What are WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates?

WhatsApp

Updated at: May 28, 2024

11 min to read

What are WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates?

WhatsApp is taking over the world. With over 2 billion users, it has become the platform of choice for personal communication. But did you know businesses are now using it too? Strange but true. 

WhatsApp now has a business platform that lets companies communicate with customers. It seems weird, right? Texting a business like you would text your friends. But it's revolutionizing customer service and marketing. 

How is this possible? Through a simple but powerful feature called WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates. These pre-approved messages let businesses send updates, reminders, alerts, and more to clients. They provide structure and efficiency to customer communication. 

It gets better. These templates are customizable, automated and trackable. Companies can nurture leads, drive sales and build trust by sending timely, personalized messages. The opportunities are endless. 

This guide will uncover everything you need to know about WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates. You'll learn what they are, why they matter, how to create effective templates and manage them seamlessly. Let's dive in and see how this unlikely feature is transforming business.

WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates

WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates
Source: Zoho Cares

WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates are pre-approved message formats that businesses can use to communicate with their customers on WhatsApp. 

They provide businesses with a standardized way to deliver information, ensuring professionalism and brand consistency.

The Importance of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates

WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates are vital in streamlining customer communication and enhancing customer experience. 

By using these templates, businesses can maintain consistency in their messaging, automate certain messages, and adhere to WhatsApp's guidelines and policies. Plus, they save time and resources while keeping customers well-informed.

Benefits of using WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates

  • Efficiency: Using WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates allows businesses to send messages to customers quickly without requiring manual composition. This improves response times and boosts overall efficiency, making both businesses and customers happy.
     
  • Consistency: WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates ensure businesses maintain a consistent brand identity across customer interactions. With a standardized format, businesses can reinforce their values and deliver a cohesive messaging experience that customers can rely on.
     
  • Automation: Templates enable businesses to automate repetitive messaging tasks, such as order confirmations or appointment reminders. By automating these processes, businesses can focus on more complex customer queries and provide personalized interactions when needed.
     
  • Compliance: Using WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates ensures that businesses adhere to WhatsApp's guidelines and policies. By following the approved templates, businesses reduce the risk of their messages being flagged or blocked, allowing them to maintain reliable and trustworthy communication with their customers.

Next, we will see how to create WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates.

 

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How to Create WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates?

Creating WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps:

Here are the easy steps for creating WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates.

Creation Process

  1. Identify the Use Case: Determine the purpose and type of message you want to send to your customers. Whether it's an order confirmation, shipping update, or appointment reminder, know the specific use case.
     
  2. Craft the Message: Create a clear and concise message tailored to the use case. Follow WhatsApp's guidelines to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
     
  3. Format the Template: Structure the template using WhatsApp's supported markup language. This helps add dynamic information, such as customer name or order number, using placeholders.

Approval Process

Once you've created the template, you need to submit it for approval. WhatsApp reviews the template to ensure it aligns with its guidelines. 

Approval typically takes a few days, after which you can use the template to send messages to your customers.

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Common Rejection Reasons

While WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates go through an approval process, they can sometimes be rejected for various reasons. Some common rejection reasons include:

  • Generic or Promotional Content: Templates should focus on providing transactional information rather than promotional content.
     
  • Insufficient Information: The template may be rejected if it doesn't provide clear and necessary details to the customer.
     
  • Spelling or Grammar Errors: It's important to maintain professionalism and ensure clear communication by avoiding spelling or grammar mistakes.
     
  • Inappropriate or Offensive Language: Templates should adhere to WhatsApp's community guidelines and not contain offensive or inappropriate language.

And if you are still not sure about how to create meta approved WhatsApp message template, then check out BotPenguin- the home of chatbot solutions.

Now you might wonder how a chatbot company can help you with a WhatsApp message template.

Well, powered by the official WhatsApp Business API, BotPenguin lets you create a no-code AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot that you can use for automating various tasks like drip campaigns, bulk messaging, and more!

