Sendwo's dynamic lists revolutionize your WhatsApp interactions. By leveraging data from custom fields, you can create interactive messages with rows that dynamically populate with relevant information.
These lists are powered by JSON objects, where each row's details (title, description, values) are determined by specifying the corresponding keys (e.g., product_name, price).
This guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough on configuring and utilizing this powerful feature, using a product catalog example for practical understanding.
What Are Dynamic Lists?
Dynamic lists revolutionize your WhatsApp messages by automatically generating rows based on JSON data stored in a custom field. Simply specify the relevant keys within your JSON object, and the system effortlessly creates personalized rows for each subscriber.
By leveraging dynamic lists, you can effortlessly display relevant information, making your WhatsApp messages more engaging and personalized. For a practical demonstration of how to utilize dynamic lists with WooCommerce products, explore our comprehensive guide: How to Display WooCommerce Products Inside WhatsApp.
Example Use Case:
Suppose you want to send a product catalog to a user. Your data (API response) might look like this:
[
{
"product_name": "Apple iPhone 15 Pro",
"price": "$999",
"description": "The Apple iPhone 15 Pro features a powerful A17 Pro chip, 48MP camera system, and a sleek titanium design for maximum performance and durability.",
"buy_link": "https://www.apple.com/iphone-15-pro/"
},
{
"product_name": "Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra",
"price": "$1,199",
"description": "The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display, a 200MP camera, and cutting-edge performance with the latest Snapdragon processor.",
"buy_link": "https://www.samsung.com/galaxy-s24-ultra/"
}
]
Using this feature, each product dynamically generates a row with its respective title, description, and action buttons.
Step 1: Fetch Data Using HTTP API
1. Set Up the API Request:
Navigate to HTTP API Integration in Sendwo.
Configure the API to fetch your data (e.g., product catalog).
Example API Response:
[
{
"product_name": "Apple iPhone 15 Pro",
"price": "$999",
"description": "The Apple iPhone 15 Pro features a powerful A17 Pro chip, 48MP camera system, and a sleek titanium design for maximum performance and durability.",
"buy_link": "https://www.apple.com/iphone-15-pro/"
},
{
"product_name": "Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra",
"price": "$1,199",
"description": "The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display, a 200MP camera, and cutting-edge performance with the latest Snapdragon processor.",
"buy_link": "https://www.samsung.com/galaxy-s24-ultra/"
}
]
2. Save API Response to a Custom Field:
Assign the API response to a custom field.(e.g., ProductCatalog). And map value will be List Items
The response must be in JSON format containing an array of objects.
Step 2: Configure Dynamic Rows in the Flow Builder
To populate your interactive message with dynamic rows, follow these steps:
Row Generation Method: Choose Dynamic to enable rows based on the custom field data.
Custom Field for Dynamic Rows: Select the custom field containing the JSON data (e.g., ProductCatalog).
Key/Index for Dynamic Row Title: Specify the key from the JSON object to be used as the row title.
Example: Use product_name to dynamically display values like "Apple iPhone 15 Pro" or "Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra".
Row Description Format: Define the row description using multiple keys from the JSON object.
Format:#custom_field->key#Example:#ProductCatalog->price# - #ProductCatalog->description# will display:
$999 - The Apple iPhone 15 Pro features a powerful A17 Pro chip, 48MP camera system, and a sleek titanium design for maximum performance and durability.
Save Selection to Custom Field: Choose a custom field where the user’s selection will be stored (e.g., SelectedProduct).
Key/Index for Saved Value: Specify the key from the JSON object whose value should be saved to the custom field.
Example: Use buy_link to save the product’s purchase link (e.g., https://www.apple.com/iphone-15-pro/).
Step 3: Test Your Dynamic List
1. Preview the Message:
Access the Flow Builder and preview the dynamic list within your message.
Carefully examine the generated rows to ensure they accurately reflect the data received from the API.
2. Simulate User Interaction:
Interact with the message as if you were a user, selecting one of the dynamically generated rows.
Verify that the selected value is correctly saved to the specified custom field.
Ensure API Responses Are Well-Formatted: The API response must be a JSON array of objects.
Use Clear Keys and Descriptions: Keep your keys intuitive and descriptions user-friendly.
Test Before Deploying: Verify that rows are dynamically generated and selections are saved correctly.
Conclusion
Effortlessly create personalized WhatsApp messages with Sendwo's dynamic lists. Simply reference keys within your JSON data to populate rows with product names, descriptions, and more. It's easy to use and delivers a truly interactive experience for your customers. Start using dynamic lists today!
Boost customer engagement and showcase your WooCommerce products directly where your customers already are: WhatsApp. Sendwo lets you effortlessly integrate your store with WhatsApp, presenting your products as interactive lists within their familiar chat environment. This guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process.
Step 1: Generate WooCommerce API Keys
To access product data from your WooCommerce store programmatically, you'll need to generate API credentials. Follow these steps:
Navigate to API Settings: Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Advanced > REST API in your WordPress dashboard.
Create a New Key: Click "Add Key" to generate a new set of API credentials.
Configure Key Settings:
Name: Give your API key a descriptive name (e.g., "Sendwo Integration").
Permissions: Set the permissions to "Read" to allow access to product data.
Generate and Record Keys: Click "Generate API Key."
Note down: Carefully record the generated "Consumer Key" and "Consumer Secret" for later use.
Keep these keys confidential. They provide access to your WooCommerce store data.
Step 2: Set Up HTTP API Integration in Sendwo
Connecting Sendwo to your WooCommerce store via the REST API
Navigate to HTTP API Integration:
In Sendwo, go to the HTTP API section.
Click on Add New API Connection.
Enter WooCommerce API Details:
API Name: Choose a clear name that identifies the connection (e.g., "Demo Furniture Products").
