On this page 7 sections
In short
Follow up a coaching admission enquiry on WhatsApp within minutes, then on day 1, day 3 and day 7. Each message should give one useful thing and ask one easy question. Message only people who have opted in, use approved templates after 24 hours of silence, and stop when someone asks you to.
The best WhatsApp follow up for an admission enquiry is quick, short and useful. Reply within minutes, then follow up on day 1, day 3 and day 7. Give one helpful thing in each message and ask one easy question. Below you will find the schedule we suggest and messages you can copy. Change the words in square brackets to your own details.
Before you send anything: three WhatsApp rules
These rules come from WhatsApp's own policy, so they apply to every institute.
Take opt in. The WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy says you may contact people only if you have received opt in permission confirming that they wish to receive messages from you. Add a tick box to your enquiry form, or ask at the counter and note it.
Respect "stop". The same policy says you must respect all requests to block, discontinue or opt out. If a parent says "please do not message", mark the record and stop.
Know the 24 hour window. If you use the WhatsApp Business Platform, you can reply freely for 24 hours after the person's last message. Outside that window you may only send approved message templates.
Many of your enquiries are from students under 18. India's data protection rules say that verifiable consent is needed before processing the personal data of children. Where the student is a minor, take the parent's number and consent, and address the messages to the parent.
The seven day follow up schedule
| When | Purpose | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Within minutes | Answer the question | Which class or exam? |
| Day 1 | Share something useful | Would you like a demo class? |
| Day 3 | Give proof | Shall we book a visit? |
| Day 7 | Give a reason to decide | Should we hold a seat? |
| Before the batch | Last reminder | Reply YES or STOP |
Messages you can copy
Message 1: first reply (within minutes)
Hello [Name], thank you for contacting [Institute]. I am [Your name] from the admission team. Yes, our new [JEE] batch for Class 11 starts on [date] at our [Laxmi Nagar] centre. May I know which class the student is in now? I will share the right batch and timings.
Why it works: it answers first, names a real person and asks one simple question.
Message 2: day 1, share something useful
Hello [Name], sharing the timetable and syllabus plan for the [JEE Class 11] batch, as promised. We also have a free demo class this [Saturday at 4 pm]. Would you like me to keep a seat for [Student name]?
Attach one file only. A timetable or a one page course plan is enough.
Message 3: day 3, give proof
Hello [Name], many parents ask us how doubts are handled. Here is a two minute video of our [doubt class]. You are welcome to visit the centre and meet [Faculty name], who teaches [Physics]. Which day suits you, [Thursday or Saturday]?
Use proof you can stand behind. If you share results, follow the advertising rules on consent and disclosure that we explain in our guide on how to plan an admission marketing campaign for a coaching institute.
Message 4: day 7, a reason to decide
Hello [Name], the [JEE Class 11] batch starts on [date]. We keep the batch size at [number] so that every student gets attention. Would you like me to hold a seat for [Student name] till [day]? There is no payment needed to hold it.
Say this only if it is true. Do not claim that seats are limited when they are not.
Message 5: before the batch starts
Hello [Name], this is my last message about the [JEE Class 11] batch starting on [date]. If you would like the details again, reply YES. If you have decided on another option, reply STOP and I will not message again. Wishing [Student name] all the best.
After a demo class
Hello [Name], thank you for attending the demo class today. How did [Student name] find the class? If you have questions on fees or timings, I can call you at a time that suits you.
When they ask only for fees
Hello [Name], the fee for the [one year JEE programme] is Rs [amount]. It includes [study material, test series and doubt classes]. It can be paid in [number] instalments. May I call you for five minutes to understand what [Student name] needs?
Marketing, utility or authentication: why the category matters
If you send messages through the WhatsApp Business Platform, each template has a category. Meta's page on pricing on the WhatsApp Business Platform lists three: marketing, utility and authentication. It also explains that Meta charges per delivered message, and that the rate depends on the category and the recipient's country. A batch announcement is a marketing message. A fee receipt or class reminder for an enrolled student is usually a utility message. Check that page for current rates before you plan a large campaign, because pricing rules change.
Tips that keep parents from blocking you
Send during the day. Avoid early mornings and late nights.
Write the student's name and the right course. Wrong details feel like spam.
Keep one purpose in one message.
Do not send the same message to everyone on the same day.
Stop after the last message. A polite stop is remembered well.
Keep a record of every follow up
A follow up plan fails when nobody knows who was messaged and when. Note the date, the message and the reply on the enquiry record. Our guide on how to track an admission enquiry from first contact to enrolment shows the fields to keep. For email follow ups, see our post on how to nurture leads with email and content.
Want these follow ups to go out on time, every time? Start a free SG Reach trial and set up your WhatsApp and email sequences in one place.
