesh with high WhatsApp penetration. The key differentiator for success and compliance in 2025 is ethical acquisition and strategic utilization of these lists.
Here's everything you need to know about using WhatsApp number lists for digital marketing:
1. The Core Principle: Consent-Based whatsapp number list Marketing
Forget about buying or scraping lists. In Bangladesh, the Personal Data Protection Ordinance, 2025 (PDPO 2025), makes it explicitly clear that you must have explicit, informed, and demonstrable consent from individuals to process their personal data, which includes their phone numbers for marketing purposes.
What this means: Every number on your WhatsApp marketing list must have genuinely opted-in to receive communications from your business on WhatsApp.
Why it's crucial: Beyond legal compliance and avoiding hefty fines, it ensures higher engagement, better brand reputation, and avoids account bans from WhatsApp itself.
2. Building Your WhatsApp Number List: The Right Way
Focus on attracting interested prospects and customers to opt-in to your WhatsApp communications.
Website Opt-in:
Dedicated Forms: Create prominent forms on your website (e.g., homepage, product pages, blog posts) that explicitly ask for a WhatsApp number with a clear value proposition ("Get exclusive deals," "Receive order updates," "Join our VIP community"). Include a non-pre-ticked checkbox for consent.
Click-to-WhatsApp Buttons: Integrate "Click to WhatsApp" buttons on your website that directly open a chat with your business. Once the conversation is initiated, your chatbot or agent can guide them through an opt-in process for future marketing messages.