For solopreneurs, managing client conversations on WhatsApp while keeping your CRM updated and automating follow-ups can feel like a juggling act. Manually pasting messages or relying on memory to log key interactions is inefficient and error-prone. Fortunately, with tools like Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat), and clever chat-to-email integrations, solopreneurs can create streamlined workflows that automatically sync WhatsApp chats with CRMs and schedule follow-ups for lead nurturing or customer service.
TL;DR
If you’re a solopreneur using WhatsApp to communicate with clients, you’ll want to automate logging those chats into your CRM. Integrations using Zapier, Make, and chat-to-email tools can automate this workflow, saving you hours. The seven integrations highlighted below are among the most popular and effective for hands-free CRM updates and follow-ups. Whether you’re using HubSpot, Pipedrive, or Airtable, there’s a smart solution waiting.
1. Twilio WhatsApp + Zapier + Google Sheets → CRM
Twilio’s WhatsApp Business API allows solopreneurs to send and receive WhatsApp messages, which can then be routed through Zapier. With a quick Zap, you can log every incoming WhatsApp message into Google Sheets. From there, another Zap or scheduled script can push this information into any popular CRM like HubSpot, Pipedrive, or Zoho.
Why it works: Google Sheets acts as a buffer, giving visibility and a backup log. It helps you sort, clean, and manage data before syncing to the CRM.
2. 360dialog WhatsApp API + Make → HubSpot
360dialog provides direct and compliant access to the WhatsApp Business API. By connecting it with Make, solopreneurs can extract message content, sender details, and time stamps. Automated flows can then create or update contact records in HubSpot along with a conversation activity log.
Why it’s ideal: The visual builder in Make makes it easy to map WhatsApp message data to HubSpot fields. You can also trigger HubSpot email workflows for quick follow-ups.
3. WA Web Plus for WhatsApp Web + Zapier Email Parser → Airtable
WA Web Plus is a browser extension that can enhance WhatsApp Web. One of its features includes exporting chat history. You can extract this data, forward it to an email address parsed by Zapier Email Parser, and configure Zapier to populate entries in Airtable as a lightweight CRM solution tightly integrated with your routing and task workflows.
Pro tip: You can tag or label messages in WA Web Plus to categorize them for custom automation triggers.
4. Respond.io + Zapier → Salesforce
Respond.io is a powerful multi-channel messaging platform that includes native integrations with CRMs, but it really shines when paired with Zapier. Once connected to WhatsApp through this platform, each incoming message can trigger a Zap that updates or creates leads in Salesforce, and even assigns tasks or follow-up reminders.
Best for: Solopreneurs with a higher client volume or recurring business who want a robust solution capable of scaling with their needs.
5. Envoice Chat-to-Email Tool + Gmail Labeling + Zapier → Notion
Envoice allows automatic forwarding of WhatsApp chats to a dedicated email inbox. Using Gmail labels (applied manually or through filters), Zapier can detect tagged messages and use them to populate pages or databases in Notion. This is particularly useful for solopreneurs using Notion as an all-in-one dashboard for CRM, task management, and content planning.
Why use this: It bridges old-school email and new-age platforms like Notion while still keeping things no-code.
6. WATI + Make → Trello/ClickUp
WATI is another WhatsApp Business API provider tailored for small businesses. With Make, you can capture customer messages and create tasks directly in Trello or ClickUp. This helps solopreneurs track follow-ups, assign priorities, and even set reminders for delayed responses or document collection.
Workflow suggestion: Create a Trello list named “Waiting on Client” and automate card creation when a WhatsApp message contains phrases like “I’ll get back to you” or “sending soon.”
7. AutoForward Bot + Zapier → Pipedrive
AutoForward is a lightweight bot that monitors WhatsApp Web and triggers an action when new messages arrive. By auto-forwarding content to a custom email address monitored by Zapier Email Parser, it then enables sending that data directly to Pipedrive. You can attach conversations to the correct deals and even trigger outreach campaigns.
Why it’s practical: Perfect for solopreneurs who use Pipedrive for sales pipelines and want semi-automated logging without using the API directly.
Tips for Choosing the Right Integration
- Tool Compatibility: Make sure the tools you’re already using like Gmail, Notion, or HubSpot are supported on Zapier or Make.
- Ease of Setup: Not all integrations are plug-and-play—some require API setup, which might need a tech-savvy virtual assistant or setup freelancer.
- Privacy: Ensure GDPR or data protection compliance, especially if you’re forwarding client conversations into cloud apps.
- Budget: Platforms like Twilio and WATI have usage-based pricing, so review your expected message volume beforehand.
FAQ
Q: Can I integrate WhatsApp directly with CRMs without a third-party service?
A: Not typically. WhatsApp doesn’t offer direct CRM APIs for individual accounts. Services like Twilio or 360dialog are required to bridge that gap.
Q: Which CRM works best with WhatsApp?
A: CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive work well when paired with tools like Zapier or Make, which allow flexible workflows and reliable data syncing.
Q: Is it legal to store WhatsApp chats in CRMs?
A: It’s legal if you comply with data protection laws like GDPR. Always inform clients that conversations may be logged for service purposes.
Q: What is Make, and how is it different from Zapier?
A: Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual automation platform similar to Zapier but allows more complex logic, branching, and real-time data manipulation. Zapier is easier for beginners, whereas Make offers more flexibility.
Q: Can I automate replies based on WhatsApp messages?
A: Yes, many platforms like Respond.io, Twilio, and WATI allow chatbot-like automation, so follow-ups can be instant.
In conclusion, solopreneurs have a plethora of smart automation options to take WhatsApp messages, turn them into lead entries, and follow up—all hands-free. Choose the right combination of tools based on your CRM priorities, budget, and technical expertise.