And speaking of bulk messaging, BotPenguin provides you with appropriate guidelines to create meta approved WhatsApp message template!

And the tech for BotPenguin just doesn't stop there. It allows you to create a top-notch WhatsApp Chatbot with features like: 

Samples

To give you an idea of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates, here are a couple of examples:

  • Order Confirmation

    Message: Hi [Customer Name], thank you for your order! We're excited to confirm that your order [Order Number] has been received and is being processed. 

    You'll receive a notification once your order is shipped. If you have any questions, contact our friendly customer support team. Thank you for choosing us!
     
  • Appointment Reminder

    Message: Hi [Customer Name], this is a friendly reminder about your upcoming appointment with us on [Appointment Date and Time]. We're looking forward to seeing you! If you need to reschedule or have questions, kindly let us know. Have a great day!

These samples demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates in providing relevant and timely information to customers, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Next, we will cover types of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates.

Types of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates

WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates can be classified into three main types:

  • Marketing templates: Marketing templates are designed to promote products, services, or offers to customers. They allow businesses to engage with their audience, drive sales, and build brand awareness. With creative and compelling messaging, businesses can capture the attention of their customers and entice them to take action.
     
  • Utility templates: Utility templates serve a practical purpose by providing essential information to customers. These templates can include order confirmations, shipping updates, appointment reminders, and other transactional messages. The goal is to keep customers informed and provide a seamless experience throughout their interaction with the business.
     
  • Authentication templates: Authentication templates are used to verify a user's identity or account. These templates often include OTP (One-Time Password) messages, account verification codes, or password reset instructions. By leveraging WhatsApp's secure platform, businesses can ensure the authentication process is convenient and reliable for their customers.

Next, we will cover gidelines for WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates.

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Guidelines for WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates

To maintain quality and consistency, WhatsApp has established guidelines for creating and using messaging templates. 

Let's explore some important guidelines:

Message template guidelines

  • Messages should adhere to WhatsApp's policies, community guidelines, and legal requirements.
  • Templates should contain relevant and specific information that aligns with the intended purpose of the message.
  • Avoid using spammy or promotional language in non-marketing templates.
  • Provide a clear and concise message that is easily understood by customers.

Template categorization

WhatsApp requires businesses to categorize their templates based on their content and purpose. This categorization helps manage template approvals and maintain a high-quality messaging experience. 

Select the appropriate category for your template, such as account_update, payment_update, or delivery_update, to ensure accurate review and approval by WhatsApp.

Best Practices for WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates

While creating WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates, consider the following best practices to make your messages engaging and effective:

  • Personalize the message using dynamic variables. Incorporate customer names, order details, or relevant information to create a personalized experience.
  • Use a conversational tone to make the message feel friendly and approachable.
  • Keep the message short and concise, focusing on the key information.
  • Format the template using WhatsApp's supported markup language and include line breaks, headers, and buttons for better readability.
  • Test your templates before sending them out to ensure they appear correctly and provide a positive user experience.

Absolutely! Let's explore some examples of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates, including tips for high-converting templates and managing them effectively.

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BotPenguin's FREE WhatsApp Chatbot for Lead Generation

Examples of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates

WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates come in various forms and can be tailored to different use cases. 

Here are a few examples:

Abandoned Cart Reminder

Hey [Customer Name], you left some items in your cart. Don't let them slip away! Complete your purchase now and get [Discount or Special Offer] as a thank you. Follow this link to complete your purchase [Link]. Hurry, this offer won't last!

Limited Time Offers

Hey [Customer Name], it's your lucky day! To celebrate [Holiday or Special Occasion], we're offering [Discount or Special Offer] on all products/services. Use code [Code] at checkout to claim your offer. Hurry, the offer ends on [Date]!

Personalized Recommendations

Hi [Customer Name], we have some personalized recommendations based on your recent purchases. Check out our latest [Product or Service] collection and get [Discount or Special Offer] on your next purchase. Click here to learn more [Link].