Endpoint URL: Enter the WooCommerce REST API URL to access your products. Here's an example for fetching products from category 19: https://yourstore.com/wp-json/wc/v3/products?category=19
Method: Select GET.
Add Authentication:
In the Option Data section, provide your Consumer Key and Consumer Secret:
Option Key: USERNAME
Value: ck_e364b8987604b8df0ecda24242350a84b62e38a
Option Key: PASSWORD
Value: cs_279d6f0bd0f89cc1790b477d2f055f039cf39f
Map the API Response:
Save the raw data received from the API in a custom field. You can name this field "FurnitureProducts" or something similar.
Test the API Connection:
Click Verify Connection to confirm that everything is set up correctly. If successful, you should see the response data.
Save the API configuration.
Step 3: Configure the Bot Flow in Sendwo
This step outlines how to integrate your WooCommerce store with Sendwo to showcase products within your WhatsApp bot.
1. Trigger the Flow:
Initiate the flow by adding a trigger keyword (e.g., "Product" or "Shop Now"). This keyword will activate the flow when a user interacts with your bot.
2. Fetch WooCommerce Products:
Utilize the HTTP API node within Sendwo to dynamically retrieve product data from your WooCommerce store.
Ensure the API endpoint you configured in the previous step is correctly integrated.
3. Display Products in Interactive WhatsApp Messages:
Enhance user interaction by employing Interactive Sections and Row Elements.
Create sections to categorize products (e.g., "Furniture," "Clothing," "Electronics").
Dynamically populate each section with rows using custom fields.
Row Title: Use the #custom_field->key# format to populate titles. Example: #Furnitureproduct->name# will display product names like "Almirah Wooden".
Row Description: Include additional details like price and stock status. Example: #Furnitureproduct->price# - #Furnitureproduct->stock_status#.
4. Save User Selections:
Map user selections to custom fields within Sendwo to track their preferences and personalize future interactions.
5. Test and Refine:
Thoroughly preview the interactive messages to verify that products are displayed accurately and user interactions are intuitive.
Test the flow with sample user interactions to identify and address any issues.
Step 4: Customize the User Interaction
Enhance your user experience with Sendwo's customization options:
Show Appreciation: Thank users and provide clear product information.
Encourage Action: Guide users towards desired outcomes with direct links.
Segment Effectively: Understand user preferences for targeted campaigns and improved results.
Example Product Inquiry BotFlow Overview
This outlines a potential interaction flow for a WhatsApp bot that assists users with product inquiries:
User Input: The user initiates the interaction by sending the keyword "Product."
Product Data Retrieval: The bot automatically fetches relevant product data from the WooCommerce store using its HTTP API.
Category Selection: An interactive WhatsApp message is presented to the user, displaying a list of available product categories (e.g., Furniture, Clothes). The user is prompted to select a category of interest.
Category Display: The bot displays the products within the selected category, along with key details such as price and current stock availability.
Product Selection & Confirmation: The user selects a specific product. The bot then confirms the selection, providing additional options or displaying further product details to assist the user in their decision-making.
Benefits of Using Sendwo with WooCommerce
Effortless Product Updates: Showcase real-time inventory & new arrivals directly in WhatsApp.
Engaging Customer Journeys: Interactive product lists for easy browsing and selection within the chat.
Streamlined Operations: Automate product inquiries, freeing up your time and improving customer service.
Personalized Recommendations: Tailor product suggestions to individual customer preferences.
Our guide simplifies the process, enabling you to effortlessly fetch and display your WooCommerce product data as engaging and interactive WhatsApp messages.
Unlock the full potential of this powerful combination today and elevate your customer engagement to unprecedented heights!
To send WhatsApp messages to customers outside the customer service window, businesses need to use approved WhatsApp message templates. These templates are also called business-initiated messages because they allow businesses to start or reopen conversations with customers using pre-approved content.
WhatsApp message templates are used for customer updates, promotional campaigns, OTP delivery, order notifications, payment reminders, appointment updates, abandoned cart recovery, COD confirmation, lead follow-ups, and customer support workflows.
But many templates get rejected because of avoidable mistakes such as wrong category selection, broken variables, spammy language, shortened URLs, duplicate content, poor grammar, unclear message intent, or policy-sensitive wording.
This guide explains the most common WhatsApp message template rejection reasons, shows bad vs fixed examples, and gives you a practical approval checklist before you submit your next template.
If you want ready examples, explore Sendwo’s WhatsApp template library or use Sendwo to create, sync, manage, and run approved WhatsApp template campaigns.
WhatsApp does not allow businesses to freely message customers at any time without structure. If a customer messages your business first, you can reply inside the customer service window. But when your business wants to start or reopen a conversation outside that window, you need an approved WhatsApp message template.
These templates protect users from spam and help businesses send structured, relevant, and compliant messages. Once Meta approves a template, your business can use it for approved use cases such as:
Customer updates
Promotional campaigns
OTP delivery
Order confirmations
Shipping updates
Payment reminders
Appointment reminders
Abandoned cart recovery
COD confirmation
Lead follow-ups
Support updates
The challenge is that every template must follow WhatsApp’s formatting, category, content, and policy rules. Even small mistakes can lead to rejection.
How to Create WhatsApp Message Templates
You have two primary methods for creating WhatsApp message templates:
Within the Sendwo Template Manager: This gives you a streamlined interface to create templates, map variables, and use them inside campaigns and automation workflows.
Through WhatsApp Manager: This lets you create templates directly inside the official WhatsApp Business platform. Once approved, you can sync the templates with Sendwo and map variables where required.
If you experience review delays, you can also create templates directly in WhatsApp Manager and then sync them with Sendwo. If the template contains variables, map those variables correctly inside Sendwo before using the template in campaigns.
Most WhatsApp message template rejections fall into two broad categories:
Template format issues: Problems with variables, parameters, braces, sample values, buttons, links, formatting, or technical structure.
