Send a WhatsApp message and message templates

Overview#

The WhatsApp — send & templates page opens from the Templates & send button on a number's card. At the top, the Send from: list lets you pick the number. The Send a WhatsApp message card: the recipient's number (with a country picker) and the message type, Template or Free text. The Create a message template card: the template name (small English letters, digits and _), the language, the category (utility or marketing), and the header, body, footer and quick-reply buttons, with Add a variable ({{1}}, {{2}}…) and a preview, then Submit to Meta for approval. Below are Your message templates (from Meta) with their status, and Sent messages with the time, type, status and who sent each one.

Who can use it

Business owner / manager (or a team member allowed to edit Channels)

Where to find it

Sidebar → Channels & customers → Channels → the number's card → Templates & send

Step by step#

1. 1
   Choose the number you're sending from in the Send from: list.
2. 2
   In Send a WhatsApp message, enter the recipient's number and choose Template or Free text.
3. 3
   Write the message or choose the approved template, then click Send message.
4. 4
   To create a new template, enter the template name, choose the language and category, and write the text.
5. 5
   Click Submit to Meta for approval and follow its status in Your message templates (from Meta).

Tips#

Good to know#

Frequently asked questions#

What's the difference between a utility and a marketing template?

Utility templates are for order, appointment and account updates; marketing templates are for offers and news. Meta re-classifies a template if its category doesn't fit.