Open the applicant's profile and select the WhatsApp tab to read and reply. If the parent has not written in the last 24 hours, use Send Template.
For admissions staff: chat with parents on WhatsApp and keep every message on the record.
Why it helps
- Faster replies. Message parents on the app they already use.
- Nothing lost when staff change. The whole admissions team sees every conversation on the record.
- Files kept on the record. Photos, PDFs and voice notes from parents are saved and open with one click.
Read and reply
Open the applicant's profile and select the WhatsApp tab.
Read the conversation and type your reply. To answer a particular message, reply to it so it is quoted.
Check the delivery status shown under each message.
Send a template
Meta only lets you send a free-text reply within 24 hours of the parent's last message. After that, the chat tells you to send a template instead.
On the WhatsApp tab, select Send Template.
Choose an approved template, such as a checklist reminder or an event invitation, and send it.
Things to know
- Parents with WhatsApp switched on show a green WhatsApp badge under Parents & Guardians.
- Contact profiles have a WhatsApp on or off setting too.
- If a parent has opted out by replying STOP, the reply box is switched off and a note explains why.
- Staff cannot send attachments from OpenApply yet. Files that parents send do come through.
Coming soon
- Unread-message alerts in the top bar.
- WhatsApp chat on Contact profiles.
- Repeat form submissions from the same parent updating their existing Contact.
Stay tuned for future releases.