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Getting Started with Message Templates

Template messages are a great way to reach out to your customers and start a conversation with them. The goal is to make the process seamless and easier for both parties. But the message templates that you want to add must be approved by WhatsApp. So there are a few things that you should keep in mind when creating your template message. Here’s what you need to do. -

What you need to create a Template Message

  • A name:

The Template Message's name must be formatted using only tiny letters, with spaces substituted by underscores. The name should contain as much information as possible. For instance: shipping_alert_1

  • A body :

(1024 character limit)

  • Variable(s)/placeholder(s):

Each message variable is represented by a numerical placeholder, "x," in the Template Message. Each variable can be changed with text made up of letters, numbers, symbols, or spaces.

Keep in mind that when submitting the Template Message for approval, it must include the entire message, with the ability to add specific parameters shown as placeholders. The template must not contain any typos and at least one parameter is necessary.

Type of messages that are supported by Message Template

Supported:

  • Transactional messages. Share critical information by sending alerts, account updates, order updates, and more.

  • Promotional offers, product releases, and other marketing strategies are used to raise awareness and engagement. (It is crucial to first have the customer's explicit Opt-in.)

  • One-time passwords (OTP)

Not supported:

  • Re-engaging customers

  • Businesses requesting customer app reviews

  • Businesses reminding customers or alerting them to events they may have expressed interest in attending (not related to a purchase or event)

  • Repeating content

  • Surveys about products, marketing, or brands

What a Media Template looks like

WhatsApp media templates are divided into three sections:

  • The header (optional)

  • The body (required)

  • Buttons (optional)

The Header

Adding a header is absolutely oppositional. It can be either an image or a document. But video is currently still not supported.

The Image

The following should be considered while using an image:

  • 20 MB is the maximum size.

  • The following image formats are supported: JPEG, PNG, GIF, and JPG.

The Document

The following should be considered when using a document:

  • 20 MB is the maximum size.

  • Only documents in the.pdf format can have a header.

The Body

Only text and emojis are supported in the Body. Remember the following:

  1. Please use placeholders for the parameters e.g. {{1}}, {{2}}, etc. At least one {{1}}, as necessary. Make sure there aren't any tabs or more than 4 consecutive spaces.

  2. A maximum of 1028 characters may be used in the body.

  3. Every single common emoji is supported.

  4. Please see the formatting guidelines below:

  • Bold: Indicate with an asterisk (*bold*).

  • Put an underscore to either side (_italic_) to italicize.

  • Put a tilde on either side to indicate a (~strikethrough~).

  • Three backticks should be placed on either side to indicate (```monospace```).

Buttons

Having buttons for your message templates is completely optional. However, they can be used to Call to Action or Quick Replies.

Call to Action Options

  1. Call the number

What you need for this button is:

  • "Call now" is an example of button text that will appear on the call button. (20 maximum characters)

  • Call-in number

  1. Website visit

What you need for this button is:

  • “Visit our website!” - will appear on the button for the URL link. 20 maximum characters

  • URL of a public website

  1. Call the number and website visit

Here you can use both the Call the number and Website visit CTA button. The requirements are the same as the above.

  1. Quick Replies

You can give your consumer suggestions for answers when you respond quickly.