Template content issues: Problems with message intent, category mismatch, policy violations, sensitive information, spammy wording, duplicate templates, or poor-quality copy.
Both categories are important. A template can be rejected even if the message intent is good but the variable format is wrong. Similarly, a technically correct template can still be rejected if the content violates policy or uses the wrong category.
Template Format Issues
Template format issues are usually easier to identify and fix. These are technical or structural problems that make the template invalid, unclear, or difficult for reviewers to understand.
Common formatting issues
Missing or mismatched braces: Variables must use the correct format, such as {{1}}.
Invalid characters inside variables: Do not use special characters like #, $, or % inside variable placeholders.
Non-sequential parameters: Variables should appear in sequence, such as {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}.
Missing sample values: Every variable should have a realistic sample value during submission.
Unclear variable context: The reviewer should understand what each variable represents.
Suspicious links: Shortened URLs and unrelated domains can trigger rejection.
Unclear button labels: Button text should clearly describe the action.
Sendwo helps reduce common formatting problems by giving businesses a cleaner template creation workflow, variable mapping, and campaign execution system.
WhatsApp Template Format Issues: Bad vs Fixed Examples
Template format issues are usually easier to fix than policy issues. Most format rejections happen because variables are broken, sample values are missing, parameters are not sequential, links look suspicious, or the template is not written clearly enough for review.
Format Issue
Rejected Example
Fixed Example
Why the Fix Works
Wrong variable format
Hi {name}, your order is ready.
Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} is ready.
WhatsApp variables must use the correct {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} format.
Non-sequential variables
Hi {{1}}, your order {{3}} has shipped.
Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has shipped.
Variables should appear in proper sequence without skipping numbers.
Too many variables without context
Hi {{1}}, {{2}} is ready at {{3}}. Click {{4}}.
Hi {{1}}, your appointment with {{2}} is confirmed for {{3}}. View details here: {{4}}
The fixed version explains what each variable means.
Shortened URL
Track your order here: bit.ly/abc123
Track your order here: https://yourbrand.com/track/{{1}}
Branded HTTPS links look more trustworthy than shortened URLs.
Missing sample values
Hi {{1}}, your payment of {{2}} is pending.
Sample values: {{1}} = Rahul, {{2}} = ₹2,500
Sample values help reviewers understand the final message context.
Unclear CTA button
Click here
Track Order
Specific CTA buttons are clearer and more user-friendly.
Fix rule: before submitting a template, check variables, sample values, links, button labels, language, and formatting. The reviewer should understand the message even without knowing your business context.
Template Content Issues
Content issues are usually more serious than formatting issues because they affect message intent, user trust, policy compliance, and category selection.
A template can be rejected if the content contains:
Policy violations: The message does not comply with WhatsApp’s Commerce Policy or Business Messaging Policy.
Sensitive information requests: The template asks users to share card numbers, CVV, passwords, government IDs, or other sensitive details.
Abusive content: The message contains threats, intimidation, harassment, or language that can be perceived as harmful.
Duplicate templates: The template has identical or near-identical body and footer content as an existing template.
Poor quality: The message has spelling mistakes, grammar errors, broken formatting, or unclear wording.
Shortened URLs: The template includes shortened links such as bit.ly or short.ly.
Incorrect category: The message is submitted under the wrong category, such as a promotional template submitted as Utility.
Content should be clear, truthful, expected, and useful for the recipient. If the message feels misleading, spammy, or unclear, rewrite it before submission.
WhatsApp Template Content Issues: Bad vs Fixed Examples
Content issues are more serious because they can involve spam, misleading claims, sensitive information, wrong category selection, or policy violations. These examples show how to rewrite rejected templates into safer, approval-friendly versions.
Content Issue
Rejected Example
Fixed Example
Why the Fix Works
Spammy marketing language
BIGGEST SALE EVER!!! Buy NOW before it is too late!!!
Hi {{1}}, our {{2}} sale is live until {{3}}. View offers here: {{4}}
The fixed version is promotional but less aggressive and more specific.
Utility template with promotional offer
Your order #{{1}} is shipped. Use code SAVE20 for your next order.
Your order #{{1}} has been shipped. Track it here: {{2}}
Utility templates should stay transactional and avoid sales language.
Vague message intent
Hi {{1}}, your request needs attention. Click here: {{2}}
Hi {{1}}, your support ticket #{{2}} has been updated. View the update here: {{3}}
The fixed version gives clear context and explains why the user is being contacted.
Asking for sensitive information
Please reply with your card number and CVV to complete payment.
Your payment for invoice #{{1}} is pending. Pay securely here: {{2}}
The fixed version sends the user to a secure payment page instead of asking for sensitive details.
Authentication template with marketing text
{{1}} is your OTP. Use code SAVE10 after login.
{{1}} is your verification code. For your security, do not share this code.
Authentication templates should only contain verification or security content.
Duplicate template
Same order update template submitted again with a different name only.
Create a clearly different template for a different use case, such as shipping update vs delivery confirmation.
Duplicate or near-duplicate templates can be rejected or create template management confusion.
Fix rule: make the message specific, truthful, category-aligned, and useful. Avoid vague claims, spammy words, sensitive data requests, and mixed-purpose templates.
Incorrect Template Category: One of the Biggest Rejection Reasons
Every WhatsApp message template must be submitted under the correct category. The three main business-initiated template categories are Marketing, Utility, and Authentication.
Many businesses accidentally submit promotional templates as Utility because they think the message is “useful.” But Meta reviews the actual intent of the message, not only the category selected by the business. If a message promotes a product, pushes a sale, includes an offer, or tries to re-engage a user, it is usually Marketing.
Template Intent
Correct Category
Example
Promote an offer, discount, product, launch, event, or abandoned cart
Marketing
Hi {{1}}, your special offer is live. Use code {{2}} before {{3}}.
Confirm or update something the user already did
Utility
Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has been shipped. Track it here: {{3}}
Send OTP, login code, account verification, or password reset code
Authentication
{{1}} is your verification code. Do not share it with anyone.
