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
Missing or mismatched curly braces: Every variable must be wrapped in double curly braces, like
{{name}}or{{address}}.Special characters in variables: Don’t use characters like
#,$,%, or similar inside variable names.Whitespace in variables: Write variables as one word (for example,
{{VariableName}}). Don’t include spaces.Multiple tabs or spaces in the template body: Avoid adding multiple spaces or tabs in the template body.
Variable to content ratio: Use variables only for inserting dynamic values (like a name or address). Don’t put entire paragraphs inside a variable.
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)
General questions
1. What are WhatsApp Template Messages?
WhatsApp Template Messages are pre-approved messages that businesses can use to communicate with customers. They ensure professionalism, consistency, and compliance with WhatsApp policies.
2. Why should I use template messages?
Template messages save time by avoiding repetitive manual messages, help maintain professionalism, build customer trust with structured communication, and ensure compliance with WhatsApp’s policies.
Submission process
3. Where should WATI CRM customers submit template messages?
WATI CRM customers should submit templates directly in their WATI account. If templates are added through WhatsApp Manager, they will need to be manually added to WATI later.
4. Where should WhatsApp Business API customers submit template messages?
WhatsApp Business API customers should submit templates via WhatsApp Manager, which also allows them to manage templates and track approval status.
5. How can I find my namespace in WhatsApp Manager?
You can find your namespace by clicking the “Namespace” box in the center of WhatsApp Manager.
Template rejections
6. What are common formatting issues that cause template rejections?
Templates may be rejected if:
Variables are missing or have mismatched curly braces.
Variables include special characters like #, $, or %.
Variables contain spaces instead of being written as one word.
Multiple spaces or tabs are used in the template body.
Entire paragraphs are placed inside a variable instead of only dynamic values.
7. What content violations should I avoid in templates?
Templates can be rejected if they include:
Shortened URLs that hide the destination.
Spelling or grammar mistakes.
Requests for sensitive information like bank or credit card details.
Surveys unrelated to your business.
Abusive or threatening language.
Duplicate templates that already exist.
8. What are the language requirements for template messages?
Templates must be written in approved WhatsApp template languages. Using unapproved languages can lead to rejection.
9. What should I do if my template message gets rejected?
Review the rejection reason, adjust the template based on the issue, and resubmit. You can also refer to WhatsApp Business Policy for detailed guidance.