Guide To Create WhatsApp Templates

A WhatsApp message template is a pre-designed message that allows you to start conversations with customers through the WhatsApp Business Platform. These templates are customizable, featuring variables that let you personalize messages for each customer, helping to build stronger connections and boost engagement.

For example, you can create a template with a variable for the customer’s name and send it to multiple recipients simultaneously. The system automatically fills in the customer-specific information, so each individual receives a message that feels directly addressed to them, even when sent to hundreds or thousands of people at once.

When creating WhatsApp templates, keep the following pointers in mind to ensure effectiveness and compliance:

1. Adhere to WhatsApp Policies

• Ensure your template complies with WhatsApp’s guidelines to avoid rejection.
• Avoid using prohibited content such as promotional phrases in non-marketing templates.

2. Choose the Right Category

• Select the appropriate template category (e.g., Transactional, OTP, Marketing) based on the message’s purpose.

3. Use Clear and Concise Language

• Keep the message brief and to the point.
• Avoid ambiguity to ensure the recipient clearly understands the message.

4. Structure for Readability

• Break down the message into short paragraphs or bullet points for easy reading.
• Use simple formatting like bold or italics where necessary to highlight key information.

5. Add a Call to Action (CTA)

• Include a clear CTA if the template’s goal is to prompt the recipient to take action (e.g., “Click here to confirm your order”).

6. Include Necessary Details

• Provide all essential information to avoid back-and-forth communications, especially in transactional templates.

7. Avoid Excessive Variables

• Use only the necessary number of variables to keep the template simple and easy to process.

8. Test Before Submission

• Test the template internally to ensure it works as expected, especially when using variables.

9. Preview Across Devices

• Ensure your template appears correctly on various devices to provide a consistent user experience.

10. Prepare for Approval Time

• Allow time for WhatsApp’s review and approval process before you plan to send the template.

11. Consider Multi-Language Support

• If your audience is diverse, create templates in multiple languages to cater to all customers.

12. Monitor and Iterate

• Regularly review template performance and make necessary adjustments based on customer feedback and engagement metrics.

By keeping these pointers in mind, you can create effective and compliant WhatsApp templates that enhance customer engagement.

Step-by-Step Process for Creating WhatsApp Templates

Step 1: Create a Template Using the WhatsApp Manager

1. Access WhatsApp Manager:
   • Navigate to the WhatsApp Manager, a part of your WhatsApp Account in Facebook Business Manager.
2. Understand Template Guidelines:
   • Your message templates will undergo a review process to ensure they comply with WhatsApp’s policies. Once approved, your business will have a designated namespace for these templates.
3. Prepare Required Elements:
   • Template Name:
     • Must consist of lowercase alphanumeric characters and underscores (_) only.
     • Avoid using any other characters or white space.
   • Message Components:
     • Populate the template with text and/or media components.
     • Include parameter placeholders as needed.
     • Ensure there are no newlines, tabs, or more than four consecutive spaces.
     • Adhere to the length restrictions provided in the Business Manager or WhatsApp Business Management API.
   • Translations:
     • Prepare all translations your business requires.
     • WhatsApp does not provide translation services, so you must enter all translations manually.
4. Add a Sample Template:
   • Click the Add Sample button to create a sample template.
   • This assists WhatsApp during the review process to understand the type of message you intend to send.
   • Ensure the sample does not contain any confidential or personal information.
5. Refer to Documentation:
   • For more detailed instructions on creating message templates, refer to the “Create Message Templates for your WhatsApp Business API Account” section in the documentation.

Step 2: Make a POST Request to /messages

1. Send the Template:
   • Once your template is created and approved, you can send it to your customers using the template object via a POST request to the /messages endpoint.

By following these steps, you can effectively create and manage WhatsApp message templates for your business.