> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.echeloncrm.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect WhatsApp to Echelon for AI-Powered Messaging

> Connect WhatsApp to your Echelon workspace on Growth or Scale plans and let AI Employees handle outreach, replies, and sequences through the channel.

WhatsApp gives your AI Employees a direct, high-engagement channel to reach contacts where they're most active. Available on Growth and Scale plans, the WhatsApp integration lets Echelon send outreach messages, manage reply threads, and run automated sequences. The AI Manager coordinates WhatsApp activity alongside your email and SMS channels. This page walks you through connecting WhatsApp and explains what your AI Employees can do once it's live.

<Warning>
  WhatsApp is available on the **Growth** and **Scale** plans only. If you're on the Starter plan, upgrade to Growth to unlock WhatsApp and SMS. Visit [dashboard.echeloncrm.app/auth](https://dashboard.echeloncrm.app/auth) to manage your plan.
</Warning>

## How WhatsApp works in Echelon

Once connected, Echelon routes WhatsApp messages through your AI Employees in the same way it handles email — the AI Manager decides when to reach out, assigns the task to the right AI Employee, and tracks every conversation in your CRM. Your AI Employees read and respond to replies automatically, and you can enroll contacts in WhatsApp sequences that run alongside or independently of your email workflows.

All WhatsApp conversations are logged in your Echelon dashboard so you have a complete view of every interaction.

## Connect WhatsApp to your workspace

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your workspace settings">
    Log in to your Echelon dashboard at [dashboard.echeloncrm.app/auth](https://dashboard.echeloncrm.app/auth) and go to **Settings → Integrations**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select WhatsApp">
    Under the Channels section, click **WhatsApp** to open the connection panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow the authorization flow">
    Complete the authorization steps to link your WhatsApp business number to your Echelon workspace. Make sure you have access to the phone number you want to connect before starting.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm and test">
    Once authorized, your WhatsApp number appears as active in the Integrations panel. Send a test message from the dashboard to confirm everything is working before enrolling contacts.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  You need a WhatsApp business number to connect to Echelon. A standard personal WhatsApp account cannot be used as a workspace channel.
</Note>

## What AI Employees can do via WhatsApp

Your AI Employees treat WhatsApp as a first-class communication channel. The AI Manager coordinates WhatsApp activity with the rest of your pipeline so contacts receive consistent, timely communication regardless of the channel.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Outreach" icon="comment">
    AI Employees send personalized first-touch WhatsApp messages to new contacts, drawing on CRM data to tailor each message to the individual.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Replies" icon="comments">
    When a contact responds on WhatsApp, your AI Employee reads the message and sends a contextually appropriate reply, keeping the conversation moving automatically.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sequences" icon="list-ol">
    Enroll contacts in multi-step WhatsApp sequences that deliver messages on a schedule or based on engagement triggers — the same way email sequences work.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cross-channel coordination" icon="arrows-split-up-and-left">
    The AI Manager can run email and WhatsApp touchpoints in parallel or in sequence, choosing the right channel for each step based on your workflow configuration.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Plan comparison for WhatsApp

| Feature                      | Starter | Growth | Scale |
| ---------------------------- | ------- | ------ | ----- |
| WhatsApp outreach            | —       | Yes    | Yes   |
| AI Employee WhatsApp replies | —       | Yes    | Yes   |
| WhatsApp sequences           | —       | Yes    | Yes   |
| Full automation builder      | —       | Yes    | Yes   |

<Tip>
  WhatsApp tends to have higher open and response rates than email. Consider using it for time-sensitive outreach, appointment reminders, or follow-ups where speed matters.
</Tip>

## Tips for WhatsApp messaging

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Keep opening messages short and direct">
    WhatsApp is a conversational channel. Long first-touch messages perform poorly. Keep outreach messages brief and focused on a single call to action.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use WhatsApp and email together">
    The AI Manager can coordinate both channels. A common pattern is sending an initial email, then following up on WhatsApp if there's no reply after a set number of days.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Review WhatsApp conversations in your dashboard">
    All WhatsApp threads are stored in your Echelon CRM. Check them regularly to understand how contacts are responding and refine your AI Employee configurations accordingly.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Be mindful of message frequency">
    Contacts can block or report WhatsApp numbers. Configure your sequences to space messages appropriately and avoid over-contacting the same person in a short window.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>