Summary
WhatsApp Template Messages allow businesses to send professional, pre-approved messages to customers. These templates help maintain consistency while ensuring compliance with WhatsApp's messaging policies. However, improperly formatted or non-compliant templates can get rejected. This guide explains how to create WhatsApp Template Messages correctly, avoid common mistakes, and troubleshoot rejections.
Instructions
Best Practices for Writing Template Messages
Why Use Template Messages?
Ensure professionalism and consistency in communication.
Avoid sending repetitive messages manually.
Gain customer confidence with personalized and structured messaging.
Comply with WhatsApp's policies to avoid messaging restrictions.
Where to Submit Templates
WATI CRM Customers
Do not add templates from WhatsApp Manager if you plan to use them in WATI. Doing so requires manually adding them to WATI later.
Instead, add templates directly in your WATI Account for seamless broadcasting.
You can still check the approval status in WhatsApp Manager.
WhatsApp Business API Customers
If you are using WhatsApp Business API, submit your templates via WhatsApp Manager.
WhatsApp Manager also allows you to manage templates and track approval status.
You can find your namespace in WhatsApp Manager by clicking the Namespace box in the center.
Avoiding Template Message Rejections
WhatsApp has strict rules for approving template messages. Here are the most common reasons for rejections and how to avoid them:
Formatting Issues
Incorrect variable formatting: Ensure variables use
{{1}},{{2}}, etc.Missing or mismatched curly braces: Each variable must be enclosed in double curly braces.
Special characters in variables: Avoid using
#,$,%, or other special characters inside variables.Non-sequential variables: For example, if
{{1}},{{2}},{{4}}, and{{5}}are defined but{{3}}is missing, the template may get rejected.Whitespace in variables: Use simple text for variables like
{{VariableName}}, but do not include spaces.
Content Violations
Shortened URLs: Do not use link shorteners like
bit.lyorshort.lyas they obscure the destination URL.Poor spelling or grammar: Ensure templates are well-written and free from typos.
Requests for sensitive information: Templates must not ask for personal or financial details like credit card numbers or bank accounts.
Unrelated surveys: Do not include surveys unrelated to your business.
Abusive or threatening content: Messages must be professional and non-threatening.
Duplicate templates: If an identical template already exists, the new submission will be rejected.
Language Compliance
Templates must be written in approved WhatsApp Template Languages.
Ensure your template follows the language guidelines to avoid rejection.
Troubleshooting Rejected Templates
If your template is rejected, review the rejection reason and adjust accordingly. You can refer to WhatsApp Business Policy for further details.
For a better understanding of what works, watch this video:
If your template gets rejected, you can troubleshoot template message rejection using the guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Formatting and Submission
1. What are WhatsApp Template Messages?
→ WhatsApp Template Messages are pre-approved message formats that businesses use to send structured, professional, and policy-compliant messages to customers.
2. Where should I submit my template messages?
WATI CRM Customers: Submit templates directly in your WATI account. Avoid adding them in WhatsApp Manager, as you will need to manually transfer them to WATI later.
WhatsApp Business API Customers: Submit templates through WhatsApp Manager, where you can also manage and check approval status.
3. How long does it take for a template to get approved?
→ Template approval typically takes a few minutes to 24 hours, depending on WhatsApp’s review process.
Avoiding Rejections
4. What are the most common reasons for template rejection?
→ Templates may be rejected due to:
Incorrect formatting (e.g., missing or non-sequential variables like
{{1}}, {{2}}, {{4}}).Use of special characters in variables (
#,$,%, etc.).Shortened URLs (e.g., bit.ly).
Spelling or grammatical errors.
Requests for sensitive information (e.g., credit card numbers, bank details).
Unrelated surveys or abusive content.
Submitting duplicate templates.
5. How can I properly format variables in my template?
→ Use double curly braces for placeholders and ensure they are correctly numbered:
✅ Correct: {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}
❌ Incorrect: {{1}}, {{3}} (missing {{2}})
6. Can I use spaces in variable names?
→ No, variable names should not contain spaces. Use simple text like {{VariableName}}.
7. Why are shortened URLs not allowed?
→ Shortened URLs hide the final destination, which violates WhatsApp’s transparency guidelines. Always use full URLs instead.
Troubleshooting
8. My template was rejected. What should I do?
→ Check the rejection reason, correct the issue (e.g., formatting, language, content compliance), and resubmit.
9. How do I check my template approval status?
→ You can check the approval status in WhatsApp Manager under the Templates section.
10. Where can I find examples of approved and rejected templates?
→ Watch this video for reference: Avoiding Template Rejections.