Category mismatch examples
Rejected or Risky Template
Problem
Correct Fix
Your order #{{1}} is delivered. Use SAVE20 for your next purchase.
Utility template includes a promotional offer.
Remove the offer and keep it Utility, or submit the whole message as Marketing.
Hi {{1}}, you left {{2}} in your cart. Complete your order here: {{3}}
Cart recovery is a conversion-focused message.
Submit as Marketing.
{{1}} is your OTP. Visit our sale page after login: {{2}}
Authentication template includes marketing content.
Remove the sale link and keep only the verification message.
Hi {{1}}, your appointment with {{2}} is confirmed for {{3}}.
No issue if it is tied to a real customer action.
Submit as Utility.
Fix rule: If your message contains both transactional and promotional content, Marketing is usually the safer category. Keep Utility messages purely transactional and Authentication messages purely security-focused.
WhatsApp Message Template Approval Checklist
Use this checklist before submitting any WhatsApp message template for approval. It will help you catch the most common issues before Meta reviews the template.
Checklist Item
What to Check
Done?
Correct category
Is the template clearly Marketing, Utility, or Authentication?
☐
Clear purpose
Can a reviewer understand why the customer is receiving this message?
☐
Valid variables
Are variables written as {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} and used in sequence?
☐
Sample values
Have you added realistic sample values for every variable?
☐
No shortened URLs
Are all links branded, HTTPS, and relevant to the message?
☐
No sensitive data request
Does the message avoid asking for passwords, card numbers, CVV, IDs, or sensitive details?
☐
No spammy wording
Have you removed all caps, excessive punctuation, fake urgency, and exaggerated claims?
☐
Grammar checked
Is the template free from spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes?
☐
Opt-in ready
Will this message be sent only to users who opted in to receive WhatsApp messages?
☐
Policy-safe
Does the template avoid restricted products, misleading claims, abusive content, and policy-sensitive wording?
☐
If you cannot confidently check every box, revise the template before submitting it. A clean template is easier to approve and safer to scale.
Quick Rewrite Framework for Rejected WhatsApp Templates
If your WhatsApp template is rejected, do not resubmit the same copy again. Use this simple rewrite framework.
Step
Question to Ask
Rewrite Action
1. Identify intent
Is this message promotional, transactional, or security-related?
Choose Marketing, Utility, or Authentication correctly.
2. Add context
Would a reviewer understand the message without seeing previous chat history?
Add order ID, appointment date, payment amount, support ticket, or inquiry type.
3. Clean variables
Are the variables clear and sequential?
Use {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} with realistic sample values.
4. Remove risky words
Does the message sound spammy, urgent, misleading, or pushy?
Rewrite in a calm, useful, customer-friendly tone.
5. Fix links
Does the message use short links or unrelated domains?
Use branded HTTPS links only.
6. Separate mixed intent
Does the message combine update + offer?
Split it into two templates or submit as Marketing.
How Sendwo Helps Reduce Template Rejection Issues
Sendwo helps businesses create, sync, manage, map variables, and run approved WhatsApp templates through broadcasts, chatbot flows, automations, AI replies, and shared inbox workflows.
With Sendwo, you can:
Create WhatsApp templates for campaigns and automation
Your template may be rejected because of wrong category selection, broken variables, missing sample values, spammy wording, suspicious links, duplicate content, sensitive information, policy violations, or unclear message intent.
2. How do I fix rejected WhatsApp templates?
Read the rejection reason, identify whether the issue is formatting, category, or content-related, then rewrite the template with clearer context, correct variables, branded links, proper category, and customer-friendly wording.
3. What is the correct variable format for WhatsApp templates?
The correct variable format is {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}, and so on. Variables should be sequential and should include realistic sample values during submission.
4. Can I use shortened URLs in WhatsApp templates?
It is better to avoid shortened URLs such as bit.ly or short.ly. Use branded HTTPS links from your own domain to improve trust and approval chances.
5. Why was my Utility template rejected?
A Utility template can be rejected if it contains promotional language, discount codes, upsell offers, or sales CTAs. Utility templates should be transactional and tied to a user action.
6. Which category should I choose for abandoned cart templates?
Abandoned cart templates are usually Marketing because they encourage the customer to return and complete a purchase.
7. Which category should I choose for OTP templates?
OTP, login code, password reset, and verification code templates should use the Authentication category.
8. Can duplicate WhatsApp templates be rejected?
Yes. Duplicate or near-duplicate templates can be rejected. Use unique template names and create clear template variations for different use cases.
9. Where can I find approved WhatsApp template examples?
Yes. Sendwo helps businesses create, sync, manage, map variables, and run approved WhatsApp templates through broadcasts, chatbot flows, automations, AI replies, and shared inbox workflows.
Final Thought
WhatsApp message template rejection usually happens because of small mistakes that can be fixed before submission. Wrong category selection, broken variables, vague copy, shortened URLs, sensitive data requests, and spammy wording are some of the most common reasons templates fail review.
The best way to avoid rejection is to write every template with a clear purpose, correct category, proper variables, realistic samples, branded links, and customer-friendly wording.
Before submitting your next template, use the approval checklist in this guide. If you want ready examples, explore the WhatsApp template library. To create, sync, and run WhatsApp templates inside campaigns, start free with Sendwo.
Businesses seeking to engage customers beyond the immediate 24-hour window can significantly benefit from WhatsApp message templates. In this article, we'll guide you through the seamless creation of WhatsApp message templates directly within Sendwo, streamlining your messaging strategy.
Templates empower businesses with the ability to craft rich, structured messages incorporating media, making them invaluable tools for effectively delivering announcements, confirmations, and reminders.
Why Templates Matter:
Go Beyond 24 Hours: Engage customers outside the immediate messaging window.
