How to Use Google Sheets with WhatsApp Integration

Anna Middleton Read more July 12, 2020

Keeping in touch with a large number of people can be a hassle. Whether it’s a list of business customers or members of a school project, messaging people individually eats into time that you could put to more worthwhile use.

How to Use Google Sheets with WhatsApp Integration

Fortunately, there are ways to simplify this process by using Google Sheets and WhatsApp. In this article, we’ll show you what the Google Sheets and WhatsApp Integration is all about, and see if such integration is suited to your needs.

Using WhatsApp from Google Sheets

The idea of the Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration is that you use the spreadsheet application as a directory, then use that to send bulk messages. Although Google Sheets by itself doesn’t have this ability, it can be enabled by either using Add-ons, or the built in Script Editor.

An Add-on is essentially a program within a program that expands the utility of the Google Sheets application. You download an Add-on from the G Suite Marketplace Library then it gets added onto the Google Sheets Program. The Script Editor, on the other hand, allows you to create your own code that can perform actions that Google Sheets won’t normally run.

Which Integration Type Should You Use?

The difference between using an Add-on and using the Script Editor is rather considerable. Add-ons are essentially already completed programs that you just have to install into Google Sheets, and the Script Editor is a blank slate that you’ll have to write a code into. It’s a matter of convenience versus versatility.

Using an Add-on requires only the act of downloading, but you’re limited by what is already programmed into the Add-on. Using the Script Editor allows you to tweak the code to fit your exact needs, but you’ll have to either input this manually or use a template that you can then modify afterwards.

If you’re comfortable with using programming language, then the Script Editor is certainly the way to go. This allows you the most control of how your Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration will behave, at only the cost of programming time. If you’re unfamiliar with coding, then finding an Add-on to do the job for you is an acceptable choice. It’s uncomplicated and will usually perform as advertised.

Using Add-Ons for Integration

To download an Add-on, click on Add-ons at the top of the Google Sheets menu then click on Get add-ons. This will open the G Suite Marketplace. Type in the name of the add-on that you wish to download and click on the result.

Installing add-ons requires you to enter a Google account so it can be enabled. Select the account you wish to use then click on Allow to give the add-on permission to modify your Google Sheets file. Once installed, any add-on you download can be accessed by clicking the Add-ons menu and clicking on the name from the list.

Useful Add-ons for the Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration are FlockSheet, WhatsApp Messages, and Message Sender for WhatsApp. Most of the add-ons listed are free, if you’ll need an account to use FlockSheet. A trial period is available though, so you can use that if you want to try the application out. Each add-on has their own instructions on how to use them to send bulk messages through WhatsApp.

Using the Script Editor

The Script Editor for Google Sheets can be accessed by clicking on Tools on the top Google Sheets menu, then choosing Script Editor. This will open a coding window where you can type in the script you want to use. There are already a lot of WhatsApp integration codes available, and a good example is one made by Twilio. They provide both a template for the code itself, and the additional resources that you need for the code to work.

A Handy Alternative

As there is yet to be any native Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration, the Script Editor, and add-ons provide a handy alternative. Although not exactly meant for the casual user, those that deal with Google Sheets on a regular basis should find this feature to their advantage.

Do you have any tips regarding Google Sheets and WhatsApp Integration? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.