Urgency Messaging

Hey [Customer Name], our [Product or Service] is selling out fast! Don't miss your chance to get it today. Follow this link [Link] to claim your spot and enjoy [Discount or Special Offer]. Limited time only!

Feedback Request

Hi [Customer Name], we hope you enjoy our products/services. We would love to hear your feedback and improve our offerings. Please take a moment to give us your feedback by following this link [Link]. As a thank you, we're offering [Discount or Special Offer] on your next purchase.

Cross-Sell Opportunities

Hello [Customer Name], you recently purchased [Product or Service]. Did you know we also have [Another Product or Service] that can complement your purchase? Check it out now and get [Discount or Special Offer] on your next purchase. Click here to learn more [Link].

Last, but not least we will cover how to manage message templates on the WhatsApp Business platform.

Managing message templates on the WhatsApp Business Platform

To create and manage your WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates, you can use the WhatsApp Business API or the WhatsApp Business app. 

Here are some tips for managing your templates effectively:

Organize and Categorize Your Templates

WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates should be categorized based on their use case, such as payment, shipping, or support. By categorizing your templates, you can easily manage and monitor their approval status.

Create Dynamic Templates

Dynamic templates allow you to include variable data that can be customized for a particular recipient. This can include order details, customer names, and other dynamic information. Use tagged fields like {{1}}, {{2}} for dynamic data.

Keep Templates Updated

Ensure that your templates are up to date and reflect any changes in your business processes, products, or services. This will help in keeping your messaging relevant and accurate.

Monitor Template Approval Status

Check the approval status of your templates regularly to ensure that they are in compliance with WhatsApp's guidelines and policies. Follow up with WhatsApp support if any template is rejected or not approved in a timely manner.

By following these tips, you can maximize the benefits of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates and stay on top of your customer communication game.

 

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Conclusion

Effective messaging is critical for business success. But crafting personalized, engaging chats at scale is tough. Let BotPenguin do the work for you.

BotPenguin is an AI-powered chatbot-building platform that helps you create customized WhatsApp conversation flows for your business. In just minutes, you'll have a professional messaging service that nurtures leads, converts sales, and delivers best service.

The benefits are clear:

  • Optimized messaging drives results. BotPenguin's advanced AI ensures your templates resonate with customers.
  • Easy customization scales your efforts. Tailor templates to your brand voice and goals without starting from scratch.
  • Time savings for high-impact work. Automating template creation frees you up to focus on high-value tasks.

Take the guesswork out of chatbot messaging. BotPenguin handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on growth. Join the future of conversational AI today at BotPenguin.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates work?

WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates are pre-approved message formats that businesses can use to send notifications, alerts, and customer service messages to their customers through the WhatsApp Business API.

Can you customize WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates?

Yes, you can customize WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates by including dynamic fields like customer names, order details, or other personalized information to make the messages more relevant and engaging.

Are WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates free to use?

No, WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates are not free. However, the cost may vary depending on your messaging volume and the country in which you're sending the messages. Contact WhatsApp's business solution providers to get pricing details.

How to create and manage WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates?

To create and manage WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates, you can use the WhatsApp Business API or the WhatsApp Business app. You can organize and categorize your templates, keep them updated, and monitor their approval status.

Are there any restrictions on WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates?

Yes, there are restrictions on WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates. They must adhere to WhatsApp's guidelines and policies, including not containing any sensitive or personal information, not being overly promotional, and not being used for spamming or unsolicited messages.

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Table of Contents

BotPenguin AI Chatbot maker
    BotPenguin AI Chatbot maker
  • WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates
  • BotPenguin AI Chatbot maker
  • How to Create WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates?
  • Types of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates
  • BotPenguin AI Chatbot maker
  • Guidelines for WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates
  • BotPenguin AI Chatbot maker
  • Examples of WhatsApp Business Messaging Templates
  • BotPenguin AI Chatbot maker
  • Managing message templates on the WhatsApp Business Platform
  • Conclusion
  • BotPenguin AI Chatbot maker
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)