In 2025, WhatsApp is no longer just a messaging app in India; it is the primary operating system for business. With an open rate of 98% (compared to email’s 20%), it is the most lethal weapon in a startup’s arsenal.

However, you cannot scale using the standard “WhatsApp Business App” on your phone. You need tools built on the WhatsApp Business API to send bulk broadcasts, use chatbots, and get that “Green Tick.”

Here are the best WhatsApp marketing tools for Indian startups in 2025, categorized by your specific needs.

1. Wati (Best All-Rounder for SMBs)

Wati (WhatsApp Team Inbox) is arguably the most popular choice for Indian startups because it balances power with simplicity. You don’t need a developer to set it up.

• Best For: Service-based startups, agencies, and education businesses.
• Key Features:
  • No-Code Chatbot Builder: Create flowcharts for FAQs (e.g., “Pricing,” “Location”) without writing code.
  • Shared Inbox: Your entire support team can reply from one number.
  • Broadcast Manager: Send bulk messages to thousands of opted-in users without getting banned.
• Pricing: Mid-range. Great value for the features provided.

2. Interakt (Best for D2C Brands on Shopify)

If you sell products online, Interakt is the gold standard. It integrates deeply with Shopify, meaning it can “read” your store data.

• Best For: E-commerce/D2C brands selling clothes, food, or accessories.
• Key Features:
  • Auto-Cart Recovery: If a customer adds a shirt to their cart but leaves, Interakt automatically sends them a WhatsApp message with a discount code after 1 hour.
  • Product Catalog: Sends your actual product catalog inside the chat so users can “Add to Cart” without leaving WhatsApp.
  • Order Updates: Automated “Order Shipped” and “Out for Delivery” notifications.
• Pricing: Very competitive entry-level pricing for early-stage startups.

3. AiSensy (Best for Marketing & Lead Gen)

AiSensy positions itself heavily as a “Marketing Platform” first. It is excellent if your primary goal is generating leads and running aggressive broadcast campaigns.

• Best For: Webinar hosts, coaches, and event organizers.
• Key Features:
  • Click-to-WhatsApp Ads: Tracks leads coming from Facebook/Instagram ads directly into WhatsApp.
  • Retargeting: Easily filter users who “Clicked” but didn’t “Buy” and send them a follow-up offer.
  • Smart Automation: Send messages based on user actions (e.g., if they watched your webinar, send a PDF summary).
• Pricing: flexible, often offering a lower platform fee with a focus on usage.

4. Zoko (The “Central Hub” for E-commerce)

Zoko focuses entirely on making WhatsApp a sales channel. They treat WhatsApp conversations like “Tickets” that need to be closed with a sale.

• Best For: High-volume D2C brands that need to manage hundreds of queries a day.
• Key Features:
  • Central Dashboard: Excellent for organizing customer queries by “Pending,” “Resolved,” or “Waiting for Payment.”
  • Review Collection: Automated flows to ask customers for photos/reviews after delivery.
• Pricing: Generally slightly higher, aimed at businesses that are already scaling.

5. DoubleTick (Best for Sales Teams)

While others focus on support/marketing, DoubleTick is mobile-first and built for field sales teams.

• Best For: Real estate, financial services, or businesses with sales agents on the ground.
• Key Features:
  • Mobile CRM: Works beautifully on mobile, allowing sales agents to update lead status on the go.
  • Team Tracking: You can monitor how fast your sales team is replying to leads.
• Pricing: tailored for sales-heavy organizations.

Summary Comparison Table

💡 Pro Tip for 2025: The “Green Tick”

All these providers (as official Meta partners) can help you apply for the coveted Green Tick verification. While not guaranteed, having one increases your message read rate by over 30%.

Recommendation:

• Start with Interakt if you are on Shopify.
• Start with Wati or AiSensy if you are a service business or agency.