Structured & Rich: Deliver impactful messages with images, videos, and interactive elements.
Streamline Operations: Automate announcements, confirmations, and reminders effortlessly.
Introducing Carousel Templates:
Captivate Your Audience: Create visually appealing carousels to showcase multiple products, offers, or updates.
Easy to Use: Send carousels seamlessly through live chat, broadcasts, or automated bot flows.
Detailed Guide: Follow our step-by-step guide for a smooth integration and enhanced messaging capabilities.
Creating Message Templates in Sendwo
1. Accessing Message Template Creation:
Navigate to the Sendwo dashboard.
Go to "Bot Manager" and select the desired bot account.
Click on the "Message Template" option.
2. Creating Variables (Optional):
Scroll down to the "Template Variable" section.
Click "Create."
Enter the variable name in the provided field.
Click "Save."
3. Creating a Message Template:
Scroll up to the "Message Template Settings" section.
Click "Create."
Template Name: Enter a descriptive name for the template.
Message Body:
Compose the message content.
Insert variables (if created) using the appropriate syntax (e.g., {{variable_name}}).
Footer Text (Optional): Add any desired footer text.
Quick Reply (Optional):
If needed, enable the "Quick Reply" option.
Enter the button text in the designated field.
Click "Save."
Congratulations! Your message template has been successfully created.
To use this template for broadcasting, live chat, or integrated platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, it must first be approved.
Once approved, you can seamlessly integrate this template into your communication workflows.
For a step-by-step guide on creating message templates for WhatsApp, please refer to our video tutorial.
WhatsApp has become indispensable for businesses seeking to cultivate strong customer relationships. Leveraging WhatsApp's Cloud API empowers businesses to effectively manage customer interactions through pre-defined message templates. These structured messages can be sent at any time, circumventing the 24-hour interaction window limitation.
This article will guide you through creating a WhatsApp message template within WhatsApp Manager and subsequently syncing it with Sendwo. This integration will enhance your customer outreach by enabling automated, personalized messaging. For creating templates directly within Sendwo, please refer to our detailed guide: How to Create A Message Template for WhatsApp in Sendwo Dashboard.
WhatsApp also supports carousel templates for message delivery. While carousel templates are currently unavailable within WhatsApp Manager itself, Sendwo offers robust support for creating and sending these engaging message formats. Explore our guide on 'How to Create WhatsApp Carousel Templates with Sendwo" for detailed instructions.
Step 1:
To create a message template for WhatsApp, start by logging in to business.facebook.com. If you manage multiple businesses, choose the appropriate one from the dropdown menu. Then, navigate to the "All Tools" menu and select "WhatsApp Manager."
Click the three dots menu and select 'Manage Message Templates'.
To create a WhatsApp message template:
Navigate to "Message Templates": You'll be redirected to this section within the WhatsApp Business platform.
Start a New Template: Click on "Create Template" to begin the process.
Choose a Category: Select "Utility" from the provided options (Marketing, Utility, Authentication). This category is suitable for messages related to existing orders or accounts.
Name and Language: Provide a descriptive name for your template and choose the desired language.
Proceed: Click "Continue" to move forward in the template creation process
Let's create a WhatsApp message template with a visually appealing header. You can choose a text header or a media header (image, video, or document). For this example, we'll use an image header.
Next, compose the main body of your message. You can personalize it by using variables to dynamically insert information. Optionally, include a footer for additional context.
To enhance user interaction, let's add quick reply buttons to your template. This allows recipients to easily respond with specific options.
Before submitting your template for approval, we need to provide sample data. This includes examples for the header and any variables used in the message body.
Once you've added the sample data, you can submit your template for review.
WhatsApp will verify the template and approve it, after which it can be used.
Step 2:
Next, we'll integrate our message template with Sendwo.
Locate the Message Templates section within the Sendwo platform.
Click on "Sync Template." Sendwo will automatically retrieve the message template you previously defined on the WhatsApp Cloud API.
Map the variables. You can now define the specific variables you wish to utilize within your chatbot.
Create new variables (if needed). If you haven't yet established any variables, you can easily create them using the "Template Variables" section.
After mapping the variables, we can save the message template. Now, the message template is ready to be used by the Sendwo chatbot.
In summary, integrating WhatsApp Cloud API message templates with Sendwo is a relatively simple process. By adhering to the steps detailed in this guide, businesses can effectively leverage these templates to enhance customer communication. This approach can also contribute to faster response times and increased customer engagement.
To modify an existing WhatsApp template, begin by making the necessary changes within your WhatsApp Business Manager. Subsequently, unlink the existing template integration in Sendwo. Finally, proceed to sync the updated template and remap it within the Sendwo platform as outlined earlier.
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger prioritize user privacy and control. A key aspect of this is the 24-hour messaging rule, which governs how businesses can interact with customers. This article explores the intricacies of this rule, its impact on businesses, and how Sendwo can help you navigate these guidelines while maintaining smooth communication.
What is 24-Hour Rule?
The 24-hour rule dictates a time limit for sending free-form messages (messages that aren't pre-approved templates) to users after their last interaction with your business. Once this 24-hour window closes, businesses can only re-engage users through approved template messages, also known as business-initiated messages.
Understanding the 24-Hour Rule for WhatsApp Messaging
The 24-Hour Window: This rule dictates that businesses can freely message users within 24 hours of their last interaction. Interactions include actions like sending a message, reacting to a post, or clicking a button.
Message Flexibility: During this 24-hour window, businesses can send any type of message, including promotional offers, transactional updates, or casual conversations.
Post-24-Hour Restrictions: After the 24-hour window expires, businesses are generally limited to sending:
WhatsApp-Approved Templates: These pre-approved message templates adhere to strict guidelines and are designed for specific use cases like appointment reminders or order confirmations.
Sponsored Messages: These are paid advertisements within the WhatsApp platform.
