To send messages to WhatsApp subscribers outside the 24-hour window following their last interaction with your chatbot, you need to use a WhatsApp Message Template.
These are also known as Business-Initiated Messages, allowing you to send messages to WhatsApp numbers at any time.
Common uses for WhatsApp Message Templates include:
- Customer Updates: Informing customers about new information or changes.
- Promotional Messages: Sending bulk promotional messages.
- OTP Delivery: Delivering One-Time Passwords.
Before sending a WhatsApp Message Template, you must create it and submit it for review. Once approved by Meta (formerly Facebook), you can start using these templates.
Creating effective WhatsApp Message Templates requires careful attention to detail and compliance with Meta's guidelines.
To learn how to create WhatsApp Message Templates, refer to our guide: 'How to Create a WhatsApp Message Template'.
Let's explore some common pitfalls to avoid when crafting your WhatsApp message templates.
You have two primary methods for creating these templates:
- Within the Sendwo Template Manager: This provides a streamlined and user-friendly interface for template design.
- Via your WhatsApp Business Manager Account: This offers direct integration with the official WhatsApp platform. Once created, you'll need to sync these templates within Sendwo and map the necessary variables for dynamic content.
To streamline template creation, we recommend utilizing the Sendwo Template Manager. However, we've observed instances where WhatsApp accounts experience delays in template reviews when using the Sendwo API.
To mitigate this, we suggest creating templates directly within the WhatsApp Manager. Subsequently, synchronize these templates with Sendwo. If the template incorporates variables, proceed to map them within the Sendwo platform.
Common reasons for template rejections typically fall into two categories:
- Template Format Issues: These may involve incorrect formatting, missing elements, or non-compliance with WhatsApp's guidelines.
- Template Content Issues: This category encompasses issues related to the content itself, such as misleading information, inappropriate language, or violations of WhatsApp's terms of service.
Template Format Issues:
- Effortless Formatting: When creating templates with Sendwo, you can avoid common formatting errors.
- Built-in Error Detection: Sendwo proactively checks your templates for potential issues and provides helpful suggestions for correction.
- Common Formatting Issues:
- Missing or Mismatched Braces: Ensure correct variable parameter format:
{{1}}.
- Invalid Characters: Avoid using special characters like #, $, or % within variable parameters.
- Non-Sequential Parameters: Define variables sequentially (e.g., {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}, etc.) to maintain consistency.
Template Content Issues:
Avoid these issues to ensure your WhatsApp message template gets approved:
- Policy violations: The message content should comply with WhatsApp's Commerce Policy.
- Sensitive information: Don't request sensitive data from users, such as credit card numbers, government IDs, or other financial details.
- Abusive content: Avoid threats, intimidation, or language that could be perceived as harassing.
- Duplicate templates: Templates with identical body and footer content as existing ones will be rejected.
- Poor quality: Ensure proper spelling and grammar to maintain professionalism.
- Shortened URLs: Avoid using shortened links (e.g., bit.ly, short.ly) in your templates.
- Incorrect category: Choose the appropriate category (Marketing, Utility, or Authentication) for your message template.
Avoid these common mistakes when creating your WhatsApp message templates to ensure approval.
Want to make your messages more engaging? Explore Carousel Templates with Sendwo for a dynamic experience.
For detailed setup instructions, visit How to Sync WhatsApp Templates on Sendwo.
