WhatsApp Templates
Discover how to craft effective WhatsApp message templates for marketing. Follow best practices, steer clear of restricted content, and ensure easy template approval.
WhatsApp marketing relies on Meta-approved message templates, such as broadcasts, greetings, and ads. Get your frequently used messages approved for seamless communication.
Rules for creating WhatsApp templates
To get your WhatsApp messages approved, follow these straightforward guidelines:
1- Template Name: Use lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only. Ensure the name reflects the WhatsApp message content accurately.
For example, if you’re creating a Welcome Message template, name it “welcome_message” rather than something random like “jjjhhhh” or “shopify_template.”
2- Restricted Content: Refrain from promoting items like drugs, weapons, or other restricted products. Learn more.
3- No Sensitive Data: Avoid requesting financial or sensitive information.
4- Variable Format: Use {{variableName}} for variables and include examples for clarity.
Example:
{{name}} = John
{{price}} = 138 INR
{{companyName}} = AiInbox
After creating your template, submit it for approval. The process may take up to 24 hours, and once reviewed, your WhatsApp message template will display an approval tag.
WhatsApp Template Categories
Template messages can be divided into two categories:
1- UTILITY:
Utility templates are typically initiated by a user action or request and should contain specific details related to the current transaction, account, subscription, or interaction. For example, an order confirmation should include the order number.
2- MARKETING:
Marketing templates are flexible and not tied to a specific transaction. They promote the business or its products/services and can include promotions, offers, welcome or farewell messages, updates, invitations, recommendations, or requests for feedback or new transactions.
WhatsApp templates Status
After a template message is created and approved, it can have the following statuses:
Template Status | Description |
|---|---|
Approved | Your template has met WhatsApp’s guidelines and is ready to use. Start sending your approved messages to contacts. |
In Review | Your template is currently under review by WhatsApp/Meta. Please wait for approval, as the review usually takes up to 24 hours. |
Draft | This template is still in draft form. Finalize and submit it for review to start the approval process. |
Rejected | Your template did not comply with WhatsApp’s guidelines and requires modifications. Make the necessary changes based on the feedback and resubmit it for review. |
Template Approval Process
Each template must be reviewed and approved by Meta before it can be sent to customers. Upon submitting a template for approval, Meta will immediately validate its category.
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If Meta agrees with the category you selected, the template will go through template review.
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If Meta disagrees with your designation, the template will be created, but its status is set to REJECTED .
We recommend setting allow_category_change to “Yes” in your template creation request. This will help avoid rejection due to miscategorization and ensure your template moves forward in the review process.
The review process may take up to 24 hours. You can only send templates that have an “Approved” status.