The 24-Hour Rule serves several important purposes:
Protecting User Privacy: This rule safeguards users from being bombarded with unsolicited messages, ensuring they maintain control over their communication channels and aren't overwhelmed by irrelevant or frequent notifications.
Encouraging Timely Responses: By setting a reasonable timeframe for response, the rule motivates businesses to prioritize customer service and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
Ensuring Compliance: The 24-Hour Rule aligns with global privacy regulations, such as GDPR, by empowering users with control over how their data is used and how they interact with businesses.
What Happens After the 24-Hour Window Expires?
Once the initial 24-hour window for free-form messaging ends, businesses have limited options for continued communication:
Sendwo empowers businesses to effortlessly navigate WhatsApp's 24-hour messaging rule. Key features include:
Real-time 24-hour countdown: Track remaining time for each user interaction, ensuring timely responses.
Template message support: Sendwo enables businesses to send WhatsApp template messages after a 24-hour grace period. These pre-approved templates can be customized with dynamic placeholders, allowing for personalized communication. Examples include: "Hi {{name}}, your order #{{order_id}} is ready for pickup!" "We noticed you haven't completed your purchase. Click here to finish it: {{link}}
Expiration notifications: Receive timely alerts when a 24-hour window is about to expire, enabling prompt action.
Streamlined template management: Easily create, submit, and utilize WhatsApp-approved templates for consistent re-engagement.
Leveraging the 24-Hour Rule in Business Communication:
Customer Support Excellence:
Prompt Responses: Address customer inquiries with detailed solutions within the 24-hour timeframe.
Consistent Engagement: Maintain dialogue by using a template for follow-up messages after the initial 24-hour window, ensuring no query falls through the cracks.
Streamlined Order Management:
Swift Confirmations: Immediately acknowledge order placements with confirmation messages.
Transparent Updates: Proactively communicate any delays or updates within 24 hours through automated template messages.
Maximizing Sales Opportunities:
Targeted Reminders: Reconnect with customers who abandon their carts with timely reminders within 24 hours.
Personalized Incentives: Increase conversion rates by sending a second, more personalized template message with a compelling offer after the initial 24-hour window.
Mastering the 24-Hour Window: Essential Tips for WhatsApp & Facebook Messenger
To effectively leverage the 24-hour window on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, businesses must prioritize:
Swift Responses: Utilize automation tools like chatbots to ensure prompt replies within the 24-hour timeframe.
Meaningful Engagement: Focus on addressing user concerns and providing valuable information to encourage ongoing interaction.
Strategic Follow-Ups: Employ well-crafted template messages to re-engage users after the initial 24-hour window closes.
The 24-hour rule is a crucial regulation for businesses utilizing these messaging platforms. It safeguards user experience by ensuring interactions remain timely and relevant while empowering businesses to foster meaningful connections.
Effortless 24-Hour Window Management with Sendwo
Sendwo's comprehensive suite of tools simplifies 24-hour window management and facilitates the seamless sending of approved template messages. By leveraging these features, businesses can easily maintain compliance with platform guidelines and cultivate stronger customer relationships.
Begin optimizing your 24-hour window strategy with Sendwo and ensure your messaging aligns perfectly with platform guidelines.
WhatsApp has become a crucial channel for businesses to communicate with their customers. By integrating your product catalog directly into WhatsApp, you can significantly increase your sales reach.
The WhatsApp Catalog API, a core component of the WhatsApp Business API, enables businesses to seamlessly create and manage their product catalogs within the WhatsApp environment. This empowers you to showcase your offerings effectively by providing customers with detailed product information directly within their preferred messaging app. This streamlined experience enhances customer engagement and drives sales growth.
To begin, you'll need to create an e-commerce catalog and then assign it to the WhatsApp Cloud API.
Step 1:
1. On business.facebook.com, go to 'Commerce' under 'All Tools'.
2. To begin, click on your profile icon in the top right corner. Select your business account from the dropdown menu and then click 'Get Started'.
3. On the next page, select 'Create a Catalog' and click 'Get Started' again. Choose 'Ecommerce' and select the product type (online or local). Then, click 'Next'."
4. Choose an Upload Method
You have two options for uploading your product catalog:
Manual Upload: Upload your product information directly.
Partner Platform Integration: Connect your e-commerce platform (such as Shopify or BigCommerce) for automated updates.
Select Catalog Owner & Specify Catalog Name
Catalog Owner: Select the Facebook business account associated with your catalog.
Catalog Name: Assign a descriptive name to your catalog for easy identification.
5. To add products to your catalog:
View Catalog: After creating your catalog, click on the "View Catalog" button.
Add Items: Click on the "Add Items" button to begin adding products.
Select "Manual": Choose the "Manual" option to upload product information manually.
Provide Product Details: Upload the following information for each product:
Image
Title
Description
Upload Items: Once you've entered the details, click on the "Upload Items" button.
Repeat: Repeat steps 3-5 to add as many products as needed to your catalog.
Step 2:
Once you've created your catalog in the Commerce Manager, you'll need to connect it to the WhatsApp Cloud API. To do this, go to the "All Tools" menu and select "WhatsApp Manager.
Select Catalog, from the account tools. Then click on the Choose A Catalogue button.
Select the catalog you want to use from the dropdown list and then click the 'Connect Catalogue' button.
Now, let's bring your catalog into Sendwo. This will enable you to display your products beautifully within WhatsApp and provide a smooth checkout process for your customers.
To Import Your Catalog on Sendwo:
Go to the "WhatsApp" section and select "Connect Account."
Click "Sync" next to the WhatsApp Number you want to use.
Your connected catalog will be available in the "eCommerce Catalog" menu.
How the Catalogue will be displayed on WhatsApp?
Integrating your product catalog into WhatsApp can revolutionize your business communication. The WhatsApp Catalog API empowers businesses to seamlessly showcase their offerings directly within the messaging app.
