Create a WhatsApp message template

Create a template when you need to start a business-initiated conversation or message a customer outside the 24-hour service window. Meta reviews the content and category before the template becomes available for sending.

Before you begin

• Connect the WhatsApp number and confirm that Waaru can read its business account.
• Decide whether the message is marketing, utility, or authentication.
• Write the final customer-facing content and collect realistic sample values for every variable.
• Confirm that your intended recipients have given the required permission.

Choose a category and explain the variables

Marketing covers offers and promotions. Utility covers updates related to a customer’s transaction or request. Authentication covers verification codes. Meta reviews the category as well as the message; selecting a category does not guarantee approval.

A variable is a placeholder for a value that changes between recipients. For example, in Your order {{1}} is ready, the sample value ORDER-123 shows Meta how the message will read: Your order ORDER-123 is ready.

The sample explains the placeholder during review. When sending, provide the correct value for each recipient. Do not send the sample order number to your customers.

Create the template

1. Open Templates and select the WhatsApp number.
2. Select Create template.
3. Enter a name using lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores.
4. Choose the language and category that match the message purpose.
5. Write the body. Add variables only where the value changes per recipient.
6. Provide a sample for every variable so Meta can review the intended meaning.
7. Optionally add a supported header, footer, or button.
8. Review the preview, then select Create template.

Keep a variable surrounded by meaningful fixed text. A body made mostly of variables is harder to review and easier to misuse. Samples are review examples, not default values sent to customers.

What happens after submission

Waaru submits the template to the connected WhatsApp Business Account. Its status can move through review, approval, rejection, pause, or disablement. A newly submitted template is not sendable until Meta reports it as approved and Waaru has the current status.

If the submission fails, keep the draft and correct the specific field shown in the error. Do not create repeated copies to work around a validation problem.

Next: Sync and manage templates.