By leveraging this powerful feature, you can:
Reach a Wider Audience: Showcase your products to a massive WhatsApp user base.
Provide Rich Product Information: Offer customers detailed product descriptions, images, and prices within the familiar WhatsApp interface.
Enhance Customer Engagement: Create a streamlined and engaging shopping experience for your customers.
Drive Sales: Increase conversions by making it easier for customers to discover and purchase your products.
How to Get Started:
This guide will walk you through a two-step process to integrate your catalog:
Step 1: Create Your Catalog:
Define your product types.
Choose your preferred upload method (manual or bulk upload).
Add your products with detailed descriptions, images, and pricing.
Step 2: Integrate with WhatsApp Cloud API:
Access the WhatsApp Manager in your account tools.
Easily connect your created catalog to the WhatsApp Cloud API.
Experience the Power of WhatsApp Catalogs:
By integrating your product catalog into WhatsApp, you can:
Increase Sales: Drive more conversions and revenue.
Expand Your Reach: Connect with a larger customer base.
Deliver a Seamless Shopping Experience: Provide a convenient and engaging shopping experience for your customers directly within WhatsApp.
Carousel media templates are a powerful tool for showcasing multiple images or videos within a single WhatsApp message. Whether you're highlighting products, promotions, or your store, carousels offer an engaging way to capture user attention. Creating carousels with Sendwo is simple. Let's explore how to build and utilize these effective templates.
Create A Carousel Media Template
In your Sendwo dashboard, go to 'Bot Manager' and then select 'Message Templates'. Click 'Create' and choose 'Carousel Media Template'.
To create your carousel message:
Name your template: Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Product Showcase").
Set the template category to 'Marketing'.
Design the message bubble: This is the container for your carousel.
Create each card:
Choose card content: Select "Image" or "Video" for each card.
Write your message: Add the text you want to display within the card.
Add buttons (optional): Include up to two buttons per card.
Select button type: Choose "URL" or "Quick Reply".
Enter button text: Set the text that will appear on the button.
Define action value:
For "URL" buttons, provide the destination URL.
For "Quick Reply" buttons, specify the user's response.
Maintain button order consistency: Ensure that the order of button types (URL, Quick Reply) is the same for all cards within the carousel.
Design the Message Body: Customise the message body to include the desired text and media. Choose your Button Type.
Once your template is approved, navigate to 'Bot Reply', click 'Create', and add a keyword and title at the start of the bot flow. Then, use the 'Templates' button in the flow builder to select your approved template and add any desired media components.
That’s all. You are good to go with your bot setup & start sending your carousel templates with media.
The remaining steps, such as adding cards, customizing buttons, and saving the template, follow the same process as for the image carousel template.
Create A Carousel Product Template
Showcase your ecommerce products effortlessly with the Carousel Product Template in Sendwo. Here's how to use it:
1. Integrate Your Store: Connect your ecommerce store to your Sendwo WhatsApp Business Account. Ensure your store is properly synced for seamless data flow.
3. Create the Carousel Product Template: Follow the general steps for creating a carousel media template within Sendwo.
4. Select Products: Instead of adding individual cards, simply specify the number of products you want to display in the carousel. When building your bot flow, you'll have the option to easily select the desired products directly from your catalog.
This allows you to create product carousels from your ecommerce store and send them to your customers.
Mastering Carousel Media Templates for WhatsApp Chatbots
Key Tips for Success:
Consistency is Key: Maintain a unified design and layout across all cards within your carousel. Inconsistent designs may prevent your template from saving.
High-Quality Visuals: Select visually appealing and relevant images to enhance user engagement.
Concise Messaging: Keep your text brief, focused, and easy to read.
Clear Calls to Action: Encourage user interaction with compelling button labels and clear messages.
Test and Iterate: Thoroughly test your template to ensure it functions as expected. Refine your design and messaging based on user feedback and performance.
Why Carousel Templates Matter:
Carousel media templates provide a dynamic and engaging way to present content within your WhatsApp chatbots. By effectively utilizing images, videos, and URL buttons, you can create captivating messages that:
Capture Audience Attention: Grab user interest with visually rich and interactive content.
Drive Desired Actions: Encourage users to take specific actions, such as making a purchase, visiting a website, or scheduling a consultation.
Broadcasting WhatsApp messages is a cornerstone of Sendwo's functionality. Previously, importing contact lists was limited to CSV files. However, Sendwo now offers enhanced flexibility by allowing you to import WhatsApp contacts directly from Google Sheets.
This guide will walk you through the process of importing subscribers or contacts from your Google Sheet to Sendwo. The first step involves connecting the Google account containing your WhatsApp contact data. Follow these steps to establish the connection.
Step 1: Connect Google Account:
To connect your Google Sheet to Sendwo:
Navigate to your Sendwo dashboard.
Go to "Settings" in the left-hand menu.
Select "Google Sheets."
Click "Sign in with Google."
Log in to your Google account.
Allow Sendwo the necessary permissions.
Step 2: Create or import Sheets from your Google Account:
You can either create a sheet from Sendwo itself or import an existing Google Sheets from your account. We will go over both methods.
Navigate to the Google Sheets integration page within Sendwo.
Select the desired Google account if you have multiple accounts linked.
Provide a descriptive title for your new sheet.
Click on 'Add Header' to define a column name.
Add as many columns as needed. (Please note: Column headers can only contain alphanumeric characters and cannot include spaces.)
Once the sheets are created, click on the 'view' button to add your contacts.
Importing a Sheet from Google Account:
To connect your Google Sheet, simply click "Add Existing Sheet." Select the desired Google account and then paste the Sheet ID into the provided field. You can easily find the Sheet ID from the sheet's URL.
Once created or added, your connected sheets will appear in a list and can be readily used for importing contacts.
Step 3: Importing WhatsApp Subscribers from Google Sheets to Sendwo
To import your WhatsApp subscribers from Google Sheets to Sendwo, follow these simple steps within the WhatsApp Subscriber Manager:
Access Import Options:
Navigate to the "Options" menu within the WhatsApp Subscriber Manager.
Select "Import Subscribers" from the available options.
Select Your Google Sheet:
A modal will appear, prompting you to choose the Google Sheet containing your subscriber data.
Data Mapping:
Two sample data rows will be displayed.
Click on the "Map" button.
Match each column in your Google Sheet to the corresponding data field in Sendwo.
For example, map the "Phone Number" column in your sheet to "Subscriber Phone Number" in Sendwo.
Similarly, map "Name" to "Subscriber Name".
If your sheet includes additional data columns, map them to relevant custom fields in Sendwo.
Confirm and Import:
Once all data fields are correctly mapped, click the "Confirm" button to initiate the import process.
This completes the process. The contacts from the Google Sheet will be imported into your Sendwo WhatsApp subscriber list.
At Sendwo, we have listened to your feedback and introduced a simple but very useful and powerful feature that allows you to fetch Google Sheet data and use them in Chatbot replies.
For example, if you run a business offering services like plumbing, electrical work, and other household solutions, you can seamlessly provide relevant contact information through your WhatsApp chatbot. When a customer inquires about a plumber, the chatbot can automatically collect relevant data like the contact person's name and phone number, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.
In this article, we will show you how to fetch data instantly from the Google Sheet and store it in the custom fields that are used in the reply.
Step 1: (Creating Custom Fields)
To integrate data from Google Sheets into Sendwo, you'll need to create custom fields to store the information within the platform. Here's how:
Access Custom Field Management:
Navigate to the "Subscriber Manager" section within your Sendwo dashboard.
Locate and select the "Manage" option.
Choose "Manage Custom Fields" from the available choices.
Create New Custom Fields:
Click the "Create" button to initiate the process of adding a new custom field.
Provide a descriptive name for the custom field (e.g., "Google Sheets Product Name," "Google Sheets Price").
Select the appropriate data type for the field (e.g., Text, Number, Date).
Note: You can create as many custom fields as required to accommodate all the necessary data points imported from your Google Sheet.
Step 2: (Connecting Google account to Sendwo)
To access Google Sheets data for chatbot replies within Sendwo, you'll need to connect your Google account and link the desired sheet.
Navigate to Settings within your Sendwo dashboard.
Click on "Google Sheet Integration" and then select "Sign in with Google" to authorize Sendwo to access your Google account.
Link your Google Sheet:
Add an existing sheet: Choose the sheet containing the data you want to use.
Create a new sheet: If needed, create a new sheet within Google Sheets specifically for your chatbot.
For detailed instructions on creating or importing a Google Sheet, refer to the provided blog.
Step 3: (Create a campaign for fetching data)
Now that we have connected the Google account and imported the Google Sheets from where we want to fetch data for chatbot replies, we need to create a campaign to fetch data.
We will do this with an example sheet to help you better understand. We have a list of service providers for different kinds of services. If a customer is asking for a plumber, Sendwo will look at the Google Sheet to search for the word “plumber” and fetch the plumber’s name and contact numbers from that row to use in the bot replies.
From the Settings, go to Sendwo Sheet Fetch Data and select WhatsApp Data Fetch Campaign.
Click on the Create button, then give a name to the API and select the Google Sheet from which we want to fetch data.
Now we have to Map Data. The first one is for Search Data, the campaign will search for a row with data to find the row, and then it will fetch data from that particular row and store them to custom fields. We can search using the Subscriber ID/WhatsApp Phone number or by using the message of the subscriber. In this case we are going to find the row with a message from the customer. Select the file header (Google sheet column name) and on the data field let’s select “Subscriber Message”.
Now, go to the Assign part, select the file header as Plumber Name, and on the “Data Field,” select the custom field where we want to save the data. Later, we will use this custom filed in the message body.
Let’s click on a the “Map Data” button to get one more mapping field. Select the “Plumber Phone number” from the file header, and on the “Data Field” select the custom field where we want to save the data.
On this instance we only need these 2 data, we can add as many data as we need.
Finally, click on the Verify Connection button.
Step 4: Create a chatbot and use Google Sheet Data Fetch Campaign
Now that we have created the campaign for fetching Google Sheet data, we can use it to fetch data from the sheet and incorporate it into bot replies. Let's see how to do that. In the bot flow, we will use an interactive element, add three buttons, and specify button texts that will be used to search the sheet and select a row. We will add “Plumber,” “Electrician,” and “Cleaner” as the button options. As we already know, button text functions as a message from the subscribers. The campaign will search for the message in the sheet, and if it finds a matching row, it will fetch the data and save it to custom fields. And the custom field data will be used in the reply.
Go to WhatsApp Bot Manager from the Sendwo dashboard and select Bot Reply and click on the Create button.
Provide keywords and assign a name to the bot. Add an interactive element to the bot, include text and an image, and add three buttons to it. In this instance, the button texts will be used as messages that will be searched in the Google Sheet.
Select the button type as “Send Message” and then add the Google Sheet Data Fetch element just like the way we add any bot elements in Visual Flow Builder.
Double click on the Google Sheet Data Fetch and select the campaign that we have just created.
Now, let's add a text reply and use custom fields in the text reply, the custom fields will receive the data from the google sheet and use them in the reply as variables.
This is an example of how we can use the Google Sheets data fetch feature on Sendwo. The feature can be used in many different ways, depending on your needs. If we need to change the data, we can do so directly in the Google Sheet without altering the chatbot's replies.
Sendwo can really make things easy and straightforward for everyone wanting to integrate Google Sheets data into chatbot responses. From managing service providers to product inventories and personalized interactions with customers, this feature will ensure efficiency and flexibility for a better user experience as well as operational productivity. Sign up and start using Sendwo's Google Sheet integration right away to increase the way we manage chatbot communications!
